I was thinking of picking up a Helix 12 to replace my 999 because Universal Mania was running a closeout at good prices. I happened to be in Cabelas last night and stopped to look at the Helix, they had a 10 but not a 12. The screen was nice and wide, but seemed very short to me. Because of the aspect ratio of the screen, I'm seeing less of an advantage than the core models except for screen resolution. The height of the Helix 12 is the same as my 1199 and it uses the same transducer. Anyone else have this same perception? That said, the resolution and image clarity is really nice. Is there going to be a next generation of the Helix and what will the improvements be?

Hummnbird/Helix is introducing a g2 model first of the year. Screen size though is remaining the same. I'll have to look up the other upgrades.

Looks like it's only going to be a 5 incher. Not much incentive there.

I wish they would offer CHIRP in the Helix 9 and 10.

I just bought the 12 from there and got to play with it last week. I almost went with the 10 but wanted the CHIRP. I had an 899 and 898. It is huge, couldn't see needing any bigger. Much brighter and better picture. I had trouble seeing my screen on the core units in bright sunlight. The Helix was great in the same light. I was going to keep the 898 to use solely as my map so I'd save the space on the 12's screen. I found that I don't need to. That wide screen let's me have plenty of room for multi screens up at the same time. I'd hands down take this over the core units. The CHIRP was phenomenal. I didn't even mess with the settings on it. It really showed good separation of the fish so much so that looking at bait balls in 2d, instead of seeing a blob of color, I could actually see the individual bait fish in the ball.

The autochart live was also very nice. I mapped a couple of areas on my home lake and the contour detail compared to other map cards was crazy. I have some humps and things that don't show up on any other card. I can make some good use of that.

The G2 will be coming out next year in all of the same models. My understanding is that they will all offer CHIRP and autochart live. Looks like they will be using the micro sd card. I believe that it will be like the G1's, the 5 will come out first and then the other units will slowly get introduced. I'm sure the old prices will start to drop but who knows how long it will be until the G2 10 or 12 gets released. I'm looking at the 9 or 10 now to replace my bow unit.

They are in G2

the newer units looks like they may offer chirp with si/di frequencies as well

http://www.humminbird.com/Products/HELIX-5-CHIRP-SI-GPS-G2/

You'll love the Helix 12 if you order them. I also went for the deal (not UniversalMania....BBGMARINE) and ordered 2 of them because I was indecisive about the Helix 10's.

Seeing your post here about BBG Marine, I was going to get a Helix 9 but after seeing the deals at BBG I ordered the Helix 10 SI yesterday.

What did you order? I looked at BBG and their price on the Helix 12 SI was OK but isn't the best I found. So far, since Universal Mania raided the price on the SI to $1699, Digital Oasis seems to have the best price @ $1611 with free shipping.

Never mind.. I saw it.. Sorry, too early and not enough coffee.

Nice Drummond1! You will like it. Brian there is a great help if you have any questions.

Bob Landry - I got mine for $1,590 shipped. I think the sale ended Nov1

Just pulled the trigger on a Helix 12 Chirp SI from Universal Mania for $1589, free shipping..

The plan is to move the 1199 to the bow and put the Helix 12 on the console. Not sure if I'll keep the 999 and use it as a second display at the console and have the three units share 2 transducers or just sell it. I have a SI transducer on the trolling motor and on the hole shot plate under the jack plate but it drops out at around 7 MPH. I'm not sure thats really such a big deal since when I'm running I'm using a map chip to keep me in the deep part of the channel and when I get to shallow or flooded timber I switch to the trolling motor. I could install the new transducer on the transom and that should give me depth readings up to around 20 MPH but do I really need it when running with a lake chip. The two sonars are networked along with a MK Riptide w/i-pilot link.

You could also get a 2d transom mount transducer with a y cable and get 2d readings at lot higher speeds of you desire. My center console will do almost 50 mph and I have never had 2d reading issue

All KVD models excluding the Helix 9 SI/GPS KVD are being discontinued. Hence the sale. Nothing wrong with them they are just being discontinued. Great buy.

For those that want "CHIRP" on the 9 and 10 model Helix stand by.....