Here is a thread from last ice season, I saw no lag of note in 2d sonar mode but a slight lag with the flasher screen.

https://www.in-depthoutdoors.com/community/forums/topic/humminbird-helix-5-ice/

I did fine last year with 10lb 832 Ice braid tied direct to a snap. No break offs and only one fish got off the hook in 4 days.

Striker Climate all the way! Very versatile with the ability to remove the liners from the parka and the bibs.

As stated above it all depends on the lure weight/fish size. I use mostly ML and M here in SD and used a MH on Winnipeg.

I have used the Clam Genz Blue Box as a case for a Helix 5, I am sure it would also work for a Helix 7. I also noticed on Marine General’s website they now sell the Helix 7 in the Humminbird portable pack for ice fishing this year. I am not sure if it is redesigned to fit the larger screen over the 5 but they show it as an option?

lrott2003 wrote:

I have the Helix 5 Si and this will be first ice season i have a chance to use it. I also have a vex fl-20. Have you had issues fishing next to others and also how does the unit run on regular ice fishing battery do you get a full day out of it. I am looking forward to having the gps and lake map on the ice this year. Also do you use special settings or standard? Lastly I can get any hummingbird ice ducer for this or do I need a special helix transducer.

Thanks in advance.

Humminbird Helix 5 ICE (search for this thread in this forum)

This previous thread will answer most if not all of your questions. I do get a full day easy on the ice and all you will need is a XI 9 20 Ice Ducer to get it to work.

Eelpoutguy wrote:

Munchy,
I only use my 7 for GPS/contours only. It was driving me nuts when every time I turned it on it went into simulator mode and if I didn’t click to normal mode right away it would stay on simulator mode and then I would need to shut it off and restart.
I called the CS and they said if a transducer is not attached, the unit will automatically start in simulator mode.

If you go into advanced mode you can shut off demonstration mode and it will no longer do that without the transducer attached. I have done this with a Helix 5 and it worked so it should work on your Helix 7 also.

I really want to try out the new Slab Raps!

Can’t wait to spend most weekends jumping around the NE corner of SD. Then back up to Winnipeg in early March…..come on ice!!!!

PM sent

I would 2nd the Ice Castle Mille Lacs Hybrid. I do not own one but I have a friend who has several of them that he rents out in NE So Dak. I have spent quite a few overnights both on and off the ice and have zero complaints on space or comfort!

PM sent

Crown Regal Apple and 7up 50/50 mix fill with ice…..

PRICE DROP TO $300

More pics

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Good work guys!

Great job fellas!!!

Way to go!!!!

Good luck!!

Got my SD gun and archery tags. Also heading to KS for the first time with 2 tags in hand. Can’t wait!!

For decoys I run Dakota Decoys.

Ben DeVries wrote:

I just want to weigh in on this grounding issue with the hds touch screens. I have a HDS 7 gen2 touch and a HDS 12 gen2 touch I use in my boat. I have been attempting to convert them into ice fishing rigs but I have discovered the same issues matt-p was discussing. I hook up the power supply to my vexilar battery and the touch screen does not function. However, through A LOT of trail and error, I have discovered that if I touch the negative side on the battery with one hand and operate the touch screen with the other, it works flawlessly. Also, if i hold the accessory cables from the wiring harness in one hand and operate the touch screen with the other it works normal as well. This was consistent with multiple power supply harnesses and both my hds 7 and hds 12.

This baffled me because I have never had this issue when I have had it wired into my boat. So next I went and hooked it up to a car battery that was not in a vehicle, and again the same issue, touch screen not functioning. After all this, I went and hooked it up to a car battery that was in a car, and just like magic, it worked perfectly! So to me, it seems that a very substantial ground (like a vehicle or boat) is required in order for the touch screen to function normally.

This seems crazy to me since it really limits the capabilities of the hds touch units! I am going to be contacting Lowrance to discuss what I have found and see if they have any recommendations. Anyone else come up with a solution yet??

Did you ever hear anything from Lowrance on this? I am getting a HDS 7 Gen2 Touch and was wondering about using it for ice fishing this coming winter.

Thanks!!

Sold

Most of the issues with a Vexilar are related to the battery, I would definitely check that first.

I am afraid it will go quick with the upcoming forecast, hope to get 2 more weeks but not so sure about that now. I hope Winnipeg stays cold for a few weeks yet…..

Shimano Sedona 500 seems to be a good choice for me. Might want to get one soon as it looks like they do not make them that small anymore.

I use a Clam Nanook Thermal as a large 1 man / small 2 man if needed.

What issues are you having? If its the basic settings check out “The Technological Angler” on Youtube he has a demo for the basic getting started settings.

I have no ties to Humminbird at all, I have used Vexilar products for years and even gave Marcum a try this year. I was very disappointed with the Humminbird 597 for ice fishing and was very leery of trying the Helix series. But I have been looking for a unit to do double or even triple duty for ice, open water, and GPS. The Helix 5 has done that for me and just wanted to share my experience for anyone who was looking for the same…..tight lines and be safe out there everyone!

After a night of fishing next to a LX-6 I can say no interference issues with this unit at all. I have been in a shack fishing next to 2 different Vexilar units (FL-20 & FLX-28) and a Marcum LX-6 now with out any issues. I have also noticed no lag on the screen when in the 2D sonar mode and speed up to the ULTRA setting. From my experience I am VERY happy with the Helix 5 Ice and it is now my only ice fishing unit plus I can transfer to the boat this spring for open water!

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I fished with mine next to a Vexilar FLX-28 and also a FL-20 this past weekend with no interference issues. I will find out this weekend how well it works next to a Marcum LX-6.