The only reason I have a 12" graph is because they don't make a 14".

Unless your eyes improve with age, the biggest screen available is always the best route. When spending several thousand $$$$, the chances of replacement within 5 to 7 years is minimal.

Anyway fish dots shows up a lot bigger on a bigger screen. We don't see that in comparison at the store on simulation mode. I've had friends complaint to me fish shows up on their screen as very tiny dots driving them nuts when they seees my screen shots and fish dots shows up a lot bigger. Some time they have a hard time distinguishing scool of fish.

Last thing any one need is fishing with some one else with a bigger screen and say dam!! I should of bought the bigger one. Your returns look a lot bigger

Bruce, I have the mega 10 on a boat like yours! My buds call it the bathtub. I live at cedar creek lake and would be glad to take you out and let you see it. In the turbid water here it is not as clear as they advertise. compared to the 1100 series ....the down scan is amazing. I agree with salsa that the 12 is gonna have a hard time getting much better than the broadband image that it has..Don't get me wrong, the Image is better. Chris Webb Guide service Has the helix 10. (brand new.....sore subject) My mega is marginally better than his. you aren't going to see any pocketknives in our waters. The best advice I can give you is to look at the images of the ships side by side that they use. To me that is the closest representation of what you will see. My 1198 looked a lot like the ship shown on the left and my MEGA looks a lot like the one shown on the right. I will be glad to help you in any way I can..(325)277-3540...Or call Chris Webb guide service

Thanks Greg. I might take you up on that offer to take me out. Always wanted to visit cedar creek. I'll show you my rigs and tactics I use that will out fish a slabs in shallower water. Don't believe me we can fish side by side your boat my boat and see for your self. That rig will be deadly comes spring when them fish return to the lake from all the creeks and river. It is still working for me now for fish that still hang out in shallower water. I do prefer slabbing them when they don't move from underneath my boat though!!

Here some more screen shots. The zoom feature is actually worth having now on the mega units

http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=769737

Forgive me but it's been a while since I asked. For around the same money, which benefits the most? The new Mega 10" or the older 12"?

The MEGA SI transducer is 1" longer than the HDSI transducer----7" vs 6".

Also check out Universal Mania. Everyone is going to be selling this stuff for full MSRP for a while, so the deciding factor is, if you have a wad of cash laying around that you would like to donate to the State Comptroller or UPS. Sales tax on a Helix 12 Mega is over $200. Add shipping to that and you are kicking $250 in the butt. That will buy a pretty nice rod & reel.
Do a Google search on the Helix model you're thinking about and check out the on-line stores.

The choice between the Helix 10 & 12 can certainly raise your anxiety level. I just got a Helix 12 Chirp from Universal Mania that replaced a 999 I had on the bow. My setup now is the Helix on the bow and an1199 at the console. I'm wrestling on whether to replace the 1199 with a Helix 10 Mega. The usable screen size would be comparable with the 1199 which is fine for me. The almost $1000 difference between the 10 & the 12 puts the 12 completely out of consideration. I havn't seen an actual Mega screen, but the image quality on the Helix 12 Chirp is impressive to say the least. If I do replace something, it will be either the Helix 10 Mega or another Helix 12 Chirp.

Thx Bob. Maybe I will wait for some posts from somebody with first hand experience and hope there are some 12" KVD models left if that's the way I decide to go.

OK last question guy's!! What's the differents between these models:

Humminbird Helix Chirp SI GPS KVD$1569

Humminbird Helix 12 Chirp SI GPS $1953

Humminbird Helix 12 Chirp GPS G2N $1701.32



I decided not to purchase the Mega Helix due to reasons!! and a savings of $1000 if I get just the regular Helix chirp 12.

Here's my reasons:

1st- Not all of my clients on the waiting list has the money to purchase a Mega. A lot still own the older discontinued models and smaller Helix. Most or all are still beginners.

2nd- I need to keep all the settings simple and pretty similar to the older 900 and 1100 series Humminbird. Many still own and operate those older series. The Helix no Mega settings is pretty darn close to the older models. I were able to go to Bass Pro and check out all the settings on the Helix 12 chirp.

3rd- I had the chance yesterday to play with the Mega 9 on my friend boat. I saw a problem that may be a problem for me and every one. Not sure yet since I've only got limited time to play with it on one trip. With the transducer bigger and longer it might get block by the engine on one side of the transducer if your motor is not supported by a jack plate which move the motor back a bit. Yesterday fishing trip left side scan was distorted by the interference of the engine and we could not scan the left side. We ended up looking for fish with full right side view only. I think the regular Helix 12 transducers is similar to my Humminbird 1100 series transducer so I think I've just save my self from installing a jack plate on my boat. Chime in your comment if you experience similar problem with your Mega please. This is what I experience with my first run in with the Mega so I don't really know if that is the problem or some thing else.

I think and prefer simple is better for me and for the beginners fisherman. Not that I don't like the Mega or the Solix. Just not now. Keeping it simple for me and my future clients. Anyway I don't think it matters what model or series they have or I have. If they have side scan I think they got a pretty good chance at finding fish. Just need to bring a magnifying glass LOL!!
Thanks for your inputs guys.

The Helix 12 chirp SI GPS KVD is only different than its non KVD model counterpart in that it has Red on it and KVD on it. It comes with some KVD lures. I do not know about the G2N.

Bruce,
I wrestled about a Helix 10 Mega and decided against it for a couple of reasons. The 12 was removed from consideration because of cost. Keep in mind the transducer is an inch longer than the previous SI transducer. I would not even consider mounting a transducer and not using a shield from Transducer Shield & Saver, The one for the Mega TD is $171. There is something else that is needed, I can't remember what, that when added to the part and adding shipping, came to around $190. That's just for the mount. The problem with the image you saw on your friend's boat is a result of interference from the motor and not using a setback plate. That's not going to go away just by doing a transom mount. I would consider a Helix 12 CHIRP SI. The transducer is the same as the SI transducer for the 1100 series, so if you are getting good results with that, You'll like the image of the Helix 12 CHIRP. I'm moving closer to getting one to replace my 1199 so I'll have the same unit on the bow and the console. Personally, I would rather have the larger screen of the 12 even though the 10 is available with Mega. The 12 Mega is just completely out of the running for me. Check Universal Mania. They are still selling the Helix 12 CHIRP KVD version for $1569. No tax or shipping makes that a heck of a deal and no one is going to beat that. Even without Mega imaging, the image quality from the Helix CHIRP is impressive.

Thanks again Bob!! Helix 12 KVD it is for me. I was sold when I visited bass pro yesterday and played with the display unit. Sales person said I can come back Wednesday to play with the Mega. He will have a brand spanking new Mega on display so we can play and compare. But I'm already sold on the Helix 12 KVD. I turn the bottom depth display option off on the side scan and was very impress with lots of grounds covered. Can't imagine what a Solix 15 would look like. It's just freakin awesome with all this new technology. I'm like a kid in a toy store.