What's the deal with these new Hummingbird Helix models? They seem cheaper and seem to have the same features as the 800 / 900 series or more.

I have the Helix 5 with DI and GPS and I can tell you that the map that comes installed on the unit is useless on the water. I think Hummingbird must have customers that use these fish finders on land or somewhere.

On the water it is just a manilla colored area with NO definition, no contour line, nothing. Of course on the box and on display units you see a beautifully contoured map with all the features. Well.... if you want that, you have to shell out another $130 for the Lakemaster micro card. The hummingbird 800 and 900 series comes with a contour map pre-installed.

So in hindsight I would not consider the Helix, but would consider another unit that is lake ready

OK good advice. I was given a Lakemaster card for a present and I guess my fishfinder is great (859HD DI). But I'm still learning. I wish we had a guy in South Texas we could go to for lessons like they do in North Texas.

I have the 859 and w/o a card the pre-programmed contour lines are worthless. That's another $130 for a card on the 800/900 units so its a wash there. Your going to end up getting a card with either unit.

The screen resolution/ HD is far better on the Helix units.

They are also stand along units meaning you cannot link them to another unit unlike the 800/900 series which can be.

From what I understand, the Helix 9 will be able to be inked. The Helix resolution is supposed be both brighter and sharper. these units are the for the budget minded. Like said before, in order to get valuable contour info, you have to buy a map card like LakeMaster, as the map included is simply for navigation. I am considering selling my 998c SI and buying a Helix 7 SI, but I am taking my time to see how they do and what the ratings are on these units. The picture/resolution is very impressive.

First I've heard of the 9? Would be nice though!

Also going to be a Helix 11 or 12 if I am not mistaken, but that's farther down the road. I think the 9 debuts in October.

Helix 9, 10, and 12. All networkable.

The Helix 5 and 7 take a microSD card. If you have last years Lakemaster card, it won't fit. Only the 2015 issue is microSD.

Don't know the specs of the larger models.

I think they will be replacing the number series units so they will be the top-of-the-line except for the ONIX and ION since they will be networkable.

They ran out of numbers with the 899, 999, and 1199 which are in their second year of production. Typically a unit has a two year production run.

I have the base Helix5 with DI from Academy $249.95 and it does what I wanted ...... shows brush and fish!

I don't need a lake map!

I would kinda like side image to play with tho.

I got the Helix 7 SI. It's all I want in the price range I got it for. It's got amazing HD quality on the screen and comes with great SI, DI, and a lake master card will make this unit amazing. It's worth the $700. Trust me. It's a newer version. Humminbird impressed me!!!