Humminbird g3n vs g4n

[chall59]

Hey there, fellow fisherman.

I wanted to see what you guys thought about the Humminbird g3n vs g4n units? From what I have gathered, the only difference is that the g4n has wifi capabilities and a direct NMEA 2000 connection. Are there any other reasons to wait for a g4n to come in stock? I am wanting to get a Helix 9 Mega Si. Should I just buy the first one that becomes available whether that is a g3n or g4n?

Thanks a bunch for the help!

[GaryH]

Your observation is pretty much spot on. I have 3 birds 2 gn3’s and 1 gn4 not a lot of differences beyond what you stated. Gn4 has a little more frequency and power. Most won’t even notice. 

[chall59]

That is kind of what I was thinking. It looks like, as of now, I will just get the first of what becomes available. Thanks for the insight!

[BayouSlide]

I'd hang until the G4 is available...it's the best way to ensure your HB will be compatible with the latest technologies. FWIW, I just sold as Gn3 Helix 7 for just that reason.

[chall59]

12 hours ago, BayouSlide said:

I'd hang until the G4 is available...it's the best way to ensure your HB will be compatible with the latest technologies. FWIW, I just sold as Gn3 Helix 7 for just that reason.

My only problem with waiting is I have to send in whatever unit I get to my boat builder by the second weekend of may. If I wait too long then neither may be available and they would not be able to rig it up for me. Are the transducer's the same on the g3n and g4n? If so, maybe I could just use the g3n for a couple years and upgrade the monitor if necessary?

[BayouSlide]

I'm assuming you won't have Mega 360 or Mega Live immediately, but you will be able to use them with a new 4G Humminbird. AFAIK, any Mega+ transducer in 2D should not require an upgrade. I'd call Humminbird customer service and talk it over with them: they've always been very helpful to me. They'll have the specifics.

 

Or don't wait in a call cue: HB has excellent compatibility charts online: it clears up which unit is compatible with which of their products and covers everything.

 

https://www.humminbird.com/support/compatibility

[GaryH]

Mega 360 and live will work on the gn3. I run mega 360 on the gn3’s  9” to 12” and the gn4’s to 15” As long as there mega SI/DI. Plus if you ever need to update your unit# it’s a free download from Humminbird.

14 hours ago, BayouSlide said:

I'd hang until the G4 is available...it's the best way to ensure your HB will be compatible with the latest technologies. FWIW, I just sold as Gn3 Helix 7 for just that reason.

He’s looking at a Helix 9. The 7’s don’t have the same technology that the 9’s Si.