If I upgrade my crappy lowrance 3x to lets see a helix with side imaging, I will need a new transducer? And does the new electronic come with one? 

The Lowrance 2D sonar transducer will not do Imaging in any form.

Yes the Helix units come with a transducer that does all the functions the unit is capable of.

The Helix 5 SI GPS, Helix 7 SI GPS, and Helix 9 SI GPS models come with the Compact SI transducer XNT 9 HDSI 180 T. All of those units will produce sharper images if you exchange that transducer for the XHS 9 HDSI 180 T. That is handled through Humminbird Customer Service.

First, thanks that is a very helpful response.

Second, I can call and just exchange it? I am assuming you are saying that it is worth the effort?

The only way to upgrade the transducer is call and arrange for it. There is a cost difference of about $85 including shopping. The HDSI transducer is more expensive than the Compact SI and is the standard one for the Helix 10 and Helix 12 SI models.

It is worth the effort and cost to get sharper images.

 

PM sent with more information.