Opinion on Map Options

Just purchased a used Helix 9 that came with a Navionics Card in it.
Have always used Lake Maps Card.

Not sure which one to go with.

I am familure with the Lake Maps but what are the plus’ and Minus’ to the Navionics.

Looking for opinions.

Thanks

I have never owned a bird until last year I bought a used Helix and when I get it installed I plan to use a Lakemaster card. It’s the main reason I bought it. Navionics is ok but when I have been in other boats with the LM chip it was better.

The Lakemaster chip provides many features you cant do with a Navionics card in a Humminbird. The biggest kne for me it being able to highlight specific depth ranges in a certain color.

What Gen helix 9? Navionics is owned by Garmin, didn’t think they were compatible?

Stand corrected, looks like there is some compatibility. But with less functions than lakemaster.
https://humminbird-help.johnsonoutdoors.com/hc/en-us/articles/4415345108631-Navionics-Compatibility-with-Humminbird-Products

Helix Gen 3 or newer the new Lakemaster VX is the best, otherwise MN v9. IF you are auto charting, depth highlighting, or connecting it to your minnkota for I-pilot you want a lakemaster for sure.

Helix 9 SI GPS Gen2

Tried out the unit tonight on Pepin. 

The Navionics card works. The 10 Ft depth highlight was working but I didn’t dive too deep into functionality. 

The previous owner must have been using it out there in California. 

But based on some of the comments above I will go with the Lakemaster. 

I will just sell the Nav Card and recoop a few dollars for it.

IF anyone is interested its a USA and Canada version. 

Thanks everyone for your inputs. 

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OK looks like there are quite a few Lake Master cards out there for my unit. The new versions dont work according to what I have read.

There are versions of Lakemaster from 1-7 on line. Again I have a Gen 2 Helix 9.
There are used ones on Marketplace.
But then I found this on a compatability chart from Hummingbird.
“Older LakeMaster cards that were compatible with competitor fish finders WILL NOT work with Humminbird products”

I would assume that as long as I dont get one of the VK versions that the card would work.

Just dont know what I should buy. Lakemaster and Lakemaster plus are supposed to work????

maybe I am over thinking this…LOL

Thanks again for your input

Clarence

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I have a Humminbird G2N and use MN V9 chip in it. It works flawlessly and Lakemaster is the best mapping hands down in my opinion.
Until V9 I believe Rainy Lake, rainy River and LOTW had its own card. But B9 has those lakes and river included now.
I have Dakotas/Nebraska as well as a Wisconsin chip and they work great as well.

From my prior research Michael is correct the V9 is your best option as VX will not work on a Gen2

Using a G2N and run V9 . No issues .

Yep, running a MN v9 on my G2N 9. Most up to date MN card you can run.

Plus cards have aerial imagery. Not sure if they made a v9 plus. Smartstrike allows you to input the species, time of year etc. and will highlight potential fishing areas. v5 might have been the newest smartstrike ??

Thanks for the input everyone.

Will pick up a V9

Clarence

You can also buy and download MN V9 from Humminbird if you can’t find one.

https://chartselect.humminbird.com/legacy?locale=en