How important is side imaging?

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TboneD

TboneD

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Aug 27, 2014
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Wilson Co.
Been shopping for a fish finder for a boat I'm trying to buy. It's in the shop waiting on a part, but anyhow, am I right in that the Hummingbird Helix 5 SI, which costs about $500, is the cheapest with side imaging? I'll be doing a lot of fishing for crappie and bass on Old Hickory, and while I don't want to spend a lot, I want to get what would be the most useful around all the boat docks and shoreline cover. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
I have a humminbird 798 (5" screen) and a lowrance elite 7ti (7" screen). A 5" screen is not even really usable for side imaging in my opinion.
 
The side imaging is a great tool. I switch between 2D and side imaging continuously when trolling for crappie. You can see the crappie schools off to either side and make an adjustment to catch them.

Go with a 9" or even an 11" unit so you can see what you are looking at.
 
Headhunter":30piiy2x said:
I have a humminbird 798 (5" screen) and a lowrance elite 7ti (7" screen). A 5" screen is not even really usable for side imaging in my opinion.
Click to expand...

How happy are you with your Lowrance elite 7ti?
 
I agree with the others, save as long as you have to and go as big as you can afford when it comes to SI and 360. I run a 859 DI and 999 SI and wish I would have saved more and went bigger for my SI & 360. Sure I get by, but larger would be a big plus.
 
The Helix 5 does look like a great unit for the price. However I must agree on screen size for side-imaging. I often wish my Humminbird 898, w/7-inch screen, was larger. But, if side-imaging is more of an "added bonus" for you, versus a necessity, than the Helix 5 should serve you well.
 
I've got two Lowrance HDS 7 3rd gen.

They see more than I. Touch screen nice. Units are awesome.
 

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