So, I currently have a Lowrance LMS-520c which is ancient in Sonar/GPS years....

Looking to get something with some imaging of some sort. Been checking out the Humminbird Helix 5 which has the side imaging which looks pretty darn cool and the Lowrance Elite 5 Chirp which has the down scan and from what I read a better transducer that picks up clearer signals?

I've read of some reliability issues with the LowranceElite 7 or I would go that route for the bigger screen.

Any opinions on this conundrum of mine lol. Is the side imaging on the humminbird much better than the down scanning of the Lowrance?

The helix also has down scan. I bought the helix and I can't be happier with it. ... if only I could also do 360 imaging

The helix also has down scan. I bought the helix and I can't be happier with it. ... if only I could also do 360 imagingT

 

 

 

There are nine different Helix units. State the one you have so the OP will know. Use ALL of the model name.

I know which one you have by your post, but others may not.

Thanks for the replies. I know that the Helix SI also does down scan but it's a software based one if I'm correct.

Just wondering if anyone has compare software DS to true DS on something like the Elite models?

Basically, does the SI far outweigh any benefits that the true down scan would offer?

And I know the upgrade for the bigger transducer will sharpen the image but would you say it's 100% necessary? In your opinion anyway.

And one final thing, does either units come with contour in the maps?

Thanks again guys, this is my first real fish finder lol

Thanks for the replies. I know that the Helix SI also does down scan but it's a software based one if I'm correct.

Just wondering if anyone has compare software DS to true DS on something like the Elite models?

Basically, does the SI far outweigh any benefits that the true down scan would offer?

And I know the upgrade for the bigger transducer will sharpen the image but would you say it's 100% necessary? In your opinion anyway.

And one final thing, does either units come with contour in the maps?

Thanks again guys, this is my first real fish finder lol

 

Side Imaging's benefit is COVERAGE. Down Imaging, Down Scan, DownVu, DownView is just that DOWN just like 2D sonar. I don't use Down Imaging, just take some screen shots with it for examples.

 

No, the HDSI transducer is not "necessary". Some don't even notice any difference. I do since I use both.

 

None of the Helix units with GPS have any locations with map contours. They have Uni-map which is basically a color background with some outlines of bodies of water. They will read Lakemaster and Navionics map software.

Would the better transducer come down in price in a few years? And I could swap it out later?

Oh and one more thing, is the 2D still on par with the Lowrance models?