Looking for a sharper, wider, brighter and faster fish finder? Well, this is precisely how Humminbird describes their Helix 7 model.
Much like their past models, this one is an affordable and well-made device. It features upgraded technology, wider screen and all the benefits of Down and Side Imaging.
Continue reading as we break down its specifications and features that define it the most.
Specifications of The Humminbird Helix 7 SI
The screen also allows you to view from all angles. It’s a 7’’ screen with a 480×800 pixel resolution which gives you bright and crisp pictures that are easy to read.
The unit measures 10.54’’W x 5.80’’H x 3.68’’D and weighs about 5.4 pounds in total. Its size and weight allow you to carry it around and maneuver easily.
It features Down Imaging at 455 kHz and Side Imaging at 455 kHz. The maximum depth Helix 7 can work in is 1500/100ft.
It features a single MicroSD card slot as well as GPS navigation and built-in CountourXD map. The MicroSD card slot supports quite a few programs, some of which are AutoChart, LakeMaster, AutoChart pro, HotMaps and Navionics Gold. It has double RAM for easy and quick waypoint management. The RAM also allows screen refreshes.
Features
Sonar and Transducer
Like the Humminbird Helix 5, the Helix 7 comes with the XNT 9 SI 180 transom transducer. It supports 200/83/455 kHz frequencies.
The unit is HD-ready which means it supports the HD transducer XHS 9 HDSI 180 T. Still, you can only use the 200/83/455 frequencies with it.
Its transducer has a built-in temperature probe, so it indicates water temperature. However, it doesn’t feature any temperature graph.
It supports all sonar technologies; Side Imaging, Down Imaging and standard sonar. With SI, it covers 240 ft. on each side which is 480 ft. in total. With DI, you can choose between narrow, medium and wide beam depending on what you need.
GPS Navigation
The Helix 7 features an internal Precision GPS receiver. It provides excellent accuracy using WAAS for correction. You can save up to 2500 waypoints with 45 routes. Being able to save tracks, waypoints, and maps, this device is one of the most convenient on the market.
The unit also features track plotting function allowing you to save up to 50 tracks. GPS is what measures your boat’s speed too.
The cartography built-in is the UniMap that doesn’t offer much detail. It covers US coastline and inland lakes at about 30m/pixel.
Luckily, the Helix 7 is compatible with a few other mapping packs such as AutoChart, AutoChart Pro, Lake Master, Navionics, and Humminbird Mapping.
Display
This full-color unit has a display color grayscale of 256 colors. It’s a 7-inch diagonal display that’s HD ready and has a pixel matrix of 480V x 800H.
It’s LED backlit and has an IP67 rating. This means it can take incidental water exposure. It has a MicroSD card slot for sonar recordings and any additional mapping. Its softer is upgradable via SD card. It also has an NMEA 013 port but doesn’t support NMEA 2000.
Side Imaging
It offers a 180-degree side to side imaging that shows what’s underneath the water surface. All the pictures are displayed in three-dimensional and monochromatic detail.
Using the transducer that comes with the unit, the sonar beam working at 455 kHz covers 240 feet on both sides. As you’re moving forward, the sonar detects all change. It collects all signals and shows you the lake bottom.
It allows you to magnify specific areas and mark GPS location. Side Imaging will enable you to see all changes and fish locations in detail, regardless of how clear the water is.
It’s great to invest in a good side imaging fish finder as they are an extremely effective tool that’s worth the penny.
Down Imaging
The Helix 7 SI uses Down Imaging to show the view of the underwater environment. The sonar works at 455 kHz to create these images.
When its waves hit solid objects, they return at several times. Then, they transform into a three-dimensional, monochromatic image with superior clarity.
All these images feature robust terrain, fish location, and vegetation. This also allows you to visualize your lures and fishing line with ease.
Mounting
The Helix 7 SI has a gimbal mounting bracket that’s sturdy and durable. It allows you quick mounting and disconnecting, which is an improvement from previous models of the series.
The whole thing is easy to install, but you can also use in-dash mounting if you like. Both options are reliable and useful. It has a tilt-and-swivel mount, but you can also use an in-dash mount on it as well.
Pros:
This is one of those units that have many benefits and advantages. It’s packed with pros that speak of its quality and ease of use. Most of the benefits of the product are delivered by its customers who have used it for some time, and can speak of how it performs.
Though its customers are highly pleased with the product overall, we must mention some of its most essential pros and stand-out features.
- Appropriate for fresh and saltwater
- Comes with built-in GPS
- Wide and LED backlit screen
- Features a split screen feature
- Easy mounting and dismounting
- Quick screen refreshing
- Quick sonar returns
- SI and DI
- Bonded glass display
- Features 256 colors
- IP67 rating
- Dust-tight
- It features a MicroSD card slot
- It’s durable and sturdy
Cons:
Cons are also a big part of every product, and it’s no different with the Humminbird Helix 7 SI. It has some minor setbacks and things that could’ve been done differently. However, comparing pros to cons, you can see why most people tend to overlook these few setbacks.
- Nonetheless, here they are:
- You can’t connect it to any other Humminbird unit
- There’s no 800 kHz for Side and Down Imaging
- Doesn’t feature an NMEA 2000 port
- It has only one MicroSD card slot which means using only one swap card at the time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fish finder that offers a solid amount of features for a substantial price, this might be it. It’s an affordable unit that’s highly ranked and often recommended by many anglers and fishers.
Its specifications and features make it easy for the device to stand out among plenty of models on the market. The ease of use, in this case, is remarkable as you can easily mount and dismount it at any time.
With the Helix 7 SI fish finder, you get upgrade possibilities, maps, other transducer options, SI and DI and much more.
The quality of the product stands out in its pros and cons ratio. Plus, it offers a vast number of features you can use in salt and fresh water. The Humminbird Helix 7 SI fish finder is among the best on the market for its durability, efficiency, and performance.
