Garmin 93sv VS Humminbird Helix 9si

[DanQS13]

So I'm picking up my new Lowe Stinger 175 next week and need to get a fish finder, that little default lowerance just isn't going to cut it.  I've narrowed the search down to 2 specific fish finders as I am in need of some input.

From what I've seen in stores the Garmin stands out to me as having better imaging in general, especially the Sidevu, but this is also a simulation and not with setting dialed in.  I also like the fact it come with contoured lakes built into the 93sv.  With the helix I would have to get the cards.

All in all I think I want to get the Garmin, but with having no real experience with either on the water I would like some general input especially if anyone out there has tried both.  Kinda of like a pros vs cons type of thing, so any help is appreciated.

Thanks guys,

Dan

PS, the specific 93sv I found on sale comes with the GT40 transducer not the newer GT52, so it wont have chirp 2D sonar like the 52, but it will have the chirp DV/SV.  If the chirp 2D is very "must have" then I would have to go the route of the 73sv w/ GT52 due to my limit i want to spend at the moment.

[Bluebasser86]

I have a pair of 93's on my boat and have been very happy with them. I love have simple they are to use and read. The picture quality is excellent also.

[Scott F]

I was just speaking to a Garmin rep at an outdoor show yesterday. One major plus the Garmin has going for it is that it comes with over 17,000 lake maps pre-loaded. You have to buy the lake map chips for the Humminbird. I was checking out the lake map details on a lake that I fish on the Garmin and saw it was a lot more detailed than the chip I currently use. Bass Pro is going to be putting the smaller 73 series Garmin, last years model without Chirp, on sale in about 2 weeks. 

The rep I was speaking to said there was not much of a difference between the new Chirp units and last years non-chirp units in real life use for freshwater fishermen who are fishing shallow.  His observation was that Chirps big advantage is to the marketing departments to help them sell new depth finders

[Wayne P.]

With Garmin, if their maps don't cover the waters you want you are SOL.

You have to judge your map needs for your requirements, not anyone else's.

Most other brands will support third party map software to make up for the lack of coverage their products have.

[Sprocket]

The new echoMAP Garmin series and up have QuickDraw (self mapping) as you fish.  But if that doesn't interest you, definitely check which lakes are mapped that you fish.

 

SE Kansas grass grower

[Scott F]

What other map chips are out there that have more than 17,000 lakes and are free?

[Wayne P.]

6 minutes ago, Scott F said:

What other map chips are out there that have more than 17,000 lakes and are free?

Makes no difference how many and what cost, if there is no coverage where it is needed, it is worthless.

[DanQS13]

For the most part, I'll only "need" the mapping when I'm driving down to Kentucky Lake and other larger lakes... the ones I need it for with out a doubt will be covered.

I saw a 73sv and a Helix 9 this weekend... after some inspection and comparing the units for a bit, I'm pretty sure the Garmin is going to be the right choice for me.

[DanQS13]

On 1/31/2016 at 8:41 AM, Scott F said:

I was just speaking to a Garmin rep at an outdoor show yesterday. One major plus the Garmin has going for it is that it comes with over 17,000 lake maps pre-loaded. You have to buy the lake map chips for the Humminbird. I was checking out the lake map details on a lake that I fish on the Garmin and saw it was a lot more detailed than the chip I currently use. Bass Pro is going to be putting the smaller 73 series Garmin, last years model without Chirp, on sale in about 2 weeks. 

The rep I was speaking to said there was not much of a difference between the new Chirp units and last years non-chirp units in real life use for freshwater fishermen who are fishing shallow.  His observation was that Chirps big advantage is to the marketing departments to help them sell new depth finders

The only difference between the GT40 and the new GT52 was the 2D traditional Chirp on the new one right?  The GT40 has the 2 Freq HD-ID and then the chirp still on the DV and SV.

And I wonder what BPS would put those on sale for... threw my wifes work I get $50 BPS gift cards for $45... so depending on the sale + 10% on gift cards.... mounting two 73sv might be better that one 93sv... OH god, my wife isn't going to like this, lol.

Only problem with the BPS ones is online they say they have the GT22 transducers which are just traditional everything... would prefer atleast the GT40.

EDIT:  Actually I think BPS website is just wrong.  GT22 is for chirp but its a DV only transducer, but later in the description talks about SV as well, so it probably is a GT40.

http://www8.garmin.com/transducers/d/transducer-selection-guide-2015.pdf

[Scott F]

The rep told me only the echoMap 73di and 73sv will be on sale. $399 & $499

[DanQS13]

Well d**n, a echomap 93sv with the GT40 is still $1k.... thinking two 73sv might be what I'm going for now.

Now just to explain to wife why I need 2 of them 

This is why BPS irritates me though...

010-01575-01 is the part number listed on the website.  Following a google link that is the # associated with the GT52 which is the new transducer which isn't even out yet.  If you continue to read the discription is says:

 Comes with transom and trolling motor mounts, Tilt/Swivel quick disconnect mount, and GT22-TM—High Wide CHIRP, 250W and CHIRP DownVü, 500W transducer. Designed to work with Minn Kota® and MotorGuide® trolling motors with integrated transducers.

I would almost be afraid to order them because you really don't even know I don't understand you will get

11 minutes ago, Scott F said:

The rep told me only the echoMap 73di and 73sv will be on sale. $399 & $499

 

[Scott F]

The units that are going on sale are last years models without Chirp

[Bass newb]

On 2/1/2016 at 0:43 PM, Scott F said:

The rep told me only the echoMap 73di and 73sv will be on sale. $399 & $499

I bought my 73sv for $499 back in November from Cabelas online. 

[Bass newb]

On 2/1/2016 at 0:19 PM, DanQS13 said:

For the most part, I'll only "need" the mapping when I'm driving down to Kentucky Lake and other larger lakes... the ones I need it for with out a doubt will be covered.

I saw a 73sv and a Helix 9 this weekend... after some inspection and comparing the units for a bit, I'm pretty sure the Garmin is going to be the right choice for me.

It's the best choice for now until the others catch up. I have two garmin units, a 43dv and a 73sv...and am considering another purchase..  it's really too bad that the Humminbird units aren't up to snuff with the garmin units. ..I much prefer to buy American made and engineered when possible...but Garmin leads the pack right now, so that's where my money goes.

It's really even funnier that people are so brand loyal that they have no clue what other manufacturers offer...all they know is Lowrance, or Humminbird, because thats all that they've had. ..

 

Take a fresh look at the offerings. There is a clear leader.

[bassinyea]

I just about bought a Garmin echoMap93sv, until I played with the new one my neighbor bought.  I loved the unit how easy it was and the screen display is very good.  That being said, the sidevu imaging is not near as crisp as what I have seen on humminbirds and lowrance units.  

[DanQS13]

3 hours ago, Bass newb said:

It's the best choice for now until the others catch up. I have two garmin units, a 43dv and a 73sv...and am considering another purchase..  it's really too bad that the Humminbird units aren't up to snuff with the garmin units. ..I much prefer to buy American made and engineered when possible...but Garmin leads the pack right now, so that's where my money goes.

It's really even funnier that people are so brand loyal that they have no clue what other manufacturers offer...all they know is Lowrance, or Humminbird, because thats all that they've had. ..

 

Take a fresh look at the offerings. There is a clear leader.

What do you think of the Sidevu on that unit, is it pretty clear?

On 2/1/2016 at 1:58 PM, Scott F said:

The units that are going on sale are last years models without Chirp

Ya i talked to CS at BPS.com... the description was wrong and it is for sure a GT40, not a GT22 and they will change the website to reflect that.

Another quick question though: If I run 2 of these units, I know FFs can interfere with each other, but that would only be on the same setting right?

Example:  If I run both on Sidevu and both at the same freq, i would expect messy results... but if I ran one with say 2D and mapping, and the other I just ran the DV/SV split screen, they shouldn't mess with each other right?  I dont know how transducers really work is why im asking, I dont know if it just sends everything out and then just reads the ones for the specific screen ur on, or if it only sends the specific frequency for what you want and nothing else.

If its too much of a pain, I would then just go with one 93sv if there is no benefit to running 73sv.

Anyone that could help I would appreciate it... if it causes too much of an issue between the units I'm just gonna get one.  Thanks.

[Bass newb]

If Humminbird has something going for it, it would be the Minn Kota Ulterra and Terrova compatibility. You can still spot anchor without a networked gps unit, and ultimately you can buy the i-link with gps to compensate if that's the way you want to go...I really like the thought of using a trolling  motor with integrated transducer, but I like the thought of using Garmins panoptix transducer much more.

As far as the crispness of sideview vs another, I didn't notice that there was much of a difference in the display mode at the stores. I purchased my Garmin units based on value per dollar and ease of menu navigation/user interface. The sideview on my 73sv looks great to me, but it's the first sv unit I've owned.

It does drive me a little crazy that garmin shows temperature and speed to the hundredths on the front main display. 45.25*F is rediculous, it makes more sense for speed, but 2.65mph is still an extra digit not needed imo. Is there even a reason to show temperature to the tenth? I'd be cool with 45*F.