Which Sonar/GPS Combo...

[VanillaIceCream]

I've narrowed down my choice to either:

A.
Humminbird® Helix 5 Sonar/GPS Combo

• • Built-in Humminbird UniMap
  • 5", 480V x 800H 256-color screen
  • 4,000 watts peak-to-peak power
  • SwitchFire sonar
  • Internal GPS receiver
• $279 at Cabalas.

B.
Humminbird® Helix™ 5 CHIRP DI Sonar/GPS G2 Combo

• • 5" screen with 800x480 resolution and 1,500-nit brightness
  • CHIRP sonar for impressive detail and accuracy
  • GPS chartplotting with built-in UniMap
  • Down Imaging to 350 ft.
  • 4,000 watts of peak-to-peak power out
• $349.00 at Cabalas

$350 is my upper limit for cost.
Needs to be easy enough to use for children.
I haven't used a fish finder for fishing since 80's.

Is there a noticeable need to upgrade to the Chirp 5 DI?


Erik

 

[Ryan]

I picked up a Lowrance Elite7 at the end of last year. Only had a chance to use it once. Sure looks nice though.

 

[OlNorske]

If you plan on doing a lot of fishing, the down imaging will be well worth the extra cost

 

[Dungee]

Cant go wrong with either one. We have the DI unit, it's been our first real unit and has been very easy to learn/use. The DI feature does stand alone, it can help determine or get a better look at something but I think I could live without it if I still only had sonar and gps. If I had or was getting one for my bow/trolling motor I'd probably get DI tho for dropshotting fishing off shore stuff.

 

[Lake Bum]

I have the Humminbird Helix 5 DI GPS and love it. I had it on my old boat, I removed it, and I'll be installing it on the new boat once weather permits!

 

[VanillaIceCream]

Thanks for the replies. I went down to Cabelas today and had a knowledgeable salesman go over all the different GPS/Sonar units with me. It really helps to just play with them a little bit.

I was impressed with the Lowrance elite 7 on sale, but the reviews are 4/5 and the size is probably too big for my console.

So now I'm looking at the Helix 5 DI. I think the screen is too small at 5" for Side Imaging.


Erik