Humminbird 409620-1 HELIX 5 DI Fish Finder Review

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Humminbird has released their new series of fish finders in March 2016 called HELIX 5. The HELIX series thrives in picture quality and overall quality of resolution. It comes with a landscape mode on an 800 x 480-pixels resolution, and a 5-inch screen. This is a high-end product for a reasonably affordable price. In this review, we will try to evaluate the product based on its capabilities, price, and overall quality.

Having GPS is important because you can create a map with your favorite hotspots for fishing. Also, you can mark particular waypoints to come back. If you're fishing in unfamiliar waters, there's a possibility of getting lost. With GPS integrated into this product, you'll always know your position and the way back to safety. Satellite system accuracy is on a high level nowadays; it can easily spot dents and anomalies on the bottom.

All in all, buying a device with GPS tracking system integrated is a smart choice, although, the price difference is significant in oppose to devices without GPS.

The Screen

The screen comes with an excellent resolution of 800 x 480-pixels. 5 inches of wide-screen 256 color TFT offer a good insight of what's happening below the deck. Down Imaging and Dual Beam PLUS sonar allow the user to see a high-quality representation of what is beneath the deck. 5 inches is more than enough to get a full insight of your surroundings, and you can split screens as well. Multiple displays technology is a great commodity to have in this device.

On the one side of the screen you can mark waypoints and track coordinates with the GPS, and on the other screen, you have the ability to see what's happening around you and detect fish. The backlight of the display is adjustable, so it's useful in sunlight as well as at night.

Down Imaging allows you to get a fish-eye view of what's happening below the deck. The latest technology integrated into this device offers impressive pictures and accurate readings.

The Frequencies

The frequencies on which this product works on are 455 kHz and 800 kHz. Most of the devices nowadays have 800 kHz frequencies, but lower rates are better for deeper waters. If you set the rate to maximum, more energy will be directed to a narrower area. 455 kHz is good for various things like scanning isolated pieces of cover on the bottom. 800 kHz is optimal for making second passes over hotspots you've already been on. This frequency offers better readings and more detailed images in shallow waters.

Both of these frequencies can distinguish particular soil and can detect differences between fish, bait, and terrain. SwitchFire mode which enables users to adjust the screen how much or how little clutter appears as well as remove or add detail account for water depth.

The Sonar

Split Screen Views

The split screen offers multitasking. It's valuable if you're, for example, marking waypoints and fishing at the same time. On one side of the screen you'll get an insight of what's happening below the deck, and on the other aspect of the screen, you'll see marked waypoints via GPS. Quickly identifying various terrain through the top-quality Sonar allows you to review the images on a split screen with ease. Also, the menu isn't complicated; the device is compact and easy to use.

SwitchFire

This innovative technology puts anglers in command of how their sonar returns appear. SwitchFire adds a whole new dimension to 2D fish finding. It accounts the water depth, temperature, and turbulence. The Clear mode allows you to filter out the noise in rough waters and get a much better reading and presentation of what's going on. When you turn on the max mode, you'll get incredibly detailed images. Also, you'll be able to tell the difference between terrain, fish, and bait with ease.