Humminbird helix ice 5

[BT_1987]

Anyone out there have experience with the helix ice 5? Used to have a vexilar flx28, but thinking about trying out a humminbird. Was also looking at the ice-55 which is very much like a vex/marcum and the ice 688ci. I like the price of the helix 5....lots of features without breaking the bank.

 

[Captainbrad]

I use it. 2d+ zoom on split screen is the way to go. Different than a vex but I like it.

 

[luvcatchingbass]

I'm starting my 3rd yr on my ice 55 and have friends I fish with on a regular basis with vex 18 and 28. I still like my 55 after fishing next to the vex28 but also like the 28, each their own in my opinion.
A helix 5 is my major wish list especially for having two if having someone in the group that needs a loaner but will probably have to wait till next year.
Dumb question but does the helix 5 have the ability to make your own contour map?

 

[BT_1987]

I'm not sure about making your own contour map on helix 5.

 

[Captainbrad]

I'm starting my 3rd yr on my ice 55 and have friends I fish with on a regular basis with vex 18 and 28. I still like my 55 after fishing next to the vex28 but also like the 28, each their own in my opinion.
A helix 5 is my major wish list especially for having two if having someone in the group that needs a loaner but will probably have to wait till next year.
Dumb question but does the helix 5 have the ability to make your own contour map?

The G2 Helix 5 that is coming out in 2017 will have Autochart live and be able to make maps

 

[Duckslayer100]

I picked up the Helix 5 open water model and was wondering what it all takes to convert it to ice duty. Might even sell my Marcum if I like it enough.

I imagine I'll need an ice ducer and some power cord to connect it to a battery. I've seen where folks rig up a carry system using those plastic Plano ammo boxes. Looks slick.

 

[Captainbrad]

I picked up the Helix 5 open water model and was wondering what it all takes to convert it to ice duty. Might even sell my Marcum if I like it enough.

I imagine I'll need an ice ducer and some power cord to connect it to a battery. I've seen where folks rig up a carry system using those plastic Plano ammo boxes. Looks slick.

I converted mine. I ordered up a portable kit with everything including the bag, mounts and portable bracket as well as battery. It also came with the mount to make a portable boat mount transducer (that I use in the summer.) Then of course I bought a transducer.

You need to mount it to something. a power cable and an ice ducer. I saw one recently online where a guy rigged up an aluminum bracket to a kitty litter pail. He mounted the unit away from it so he could sit on the pail and see the unit while fishing. the cables and batteries were inside the pail so he could just put his rods and such in and pick it up.

 

[Bfishn]

I picked up the Helix 5 open water model and was wondering what it all takes to convert it to ice duty. Might even sell my Marcum if I like it enough.

I imagine I'll need an ice ducer and some power cord to connect it to a battery. I've seen where folks rig up a carry system using those plastic Plano ammo boxes. Looks slick.

Yep, should just need the ice ducer and a new power cord (PC-10) to hook to Vex battery. One thing i have heard about the helix is that only the ice version has the duel beam sonar. The open water versions supposedly are only single beam and not overly effective if you are in deeper water at all. I don't know this for sure though.

Check walmart online for the ducer and power cord. Can have them shipped to store. I ordered an extra power cord and it was at Bismarck walmart in two days. Almost ordered the ducer right away becasue it was cheaper than anywhere else, but just plan to have it mounted on ATV for maps this season.

 

[Duckslayer100]

Yep, should just need the ice ducer and a new power cord (PC-10) to hook to Vex battery. One thing i have heard about the helix is that only the ice version has the duel beam sonar. The open water versions supposedly are only single beam and not overly effective if you are in deeper water at all. I don't know this for sure though.

Check walmart online for the ducer and power cord. Can have them shipped to store. I ordered an extra power cord and it was at Bismarck walmart in two days. Almost ordered the ducer right away becasue it was cheaper than anywhere else, but just plan to have it mounted on ATV for maps this season.

By deep water, how deep do you mean? I rarely fish deeper than 25 feet in the winter.

 

[3Roosters]

So what am I missing? Instead of ordering, retro- fitting, jerry rigging the regular Helix 5, why not just get the ICE 5 version? I think I saw the ice unit for like $449. Think the regular unit was like $310-$350.

 

[Bfishn]

By deep water, how deep do you mean? I rarely fish deeper than 25 feet in the winter.

i'm honestly not sure, i just came across the info while looking for other stuff. I believe the ice ducer with ice 5 has a 9 and 19 degree cone angel. I want to say the smallest on the normal helix is 20 degrees. I just saw some guys complaining about it.

- - - Updated - - -

So what am I missing? Instead of ordering, retro- fitting, jerry rigging the regular Helix 5, why not just get the ICE 5 version? I think I saw the ice unit for like $449. Think the regular unit was like $310-$350.

The ice 5 doesn't come with DI or SI. For me i wanted a helix 7 DI GPS for the boat and then mount on ATV for winter lake contours. Also the ICE version doesnt really seem to go on sale. I picked up a 7 DI GPS for $420, i could add the ducer to hole hop with ATV and only be in for $500. The ICE 7 is $600 and you would have to spend another $100 for a summer ducer and still not have DI.

 

[Duckslayer100]

What BFishn said. I got Helix 5 DI with Navionics+ for a steal from Cabela's. $309.99 shipped. Didn't even realize I could use it ice fishing until after it was on its way. So for about $100 more, I can get the ducer and power cable and be ready to rock this ice season.

 

[lostinnd]

I also got the one from Cabelas for $310 and plan on selling the chip or perhaps my lakemaster chips haven't decided yet. You can use the summer transducer with it just have to zip tie the cord to the transducer so it hangs horizontal and use an arm made of wood or metal to hang it over the hole, could use a piece of foam too I suppose. Ebay the humminbird ice bag for $38 and pick up a battery and you are ready to go.