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Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions
#11401400
02/08/16 11:51 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211
klockness
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211 |
I've made a couple posts on the three major brand 9" units and figured I'd post my findings and a few questions. I'm a budget minded weekend fisherman who mostly fishes small power plant lakes, some lakes around Dallas, and some inshore. I think I've ruled out Garmin because I need fresh and saltwater maps. Garmin comes with salt or freshwater maps so I'd have to buy another map which is getting away from my price range. I think I'll eventually go with a Navioncis+ or Hotmaps Platinum map. After finally getting my hands on the Helix 9 I've got some pros, cons, and some questions.
Helix 9 Pros Cheaper $1000 ($150 out of pocket with credit card rewards at certain retailer) One transducer to mount Autocharting Helix 9 Cons HUGE (shares case with the 10 so it's bulky for a 9") Base map is useless Limited Depth Highlight/offset with Navionics
HDS Gen2 Lss2 Pros Smaller case Base map could get me by for a while Insight Genesis Free Touch is nice Depth range highlight with Navionics Structure Map HDS Gen2 Lss2 Cons Price $1200 at BPS with $100 GC ($550 out of pocket with rewards) Needs two transducers (according to salesman)
How many of you actually update/create maps (autochart, sonarchart, Genesis/GoFree) and what is your experience with it? I like the idea but I don't think I'd spend much time making my own charts if I have to do a grid. If it just worked while I was already scanning/fishing I'd definitely do it.
What about Lowrance StructureMap, this sounds more practical for scanning in real time? How many of you use this and what do you think? Is the Humminbird Mosaic feature only on the Onix with Autochart card?
What is the second transducer for on the Lowrance and where should/could I mount it? I have a tunnel hull with trim tabs and sponsons so I'm limited on transducer mounting locations.
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Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions
[Re: klockness]
#11401687
02/09/16 02:19 AM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 38,551
Frank the Tank
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 38,551 |
Sounds to me like you have already talked yourself into Lowrance and just want someone to affirm your decision. 2nd ducer is the skimmer ducer for 2D sonar.
Jesus loves all of us
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Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions
[Re: klockness]
#11401827
02/09/16 02:51 AM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211
klockness
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211 |
I'm definitely leaning that way. I was very much leaning toward the Helix before. I'm hoping for some input on how practical and useful those Lowrance features are. If they are just things that sound nice but in reality I'd never use then it's not worth the added cost to me.
Can the 2nd skimmer transducer be mounted in the hull glued to the bottom? I'm having a hard time finding much info from Lowrance on what skimmer model transducer is included (just the frequency) and mounting options for that particular transducer.
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Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions
[Re: klockness]
#11401954
02/09/16 03:28 AM
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,390
Andrew Y'Barbo
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,390 |
Ok. You get the Lowrance. You need 80/200 or 55/200. This is your 2d transducer install inside the hull. Your lss2 side scan transducer goes on jack plate.
To optimize everything. You need Ethernet cords (the hds9 had 2 Ports in the back) this will allow you to hook up to other graphs and share transducers if they already have them. The Lowrance nmea2000 is handy to have for the point1 GPS puck. To do this you will need the point one and the nmea starter kit. Always mount your puck on back of transom close to your lss2 transducer.
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Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions
[Re: Andrew Y'Barbo]
#11402339
02/09/16 01:57 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211
klockness
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211 |
Thanks. I probably won't get that carried away to start but that helps on the transducers.
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Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions
[Re: klockness]
#11402352
02/09/16 01:59 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211
klockness
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211 |
Does anyone have some insight into the StructureMap or any of the chart updating? Are they practical? Are they useful for a weekend fisherman?
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Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions
[Re: klockness]
#11402647
02/09/16 03:26 PM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,079
David Burton
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,079 |
The structure map is cool for finding and seeing the composition of structure and cover near the lakebed. There are no additional contours associated with it. The map creation requires an upload processing and download from a website. However there are 'social' maps that others uploaded that you will add to, or can download. This is free, but you can pay to keep your maps for yourself and a couple of perks.
David Burton 2015 Skeeter FX 21 +Ultrex +Helix 12 (x3) +Mega360 +MegaLive
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Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions
[Re: klockness]
#11402673
02/09/16 03:38 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12,096
shut-up-and-fish
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12,096 |
Get a Humminbird Helix, LakeMaster Card and go fish. It's that easy...
Humminbird....Simply, Clearly, Better and by far a much more reliable, user friendly unit and best customer service.
Helix Series are Clearer. Wider. Brighter. Faster and all in one transducer.
www.shut-up-and-fish.comFrom *Sales, *Installation Services, and *On the shop floor Education & Instructional Tips We have you covered here @ shut-up-and-fish for all of your Humminbird, Lowrance, Garmin, Minn Kota & Motorguide needs plus much more - Call Now 972 822 9285
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Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions
[Re: klockness]
#11402718
02/09/16 04:03 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,170
snickers
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,170 |
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Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions
[Re: klockness]
#11402888
02/09/16 05:17 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,179
coachallentca
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,179 |
Look at Garmin also. You will like them
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Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions
[Re: shut-up-and-fish]
#11402957
02/09/16 05:40 PM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,079
David Burton
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,079 |
Helix Series are Clearer. Wider. Brighter. Faster and all in one transducer. Well, they couldn't have gotten any slower... It is excruciating watching the slow refresh when Bill does the Map Tips on Honey Hole... Don't get me wrong, I am not a brand loyalist. I'll go where my boat goes for the most part.
Last edited by David Burton; 02/09/16 05:46 PM.
David Burton 2015 Skeeter FX 21 +Ultrex +Helix 12 (x3) +Mega360 +MegaLive
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Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions
[Re: klockness]
#11403004
02/09/16 06:01 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211
klockness
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211 |
Does LakeMaster include the inter-coastal with tides in one chip? I didn't think they did so I took if off my list.
If you have features or tangible benefits to sway me to the Helix please let me know. I like just having one transducer for sure and the screen looks nice (the case doesn't). It just seems like the Lowrance Gen2 has several features only available with Humminbird if I get the Onix, Lakemaster card, and Autochart card.
Please correct me if I'm wrong I don't want to provide misinformation.
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Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions
[Re: klockness]
#11403126
02/09/16 06:52 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211
klockness
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211 |
I've read several things about the Garmin and everyone that has them seems to love them. They will have Quickdraw Contours (live chart updating) out with the CHIRP 93SV. Not sure when they'll be out but sounds like it should be soon. If it works as well as Advertised it will be better than the competitors. It doesn't sound like they have anything that compares to the StructureMap.
I might give Garmin another look but they will have a higher price tag for me.
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Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions
[Re: klockness]
#11403164
02/09/16 07:08 PM
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3
LuisFisher
Green Horn
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Green Horn
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3 |
Lowrance HDS Gen2 is better to you!
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Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions
[Re: klockness]
#11403222
02/09/16 07:33 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 558
LinkLowrance
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 558 |
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