Lowrance or Humminbird for ice fishing

[Lungdeflator]

Is there any big differences between a lowrance unit like the Elite 5 and a humminbird unit like the Helix 5 for ice fishing?
Is one faster than the other? Is one of them easier on batteries than the other? I'd like to get one with GPS and a map chip, what chip is better for Sakakawea?
Thanks!

 

[Bfishn]

The lake master chip for Hummingbird has the better contours for Sak/Oahe. I pull my Helix 7 off the boat and mount it on my ATV for the contours, I still use the ole Vex for my actual fishing though.

 

[Stinger]

I use a helix 5 on my wheeler with a Navionics chip. Pretty much only fish Sak, but when i was in Minot i used the lake master chip for darling.

 

[Enslow]

Shorthairs always recommends vexilar due to the advancements in technology.

 

[DirtyMike]

I believe this topic has been rehashed about three dozen times. Lakemaster chip for sakakawea, which will drive your choice of electronics.

 

[RustyTackleBox]

agree with DM... sadly we will continue with this theme until garmin figures out how to buy lake master too

 

[Traxion]

Can anyone tell me then is there a difference between say a Helix 7 and Helix ICE 7? Same screens, menus, etc. available or are there ice specific features with the ICE version? Hbird customer service couldn't answer the question so.....

 

[Allen Gamble]

I was looking at picking up an ICE-45..... then looked at the ICE HELIX 5 and figured that would also be slick in my kayak.... not sure what to do.

 

[Bfishn]

Can anyone tell me then is there a difference between say a Helix 7 and Helix ICE 7? Same screens, menus, etc. available or are there ice specific features with the ICE version? Hbird customer service couldn't answer the question so.....

I think certain models of the helix like the DI or SI might run a different frequency that doesn't work with the dual beam ice-ducer, i think you only get one really wide beam that doesn't work very well. I think you are OK if you just get a standard helix or GPS version. If your main objective is using it for ice fishing i would prob just get that model to be sure.

I have a helix 7 DI i was going to get the ice-ducer for, but decided not to after i read about the large single beam only.

 

[eseamands]

I was looking at picking up an ICE-45..... then looked at the ICE HELIX 5 and figured that would also be slick in my kayak.... not sure what to do.

I have the Ice Helix 5 for ice fishing, and bought a suction cup transducer for the kayak. Works well. Portable, light, good battery, good options.

I've even put it in my father-in-law's boat up front, on occasion, with that suction cup transducer.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AQQX0/?tag=nodakangler10-20

 

[Traxion]

I think certain models of the helix like the DI or SI might run a different frequency that doesn't work with the dual beam ice-ducer, i think you only get one really wide beam that doesn't work very well. I think you are OK if you just get a standard helix or GPS version. If your main objective is using it for ice fishing i would prob just get that model to be sure.

I have a helix 7 DI i was going to get the ice-ducer for, but decided not to after i read about the large single beam only.

That makes sense with the DI/SI. I never looked at the DI capabilities on the ice version, which there are none. So, Helix 5 ICE for $500, or the Helix 5 G2 GPS for $300? The ice transducer is $100 while their complete setup is $250. Blue Box and I think I'm good. Just need to know if the screens/menus are the same between the two or not. Only reason I care is I need a new graph on the front of the boat and would like to be able to use it for both. Don't need DI though.

 

[Velva_zv21]

The helix 5 ice comes with a screen display option that looks like the good ol' vexilar screen... and I think the non ice didn't have that option.... which didn't matter to me when using the helix ice cause I just used the 2d sonar screen with jig mode on.....i could be wrong though about ice vs non ice.....as far as getting a g2n or not go with the g2n in case in the future you decide to get another graph lets say with mega imaging you'll be able to see that on the helix 5 as well after you network it

 

[Captainbrad]

That makes sense with the DI/SI. I never looked at the DI capabilities on the ice version, which there are none. So, Helix 5 ICE for $500, or the Helix 5 G2 GPS for $300? The ice transducer is $100 while their complete setup is $250. Blue Box and I think I'm good. Just need to know if the screens/menus are the same between the two or not. Only reason I care is I need a new graph on the front of the boat and would like to be able to use it for both. Don't need DI though.

It is the same head unit. The ice pack, battery and ice ducer is what changes the price. I converted a Helix 5 for ice a few years back and use it all year long. No issues.

 

[Bfishn]

The helix 5 ice comes with a screen display option that looks like the good ol' vexilar screen... and I think the non ice didn't have that option.... which didn't matter to me when using the helix ice cause I just used the 2d sonar screen with jig mode on.....i could be wrong though about ice vs non ice.....as far as getting a g2n or not go with the g2n in case in the future you decide to get another graph lets say with mega imaging you'll be able to see that on the helix 5 as well after you network it

Standard unit has the vex mode but like you said i dont think thats what you want to use anyways. Also as far as networking i don't think any of the 5's can be networked. I think now with the gen2 7's can be.