Humminbird Mega

I am in the market for new electronics at my console. I have narrowed it down to a helix unit and there are a few used one that are for sale right now. My question is, is the mega imaging that much better than chirp? I will be coming from a non chirp unit and I am looking for a clearer image in both 2D and DI. Looking at a helix 9 G2N with just chirp or is it worth the extra money for the Mega? Thanks

the 9 does not have as good of a picture as a 10, less pixels, similar to a cheaper tv vs higher quality tv.

mega is certainly worth it for side imaging, not as critical for di

It sounds like you are going to want the g3 unit to me not a older g2 or g1 if you main thing is 2d and di quality.

All the G2, G2N, G3, and G3N models do CHIRP sonar and CHIRP Imaging.
There a sonar models (CHIRP), there are DI models, and there are SI models.

A unit that has a name Helix 9 CHIRP GPS G2N only has 2D sonar.
There are two G2N Helix 9 DI models. One is Helix 9 CHIRP DI GPS G2N and the other is Helix 9 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N
. Units that don't have MEGA in their names have 455 and 800 kHz Imaging.

MEGA stands for Mega Hertz and that is one of the frequencies for Side Imaging and Down Imaging---1.2 MKz or 1200 kHz. Those units have 455 kHz and 800 kHz Imaging also.
No such thing as a MEGA CHIRP 2D only unit. You have to pay attention to the whole model names.

The G3 and G3N models are current. The G2 and G2N models were discontinued in 2018. If you find a Helix 9 without CHIRP, that is the first generation (aka three generations old).

Good stuff, Wayne.

Mega is worth it.

Mega is only good for SI imo. I still run 455 on DI units as you can see fish MUCH easier

Why is that?

I have had my solix units a year now and I can tell you mega is the only way to go. I have a 10" and a 12" and they are wonderful. make sure you get helix g3 units or you will be sorry and get as large as you can afford. good luck

Mega doesnt really show fish which is why you usually use di and sonar at the same time. di shows the trees brush etc. sonar shows fish arches and size by how red etc.

Mega give you such a refined picture that fish are barely noticeable. Put it on 455 and they are bigger dots. And sonar is good, but you can’t see fish in a thick pile on sonar, but on 455 DI you can.

Thanks guys for all the great info, I will keep my eyes peeled for a used helix mega. I just can't afford to buy a new one right now. Plus im still saving up for an ultrex.

I run the 10si mega and love it! Now I don't bass fish anymore but focus solely and blue cats now but here a few pics of the unit in action to give you a idea.


Now in this pic I went out to 80ft and went to 420-520 looking for fish and not structure. These are all bluecats


Submerged bridge




And a

old oil derrick

Can't wait to get my g3 installed. Just waiting on the transducer mount for my jack plate.

Those are some incredible images. That is exactly what I want. Hopefully I will be able to get the settings right to get that kind of image quality

Remember, those are not bass. The picture quality on Mega is untouched! I do electronic classes and set up people’s graphs every week and every single person has decided to stick with 455 on DI and Mega on SI. Just make sure you don’t turn your sensitivity up too high that it blows out the middle of the screen. The key to seeing fish on SI is to keep you screen a little bit dark. You will love the unit!

WayneP, can you explain why the fish are easier to see on 455 SI than the higher frequency? I was under the impression that more frequency meant better picture but might habe to start changing things up when I am cross scanning structure looking for fish.

Thanks

You'll figure it out. Adjusting the settings is just fine tuning a picture that is already sharp and clear out of the box.

Some great info here, as I have been thinking of doing a upgrade on my old Humminbirds and this was a lot of great insights here

Been reading up on the birds also, but what do you guys think of the new live video type feeds now like garmin live scope and lowrance live? The reason i ask is should we wait and see what hummingbird has up their sleeve on live feed?

The fish are displayed bigger on 455 kHz since the image clarity is not a sharp as 1200 kHz.
Basically it's a little blurry compared to MEGA.

Bass, crappie, and shad

On paper it seems like a good upgrade but I hear most hummingbird guys like the 10 helix over the 9 for clarity

That was concerning the first generation and second generation Helix units.
With the current G3N, the 9 has a higher pixel density display than the 10. Both have 1024 X 600 pixels.