If you are on the market for a decent fish finder with modest features and an affordable price, then Humminbird Helix 9 DI is probably for you. It doesn’t necessarily compare with the higher end devices quality wise. But it’s a good fish finder for those who prefer angling over everything else. Go ahead and read this Humminbird Helix 9 DI GPS review for more information.
Table of Contents
Notable Features
This fish finder has a colorful LCD screen and loads of physical buttons. The display is 9-inches and is in color TFT. It’s a great design to look at imaging and plots in large screen. Three of the buttons are programmable for convenience. It comes with a Gimbal mount, but you can also go for an In-Dash mount if preferred. All preinstalled proprietary software is upgradable.
The larger screen is quire suitable for anglers to view images clearly and with more detail. The screen shows images from any angle on the boat and does not reflect sunlight in your face. It has a glass hooded display to prevent glare. The screen resolution is 800×480, which is appropriate and is nothing big to write home about. Overall brightness is 1,500 nits, which is more than what most fish finders of comparable price offer. The images thanks to the brighter resolutions are sharper and clearer.
Humminbird has equipped this fish finder with an upgraded processor, so the functional speed is 25 percent more than what was available before. The internal chartplotter has also been upgraded so the data is more precise. Maps are presented in ContourXD imaging technology. This fish finder connects with Ethernet, which can be annoying for those used to built-in Wi-Fi.
Sonar and Imaging Technology
This fish finder has a SwitchFire sonar. It’s very capable of providing info like depth, turbulence and water temperature. Users can choose the data screen displays as the sonar can generate multiple sets of important data. This GPS fish finder is equipped with a 200 kHz DualBeam PLUS beam. While the range is narrow, it’s highly accurate compared to high range beams. You can rely on the data provided regarding fish populations, sea floor profile or the terrain. It also has an 83 kHz beam to widen the data range. But this beam is not as precise and may generate images with background noise. Noise is an issue in shallow water with depths 8 feet or less. But the two-dimensional readouts are very useful, and you will get extra features like scans of structures underwater.
In addition, this GPS is equipped with Down Imaging technology. It gives you the perspective of the fish quite literally. Down imaging beams are sound waves shot underwater so the fish finder can generate a highly accurate 3D image of what’s underneath. The down imager in this fish finder works up to 350ft of depth. You will receive colorful and easy to understand images on the fish finder screen. This is a highly useful feature for anglers heading off to unknown terrain.
Other Features and General Impression
Design wise, this fish finder is highly practical. It’s not as sleek and stylish as some of the fish finders released today, but it gets the job done. The device is also lightweight overall, so you can carry it in your hand. Setup is plug and play, so you won’t waste hours figuring out what goes where. You can install this fish finder directly on to your dashboard. The mount is capable of quick release.
Data is stored in a microSD card. The card has “doors” to provide quick access to imaging history, software files or additional features for mapping. Humminbird’s proprietary AutoChart Live program can be accessed from the SD card, which provides chart plotting in real time. You can get surveillance data as the moves without needing to stop. AutoChart can also be viewed on a split screen for added convenience.
Overall, this device doesn’t promise super high-tech features. What’s available will work quite well without an issue. Anglers will find this fish finder easy to use during fishing sessions. All features like zoom, waypoint marking and freeze frame are instantly accessible with a push of a button. Overall, this Humminbird Helix 9 DI GPS review finds the device definitely worth the money you spend.
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