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Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions #11401400 02/08/16 11:51 PM
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klockness Offline OP
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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.

Moritz Chevrolet - 9101 Camp Bowie W Blvd, Fort Worth, TX - Monte Coon (817) 696-2003
Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions [Re: klockness] #11401687 02/09/16 02:19 AM
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Frank the Tank Offline
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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
Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions [Re: klockness] #11401827 02/09/16 02:51 AM
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klockness Offline OP
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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.

Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions [Re: klockness] #11401954 02/09/16 03:28 AM
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Andrew Y'Barbo Offline
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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.

Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions [Re: Andrew Y'Barbo] #11402339 02/09/16 01:57 PM
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klockness Offline OP
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Thanks. I probably won't get that carried away to start but that helps on the transducers.

Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions [Re: klockness] #11402352 02/09/16 01:59 PM
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klockness Offline OP
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Does anyone have some insight into the StructureMap or any of the chart updating? Are they practical? Are they useful for a weekend fisherman?

Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions [Re: klockness] #11402647 02/09/16 03:26 PM
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David Burton Offline
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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
Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions [Re: klockness] #11402673 02/09/16 03:38 PM
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shut-up-and-fish Offline
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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.


[Linked Image]
www.shut-up-and-fish.com
From *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
Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions [Re: klockness] #11402718 02/09/16 04:03 PM
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snickers Offline
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LakeMaster Rocks

Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions [Re: klockness] #11402888 02/09/16 05:17 PM
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coachallentca Offline
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Look at Garmin also. You will like them

Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions [Re: shut-up-and-fish] #11402957 02/09/16 05:40 PM
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David Burton Offline
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Originally Posted By: shut-up-and-fish
Helix Series are Clearer. Wider. Brighter. Faster and all in one transducer.


Well, they couldn't have gotten any slower... stir

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
Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions [Re: klockness] #11403004 02/09/16 06:01 PM
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klockness Offline OP
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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.

Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions [Re: klockness] #11403126 02/09/16 06:52 PM
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klockness Offline OP
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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.

Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions [Re: klockness] #11403164 02/09/16 07:08 PM
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LuisFisher Offline
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Lowrance HDS Gen2 is better to you! fish

Re: Helix 9 vs HDS 9 Gen2 Questions [Re: klockness] #11403222 02/09/16 07:33 PM
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LinkLowrance Offline
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Lowrance. The end

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