So I'm doing some research for my next FF and came across this site that does reviews. I thought I would share with ya'll.

http://fishfindersadvisor.com/

Let us know what you decide. Selfishly, I hope you choose something with Autochart Live so you can tell us more about it.

LOL...WOW...That's so wild that so say that! That's the main selling point I'm looking for
I'm leaning hard towards the Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP SI Sonar/GPS Combo G2
.

That's the one I'm lusting over also

Don't know if I can wait for the next product cycle.

The best deal I've found so far is $486. I'm sure it will have to wait till after Christmas. That or I'll have to start winning some tourneys

cct i use autochart and it works great! I can find humps that dont show up on nav or lm and overlay them onto the factory map. Helix 5 doesnt come with the program so you have to buy the program and the zero lines for around $200 or get atleast a helix 9 which comes pre loaded with autochart.

Just purchased the Humminbird Helix 5 G2 SI/GPS Combo. For the lakes I fish the Navionics maps are much superior. i.e for Proctor Navionics has 1 ft resolution, Lakemaster is 3 ft. Slightly better than useless.
Screen resolution is excellent.
Have not tried Autochart Live yet.
If I had it to do over again, I would probably have gone for the Helix 7. The Helix units are low profile and fit under my legs.

The thing about about side imaging is that the transducer has to be below the boat. So if you don't build you own kayaks that might be tricky.

Does the G2 (second generation version) of the Helix 5 come with Autocharts Live?

If it does, would all you have to purchase is a zero lines card?

Other than the obvious screen size difference, does the Helix 7 G2 come with two SD card slots and the Helix 5 G2 come with only one?
Oooops, both the 7 and the 5 only have one microSD card slot.

Best transducer shield I've seen for side imaging transducers (originally designed for the Hobie PA)

Berley Pro

Does the G2 (second generation version) of the Helix 5 come with Autocharts Live?

If it does, would all you have to purchase is a zero lines card?

Other than the obvious screen size difference, does the Helix 7 G2 come with two SD card slots and the Helix 5 G2 come with only one?
Oooops, both the 7 and the 5 only have one microSD card slot.

[/quote]
Zero line cards are only required for saving data. The unit will store several hours data without the Zero line card.

Does the G2 (second generation version) of the Helix 5 come with Autocharts Live?

If it does, would all you have to purchase is a zero lines card?

Other than the obvious screen size difference, does the Helix 7 G2 come with two SD card slots and the Helix 5 G2 come with only one?
Oooops, both the 7 and the 5 only have one microSD card slot.

[/quote]
It says in the review that as long as it's a G-2 it does have Autochart live.

This will be fun to do also. I've done it before with limited success with my Lowrance, SAS planet, and Insight map creator (With Humminbird, I was hoping all you'd need was Humminbird PC, but the video suggests you have to purchase the Autochart live pro program for full functionality)

Very cool..technology is getting better for the fishermen. I wish Santa clause would hurry up!!!

Zero line cards are only required for saving data. The unit will store several hours data without the Zero line card.[/quote]
I think its only the helix 9 and up that has it built in and all you need is the zero lines once you install autochart. The unit does NOT store hours of info , i heard it did , tried it and was prompted that it will start erasing previous scans so i had to go out and buy zero lines which ended up being worth the money

The (G-2) Helix5 and up has Autochart I believe if I read right. It only stores like 8 hrs without the "Zero Line" card.