Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP/GPS Combo G3 Review

The Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP/GPS Combo G3 is an excellent option for anglers who want a reliable, user-friendly fishfinder with integrated GPS functionality, all packed into a compact, easy-to-use design. This unit combines the power of CHIRP sonar with the convenience of built-in GPS, making it a versatile and affordable choice for both recreational and serious anglers. With its 5-inch display, straightforward interface, and essential sonar technologies, the HELIX 5 G3 is perfect for those looking to enhance their fishing experience without overwhelming complexity.

Features:

1. 5-Inch Color Display: The 5-inch display on the HELIX 5 G3 is crisp, clear, and bright enough to be easily read in most lighting conditions. While the screen isn’t as large as some other high-end models, it’s the perfect size for anglers who want a compact, portable unit that doesn’t take up much space. The color display helps make fish and underwater structures easy to distinguish, and the 2000 nits brightness ensures visibility even in direct sunlight.

2. CHIRP Sonar Technology: The CHIRP sonar technology on the HELIX 5 G3 provides superior target separation, improved resolution, and clearer images compared to traditional sonar systems. By transmitting a broader spectrum of frequencies, CHIRP sonar allows for better detail and depth, helping anglers easily distinguish between fish, structures, and the bottom, even in deeper or murkier water. This is a significant advantage over basic sonar systems, giving you clearer and more accurate readings.

3. Built-in GPS: The GPS in the HELIX 5 G3 is integrated directly into the unit, making it easier to navigate and track your movements on the water. The built-in base map provides useful, high-level information for navigation, and it also supports Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks, which is helpful for marking fishing hotspots or navigating through unfamiliar waters. Though it’s not as detailed as premium mapping systems, the GPS is functional and reliable for most recreational anglers.

4. AutoChart Live: One of the standout features of the HELIX 5 G3 is AutoChart Live, which allows you to create custom, real-time maps of your fishing area. This feature allows you to map the depth contours, bottom hardness, and vegetation of the lake or river you’re fishing in, providing detailed, personalized maps that you can use during future trips. This makes the HELIX 5 G3 a more powerful tool for anglers who are looking to understand their fishing grounds better.

5. DualBeam Plus Sonar: The DualBeam Plus sonar on the HELIX 5 G3 allows you to choose between a wider sonar beam for coverage and a narrower beam for more precise detail. This flexibility makes the unit ideal for different types of fishing, whether you’re scanning large areas or focusing on specific targets in deeper waters.

6. Ease of Use: The HELIX 5 G3 is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The interface is intuitive, and the unit is easy to set up and navigate. The simple menu system allows you to quickly adjust settings, switch sonar views, and access GPS features without a steep learning curve. It’s perfect for beginners or anglers who want to focus on the essentials without getting bogged down by overly complex features.

Pros:

• Clear and Detailed Sonar: The CHIRP sonar technology delivers high-quality sonar images with improved resolution and target separation, making it easier to locate fish and structures.
• Affordable Price: Compared to other high-end fishfinders, the HELIX 5 G3 offers a great balance of price and performance. It provides essential sonar and GPS features without the high cost of premium models.
• Built-in GPS with Waypoints and Tracks: The GPS functionality is easy to use and provides key navigation features, including Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks. This makes it simple to mark fishing spots or navigate to different locations.
• AutoChart Live: The ability to create custom maps with AutoChart Live is a great feature for anglers who want more detailed and personalized information about the water they are fishing in.
• Compact and Portable: The 5-inch screen is large enough to view sonar data clearly, but the unit is still small and portable, making it easy to mount on various types of boats without taking up too much space.
• DualBeam Plus Sonar: The versatility of DualBeam Plus sonar offers both wide coverage and narrow precision, making it suitable for different fishing environments.

Cons:

• Limited Display Size: The 5-inch display may feel small for anglers who are used to larger screens for detailed sonar readings, especially when trying to view multiple sonar views at once.
• Basic Mapping: While the built-in GPS is useful for navigation, it lacks the detailed charts and mapping options of higher-end models. Those who need more advanced mapping options may want to consider other options.
• No Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Unlike higher-end models, the HELIX 5 G3 does not come with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. This means you cannot easily update the software, control the unit remotely, or share data with other devices.
• No Side Imaging or Down Imaging: While the CHIRP sonar and DualBeam provide decent detail, the HELIX 5 G3 lacks Side Imaging or Down Imaging capabilities, which are available in more advanced models for a more comprehensive view of the underwater world.

Conclusion:

The Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP/GPS Combo G3 is a fantastic option for anglers who want a solid fishfinder with CHIRP sonar, GPS functionality, and AutoChart Live for creating custom maps, all at an affordable price. Its 5-inch display offers clear, easy-to-read sonar data, and the unit’s DualBeam Plus sonar provides versatility in fishing conditions. The built-in GPS is great for basic navigation, and the AutoChart Live feature adds value for anglers who want to map their fishing areas.

While the display size may be small for some, and the unit lacks advanced features like Side Imaging or Down Imaging, it’s a great choice for those who don’t need the most complex setup but still want quality performance. Whether you’re a beginner or a casual angler, the HELIX 5 G3 offers excellent value for its price and is a reliable companion for a wide range of fishing scenarios.