Humminbird Ice Helix Lineup
This review has been a long time coming, it is certainly not a first impression, and to call it long term review is an understatement. My first Ice Helix was a Helix 5 Sonar G1 portable that I added the ice transducer to in 2016. I am now running Ice Helix 7 CHIRP/GPS G3N All-season bundle. These new units aren’t simply open water units with an ice transducer, they have their own dedicated operating system specifically designed for the unique demands of Ice Fishing, combined with the Low Q Ice CHIRP transducer.
Here are my thoughts and recommendations. I loved my Helix 5. The history the graph offers is what sold me on the Helix lineup, it allows me to learn, and more importantly it allows me to teach other anglers how the fish are responding to their presentation. Humminbird quickly built on what the G1 Helix units offered, introducing an updated Ice Mode, CHIRP Sonar and interference rejection in the G2. Now with the G3 units we have instantaneous response times, amazing target separation, better interference rejection and crystal clear displays. To the point that we are running up to 4 units in our SnoBear, and each one can make out every detail that is going on below the ice. These units are simply, clearly, better.
What to consider when buying a Ice Helix unit:
- Are maps available for the lakes that you fish, or are you planing to map lakes using AutoChart Live? Make sure you choose a GPS enabled unit to unlock these features.
- Do you have a boat that you’d like to use the unit on during the open water months? Look into the all season bundle if you do.
- How far away from the screen will you be during regular use / will you be using the split screen view? The bigger the screen the farther you can be and still make out the details.
We Recommend:
Ice Helix 7 CHIRP/GPS All-Season G3N
By far the most versatile option, it provides the best bang for your buck. As well suited for the ice as it is on your boat, the larger 7″ screen lets you take advantage of all the features the Ice Helix has to offer with great visibility in split screen mode. The most over looked feature is the networking, allowing you take advantage of OneBoat network connecting to any network enabled Humminbird units and Minn Kota products. I use it at the bow of my boat with the US2 built into my Minn Kota Ulterra.
*The All-Season Bundle is available in a 5″ screen as well
Alternative:
If you don’t need the open water capabilities of the All season bundle, the Ice Helix 7 G3 Has all the features you’ll need to maximize your time on the ice with GPS to take advantage of the LakeMaster and ChartSelect maps available, and the larger display to take advantage of the split screen views available.
Budget option:
If you don’t have room in your budget for one of the other units, the Ice Helix 5 is still an excellent option, while not equipped with networking or GPS capabilities, the 5 Inch screen is well suited for use ice fishing where you are often closer to the screen, and it is still has the target separation, interference rejection and history that make Ice Helix such an effective tool to add to your Ice fishing arsenal.
*The Helix 5 is available with GPS as well
This summer I was able to take advantage of the suction cup mount on a fly-in trip to a remote Northern Ontario lake. There is no limit to where you can take the Ice Helix.
One last recommendation is to pair it with a Lithium battery, and turn the screen brightness down to extend your runtime and go days between charges.
