Saw the Helix 5 in person today. Not what I was hoping for. Canceling my order.

I'm wondering if the 859 has SI capabilities. Change the transducer later.

No, there are two 859 units.

859ci HD Combo is 2D only

859ci HD DI Combo is 2D and Down Imaging

You cannot get SI by using a SI transducer in place of the one that comes with the unit.

 

899ci HD SI Combo is Side Imaging, Down Imaging, 2D sonar.

 

It's a little more complicated that the older models, but a good thing.

 

Both of the 859 units can display Side Imaging when connected to a Side Imaging unit or a 360 via Ethernet.

Thanks. Part of me kinda new that. The other part (cheapskate) of me was hoping it was possible. Not much out there for info on the 859. Man I was really disappointed in the size of the Helix.

Thanks. Part of me kinda new that. The other part (cheapskate) of me was hoping it was possible. Not much out there for info on the 859. Man I was really disappointed in the size of the Helix.

The Helix 5 SI GPS has a wider display than the 500, 600, and 700 series Side Imaging units. That is a good thing for that technology.

BIGGER is definately better though.

I agree, bigger is definitely better. Unfortunately I was looking at the 859 & the Helix side by side, BIG difference.

Dollar wise I could swing the extra for the 859 but not the 899

Function wise, any SI is better than no SI.