Humminbird Helix 5 Fish Finder & Depth Finder review

Back in the old days, if you wanted to find the best fishing spots you had to do it based on experience and expertise. As a result, you may or may not come home with a catch of the day. Although fishing is not just about reeling in your next bite, you don’t want to spend all of your time waiting for something that might not happen.

So, if you’re ready to upgrade your fishing experience, then you want to invest in a fish finder like the Humminbird Helix 5. This handy device will let you know where the fish are at any given time so that you can leave the guesswork out of it.

Let’s see how this model can help you on your next fishing excursion.

Five-Inch HD Screen

When comparing different finders, you’ll notice that some of the high-end models have extra-large touchscreens. In this case, however, you get a five-inch HD display, which is more than enough for most experienced anglers. Although you don’t get all of the same bells and whistles as you could with a pricier model, it does what it’s supposed to do: find fish.

Older models worked in black and white, but thankfully this one is full color. Also, it is backlit so that you can see in any lighting condition, from direct sunlight to nighttime. The screen is big enough to see what’s going on beneath your boat, and it will ensure that you don’t come home empty-handed.

Dual Beam PLUS Sonar

The primary element of any fish finder is its ability to locate everything in the water. In this case, you get the standard Sonar offered by Humminbird. It provides you with a dual beam so that you can sweep in less time, and it shows you crisp, clean arches for all of the fish.

Another cool feature of this finder is that you can switch back and forth between two different viewing modes. This enables you to locate your next catch much more easily, and it provides some level of customization for your convenience.

User-Friendly Menu

As you can probably tell, this fish finder is great for those who just want something simple and effective. It doesn’t have a ton of extra features, but it still makes locating your next fish a lot easier. Part of the reason that we like this model is that it uses Humminbird’s intuitive controls.

From adjusting the sonar beam to customizing your sonar readout, you can navigate the menu without any difficulty. That being said, the buttons are kind of small, so you may have to practice your dexterity a little.

Also Read: Best Fishfinder GPS Combos under $1000

Transducer Provided

Oddly enough, some of the high-end fish finders you can find out there don’t come with a transducer. Considering that this is the part that lets you see anything under the water, it’s kind of bizarre that you can spend so much to be missing such a critical component.

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about that problem with the Helix 5. It has a transom-mounted transducer that allows you to see up to 1500 feet down. Its standard power rating is 500 watts (RMS), but it can go all the way up to 4000 watts peak to peak.

Mounting both the finder and the transducer is straightforward, so you should be ready to hit the water shortly after buying this product.

Pros

• Durable construction
• High-definition screen
• Full-color display with backlight
• Dual beam PLUS Sonar built-in
• Easy to use controls
• Ready to install out of the box
• Transom-mount transducer included
• 500-watt RMS power
• 4000-watt peak to peak
• 1500-foot depth capacity
• Waterproof design
• Upgradeable software
• Shows water temperature

Cons

• Screen may be too small for some users
• No GPS or boat speed

FAQs

• How does this finder show the fish?
• There are three sizes that it displays: small, medium, or large. You can select how you want to view them on the screen.
• Does this model come with a GPS built-in?
• No, it does not. You’ll have to upgrade to a newer model if you want to have a GPS.
• Does this unit come with a transducer?
• Yes, there is one included with this particular model.

Final Verdict

Although this finder is not as flashy or as comprehensive as some other models out there, we like it because it is efficient and straightforward. So, if you’re an experienced angler who just wants to be able to locate fish easier, then this will be a perfect addition to your boat. We like that it comes with everything you need to get started, and it is built tough so that you can rely on it for a long time.

Related Resources

• Best Depth Finder Reviews – Top Rated For The Money
• 10 Best Portable Fish Finders – Top Models Compared!
• Best Fish Finder Under $200 on the Market
• Best Fish Finders Under $300 – Buying Guide
• Best Ice Fishing Fish Finders – Comparison Included
• Best Fish Finder GPS Combo Units – Comparison Included