Humminbird Helix 5 SI Review 2018 – One of Top Fish Finder
The Humminbird 409640-1 Helix 5 SI Fish Finder has been highly requested from us for a review. And you know we do not aim to disappoint our reader. Hence, we decided to answer your call and finally do this review on our article today.
If you are looking to buy this finder, then this review will be a great way to look into the credibility of this finder. We will crack down every feature, the good and the bad, and the tiniest detail about it so that you know what you are getting. Let’s start!
Table of Contents
Check out our few more review on Best fish finder & Best fish finder for kayaks.
The Humminbird Helix 5 SI at a glance
The Humminbird SI is one the 7 models from the brand’s Helix 5 series. And is also one of the best-selling and most favored finders in the market from Humminbird.
The Humminbird Helix 5 SI weighs just 4.1 pounds and measures 8.5 x 6 x 4 inches in dimensions. It is clearly small, compact and lightweight but don’t be fooled because by size because has a wealth of fishing goodness to offer its users. Let’s take a look at some of the features of the Humminbird Helix 5 SI.
Features
Sonar
Helix 5 SI optimizes fish finding and takes it to a completely new levels due to its smart use of DualBeam Plus. With not one, but two beams, your finder will cover more area while simultaneously keeping accuracy and focus in check. In addition to this, you also get whole split screen experience with proper zoom, wide/narrow cone, etc. The transducer emits 83k Hz and 200k Hz that can cover up to 60 degrees and 20 degrees area, respectively, up to 100 ft. Use the 83k Hz for deeper waters and the 200k Hz for deeper water for the best results.
Speaking of waters, salt-water anglers may want to look elsewhere since the Helix 5 SI is specifically designed to be used in fresh waters only.
Display
Something has to be said about the display features of the Helix 5 SI fish finder; good things of course. First of all, the finder features a large and spacious 5-inch, color TFT display screen with a DPM (display pixel matrix) of 800H X 480V. In addition, the screen is also backlit for fishing in the dark and is resistant to sun-glares as well.
Furthermore, it features Side imaging, which gives you the best view of your left and right for up to 240 feet each. With a total coverage of 480 feet, you get info on structure, contour and cover with intense clarity. And to add to that, you can even zoom in to get a clearer view.
And finally to add to that, the Helix 5 SI offers you Down imaging that essentially gives you a fish’s view of the water. Down images are created with high frequencies sound waves emitted in very thin slices. The results you receive as a respond are portrait images that show you the world underneath your boat: fishes, reefs, rocks, etc, with stunning detail.
However, depending on the Helix 5 model you get, you can easily upgrade and enjoy more features and benefits like Unimap, internal GPS, and so on.
Precision GPS
GPS or Global Positioning System if you are feeling fancy, is also a feature included in the Helix 5 SI fish finder. The first and foremost reason we absolutely love this feature is because of safety. Now, we know that it is very unlikely that you could get in out the vast waters. Nevertheless, nothing is impossible. Having a Helix 5 SI’s prevision GPS by your side, you know where you are, where you are going and where lies what. You will know where the nearest docks are, nearest shore, and all that and more. Also, keep in mind that the precision GPS is so mu8ch more visually clear and intuitive than your regular handheld GPS. Therefore, using it is equally a treat!
However, that not all the Helix 5 SI GPS can do for you. You can save waypoints in it. In fact, you can save them as per location of alphabetically so that the search result is fast and easy. This way you can always come back or keep track of your favorite fishing locations, danger spot, and barren spots and so on.
Saving
Since we spoke about saving data already, you must be guessing how a fish finder gets to “save” data in the first place, right?
Well, the Helix 5 SI does not skimp when it comes to providing top-of-the-line features. In other words, this fish finder also offers you a micro SD card slot. This means you will be able to save important information like default settings, GPS locations, waypoints and so much more right into fish finder itself!
Mentionable Features
Our Helix 5 SI review will fall short by miles if we had to sort through the zillion features on this fish finder. However, we won’t keep you guessing. Here are a few noteworthy features that will definitely impress you:
- Selective Fish ID
- Instant Image update
- Real time Sonar
- Freeze frame
- Temperature alarm
- 3D chart view
- Large digits view
- Screen snap shot
- SwitchFire Sonar
- Sonar recording
And surprisingly enough, there are more function for you to play with!
Your Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. “Can you tell us what’s in the box with the this fish finder?”
Answer: Inside the box, you will have:
- Transom mount transducer
- Humminbird Helix 5 SI receiver
- Installation hardware
- Mounting bracket, and
- Users manual
2. “What the warranty on this fish finder?’
Answer: You get a 1-yearlong manufacturer’s warranty.
3. “Is the depth shown in meters? If yes, can I change probably change it to another unit?”
Answer: The default is on feet. However, you can easily change it to meters, feet or fathoms through the menu.
Pros:
- The Humminbird Helix 5 SI fish finder is lightweight and compact
- Uses dual beam PLUS
- Has excellent, vivid display features including SwitchFire, Side imaging and down imaging
- Equipped with Precison GPS which makes location planning and tracking very easy
- Includes micro SD card slot which lets you save valuable data
- Is waterproof to IPX 7 rating
- Filled with useful features like fish alarms, temp sensor, fish ID, and more
- Offers 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Many customers didn’t like the preloaded mapping software
- The screen was too small for some
- It’s not portable fish finder
Conclusion
The Humminbird Helix 5 SI fish finder is a product that has incurred some intense mixed feeling from the crowd. It definitely has some issues with the less-than-average factory of preloaded software and settings. However, we don’t deem these problems are too big to affect your fishing experience too much. In fact, if you compare the advantages against the flaws of this finder, you will probably see that it is a clear winner. It’s powerful, effective, ridiculously adjustable and is very performance-oriented. In conclusion, we highly recommend it. It may not be the best, but it will definitely not let you down any time soon.
And with this, it’s a wrap to our Humminbird Helix 5 SI review. We hope you picked up some valuable information from us here. However, for any further detail, you can always click on the product link. We will see you soon!