As an outdoorsy person who is frequently fishing on my boat, I was looking for a monitor that allowed me to navigate the water more efficiently. I was thrilled to come across the Humminbird helix 9 SI GPS as it appears to have all the features that make my fishing excavations much easier.
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As previously articulated, one challenge that I frequently faced on my fishing trips is finding my bearings.
After spending a good amount of money on various navigation technology that failed me time and time again, I finally found the Humminbird helix 9 SI GPS (which has worked superbly so far).
More information regarding all the top-notch features that come with the Humminbird Helix 9 SI GPS can be found below.
Who’s Behind the Humminbird Helix 9?
The Helix 9 SI GPS is one in a series of many created by the brand Humminbird. Humminbird is an American company that has been in operation for over 40 years. The company was actually one of the first to introduce technology such as fish finders, depth sounders, marine radios and GPS systems to anglers.
Today, most of their products have these same capabilities with enhanced features. The company operates throughout North America and was responsible for the first 3-D Sonar and the Dimension 3-120. Clearly, the company is well established as a leader in this range of products. Even so, the product is not perfect and there is a list of pros and cons.
- 360 imaging
- Auto chart live
- Waterproof
- No CHIRP sonar
- Somewhat pricey
- Not HD
- Side and down imaging only goes into fresh water bodies at depths of 150ft
What Does It Do?
So what are the key features of the helix 9 series?
An Upgrade
First and foremost, the Helix 9 SI is more advanced than its predecessors because it comes with better networking features; not only does this product have an Ethernet port, but it also has NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 capabilities. Additionally, the Helix 9 SI comes equipped with a 9-inch diagonal display with an 800hx480v pixel resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Visibility
The screen is equipped with a LED backlight. And it is clear and wide enough to allow one to differentiate between structure and fish. Another awesome feature is that it is IPX7 Waterproof. So, I do not have to keep worrying about my helix getting water damage.
Aside from the GPS/WAAS capabilities, the helix 9 stores up to 45 routes in its internal memory and allows for trail recording and saving for up to 50 trails. elements and the loud motor of the boat, another one reported great satisfaction with the bright screen and the noticeably quicker processor.
Depth Perception
The built in Humminbird Contour XD also has in depth map information for more than 3000 lakes in America. Meanwhile, the trusted Auto chart feature is useful in allowing you to map out the contours of a water body via sonar data (and with overlaying if you so wish).
All in all, the navigation features are super efficient in helping you find your bearings as well as helping you find new routes. Perhaps the most innovative aspect of this product lies in its fish finding features. The helix 9 comes with the 2D sonar that can go as deep as 1,500ft in salt water and fresh water bodies.
In general, this can be helpful in identifying fish during fishing trips. The side imaging and down imaging can also do the same. Because they can go to depths of up to 150ft in fresh water bodies (ideal for shallow lakes). What I love most about this fish finding feature is that it prevents the long hours that one can spend out on the lake waiting for fish in vain.
Also Read: Best Humminbird Fish Finder – Choose the Right One
What Are the Customers Saying?
Just like any other product, many other customers have reported both their satisfaction and dissatisfaction with it. One reviewer on amazon was frustrated by the fact that an HD transducer needed to be bought separately in order to make the display on the helix 9 HD. However, the same customer also acknowledged how easy the product was to use.
One disgruntled customer complained that the sound quality was poor in the midst of the elements and the loud motor of the boat. Another one reported great satisfaction with the bright screen and the noticeably quicker processor. Another customer’s review summarized the product as being a good deal in general.
Where Can I Buy the Helix 9?
If you buy the product online, it may take a few business days (between 3-14 days) to ship to you; additionally, delivery time may vary based on whether you select express shipping or standard shipping. Geographical location may also play a role in how quickly you receive the product.
It is important to note that the product comes with a year long limited warranty and installation manual. However, as the quality is top notch it is unlikely that you will have to use the warranty in the first place.
Verdict
In conclusion, I would highly recommend this product for avid fishers or professional fishers. It is well worth it when one considers its functions and quality. I expect the product to last me a long time since it already has some pretty great network capabilities that allow me to keep updating it; as such, I don’t think that I will need an upgrade anytime soon.
The navigation and GPS capabilities on this product are amazing and take the whole boating experience to a whole new level. The fish finder features have helped me save a lot of time that is usually spent in boredom idly waiting for fish. The waterproof features make it ideal for rough boat rides. Also, I absolutely love the fact that I can map my own routes and store the most successful ones for any future fishing trips.
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