When you’re out on the water, it is sometimes time-consuming to find a good place to weigh anchor and cast your rod. Thankfully, there are some tools to help with this, such as fish finders. If you’re on the market, one of the best brands out there to look at is Humminbird.
There are a lot of models available, and we have chosen to look at some of the best Humminbird fish finders on the market for you. Check out our in-depth reviews below to help you make a purchasing decision that will suit your needs and your budget. So let’s get right down to it.
Humminbird Fish Finder Reviews
Humminbird Helix 5
Our first fish finder comes with a beautiful and easy-to-read 5” display and several sonar technologies built-in for optimized performance.
Review
Here are some of the key features you can expect with this fish finder:
- Display – 5” diagonal
- Screen Resolution – 800H x 480V
- Display Type – 256-color TFT
- Sonar – Dual Beam PLUS
- Frequencies – 83/200kHz
- Power Output – 500W/4000W
- Max. Depth – 1500’
- Transducer – XNT 9 20T
- SwitchFire Sonar
- Built-in Humminbird Basemap
- AutoChart Live
- LakeMaster compatible
There is a lot of things to like about this well-made model. The first is the durability of the material and the fact that it can be used in many different temperatures. It is also crafted with amazing sonar technology for improved accuracy and distance. On top of that, you can put it on any part of your boat, including the side.
Now, there are some things that we find could be improved. The unit can be mounted to your boat easily, but you may find you have to buy the brackets. Many of the units that have been purchased have not come with a mounting bracket in the box. Also, there is no speed detector built into the system.
Pros
- Made with dual-beam sonar technology for more accuracy
- Crafted with high-grade, weather-resistant materials
- Multiple mounting options for easy positioning
- Programed with a high-quality, built-in GPS
Cons
- Does not come with a mounting bracket
- Is not built with a speed detector
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Humminbird Helix 7
Our next fish finder is fitted with lots of great features and a high-quality transducer for more depth accuracy. It comes with two display modes, and that makes it a versatile choice for any fishing enthusiast.
Review
Here are a couple of the highlights you will find with this fish finder:
- Display – 7” diagonal
- Touch-screen interface
- Display Type – 256-color TFT
- Wireless connectivity technology
- Screen resolution – 800H x 480V
- MEGA down imaging
- Low Q CHIRP/ Dual Spectrum CHIRP transducer
- Power Output – 500W
- SwitchFire Sonar
- LakeMaster compatible
For us, the value you get when you choose this model is one of the best things about it. Features like the high-grade transducer that gives it up to 1,200 feet of depth cavity, as well as its connectivity, are so nice to have. This all helps give you better results. All combined, these features make this quite the choice for serious fishing enthusiasts.
Just because there is so much that we like about this unit doesn’t mean it is perfect, though. In fact, one of the biggest issues is that it is fitted with only one MicroSD card slot. This limits the usability, as you will not be able to use your Navionics SD while you are mapping your sonar reads. Also, there is no NMEA 2000 port.
Pros
- Fast and responsive interface is very easy to use
- Crafted with a high-grade transducer for better readability
- Built-in Bluetooth connectivity and Ethernet networking
- Good price versus value compared to other models
Cons
- No NMEA 2000 port included
- Only one MicroSD slot included
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Humminbird Helix 5 G2
The next model is a compact option that offers multiple ways to mount it to your boat. It is fitted with powerful components that give it heightened usability.
Review
Here are a few of the features and specifications of this fish finder:
- Down-imaging model
- Sonar – DualBeam PLUS w/ SwitchFire
- Transducer – Transom XNT 9 20T
- Display – 5” diagonal
- Screen Resolution – 800H x 480V
- Display Type – 256-color TFT
- LED backlight
- Depth capability – 1,500’
- Frequency – 83/200kHz
- Power Output – 500W
- MicroSD
- Precision internal GPS (chart plotting)
Many fish finders are what they are, and there is no way to upgrade them, but this unit has upgradability, which is the thing we may like the most. On top of that, it can also be mounted on a gimbal head that gives it better mobility. When it comes to performance, the traducer is high-powered and can give you great depth capability, which will help you catch more fish.
There is not a lot wrong with the overall performance of the unit. In fact, the only two things we found wrong with the unit were the price and the manual. The price is a little steep, so if you are working with a tight budget, you should look at one of the other models. On top of that, the manual is not very well-written, which could lead to some confusion.
Pros
- Software can be upgraded to stay up to date
- Comes with a gimbal mount for more mobility and comfortability of use
- Can chart waters to a depth of 1,500 feet
- Designed with a chart-plotting precision GPS system
Cons
- Price is a little steep compared to the other options
- Manual is not very easy to read
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Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4
The next unit is a low-cost, compact fish finder that might be great for someone with a small boat. It is designed to be able to be easy to move from place to place, and it is fitted with some great features.
Review
Here are some of the key features you can expect with this fish finder:
- Down-imaging model
- Sonar – DualBeam & Di
- Transducer – XNT 9 DI T
- Display – 4.3” diagonal
- Display Type – 256-color TFT
- Screen Resolution – 480H x 272V
- LED backlight
- Depth capacity – 320/600’
- Frequency – 200/400kHz
- Power Output – 300W
- Tilt & Swivel mount
The multiple sonar technologies built into the unit are just one of the many things that makes this model stand out. For those who have very little funds to invest in a fish finder, this model is a good choice. This model has a user-friendly display and is designed to be portable.
However, there are a few things that we think you should be aware of before making your final decision. The unit is what it is. Unlike our last model, you cannot upgrade the software whatsoever. The unit also does not come with a cover, which means it will be exposed to the elements at all times.
Pros
- Designed with two different types of sonar for more coverage
- User-friendly interface for beginners
- Budget-friendly price makes it great for most people
- Compact and lightweight frame for improved portability
Cons
- No software upgrades available
- No cover included in the purchase of this model
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Humminbird Helix 7 G3N
The last fish finder from Humminbird that we are going to look at is the Heli 7 G3N. It is a compact unit that is fitted with a lot of components that will elevate the performance of any fishing enthusiast.
Review
Here are a couple of the highlights you will find with this fish finder:
- Display – 7” diagonal
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP
- MEGA Down Imaging
- MEGA Side Imaging
- Frequency – 50/83/200/455kHz
- Screen Resolution – 800H x 480V
- Depth Capability – 1,200’
- Power Output – 500W
If you don’t have a big boat but still want to mount a fish finder to it, then this model is right up your alley. It is compact and still gives you a lot of benefits. For instance, the unit is fitted with two types of sonar technology, as well as both down imaging and side imaging. This elevates the accuracy and precision when out on the water.
Now, the compact build is good for a lot of reasons, but one thing that it does take away from is the display. The display is smaller, so it may be harder to see. Also, the unit and its usability are a little challenging for some. Because of this, the Helix 7 G3N may not be a good choice for beginners.
Pros
- Crafted with material that is waterproof for improved durability
- Built with Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar for more precise readings
- Designed with side and down imaging for a crisper and clearer image
- Compact body makes it easier to mount wherever you want it
Cons
- Smaller screen than many of its competitors
- Operating the unit might be difficult to figure out
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Final Thoughts
There you have it, some of the best fish finder models out there from the reliable and well-respected Humminbird brand. We hope we have helped narrow down your selection so that you can get out there on the water and catch yourself some fish.
If we had to choose which of the above models is our favorite, we would have to go with the Humminbird Helix 5 G2. Although it is a bit more expensive than the other options, the software can be updated, it can chart waters down to 1,500 feet, and it comes with a gimbal mount for comfort and mobility – what more could you want?!