Helix 9 vs Helix 10

[DanC]

I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it for me to pay the extra $500 for the 10 instead of the 9. With the 10 I am obviously getting a slightly bigger screen. 10 comes with transducer that I will have to pay $85 to get from Humminbird. Looks like it might also have a better picture. What else am I getting with the 10 that I don't get with the 9?

[A-Jay]

Over this past winter, I just went through this same dilemma myself.

Picking two new units for the a new Lund Pro V Bass.  After spending several hours on front of both (as well as other models), I went with a pair of the HELIX 10 SI GPS KVD units.  Both will be flush mounted, one at the console and the other on the bow.  I looked hard at the 9's and the 12's.  Both great units, but for the money, what you get compared to what I wanted & needed, the 10's fit the bill.

Good Luck.

A-Jay 

[OperationEagle]

Similar to A Jay I suited my boat up with new electronics this past winter.  I took a slightly different path.

I spent a ton of time deliberating over this due to the amount of money involved.  I recognized the value of a larger and clearer display at the bow since I will be fishing from that location 99% of the time and the viewing distance is at its max...so the 10 made sense.  I also just limited it to the 10di at the bow as I just couldn't justify over $500 more for si. 

The console is where I will be doing most of my scouting, investigating, evaluating areas for maximum fishing potential.  This is where I am placing a si unit.  I chose the helix 7 as the reading distance to the dash is workable.  

I always try to make my dollars stretch at the same time not short change myself.  One mans smart is always another mans dumb decisions however...but these are the decisions and trade offs I made. 

Good luck! 

[DanC]

Looks like there is no Ram mount for the 9 or the 10. This will be a problem I think. 2010 Tracker PT 175 at the console the only place it will fit it would need the Ram mount. 

[Comfortably Numb]

9 is fine unless you run multiple views at once.

Where does chirp model start? 12?

I would not even consider spending money on a new unit without getting chirp. 

[Wayne P.]

1 hour ago, DanC said:

Looks like there is no Ram mount for the 9 or the 10. This will be a problem I think. 2010 Tracker PT 175 at the console the only place it will fit it would need the Ram mount. 

There is a RAM mount to match the Helix 9, 10, and 12 series.  RAM 202-25-C-202U.

 I already have D size RAM and just need the Helix plate which is not in stock yet. I just drilled the RAM mount plate for temporary use.

 

9 hours ago, DanC said:

I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it for me to pay the extra $500 for the 10 instead of the 9. With the 10 I am obviously getting a slightly bigger screen. 10 comes with transducer that I will have to pay $85 to get from Humminbird. Looks like it might also have a better picture. What else am I getting with the 10 that I don't get with the 9?

The Helix 10 display is larger with a higher pixel density. The physical size of the Helix 9 and 10 are the same.

The 10 SI unit comes with the XHS 9 HDSI 180 T transducer. The 9 SI comes with the XNT 9 SI 180 T transducer. Most upgrade the XNT for the XHS to get sharper images.

34 minutes ago, Comfortably Numb said:

9 is fine unless you run multiple views at once.

Where does chirp model start? 12?

I would not even consider spending money on a new unit without getting chirp. 

The Helix 12 series is the only CHIRP capable Helix model.

I find CHIRP with the standard transducer a useless function in the depths I fish-->35'

[Comfortably Numb]

Chirp 2d sonar is better in any depth of water, not just deeper.

[Wayne P.]

39 minutes ago, Comfortably Numb said:

Chirp 2d sonar is better in any depth of water, not just deeper.

Which is better?

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff167/WayneP_photos/Helix%2012D%20test/S00007_zpsl6li3ev1.png[/IMG]

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff167/WayneP_photos/Helix%2012D%20test/S00008_zpshw5hska7.png[/IMG]

 

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff167/WayneP_photos/Helix%2012D%20test/S00010_zpscz3vyy2s.png[/IMG]

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff167/WayneP_photos/Helix%2012D%20test/S00010_zpscz3vyy2s.png[/IMG]

[DanC]

Wayne,

 How many transducers do you have? I am going to get either a Helix 5 or 7 for the front and I wanted to do it with one transducer but it looks like the only way to do it is with a switch that only allows you to use one at a time. I am trying to avoid having a transducer on my trolling motor. 

[Wayne P.]

I have 4 today, had 5 two days ago. I changed bow units and moved one of the transom SI transducers to the trolling motor. Have not reinstalled the one that I took off the bow.

I do a lot of testing so I have more than most would have including some that are not mounted now for other types of units.

Most choose a trolling motor attached transducer for a bow unit so the sonar data comes from the viewing position instead of a boat length away.

You can use two of the same transducers for a single display with the TS3 switch and select which one to supply sonar/temp data. One on the trolling motor and one on the transom.

37 minutes ago, DanC said:

Wayne,

 How many transducers do you have? I am going to get either a Helix 5 or 7 for the front and I wanted to do it with one transducer but it looks like the only way to do it is with a switch that only allows you to use one at a time. I am trying to avoid having a transducer on my trolling motor. 

BTW, there are nine Helix 5 models and six Helix 7 models.

[DanC]

Helix 5 or 7 si gps is what I'm  getting. Is there anny downside to having transducer on trolling motor besides the wire? Like interference or something else that I'm not thinking of?

[Wayne P.]

1 hour ago, DanC said:

Helix 5 or 7 si gps is what I'm  getting. Is there anny downside to having transducer on trolling motor besides the wire? Like interference or something else that I'm not thinking of?

The only downside is not understanding how to interpret the images and setting the unit up for the application. If you give that priority over fishing first, your learning curve will be lessened.

RFI is random for any installation. You will not know until you do your installation.