In 2015, Humminbird gave us the Helix series that has a few popular fish finders, among which is the Helix 9 DI GPS. Regardless of whether you’re a professional angler or just a recreational fisher, the unit will help you out in your fishing endeavors.
So, if you’re looking for a new fish finder, the Humminbird Helix 9 Di GPS is an excellent option to consider. Continue reading to learn what makes it as remarkable as we discuss its features, specifications, and pros and cons.
Technical Details
- Sonar – DI, DualBeam Plus with SwitchFire
- Screen – 9’’ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, color TFT, 16:9, backlit
- Depth capability – 600 ft. for 2D and 350ft. for DI
- Transducer – Transom XNT 9 SI 180 T
- Power output – 500 Watts RMS
- Power input – 10-20 VDC
- Maps – ContourXD that’s built-in, AutoChart Live
- Frequency – 455 kHz for Down Imaging, 200 and 83 kHz for DualBeam Plus
- Coverage – side to side with SI
- GPS – Precision, internal
- Routes, tracks and waypoints – 45, 50 (20000 points each), 2750
Humminbird Helix 9 Di GPS Features
Control unit
Much like all the other Helix 9 models, the Humminbird Helix 9 SI GPS has a great processor that offers fast image updates. This means that the fish finder is 25% faster than old Humminbird fish finders.
It has a 9’’ diagonal display with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The pixel resolution here is 800H x 480V. It’s backlit, meaning it’s easy to read regardless of weather conditions. It gives clear and bright images with enough screen surface.
It’s IPX7 waterproof, which means the Helix 9 Di can take water splashes and immersions up to 3ft under water. It’s also dust-tight.
This product also has precise internal GPS chart-plotting, Ethernet capabilities, and built-in ContourXD maps. It comes with Down Imaging and DualBeam Plus sonar.
Its X-Press Menu system has a one-touch selection to many menu options. It allows you to zoom in and out, freeze the frame, mark GPS settings, take snapshots, and many other functions.
GPS & Mapping
Like the other units, the Humminbird Helix 9 comes with internal precision GPS/WAAS receiver. It provides quick looks with 2.5m accuracy. The device allows saving up to 2750 waypoints and 45 routes.
It can save up to 50 tracks which can also be used as routes. You can add waypoints to them if you want to.
Regarding mapping, it’s important to note that the Helix 9 comes with AutoChart Live. This means you can map pretty much any body of fresh and salt water. These charts feature highlight depth, water level offset, and shallow water highlight. The maps are compatible with i-Pilot Link.
This kind of mapping allows you to set your boat on automatic pilot and follow a specific depth contour.
The built-in ContourXD covers more than 3000 US lake maps with depth contours, channels, access points, etc.
Though the details are limited, its mapping features will help a lot.
Sonar
The Humminbird Helix 9 also comes with an XNT 9 DI T transom transducer that supports its sonar. It’s dedicated to Down Imaging and works at 200/455/800 kHz.
For DualBeam Plus 2D sonar, the fish finder uses two conical beams: 16/455 kHz, and 28/200 kHz. It uses two fan beams for Down Imaging at 455 kHz.
You can use both frequencies simultaneously, viewing them in a blended or split-screen. Plus, it features the Switchfire function in 2D that does all sonar filtering. You’ll notice how this helps to alternate between information
The Humminbird Helix 9 Di GPS fish finder also features Selective Fish ID+, Split-zoom, RTS, Bottom look, Sonar Recording, and Screen Snapshot. However, the Selective Fish ID+ is only available in 2D sonar.
Another sonar function worth mentioning is the Bottom Lock. It graphs the bottom; flattening it, in a way. It can show you bottom-feeding fish and structure. Real Time Sonar gives you the sonar information caught by sonar echo.
Potential Upgrades
There are several possible upgrades you can opt for. If you ever want to up your game, the Helix 9 DI GPS will help you with the many updates available. This Humminbird model can use a 50 kHz transducer. In 2D, you can use the fish finder for higher depths. Replace its transducer with another compatible one via the transducer replacement program.
For maps, the fish finder is compatible with Navionics Gold/HotMaps, Navionics Platinum+, and LakeMaster charts.
Its internal software is also upgradable. The Humminbird Helix 9 is compatible with AIS, Minn Kota, HD Radar, and PowerDrive V2 motors.
Plus, you have the option of wireless control with the AS RC1 Bluetooth remote control. It has seven keys with long and short press functions. The feature allows you to move through menus, change, views, make waypoints, etc.
This function, in particular, is ideal for all people who are looking to save time as it allows you to navigate without actually touching the fish finder. Its big screen gives you a good view from afar, too.
Pros
With further testing, here are a few pros that we found that the Humminbird Helix 9 has to offer:
- It features Down Imaging
- DualBeam Plus along with SwitchFire
- It comes with a powerful transom transducer that’s temperature capable
- Its maximum depth capability is 600 ft.
- It allows screen snapshots and sonar recordings
- Has multiple sonar functions such as Bottom Lock, Fish ID+, RTS, SwitchFire
- Precision GPS and ContourXD
- Routes, waypoints, and trackplotting
- Has a 9’’ backlit display with 16:9 format
- Features NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 ports
- AutoChart Live
- It’s IPX7 waterproof
- Allows wireless control and Ethernet control
- Has upgradable software
- Has dual MicroSD card reader
- It’s easy to install
Cons
The Helix 9 DI is a quality product that much like all others has its cons.. These are the few that stand out:
- It’s high-tech – many people said that the Helix 9 DI GPS fish finder is easy to install but not as easy to master
- Though it offers solid target separation, it doesn’t have CHIRP sonar. However, this does affect the price of the product, which is why it costs less than others of its size.
- Mapping detail could be limited
Final Thoughts
The Helix 9 DI GPS offers plenty of sonar features and a wide range of navigation options.
Regarding its design, it’s safe to say that’s it’s elegant and durable. It’s big enough to allow easy reading, while it’s also lightweight and easy to mount & dismount.
Plus, being that it’s compatible with many other technologies from Humminbird, it’s a convenient device. Though it’s a little hard to master, it’s quite easy to install and set up. Once you do learn, however, you’ll get a full notice of its many benefits.
Most anglers love it for its many convenient and easy-to-handle features such as waypoint marking and freeze frame. These and all others are available with a push of a button.
We also like to mention that its only real setback is the lack of CHIRP sonar. Still, take a look at its pros and all the reasons why people love it. For obvious reasons, it’s one of the most popular fish finders by Humminbird.
If you’re looking for an affordable fish finder to help you on your fishing trips, this might be the one for you. It’s high-quality, durable and reliable. Its features and specifications speak much of its quality and overall performance.
