Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 Review

How Does The Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 Perform When Used In Practice?

“Not a bad unit. I really liked its clear screen that is easily readable from different angles. The chirp makes a huge difference and adds more clarity to sonar output. However, I was not much impressed by preloaded maps. I had to get better maps at extra cost,” Kurt.

“I was a little leery about Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 due to its 5-inch display. Once I got onto the waters, I was really impressed. Its wide ratio makes the screen appear larger displaying everything in detail. The GPS feature and preloaded maps are great for getting from one spot to the next quickly,” Robert Inglis.

“Just 5 minutes on the water after installing it on my pontoon, I was pleased with the decision I made! It’s down imaging is second to none when compared to the regular chirp imaging. I had a clear view of the bottom structures and the drop-off. The clarity of this device in showing what is down there is invaluable” Michael Kinkers.

Features

Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 is an effective fish finder with great features.

Here are some of its notable features:

Display

The Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 features a 5-inch display. Although it is not the largest display, it is much easier to see than the 3.5-inch and the 4-inch screens, which are available in the same price range. Most small boat owners and kayakers love its small form factor as they can easily squeeze it through tight spaces.

The 480 × 800 pixels resolution is good for its size. It has a vibrant 256- color display that makes it easier to discern shapes and colors, enabling you to get great fishing spots.

The back is lit, making it easier to see the screen regardless of the lighting conditions. The display screen’s out of box color accuracy is excellent. It uses a side imaging screen that makes it possible to spread pictures across a wide area.

Interface

Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 interface is very simple and easy to use, which is not bad. It has all the necessary controllers, mark, and zoom buttons built into the main unit. Its simplicity works best with anglers.

Mapping

Helix 5 chirp high precision internal GPS technology offers accurate readings. This makes it possible to set different routes or waypoints using this unit.

Humminbird Basemap is well-loaded with more than 10,000 inland lakes and a U.S coastal map. The maps offer a clear underwater terrain view, hazards, identity markers, and navigation aids.

For more control over the maps, have a blast with AutoChart Live, enabling you to make the most from the GPS.

AutoChart establishes the contour depth of your location using the transducer. You will be in a position to create underwater terrain maps, save them for future use, and share them with other anglers.

Humminbird helix 5 has great down and side imaging features. It offers side imaging for 480 feet and 100 feet-deep terrain. This ensures one has a 180-degree look at everything that surrounds the boat. The down imaging technology ensures high-resolution images.

This makes it a perfect fish finder for those looking for something specific or interested in seeing what is under the boat.

The helix 5 chirp GPS does not have much storage space. This limits anglers to what they can save. There is an option for synchronizing 45 routes and 2500 waypoints using the AutoChart Live feature. However, it will cost more to download the maps.

There will be a need to access LakeMaster since it will enable you to use satellite imaging that helps with getting prime spots having lots of fish. Despite this feature being great for fishing, it has a premium cost that suits units with larger screens.

Sonar

Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 has three forms of sonar technology: SwitchFire, DualBeam, and CHIRP sonar.

CHIRP Sonar

This chirp sonar technology simultaneously uses waves, with the best image returned to the fish finder. This ensures better clarity and improves the overall distance making it easier to identify every object easily.

The chirp sonar comprises a strong transducer that will ensure anglers can differentiate between drop-offs, fish, and underneath debris.

DualBeam

The DualBeam enables one to balance clarity and distance. You can go for the narrow beam if you need high clarity with short terrain coverage. If clarity is not an issue, go for a wider beam for more extensive coverage.

Switch Fire Sonar

It comes with two settings for better imaging sonar customization. The clear mode offers better images to identify fish and other objects easily. Max mode performs much faster and is suitable for seeing thermoclines and larger underwater structures.

Switch Fire also acts as a color-coding system. Objects are color coded on how close they are to the vessel. Blue-colored objects are far away, while orange items are very close.

Fish finders have the capability of customizing the colors to suit their preferences.

This fish finder offers other important sonar-related functions like Fish Alarm, Sonar Recording, Flasher Sonar View, transducer, unimap charts, Selective Fish ID+, etc.

Networking

Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 offers very little for people needing networking features. Some anglers prefer fish finders with extra expensive networking capabilities.

Helix 5 Chirp G2 is not compatible with all smartphone devices. It means anglers will not use their mobile phones in tangent with the fish finder. Although this might be a deal breaker, its simplicity can be ideal.

Anglers will never have to worry about Wi-Fi connection provided they have the right detailed maps downloaded.

Who Is Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS g2 For?

Humminbird Helix 5 is an excellent fish finder for both beginners and professional anglers. It suits any person interested in seeing whatever is right under their boat with extreme clarity offering a greater advantage in getting fish. You will never complain about this fish finder’s usefulness and performance.