Best bang for the buck ? Primary target catfish and crappie

Best vendor to buy from and must have options?

Humminbird Helix 5 SI/GPS Combo
Model: 409640-1
$489.00



Helix 5 SI/GPS Combo

Features:
The flagship unit of the HELIX family features DualBeam PLUS Sonar, GPS chartplotting with internal GPS receiver, Down Imaging�, and Side Imaging�
200/83 kHz dual beam sonar plus
455/800 kHz Side & Down Imaging
5" color TFT wide-screen LCD
480 x 800 resolution
256 colors
4000 watts peak-to-peak
Internal GPS + MicroSD card slot
Navionics compatibility (No Platinum)
Includes Humminbird UniMap base maps and is compatible with Humminbird LakeMaster� charts, including AutoChart� and AutoChart� Pro
Navionics� Gold/HotMaps� compatible
Included XNT 9 SI 180 T transducer features 200/83/455 kHz frequencies for 20-, 60-, and (2) 85-degree angles of coverage
Water surface temperature gauge built into transducer
GPS speed included
1500' depth capability (2D) sonar; Down Imaging�, 350 feet; Side imaging�, 100 feet, left and right

That one has everything you'll need and there's the vender to sell it to you. They are good units

I like my Helix 5 si/gps but would love the 7 or 9...

I was going to get the Helix 5 but opted for the Garmin Striker 7. Chirp, downvu, sidevu and 2 more inches of screen. $499

How do you like it so far?

This looks pretty good if you only need the sonar features. If he needs mapping... no go.

Is there a unit with mapping that's under $500 that still has side imaging and down imaging?

OleMissPharmacy see Shut-Up-and-Fish's reply above. Helix 5 SI/GPS combo. The previous post was in response to the Garmin Stryker 7, which that particular unit does not have GPS. The Helix does. It just has a smallish screen. I would spend a little more and get the Helix 7, easier on the eyes.