Helix 7 Si For Ice Fishing

[arctic_scrap1]

I currently have a Vexilar flx28/camera combo but am interested in a Helix 7 SI GPS that I can use in both the summer and winter. I know you can get the ice ducer for the Helix 7. I also know they make the Ice versions of the Helix. Can I get the traditional flasher display on a Helix 7 SI or does that only come with the Ice version? Are there other advantages to the Ice models?

Edited December 3, 2018 by arctic_scrap1

[rundrave]

you can get a traditional flasher view and on the gen2 models you can even split the 2 to have one view on each side. you can use the open water transducer but the cable is really long and makes it hard to manage and it also is hard to keep the transducer level in the hole. The ice ducer will come with a shorter cable and float to make the transducer easier to work with on the ice

 

I used the open water tranducer on a gen1 helix but I run and gun to much it became too much of a hassle. the ice ducer works great and I have no complaints.

[arctic_scrap1]

1 hour ago, rundrave said:

you can get a traditional flasher view and on the gen2 models you can even split the 2 to have one view on each side. you can use the open water transducer but the cable is really long and makes it hard to manage and it also is hard to keep the transducer level in the hole. The ice ducer will come with a shorter cable and float to make the transducer easier to work with on the ice

 

I used the open water tranducer on a gen1 helix but I run and gun to much it became too much of a hassle. the ice ducer works great and I have no complaints.

 

 

 

 

 

So if I can get the flasher  view on a non-Ice model, what makes the ice model special? Just the carrying case and ice ducer? I see the helix chirp mega si gps G3N[what a mouthful!] is "coming soon" on the humminbird side. Maybe I'll stick with my setup until that comes out. How is interference with other units?

Edited December 3, 2018 by arctic_scrap1

[rundrave]

well if you plan to use it for summer and winter your going to want both transducers. The open water transducer depending on which model  will give you DI/SI  chirp etc. and the ice one will not. I think there are different cone angles as well between each transducer and one may offer one that other doesnt. I forget off the top of my head what they each are though.

Edited December 3, 2018 by rundrave

[Big-Al]

Reading info on the Humminbird site, the  XI 9 1521 should give you the chirp capabilities on the ice.

[JustinN]

I just converted my summer unit for winter and couldn't be happier. I have a Helix 7 SI G2 and bought the XI 9 1521 ducer and humminbird carrying case that came with power cables and a battery. I use it with the flasher view on the left and CHIRP sonar on the right and it's awesome, especially the sonar view. It's especially useful if you have maps on your unit, like Autochart, because you can have your incredibly detailed maps that include bottom composition/density from summer fishing and be able to plop down exactly where you want in the winter. Battery life is good just remember to turn the screen brightness down. I had no interference from nearby Vexilars and they did not have any interference from me either.

[arctic_scrap1]

8 hours ago, JustinN said:

I just converted my summer unit for winter and couldn't be happier. I have a Helix 7 SI G2 and bought the XI 9 1521 ducer and humminbird carrying case that came with power cables and a battery. I use it with the flasher view on the left and CHIRP sonar on the right and it's awesome, especially the sonar view. It's especially useful if you have maps on your unit, like Autochart, because you can have your incredibly detailed maps that include bottom composition/density from summer fishing and be able to plop down exactly where you want in the winter. Battery life is good just remember to turn the screen brightness down. I had no interference from nearby Vexilars and they did not have any interference from me either.

 

That's good to hear. I talked to Marine General and they said the G3Ns should be out by February so I'll be using my Vex till then and then switching over.