Humminbird Fish Finders Compared

Why Choose Humminbird?

With experience dating back to 1971, Humminbird has long been a big name in the market. It all started with Tom Mann and his desire to peer into ‘honey holes’ to catch more fish out of the structure where they like to hide.

Some of the best fishing electronics ever made come out of their home base in Eufaula, Alabama, with standout features such as:

Features to Look for When Shopping for Humminbird Fish Finders

Navigation

Built-in chartplotting can help anglers see where their boat is and what direction it’s heading to help them get where they want to go. Overlaying this feature onto GPS maps allows for turn-by-turn directions and, on some models, even an AutoPilot feature that will select the best route for you. It’s also possible for the more sophisticated Humminbirds to record the screen to map favorite fishing spots. Not all models have all of these features, so it's essential to do your research if you have to have one of them.

Sonar Technology

Just about all, if not all, Humminbird fish finders have CHIRP capability, which is a kind of sonar that sends out many different waves at different frequencies to get a more complete and up-to-the-minute picture of what’s happening underneath the surface. In addition to CHIRP, some models have Side Imaging and Down Imaging, with which anglers can see either out to the side of their boat or directly down into the water beneath it. The depth and range of these modes and their availability vary with each Humminbird model.

Depth Range & Target Separation

Some devices are meant to reach to the bottom of very deep water, and others are just meant to help when fishing inshore, in the shallows, or off the bank. Usually, larger models can send signals deeper into the water. Some devices are more geared toward sending sonar waves out wider in Side Imaging mode.

The degree to which individual fish can be seen with clarity is called target separation. Advanced models show individual heads and fins, while some others only show fish symbols with little to no separation at all.

Mounting Type

It’s vital to match the fish finder with the style of fishing. Smaller devices that are more portable usually work better for kayak fishing. Handheld ones suit inshore anglers, and larger mountable devices are optimal for folks with boats.

Mounting the transducer is also important. Keeping it away from the propeller and prop wash will prevent damage to the hardware and ensure a clear signal. Mounting a transducer with a handmade DIY setup is quite popular for ice anglers, while gimbals are preferred for kayak fishing.

Transducer

The transducer is the piece of hardware that sends out and receives sonar waves. It usually attaches to the fish finder via a cable. The ducer sends out waves in a defined angle, either wide or narrow, depending on the settings.

This width is often called the cone or beam angle. Wider angles offer less detail over a wider space, and narrower cones allow the user to see particular spots more precisely. Some Humminbirds can show information from both wide and narrow beams simultaneously with a feature called Dual Beam that makes them much more effective.

Data Storage & Connectivity

Whether mapping out a favorite fishing spot or storing preloaded maps, it’s important to choose a fish finder with enough room to hold the information you need. The more advanced models from Humminbird have SD card storage to hold more information, and the top-of-the-line ones even have two slots.

In addition to storage, connecting the device to get information can save lots of time. Some Humminbirds connect with Bluetooth, WiFi, ethernet, or other methods, and others have more limited options.

Performance Features

Other variations between the many Humminbird fishfinders include accuracy, viewing and visibility, and portability. It’s vital to get information about the structure and target location ASAP to ensure the target isn't gone by the time the lure is in place. 

High sunlight sometimes makes it hard to see the screen. Adjusting the device by tilting or swiveling it is also handy to make sure the information is legible. Portability is important for some anglers but not for all, and there’s usually a tradeoff between a device's performance and its ability to transport.

Price & Warranty

Like so many other pieces of fishing gear, price and performance are generally correlated. That being said, the most expensive fish finder might be overkill for more amateur anglers, and the cheapest might not have all the performance features required. 

As we mentioned earlier, all Humminbird fishfinders come with at least a one-year warranty. The most advanced ones come with two-year warranties. They generally cover damage from the manufacturing process and start from the date of purchase.

1. Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G2

2. Humminbird Ice Helix 7

For fishing in colder environments and through holes in the ice, Humminbird has developed this specially-suited ice fishing version of their highly effective Helix series.

What was already the best Humminbird fishfinder GPS combo on the market has been given a powerful ice transducer that sends a dual CHIRP signal up to 400 feet into the water. That might be less than the standard Helix models, but it’s plenty far for comparatively shallower depths where ice will form. This fishfinder was built to gather all the information in that range in high-definition.

Besides adding a new dimension of strategic thinking to ice fishing, the Ice Helix 7 also has some design features and included benefits to correct some of the inconveniences that ice angling tends to involve. It comes with its own carrying case, so it's easy to get to a fishing hole, and it also has a built-in cable wrapping device that prevents the transducer cable from tangling up in other gear and possibly taking some damage.

Where the electronics and informatics are involved, this is a very high-performance device. The display is sharp, using both the fish flasher and the scanning modes. There’s no loss of time between the receipt of the signal and the display of the new information on the screen. Setting waypoints for the most productive fishing spots is simple and makes keeping track of fishing holes really easy.

Setting sensitivity is quick as well, which allows the angler to toggle between seeing the smallest lures and fish movements or blocking them from view. This device also can block noise created by other nearby fishfinders to make sure the view for the angler is always clear.

3. Humminbird SOLIX 12

The SOLIX is without a doubt Humminbird’s highest-performing model, and while it may be too large an investment for casual anglers, it's all that will do for avid and pro-level sport fishing enthusiasts.

The tech really stands out on this top of the range model; from the huge touch screen to the tremendously powerful transducer, it feels like you have a complete view of your surroundings.

Having the ability to zoom and scale with a thumb and forefinger just like a smartphone and pair different information displays side-by-side on the screen lets depth, fish movements, and plotting stay organized and clutter-free. Concentrating on just what you need or zooming out to get a general idea will help anglers form a more cohesive strategy on the water.

A maximum 1,200 feet for SONAR can be expanded to a whopping 5,000 feet with the purchase of an Airmar CHIRP transducer, making this a solid choice for a deep-sea fishfinder. There aren’t clearer fish arcs on a fish finder from Humminbird or any other company than what you’ll see on the Solix. In some conditions, the heads and tails of fish are discernable on the screen.

High-definition map data is built-in and easy to add to thanks to the dual SD card slots. Pair the Solix with a trolling motor or make use of its autopilot feature to completely integrate boat data with fishing data, or ensure your boat takes the fastest route to a destination even while you continue to fish along the way.

Connectivity is one of the most significant advantages of this fish finder. It’s Bluetooth, WiFi, and ethernet capable, plus it can communicate with other Humminbird products. Although it does require a larger investment upfront than other fish finders, the Solix is backed up by a 2-year warranty for the buyer’s peace of mind.

4. Humminbird Helix 7 G3

5. Humminbird HELIX 5

6. Humminbird Helix 5 DI

The precise built-in GPS on this fish finder makes heading out for deeper water much less worrisome. It also sends its SONAR signals far enough to get a good read on the water column at depths of up to 600 feet, which is deeper than comparable fish finders of this size.

Although there are larger models, it’s nice to have one that’s as compact as the Helix 5 DI when there are several lines out, especially if it’s gimbal-mounted. It can also be mounted on a trolling motor, although the bracket for that is sold separately.

This may not be one of Humminbird’s most sophisticated models, but it does have everything essential to have in a fish finder. The built-in UniMap charts have been replaced by more sweeping maps in updated Helix fish finders in the G2 series, but they still work well enough to make your way out and back and chart coastal waters. It also has a temperature display, which helps when trying to locate the best currents for your target fish.

Installing this unit only takes about an hour on a boat and considerably less on a kayak or a portable mount. In addition to getting clear readouts of the water column, this device is also a great introduction to Humminbird fish finders for the uninitiated since it’s much more pared-down that other models. It also saves the boat’s track for later use, so those unfamiliar with plotting can rely on it to get back to the shore easily.

7. Humminbird Piranhamax 4 PT

Not only is the upfront investment smaller for the Piranhamax 4, but this fish finder also has one of the most favorable portability-to-performance ratios on the market. It’s powered by a small battery and mounts quickly and easily with a gimbal.

There’s an in-dash mount available as well. While some things found in more expensive devices like GPS, chartplotting, and the Basemap are missing, the most important features are still included. The Piranhamax does a great job showing fish, lures, and structure in the water column. It’s not possible to get a side scan image with this device, but for scanning the bottom it works just fine, which makes it a great tool for ice anglers.

There is an auto-depth mode on this model, but it doesn’t always move to the best range for a given depth; for instance, it might not shift to a shallower depth on its own when you want it to. However, it’s easy to change the depth on the device manually in that case. Different display modes allow the user to decide how fish and natural features appear on the screen. Fish icons are available for those who don’t like seeing dots or lines that represent fish.

The transducer is sensitive enough to pick up on fish and display them clearly. A wide beam and a narrow beam are both available as well. Finding your lure can be a challenge since there’s no ruler on the side of the display, but with some quick math, that problem is easily rectified as long as you can remember what range you’re in.

It’s missing some additional features like a flasher mode, and it doesn't run as fast as more sophisticated models, but if all you need is an inexpensive way to see where the fish are, this is an excellent choice for you.

8. Humminbird 410160-1 Piranhamax 4 DI

The 4 DI is a portable Humminbird fishfinder with more technology behind it than just about any other model in its class.

It has a down-imaging feature that’s rarely seen in models in this price range. It’s a great option for anglers who aren’t used to having that tech and want a chance to use it and get used to it without making a huge investment in gear. The screen is easy to read in bright sunlight, even in that down-imaging mode. Amber, blue, and other color modes help make it comfortable to watch the display without suffering eye strain.

Alerts for shallow water and low battery help anglers stay safe even if they get caught up in the moment. Physically speaking, this Humminbird is a sturdy machine. The buttons are easy to press, even with gloves on, and it doesn’t wiggle in its mount at all. One downside to the hardware is that the transducer is a bit large. It juts out quite a distance from the boat, and if you have it mounted on the transom, it could possibly run into things during docking or launching.

Scrolling through the water column gives great, accurate information that’s up to date. Structure and water temperature are picked up readily by the transducer on this device. Some seasoned anglers might not like the way fish appear on this fish finder since they’re icons and not nice arcs like more advanced machines show, but the thing still finds fish, and that's the most important thing.

The display does suffer at higher speeds, so it might not be the best option for doing fast general area scans, but it does work well for fishing in a particular spot.

Humminbird vs. Other Brands

How to Set Up a Humminbird Fish Finder?

Most Humminbird fish finders that are mountable come with their own gimbal mount, which allows for them to be set up in a matter of minutes. The bottom of the mount goes into the designated place on a gear rack or attaches with screws.

It’s critical to mount the fish finder where it can be seen while the user is fishing. Typically somewhere near the cockpit is best. Transducers are usually dangled over the side of kayaks or placed on the transom of a boat for the strongest signal.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What kind of maintenance is needed for my Humminbird fishfinder?

Most fishfinders clean up easily. All you need is a damp cloth, which you can use to gently clean off the entire device. Make sure to dry it off completely afterward and store it in a dry place with the sunshade on, and the transducer cable fastened securely to make sure it doesn’t bend.

Are Humminbird fish finders waterproof?

The majority of Humminbird fishfinders perform just fine in spray and in wet conditions, but there are some reports of water entering the housing and causing damage. The general consensus is that they are waterproof, but make sure to research the particular model to make sure it can handle the elements on your fishing trip.

Are Humminbird transducers interchangeable?

While many transducers are interchangeable between Humminbird devices, there are particular ones designed to be used with each fishfinder model, and the best performance comes with the transducers rated for a given device. Certain frequencies are not usable as advertised if the right ducer is not matched with a fishfinder for which it’s rated to work.

Where can I find and buy replacement parts for my Humminbird fishfinder?

Do Humminbird fish finders all come with a warranty?

All Humminbirds come with a minimum one-year warranty. More sophisticated models come with an extended two-year warranty. Just remember that these warranties only cover manufacturing defects and occasionally might cover damage from regular use. They won’t cover regular wear and tear on the device.

Where can I find the best price on Humminbird fish finders?

Humminbird has its own website that features its wide selection of fishfinders, but there are also Amazon stores run by Humminbird and its certified retailers that often have better prices and might sell products that the company has taken off its own webpage. Usually, these older devices perform just as well as new ones but come with a smaller price tag because they aren’t the latest versions. 

Conclusion