Was wondering what people that own them and have run them for a little bit now think of them. Thanks

Got a 7 and a 10. ABSOLUTELY no complaints. Work great, great detail, easy to see in teh sun, easy to operate for the basics etc. Like them a lot.

I have a Helix 12 CHIRP SI. Very bright display.

The Helix series replaced all the former models with number names. Basically the same sonar functions, just newer/current models.

I run a 9 and 10. Excellent units. Very quick to startup and get going. Make sure to use the HD transducers with them, as it is a night and day difference on the returns you will get. The ease of use on them is about the same as any other Humminbird unit. The best part is not paying extra for an LSS Box and all the cables to run Side Imaging. It's just all in the unit with Humminbird.

So do you have to buy the SI/Di or can you use the transducers from the 1998 for the side image and save some funds.

Does anyone have any picture of structure with them? Side imaging etc....

transducers come with the Helix units, the smaller screen helix units come with the compact side imaging transducer.. You can upgrade to the hdsi transducer if you purchase one the 5,7,9 Helix models with a swap out for around $85. The transducer you have for the 998 is the hdsi transducer and it would work. If you purchase the Helix 10 or 12 they come with the same transducer that came with your 998.

Anyone know the size difference between the stock transducer and the HD?

Great. So how long does everyone foresee them still making the units or are they already on there way out. I always seem to but something out of date. I have a 998 and 1198 and was thinking a 12 next to the 1198 would give me all i would ever need. Except 360 and i dont think i could ever get it.

The HDSI transducer is 2" longer than the Compact SI transducer. That extra two inches has two more inches of Imaging crystal length that produces a thinner SI pulse and sharper images.

Thanks for the info. I'm just scared I might rip a bigger transducer off.

ALL the number series models were discontinued last year. The Helix models have replaced them.

A progression of a single model SI unit is first a 987, then 997, then 998, then 998 HD, then 999, and now Helix 10 SI. Typically a model run is two years and then it is replaced by newer/better/faster/more features.
The 1198c SI Combo had a three year run, then was replaced by the 1199ci HD SI Combo for two years that is now replaced by the Helix 12 CHIRP SI. The 1198's predecessor was the 1197c SI Combo.

There will always new models coming out to create the desire for new stuff so companies can sell new stuff--that is how they stay in business.

Transducer mounts are cheap plastic. I have already ripped off one of them. The mounts are plastic. Have already broken all three of them. Screen spots and scratches very easily. Screen is impossible to see with polarized fishing glasses on.....


Other than that, I love em.

Transducer shield and saver.......