I would like to upgrade my fishfinder and have it narrowed down to these three. If I understand this correctly, the Garmin Striker and the Hummingbird are pretty close to the same, but the Humminbird helix 5 has a five inch screen instead of a 7 inch screen. The Hook also has a 7 inch screen, but it doesnt have side scan. However it does have some mapping features that I dont understand yet, but sounds like it would be cool once I learned how to use it.

I think it would be between the Hook 7 and the Striker 7. Would it be better to have side scan or mapping capabilites? Or is there something about the Helix 5 that makes up for the smaller screen size? Or is there another fishfinder in this price range that anyone would recommend? I could possibly be talked into spending a little more.

Thanks

 

If you are comparing 7" displays, why not include the Helix 7 SI GPS instead of the smaller Helix 5 models??????

Helix 7 and garmin 7sv both have 7 inch screens, helix 7 si isn't linkable, garmin is, also helix 7 is $699 with SI and the the Garmin is $499. I almost bought 698 HD si but didn't like how unclear it was, the helix models were crystal clear, and so was the garmin. I'm thinking of getting a garmin unit but can't quite commit to buying a graph yet. I also heard you can't run charts on the unit, is this true? Cause if not I'm back into being indecisive.....also I think the garmin is linkable can't remember now.... 

Garmin Striker is linkable but there are no card slots in the Striker series for mapping.  In order to get mapping, you would have to move up to the echoMAP series.

 

SE Kansas grass grower

Thanks for the replies.

Is the Helix 7 si worth the extra $200 for the bigger screen? Or on the other hand would it be better to have the bigger screen on the Helix 7 DI or the side imaging on the Helix 5 for the same price?

Also, could someone explain what you mean by "linkable".

Thanks

 

2 minutes ago, INbassMAN said:

Thanks for the replies.

Is the Helix 7 si worth the extra $200 for the bigger screen? Or on the other hand would it be better to have the bigger screen on the Helix 7 DI or the side imaging on the Helix 5 for the same price?

Also, could someone explain what you mean by "linkable".

Thanks

 

With the side looking imaging technology with ANY brand, the screen width is the most important feature. That is because the images are recorded from the top of the display to the bottom instead of right to left like the down looking imaging and regular 2D sonar. Additionally, you choose the RANGE that the side looking technology covers. With the other two technologies, the size of displayed subjects is based on the depth. Bottom line is get the largest display model you can afford. Another reason for a larger display is if you have more than one technology displayed at one time. The more stuff you display, the smaller each one is on the screen.

As far as the down looking imaging compared to the side looking imaging, it is all about the coverage. ANY side looking imaging is better than no side looking imaging. I would (and did) chose that over down looking imaging even if the display is smaller.

Linkable means you connect two or more units together to share data. That feature cost extra over units that cannot do that. Stuff you may want to share is GPS data, and sonar data.

 

All Humminbird Side Imaging units have GPS/Mapping.

There are Humminbird Down Imaging models and 2D models with and without GPS/Mapping depending on the series. Helix 5, Helix 7, Helix 9, Helix 10, and Helix 12.

All of those versions have a 2D model, a DI model, and a SI model.

Great Info, Thanks

So, you've convinced me that I need side imaging, which means that the Hook 7 DI is out. Also, the bigger the screen the better for viewing side imaging, which probably eliminates the Helix 5SI. That leaves the Garmin Striker 7SV. Unless someone can convince me that its worth the extra $200 to get the Helix 7 SI with the mapping technology.

One other question: Would I need to purchase anything else that isnt included in the price.

Having GPS/Mapping allows you save a location you see displayed such as a brush pile, hump, rock piles, etc and then return to them anytime you want. Very handy for stuff that is not along the shoreline. You won't have to beat the banks like all the uninformed anglers do.

If you learn how to read a contour map, you can choose areas to try ahead of time and go directly to them.

Typically you would get all the parts to be fully functional out of the box. You may want to use a custom mount for the display or transducer, but don't have to. That is why you have pay attention to the whole model name when considering which unit.

 

1 hour ago, Wayne P. said:

Having GPS/Mapping allows you save a location you see displayed such as a brush pile, hump, rock piles, etc and then return to them anytime you want.

 

The Garmin has GPS and is able to mark waypoints. Is that what your talking about? What else can the helix mapping do besides that?

Here is part of the description: "the Humminbird HELIX 7 SI GPS has the punch to deliver crystal-clear SwitchFire® Sonar images, provide Side Imaging and Down Imaging scans loaded with incredible detail, manage up to 2500 waypoints/45 routes, and support LakeMaster®, AutoChart®, AutoChart Pro, and Navionics® Gold/HotMaps mapping programs via its single Micro SD card slot. Includes internal precision GPS and built-in UniMap map. - See more at: http://www.basspro.com/Humminbird-HELIX-7-SI-GPS-Fishfinder-and-Chartplotter/product/1506251146/#sthash.7M8FB1hC.dpuf

What is Lakemaster, autochart, navionics, etc? Is it worth the extra $200 to have these options? I assume I would need to purchase an SD card.

Thanks again, you have been very helpful

5 minutes ago, INbassMAN said:

The Garmin has GPS and is able to mark waypoints. Is that what your talking about? What else can the helix mapping do besides that?

Here is part of the description: "the Humminbird HELIX 7 SI GPS has the punch to deliver crystal-clear SwitchFire® Sonar images, provide Side Imaging and Down Imaging scans loaded with incredible detail, manage up to 2500 waypoints/45 routes, and support LakeMaster®, AutoChart®, AutoChart Pro, and Navionics® Gold/HotMaps mapping programs via its single Micro SD card slot. Includes internal precision GPS and built-in UniMap map. - See more at: http://www.basspro.com/Humminbird-HELIX-7-SI-GPS-Fishfinder-and-Chartplotter/product/1506251146/#sthash.7M8FB1hC.dpuf

What is Lakemaster, autochart, navionics, etc? Is it worth the extra $200 to have these options? I assume I would need to purchase an SD card.

Thanks again, you have been very helpful

Those are digital contour map products.

Auto Chart is contour mapping you create yourself with your unit. It creates Lakemaster contour mapping. Handy for bodies of water that are not covered by any commercial mapping products.

Lakemaster and Navionics are commercial map products. I don't use Lakemaster since there is little or no coverage where I fish and I use Navionics' FREE mapping service to get contour maps where I need it if there is none.

Read this thread: 

 

 

 

I'm new to all this stuff but can't speak highly enough of the user friendly and value packed Garmin products. It's my understanding that Lowrance and Hummingbird used to offer superior products but within the last year Garmin has pretty much put a stronghold on the industry with value and user friendly  features. ..not to mention panoptix, and industry exclusive. ..

 

I've purchased 2 garmin units, probably going to get a third, and it's really not even a competition at this point. Don't get all riled up if you are a Hummingbird  or Lowrance lover, I'm just giving my short experience in the world of a "newb" at all this stuff, and Garmin is the clear winner to me. 

 

I really can't say enough about the 73sv and the 43dv that I have. The display is very readable in the bright light with polarized sunglasses on, and it even auto dims at night. The menu/controls on any of these units is pretty crappy as with most japanese electronics, but I'll say that Garmin is the best here as well.

7 minutes ago, Bass newb said:

I'm new to all this stuff but can't speak highly enough of the user friendly and value packed Garmin products. It's my understanding that Lowrance and Hummingbird used to offer superior products but within the last year Garmin has pretty much put a stronghold on the industry with value and user friendly  features. ..not to mention panoptix, and industry exclusive. ..

 

I've purchased 2 garmin units, probably going to get a third, and it's really not even a competition at this point. Don't get all riled up if you are a Hummingbird  or Lowrance lover, I'm just giving my short experience in the world of a "newb" at all this stuff, and Garmin is the clear winner to me. 

 

I really can't say enough about the 73sv and the 43dv that I have. The display is very readable in the bright light with polarized sunglasses on, and it even auto dims at night. The menu/controls on any of these units is pretty crappy as with most japanese electronics, but I'll say that Garmin is the best here as well.

LOL, Humminbird units are made and supported in Eufaula, Alabama.

Having seen Panoptix in action, I am not amused with that blurry mess. To each is own. All the marine electronics companies make good products (most of the time). It nice to have so many choices.

33 minutes ago, Wayne P. said:

LOL, Humminbird units are made and supported in Eufaula, Alabama.

Having seen Panoptix in action, I am not amused with that blurry mess. To each is own. All the marine electronics companies make good products (most of the time). It nice to have so many choices.

I'm delighted to hear that about Humminbird. I am a little let down that their menu/system navigation is so poor for an american made product. Maybe I should go back and give it another evaluation, as my first one was not positive, and led me to believe it was just more common japanese menu convolution.

Garmin though, would you agree, has taken great strides and is now on par or even better than offerings from the others? Or do you have a suggestion for me to consider? All of my research and hands on tips the scales toward garmin. The ease of the "quick release" cradle is awesome and unmatched as well.

At Cabelas you can buy on sale a Humminbird 899hd cisi for $600, its a better unit than the others.

Wayne,

Are all of the units talked about on this thread capable of recording data to be looked at later on your computer?

8 hours ago, zell_pop1 said:

At Cabelas you can buy on sale a Humminbird 899hd cisi for $600, its a better unit than the others.

Thanks Alot!!! Just when I thought i made up my mind! lol The only thing is I have $200 worth of Bass Pro Shop Gifts Cards. Maybe I can use that on a new rod/reel.