With many clearance sales going on with the HDS Pro, HB Helix & Solix, and the general lower price on Garmin products, what values standout to you today?

 

HDS Pro 10 - $1500 at RMP

HB Helix 12,15 - $1500 and $2000 at BPS

HB Solix 10,12,15 - $1500, $2000, $2300 at Scheels

I currently have two 93sv w/ GT-54 ducers. I also have an Elite-TI1 with a totalscan ducer and an HDS Gen 3 with LSS-2 ducer. I would try to integrate the current graphs into the setup if possible, as mapping only or to run accessories.

 

My main goals are to get better side imaging clarity either through Lowrance Active Imaging, or through Humminbird products in general. Do any specific values stand out in Lowrance vs. Humminbird with the pricing above? Is there a sweet spot in graph size vs. clarity? I'm also used to touch screens so the Helix scares me a bit. I'd also like the option of adding 360 one day, requiring me to go with any HB unit.

 

How would you throw together a consol and bow setup with the current new options and incorporating the existing graphs too? Thanks!

I really like my HDS PRO 12's.  and Lives.   I have all of them linked together. Here is a pic of the console.  I really like the new active imaging better then the old one.

The brand and model bow mount would be helpful. I would consider that before buying new graphs.

3 hours ago, gim said:

The brand and model bow mount would be helpful. I would consider that before buying new graphs.

Minnkota Terrova!

In that case I would lean towards humminbirds. They sync up.

31 minutes ago, gim said:

In that case I would lean towards humminbirds. They sync up.

I suppose that was understood, but not the most important feature to me. I have Lowrance/Garmin now because that wasn’t priority 1.

 

More wondering which models above are the steals/bang for buck based on the available clearance and sales. My #1 goal is better side imaging clarity with a secondary goal of working in some of my old stuff.

 

For example is the HDS 10 at $1500 + $350 for an Active Imaging HD better than a Solix 10? Is it better than a Solix 12 for $2k. Looking for best value to side image quality 

16 hours ago, Siebert Outdoors said:

I really like my HDS PRO 12's.  and Lives.   I have all of them linked together. Here is a pic of the console.  I really like the new active imaging better then the old one.

I think I’d lean Lowrance if the Pro 12 and the Solix 12 were the same price. Solix 12 for $2k seems like a steal and that’s a big reason for the question. I’m still partial to Lowrance not having used HB 

In my opinion the best side imaging is Hummingbird.

16 minutes ago, MNAngler10000 said:

I’m still partial to Lowrance not having used HB 

If you are familiar with that operating system, I would continue using it.

 

I’ve used Lowrance since 2001 so at this point trying to go to anything else myself isn’t happening.

I had a helix 7 and a 9 (separate times) in the kayak and I went to explor when i got the boat.  Hbird has the best side imaging.  If that is your priority, then the 15” helix is the answer among those choices.  The helix and solix will give you comparable quality of side imaging.  The solix gives you touch screen and a little better UI.  At the 2k price point, I would take the extra 3” of screen (assuming you can fit it).  You’re only going to be using it for one thing, not swapping around screens, so set it once and mostly leave it. The only thing I adjust regularly on my side imaging is the sensitivity and contrast, and the +/- buttons give you sensitivity in a press. 
 

the bonus of getting the bigger screen (aside from more pixels on longer graphing distances) is that when you add a 360 you have the real estate to work with it. 

On 8/23/2025 at 9:36 AM, casts_by_fly said:

I had a helix 7 and a 9 (separate times) in the kayak and I went to explor when i got the boat.  Hbird has the best side imaging.  If that is your priority, then the 15” helix is the answer among those choices.  The helix and solix will give you comparable quality of side imaging.  The solix gives you touch screen and a little better UI.  At the 2k price point, I would take the extra 3” of screen (assuming you can fit it).  You’re only going to be using it for one thing, not swapping around screens, so set it once and mostly leave it. The only thing I adjust regularly on my side imaging is the sensitivity and contrast, and the +/- buttons give you sensitivity in a press. 
 

the bonus of getting the bigger screen (aside from more pixels on longer graphing distances) is that when you add a 360 you have the real estate to work with it. 

Definitely helpful. I was wondering if you get better screen or image quality from the Helix vs Solix. 15 does seem too nice to pass up