DI vs. SI

[Wavedancer]

I am new to this forum and fairly new to trolling. I am looking at the Hummingbird Helix 5 fish finders and trying to decide if the extra $150 for the side imaging is worth it. Anyone have any input?
Thanks,
Shawn

 

[SuperD]

Does the side imaging result in a split screen? If it does, I would not spend an extra $150 on it for a 5" screen. I'd argue with you to spend the extra $150 on a larger screen.

 

[Wavedancer]

I have thought about that but it's more than $150 extra to go with a bigger screen unit with GPS.

 

[SuperD]

You have to ask yourself if spending $300 on a unit that isn't very useful is really better than spending $500 on a unit you will truly be happy with.

 

[DRM]

I would have to agree with SD. I was going to get the new Helix SI, could not wait till the store had one. well then I looked at the screen size and changed my mind. Glad I waited, Now I can get the helix 7 for a few more dollars... but still thinking about the 8 series.
All I know for sure, Is when you have a 5 inch screen and 7 inch screen, the money will be well spent on another 7". I will put the electric motor down and turn on the Elite 7 (color) and tilt the screen so I can watch that one on the bow, instead of the black and white 5" screen right in front of my steering wheel. I'm definitely done with 5" screens.

 

[jekern1015]

Save your money and buy the larger screen. I have the hb 899 with both DI and SI and I still use the normal sonar when I troll. I also have the ability to do a 3 way split screen with all three ( DI,SI,sonar) and I still pay more attention to the sonar. For me the bigger screen and gps is all I really needed.

 

[Wavedancer]

Thanks for the input, my problem is you can't get a 7" screen unit with GPS for less than $650. $500 for the Helix 5 with SI was going to be pushing the limits of my budget as it was, I was just trying to see if it was worth the extra money.

 

[SuperD]

Thanks for the input, my problem is you can't get a 7" screen unit with GPS for less than $650. $500 for the Helix 5 with SI was going to be pushing the limits of my budget as it was, I was just trying to see if it was worth the extra money.

7" screen, $449.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Humm...h=true&N=0&y=6&Ntt=7%2Bsonar&x=10&Ntt=7+sonar

 

[Wavedancer]

So the down imaging or side imaging aren't worth getting?

 

[callelk]

So the down imaging or side imaging aren't worth getting?

Trolling 150' of water..nope. Structure fishing bass, perch on the bottom in 15' of water? It maybe worth every penny.

 

[mrmike]

Your electronic are your eyes in this fish world,purchase what you can afford but is as important as putting gas in your fuel tank. I just purchased a Garmin 747 with chirp and DV love it. On a resent walleye trip it was unbelievable picking up bottom snags and such.Just my two cents .