I�m looking for a little input on what Humminbird electronics to purchase. I know that for the console I want a Helix 9 with Mega DI/SI and GPS. Where I am having difficulty is at the bow. I know that I want DI, but don�t think that I will benefit much with having SI too. Bass Pro has a $100 rebate on the Helix 7 SI/DI model through the month of April. There is a $200 difference in the plain DI model over the model with SI. Should I get the model that has both? BASSHAWK

My opinion is that you do not need SI for the front. If I were you I would put the extra money in a Helix 10 for the console. It is physically the same size as the 9 but the screen is bigger. Bigger screen is better for SI

I use SI at the bow with a trolling motor mounted transducer and at the console with a transom mounted transducer. I rarely have a DI view displayed.
SI shows the same thing as DI, just a lot more of it. It takes the exact same operation techniques to use both. All my units are SI models.

BTW, I assume the Helix 7 model on sale is not the G2N version. If that is the case, you cannot share any data with the Helix 9.
There are three versions of Helix 7 SI units:
Helix 7 SI GPS--discontinued
Helix 7 CHIRP SI GPS G2
Helix 7 CHIRP SI GPS G2N----this one is linkable

The Helix 7 DI models are the same with some that don't have GPS.