Super excited to put these to use this winter! I think they did a great job on the shuttle design. Norsk Lithium batteries are standard, master power switch, multiple power ports for powering accessories, transducer holder, and tons of 1/4-20 mounting holes!
It’s sure going to be nice having MEGA Live on the ice this season as well!
I know Pat can’t answer this but when is Hummingbird going to fix the last software update (2.440) that screwed up the mapping? Live imaging looks cool and is on my wish list, I just can’t believe they haven’t fixed their current known issues.
It looks like a good setup, but $3K for the Helix 9 with Live will have me staying with my Livescope for awhile longer. I like that there is no black box to add weight to the kit, and the transducer looks less bulky. Forward looking sonar is a completly different game and a ton of fun.
I can’t wait to see this in action on the show.
So, this is what I understood on the website… $550 to $700 for some plastic, a transducer and a battery depending on size.
Makes the previous, still ridiculously priced version look like a bargain. Another slick marketing tactic.
Hard pass…
I love my Helix but I made my own shuttle (as have many here) for about $100 using a Genz box and it’s way more functional that this one from Humminbird. I’ll be passing on this one.
400 bucks for a shuttle and it doesn’t even come with a battery?
https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com/accessories/cases-covers/helix-ice-conversion-kit?_gl=1*1ok483e*_ga*MTE1NjkyMzM0OS4xNjMwNTEzNTM3*_ga_JE4T2LF5XP*MTYzMDUzMDUxMy4zLjEuMTYzMDUzMDU1OS4xNA..*_ga_LKQZ6YTSTM*MTYzMDUzMDUxMy4zLjEuMTYzMDUzMDU1OS4w&_ga=2.140076724.68642895.1630513537-1156923349.1630513537
Lots of better shuttle and battery options out there, but it’s your money.
It’s funny, the best shuttle I’ve ever used hands-down is made by Norsk. It’s the lightest shuttle anywhere, which doubles as its own bag. Best part was I got that + a Norsk lithium battery for $100 at Joe’s 2 years ago.
I’m glad to see Norsk hitting it big with their batteries but I REALLY wish whoever designed their “BrackPack” shuttle would do a version for the Helix series. It’s the best “hidden” gem out there but currently only compatible with vex/ marcum. I see the thing is on sale right now for even less on their website. A huge steal of a deal IMO.
Also- these companies continue to price stuff this way because it sells. Can’t really fault them for that when the customers who pay it are driving that sort of costing. This new Hbird shuttle must have 99% margins, if they sell out this season it’ll be a massive win for them.
Norse are lithium ion right, not lifepo4? Lithium ion are the same as a cell phone battery. In the extreme cold up here, they shut down on people.
In the extreme cold up here, they shut down on people.
This is incorrect. I’ve used Norsk batteries for the past 3 years on all my ice trips in all my Helix units and their lithium ion batteries have never shut down in the cold regardless of temperature.
I’m familiar with the testing that hummingbird engineers put all the lithium batteries through that included extreme cold, vibration, perpetual charge and discharge cycles. A number of batteries from a variety of providers we’re considered as OEM batteries in the Helix shuttle. Norsk came out on top.
There no way Humminbird would partner with a battery company that produced batteries for ice shuttles that won’t be able to handle extreme cold.
Looks to be only a 1 year warranty on the battery’s/systems as well now?
I see in the pictures it does not have the three preset keys for the new ice unit? Will it only have the preset with the N units or all new Helix G4 7 units?
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Cameron white wrote:</div>
In the extreme cold up here, they shut down on people.This is incorrect. I’ve used Norsk batteries for the past 3 years on all my ice trips in all my Helix units and their lithium ion batteries have never shut down in the cold regardless of temperature.
I’m familiar with the testing that hummingbird engineers put all the lithium batteries through that included extreme cold, vibration, perpetual charge and discharge cycles. A number of batteries from a variety of providers we’re considered as OEM batteries in the Helix shuttle. Norsk came out on top.
There no way Humminbird would partner with a battery company that produced batteries for ice shuttles that won’t be able to handle extreme cold.
We can agree to disagree. I’ve seen them shut down. I can’t find their operating temp specs anywhere.
I see in the pictures it does not have the three preset keys for the new ice unit? Will it only have the preset with the N units or all new Helix G4 7 units?
I believe only the N series has the presets. Also, the N is needed for running MEGA live. Mega live transducers connect via Ethernet port, not transducer port.
Also- these companies continue to price stuff this way because it sells. Can’t really fault them for that when the customers who pay it are driving that sort of costing. This new Hbird shuttle must have 99% margins, if they sell out this season it’ll be a massive win for them.
^Bingo
In regards to the shuttle, products do not all have to be great or “the best.” They have to sell.
This setup is likely the cat’s meow for new technology. I’ll still pass without hesitation. Maybe I’m old and dumb, but I still argue that a majority % of weekend anglers are not going to begin to use some of the capabilities these units have (or need to).
I’ll catch plenty of fish with a flasher or 2d graph through the ice for far less.
That shuttle is actually pretty decent. I especially like the post for the transducer cord, seems really handy and less cumbersome than the Marcum Arm with the stopper since that typically requires two hands to adjust height.
The 400bones however is a deal breaker. I’ll stick with my Marcum Shuttle.
Norse are lithium ion right, not lifepo4? Lithium ion are the same as a cell phone battery. In the extreme cold up here, they shut down on people.
My Norsk battery has been running fine in all types of weather for a few years now. I typically draw the line at -15 or so where I don’t really feel like ice fishing, but even at those temps no issues.
Same with my Li-ion milwaukee batteries which are critical for me as they power my auger. Sub-zero temps certainly reduce their usable charge but I carry 2-3 with me and have never run out of juice even on the coldest days. Something I do is keep my batteries in the warm shack unless I’m using them. It helps.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Cameron white wrote:</div>
Norse are lithium ion right, not lifepo4? Lithium ion are the same as a cell phone battery. In the extreme cold up here, they shut down on people.My Norsk battery has been running fine in all types of weather for a few years now. I typically draw the line at -15 or so where I don’t really feel like ice fishing, but even at those temps no issues.
Same with my Li-ion milwaukee batteries which are critical for me as they power my auger. Sub-zero temps certainly reduce their usable charge but I carry 2-3 with me and have never run out of juice even on the coldest days. Something I do is keep my batteries in the warm shack unless I’m using them. It helps.
Norsk batteries have been nothing but flawless for us and everyone I know. We have used several different ah and sizes for the past 3 years. They are awesome. I’ve never heard of a cold weather complaint until now.
Whoa that’s a terrible bargain. My garmin one was 180 bucks and I thought that was steep
The photos I seen don’t show a float or arm to support the transducer/cord in the ice hole.
Photos?
Im going to buy one of these and a jiffy electric! LOL
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