humminbird helix 5 review

Humminbird Helix 5 fishfinder [Explained]

Last updated on August 15th, 2022

The Humminbird Helix 5 is a popular fish finder. It has a redesigned display option that makes it easier to understand and read. This is one of the top products on the market. Many fishermen use this brand because of the amazing features that it details. The fish finder is high-tech and has superb accuracy with each use. If you’re looking for a reliable fish finder that will allow you to see data in real-time, then this is the item to choose from. The Humminbird Helix 5 review can help you better understand this item and how it can make your fishing experience better.

Humminbird has launched a new series of fish finders called the Helix 5. This unit turns the typical vertical screen orientation found in 400/600/700 series models, which are popular among fishermen, into a landscape display resembling 800 and 900 series units.

Our Helix 5 review will prove that this is a compact yet powerful unit. It would be an intriguing option for first-time Side and Down Imaging buyers who aren’t quite ready to purchase one of the larger, more complicated sonar units on the market today.

The Features of Humminbird Helix 5 Series

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At a Glance Bestseller List:

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Humminbird Helix 5 Review- Details

The Helix 5 Fish Finder has several key features that anglers should take note of when comparing this fish finder to other units. The new Helix 5 makes the most of its GPS and Side and Down Imaging capabilities by using a wide, landscape-oriented 5-inch display. The Side Imaging feature on a 600 series looks scrunched up, but it has the entire 5″ widescreen available to use in a Helix 5.

Humminbird Helix 5 SI GPS

The Humminbird Helix 5 si fishfinder includes a widescreen LED-backlit display, CHIRP side imaging filters out noise and clutter for better views of the underwater world below. 

It also has CHIRP Digital Sonar and dual beam PLUS sonar to help you reach greater depths and range while simultaneously providing detailed information about your surroundings. 

This fish finder includes components such as wireless communication technology (GPRS) and basemap, which provides charts for more than 10000 lakes in addition to coastal coverage for U. S.

The SI images are great for such an affordable fishfinder. The unit has a Compact SI transducer, so you can deal with High Definition Transducer for a small fee.

The Helix 5 SI GPS is compatible with the Compact SI transducer (XNT 9 SI 180 T), which is also used on the 899ci. 

This model only supports 455kHz Side and Down Imaging, but we assume it’s because of cost concerns for this device. The unit will work with LakeMaster mapping cards as well as Navionics Gold and HotMaps software.

Humminbird Helix 5 DI GPS

 The Helix 5 DI GPS is similar to the SI version with DI and 2D sonar capabilities. This will be an excellent tool for your boat if you like fishing structures such as points, bars, and ledges!

If you want to fish structure like points, bars, and ledges, the down imaging is a super helpful too; it will show brush rock and even fish in clarity that isn’t found on standard sonar signals.

The unit comes with the standard Down Imaging transducer (XNT 9 DI T). This particular model operates at 455/800kHz and 200/455kHz frequencies. 

This is a dedicated Down Imaging transducer. It doesn’t blend side imaging with it, so don’t expect to see anything but what’s directly below your boat when you’re using this one!

The Down Imaging coverage ranges from 16 to 75 degrees for narrow, medium, broad coverage. Most people will be best served by selecting Medium or Wide. The Helix 5 DI is a small powerhouse GPS/depth finder combo perfect for kayak fishing. It’s also available in a DI unit.

Humminbird Helix 5 Sonar GPS 

The Helix 5 Sonar is an excellent sonar/GPS combo unit. It has a 5-inch widescreen display with the split-screen map and sonar and comes with the standard XNT 9 20 T transducer for 83 & 200kHz sonar frequencies. 

It has AutoChart capability right out of the box and can be used as soon as you hit the water to start recording your custom LakeMaster maps.

The unit ships AutoChart capable right out of the box so you can start making your recordings as soon as you hit the water, then convert them into custom LakeMaster maps once done back. 

Display

The display option for the Humminbird Helix 5 is remarkable. It has a different view that fishermen enjoy. The landscape viewing feature is new and will make fish finding a breeze.

The landscape display is easier to read and distinguish than other regular brands on the market. The five-inch screen size gives you a wider area of display and imagery. It allows you to see what is swimming under and around the boat.

The Helix 5 fishfinder is made with 200 kHz of frequency and offers up to 60-degree coverage.

It is equipped with dual beam technology for a long depth range underwater. The dual-beam helps to locate and detect fish deep underwater.

This feature will provide accurate data coverage on the device. You will know where the fish are quickly when fishing in the boat.

Even if you are on the move in the water, the device will still read the depth imagery and show you what is approaching.

Construction

The construction of this unit is durable. It is made to be used in a variety of weather while providing you with proper readings. The screen imagery can be seen in bright and low light conditions.

It has 400 watts of power that is important to have when searching for the right fishing spot. The powerful wattage works together with the dual-beam to help you see what is lurking down below.

Usage

The Humminbird Helix 5 is made to mount steadily on a fishing boat. The mount is easy to do and simple to move. This unit can be used in hot sunny weather and on cloudy days. It will provide solid data no matter what type of weather conditions are occurring.

The product is used to locate the fish for you while traveling by boat in the water. Once you locate the fish, you will have a better chance of getting a bite. It is a great product to invest in and use when fishing in the water.

Related: Humminbird fishfinder review

Accuracy

The fish finder is an accurate device to use when fishing in the water. It has a built-in GPS system to help you navigate through the untouched territory. The GPS will keep you from becoming lost in the water and it will escort you back safely.

There is a landscape orientation displayed that shows an accurate image of what is swimming beneath you. It saves time being able to know where the fish are. You will not have to wait for the fish to come to you. You will have the advantage to locate them and catch a larger quantity of fish.

Pros

  • The Humminbird Helix 5 has 400 watts of power
  • There is a 200 kHz frequency
  • It has a five-inch display screen
  • The landscape orientation is easier to read
  • The device can be mounted to the side of the boat
  • It can be used in different weather conditions GPS will keep on track
  • Humminbird Basemap inbuilt for direction
  • Includes transducer and mounting hardware, power cable, and gimbal mount bracket.

Cons

  • Expensive compared to the other 5 ”fishfinders

How to Choose a Humminbird Helix 5 That’s right for you?

Dual Beam PLUS Sonar

You can use DualBeam Plus to see both fish and the bottom in one go. With a wide beam for more search area or narrow beams for precision, you will have access to detailed information about your surroundings with this device.

SwitchFire 

SwitchFire sonar that lets you control the way your returns appear. It has two display modes—Max Mode and Clear Mode. Max Mode and Clear Mode.

You can choose how much detail you want to see about fish, structure, and thermoclines in the SwitchFire.

Digital Chirp Sonar

CHIRP Sonar can show you fish and structures below your boat in greater detail than traditional 2D sonars.

CHIRP is a new form of sonar that scans the water for fish, structure and bottom more accurately than other forms.

CHIRP technology uses a range of frequencies to produce highly accurate, detailed returns. It is similar to the seek function on your truck’s radio that scans for FM stations covering wide ranges of frequencies.

Humminbird Helix Basemap

The built-in Basemap provides you with a clear view of underwater terrain. This enhancement delivers more detail and enhances your angling experience when using the Humminbird SOLIX or GPS-equipped HELIX Series G2/G2N models right out of the box. The maps are based on freshwater data from LakeMaster and NOAA, among the most trusted saltwater sources for information about undersea topography in United States waters.

The Humminbird Basemap is an innovative way to explore, learn about and identify countless buoys, daymarkers, hazards, and marinas. This comprehensive system helps you quickly see depth markings as well. It gives confidence when exploring on the water!

LakeMaster

The LakeMaster is Humminbird’s improvement to the Basemap, which provides higher definition details that are even more precise. This imposing on the Basemap sharpen accuracy, and you can better see contours and estimate water depth.

AutoChart Live

AutoChart Live helps you find your way to the best fishing spots. You can save contours, underwater terrain, and routes that worked well for you. If someone else uses this app with Basemap or LakeMaster, they will know where it is safe to put their boat and what kind of fish are around them without having any personal experience there at all!

FAQ

Q: Does the screen display show the fish icons?

A: There are three different sizes to choose from. There are small, large, and medium that can be selected or use all of them for better performance.

Q: Does the Humminbird Helix 5 have the option for Celsius temperature reading and measurements in meters?

A: Yes, this model has the option to change the temperature setting and measurement setting.

Q: Does the product have a speed detector?

A: No, this item does not show how fast you are traveling in a boat.

Final Verdict

The Hummingbird Helix 5 has several high-quality features that make it a good product to use. It comes with dual-beam technology and a landscape display. The screen is five inches wide for easy visibility. There are 200 watts of power that is equipped with this product for a superb fish tracking capability. The unit can be attached and mounted to the boat for added security. It will show you in real-time imagery where the fish are located as you travel.

The depth of the fish location will also be displayed and save for later review. It is a remarkable item to purchase and is designed to save time when fishing. If you’re wanting to buy a reliable fish finder for your next fishing adventure, then check out the Humminbird Helix 5 review. It will help you to decide if this is the best fish finder for you.

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