Hummingbird Helix 9 Series

Anybody running this unit in there boats? If so what is your opinion of it. Goods and bads?

Goods question……. I am interested in the helix 10 with side imaging and wondering the same question on the helix series Thanks in advance

If going with the 9, make sure to upgrade your transducer through Humminbird’s program…The 10 comes with the better ducer…

Helix is basically the legacy series with a brighter screen faster processor, auto-chart live and slightly better resolution depending on screen size. I think the most promising feature of the Helix is that it appears you’ll be able to remove all instances of the white data boxes on all screens.

I hope to have the 10 really soon and get out and test it.

Joemx1825 thanks for the info. Not sure if I will go 9 or 10 but if I do the 9 do I contact Hummingbird about upgrading the ducur or how do I make the switch? Thanks buddy!

on their website “Transducer Trade-in Program” I believe it’s like $90, it’s a no-brainer…the HDSI ducer is soo much better…

The transducer difference should factor into your decision making as it takes the price difference down to almost $400…You always want the biggest screen when looking at SI data…the head unit’s are the same size, so you might as well get the most screen… I would go for the 10, I’m thinking of selling my 999 with less than 5 hours on it to upgrade…

With the purchase of the helix 10, is there a requirement to run two transducers. One being the si and other for high speed?

it’s tough to get the SI ducer to read depth at high speed, most SI owners use a regular 2D sonar ducer for high speed and then use a splitter cable to separate the SI and 2D signals… That’s how I run mine, works great…

JoeMX1825 wrote:

it’s tough to get the SI ducer to read depth at high speed, most SI owners use a regular 2D sonar ducer for high speed and then use a splitter cable to separate the SI and 2D signals… That’s how I run mine, works great…

X2 Transom design and ducer location has a significant impact on performance at higher speeds. I glassed my High speed ducer in the back corner and unless I’m airborn, I maintain bottom readings with the HS ducer well into the 50’s. That also allowed me to mount my SI transducer higher up on the transom to avoid debris while running/gunning

You’ll want to use SI under 5mph anyways, that’s why most folks go with the splitter setup

JoeMX1825 wrote:

it’s tough to get the SI ducer to read depth at high speed, most SI owners use a regular 2D sonar ducer for high speed and then use a splitter cable to separate the SI and 2D signals… That’s how I run mine, works great…

Correct me if I am wrong but doesn’t the SI use the 2D ducer to set the depth scale? I dont think it will work without it… I know lowrance is this way and thought bird was as well.

I want to add 2 helix 10s to my dash. One with si and move my 899 to the trolling motor. Is there any reason not to do that?

David Blais wrote:

I want to add 2 helix 10s to my dash. One with si and move my 899 to the trolling motor. Is there any reason not to do that?

You better have a big dash. The helix 10 is bigger than the 1199.

Hmmm. Good call. I’ll have to figure something out

David I was going to do the same and put 2 10’s or 2 9’s on my dash and move my 859 to the bow but there is no room for both Helix’s on my dash in my Pro V. Not sure what boat you have but my guess there’s not room for both on yours. Good luck.

one thing to consider when upgrading from Legacy units like an 1199 to a Helix, or when adding a Helix to your existing network…you might already have the HDSI transducer in place. This makes the lack of it on the Helix 9 moot, and the decision in that case comes down to price and screen size.

for example, i’m going with a Helix 10; and i already have 2 HDSI transducers on my boat, so i’ll probably sell the one that comes with the Helix 10 for a tad less than what Humminbird sells them for – this reduces the cost of the Helix 10 by that amount.

HeRe is a helix 10 up front. I can’t get over how clear they are.

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The Helix 10 is the unit that’s going on my Pro V. The features, quality, clearness and ease of setting up is why I have one ordered. Thanks guys for the opinions and helpful tips.

snelson223 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>David Blais wrote:</div>
I want to add 2 helix 10s to my dash. One with si and move my 899 to the trolling motor. Is there any reason not to do that?

You better have a big dash. The helix 10 is bigger than the 1199.

Hmmm…not quite. Off Humminbird’s website:

Helix 10: Unit Size – Gimbal Mount:13.44″W x 7.12″H x 4.20″D
1199ci HD: Unit Size – Gimbal Mount:13.75″W x 9.3″H x 2.9″D

The Helix 10 is deeper but actually smaller in width and height.

Day and night difference.

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The Helix 9/10 series head unit is almost 2″ shorter than the 119x series due to it being widescreen, for me that was a big selling point as I didn’t want my fishfinder screen to be higher than my windshield…it’s virtually the same width.. and although it’s 1″ deeper than the 119x series, it’s projected forward on the gimbal mount so it shouldn’t interfere with the back of the windshield…

just realized mh454 posted the specs…

David Blais wrote:

I want to add 2 helix 10s to my dash. One with si and move my 899 to the trolling motor. Is there any reason not to do that?

Here’s how I mounted one of mine to get the space.
On a swing arm, on the side of the boat.

I can also wing it out, and view it from the bow, if I ever found a reason to do that

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No pic?

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