Garmin GT56 vs. Helix for side imaging

[FryDog62]

I have a new Garmin 93sv with GT54 transducer and the side imaging seems inferior to my 1 year old Helix 7.  Would upgrading the Garmin to a GT56 transducer bring it on par with the Helix or is Humminbird just that much better in terms of side imaging? 

[casts_by_fly]

I can’t compare to the garmin, but my dad runs lowrance on his boat and no matter how much I play and dial it in, it’s still not as good as my helix 7. And, that’s on a stable aluminum boat vs a kayak. He’s running an elite ti2 and another newer unit as well. It’s why if I put live anything on the kayak that I will probably get a helix 9 and megalive. 

[FryDog62]

9 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

I can’t compare to the garmin, but my dad runs lowrance on his boat and no matter how much I play and dial it in, it’s still not as good as my helix 7. And, that’s on a stable aluminum boat vs a kayak. He’s running an elite ti2 and another newer unit as well. It’s why if I put live anything on the kayak that I will probably get a helix 9 and megalive. 

Thanks that’s what I thought. I had the Helix 7 on my kayak last year and it was great down and side imaging. Decided to add Livescope+ this year so replaced the Helix with Garmin 93sv. Livescope works great but…the side imaging just doesn't appear as good despite numerous adjustments.  I haven’t tried to sell the Helix yet and still have a lithium battery for it. Am thinking of building a center mount now and keeping both, rather than spend another $400 on an upgraded transducer for the Garmin.  I guess I needed another project! 
 

 

[casts_by_fly]

2 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

Thanks that’s what I thought. I had the Helix 7 on my kayak last year and it was great down and side imaging. Decided to add Livescope+ this year so replaced the Helix with Garmin 93sv. Livescope works great but…the side imaging just doesn't appear as good despite numerous adjustments.  I haven’t tried to sell the Helix yet and still have a lithium battery for it. Am thinking of building a center mount now and keeping both, rather than spend another $400 on an upgraded transducer for the Garmin.  I guess I needed another project! 
 

 

that was exactly the conundrum I thought through. Since the helix can’t do live anything, I have to buy a head unit plus live transducer regardless. I considered just adding a 93sv for dedicated live scope then leaving the helix for everything else.  Or, a 93sv and taking off the helix to run one unit. Or, just get the helix 9 and mega live and replace it one for one. I’ve settled on the last of those because I don’t want to give up the side and down imaging from the helix, and since I don’t have a live option to compare it to ANY live unit will be a major add.

 

if you decide to run two units, my plan was to bring the helix 7 back as far as possible, maybe even using the rod holder adapter mount since I’d be using it while in the seat and moving.  Then leave the live unit towards the front of the rails and up high for when I’m standing. 

[FryDog62]

4 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

that was exactly the conundrum I thought through. Since the helix can’t do live anything, I have to buy a head unit plus live transducer regardless. I considered just adding a 93sv for dedicated live scope then leaving the helix for everything else.  Or, a 93sv and taking off the helix to run one unit. Or, just get the helix 9 and mega live and replace it one for one. I’ve settled on the last of those because I don’t want to give up the side and down imaging from the helix, and since I don’t have a live option to compare it to ANY live unit will be a major add.

 

if you decide to run two units, my plan was to bring the helix 7 back as far as possible, maybe even using the rod holder adapter mount since I’d be using it while in the seat and moving.  Then leave the live unit towards the front of the rails and up high for when I’m standing. 

Yes, a conundrum… anyway I think about it probably involves 2 units. Since I already have the Helix 7 and 93/Livescope+ I’m planning on going that route. Parts ordered to make a center mount for both… will try to remember to post a photo once completed. 

[casts_by_fly]

Yep.  Since you already have both there’s no reason not to try it. You already know garmin from your bass boat so there’s no learning curve either. 

[casts_by_fly]

You might have already ordered but one of these mounted to starboard which is itself mounted to the rails might be a good option. 
 

https://tbnation.net/products/graph-mounts-tbnation?pr_prod_strat=use_description&pr_rec_id=fd1858a90&pr_rec_pid=6688661635207&pr_ref_pid=7363218374791&pr_seq=uniform

[FryDog62]

6 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

You might have already ordered but one of these mounted to starboard which is itself mounted to the rails might be a good option. 
 

https://tbnation.net/products/graph-mounts-tbnation?pr_prod_strat=use_description&pr_rec_id=fd1858a90&pr_rec_pid=6688661635207&pr_ref_pid=7363218374791&pr_seq=uniform

Those are interesting, I have something similar on my bass boat. I've got a custom mount I'm thinking of for the yak but this might be an alternative - thx!