Humminbird Helix Series Fishfinders & GPS Combos

What Are Fishfinder & GPS Combos?

A fishfinder and GPS combo is one of the most essential pieces of technology an angler can have aboard. By combining high-frequency sonar with precision GPS chartplotting into a single unit, these devices give you a complete picture of what lies beneath the surface and exactly where you are on the water. Whether you're scanning for fish-holding structure on a freshwater lake or navigating coastal inlets, a quality combo unit eliminates guesswork and puts you on fish faster.

Modern units like those in the Humminbird Helix Series go far beyond simple depth readings. Today's fishfinder/GPS combos deliver photographic-quality imaging of the bottom, real-time map creation, waypoint marking, and full networking with other onboard electronics — all from one helm-mounted display.

What Makes the Humminbird Helix Series Stand Out?

Humminbird is one of the most recognized names in freshwater and coastal fishing electronics, and the Helix Series is their flagship line of consumer-focused combo units. Available in screen sizes ranging from 5 to 15 inches, there's a Helix model designed for every type of angler, from the weekend bass fisherman to the tournament pro.

At the core of every Helix unit is Humminbird's Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar technology. Unlike traditional single-frequency sonar, CHIRP (Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse) transmits a continuous sweep of frequencies, producing highly detailed fish arches and a sharp view of bottom structure. The Dual Spectrum design offers two search modes: a Wide Mode for maximum coverage and a Narrow Mode for pinpoint detail on specific targets.

Select Helix models step up to MEGA Imaging — Humminbird's proprietary high-definition sonar that delivers industry-leading clarity through both MEGA Down Imaging and MEGA Side Imaging. This technology paints an exceptionally detailed, near-photographic view of what's directly below and out to the sides of your boat, making it easier to identify rock piles, submerged timber, channel edges, and suspended fish.

Every Helix unit also includes internal GPS with Humminbird's built-in Basemap, which covers charts of more than 10,000 lakes plus coastal coverage for the continental U.S. The patented AutoChart Live feature takes this a step further by letting you create real-time depth maps of any water you're fishing — recording depth contours, bottom hardness, and vegetation as you run your boat. These custom maps can be saved, shared, and revisited season after season.

Upper-tier Helix G4N models add Ethernet networking, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NMEA 2000 connectivity, enabling integration with the One-Boat Network — Humminbird's ecosystem that allows compatible units to communicate with Minn Kota trolling motors, Talon and Raptor shallow water anchors, and Cannon downriggers, all controlled from the Helix display.

Also Consider: Lowrance

Lowrance has manufactured innovative marine electronics for over 50 years and brings a strong alternative perspective to the fishfinder/GPS combo market, with a lineup known for intuitive touchscreen interfaces, C-MAP chart integration, and advanced Active Imaging sonar technology.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Helix Combo

• Screen size: Larger screens (7"–12") offer easier readability and more split-screen views, but consider available mounting space on your boat.
• Sonar type: Entry Helix models feature Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D sonar, while premium models add MEGA Side and Down Imaging for superior underwater detail.
• Networking needs: If you plan to integrate with a trolling motor or other electronics, look for G4N models with Ethernet and NMEA 2000 support.
• Mapping: All Helix units include a built-in basemap, but compatibility with premium LakeMaster, CoastMaster, and Navionics charts expands your coverage significantly.
• Transducer: Most Helix combos include a transom-mount transducer, but upgrading to a higher-performance transducer can unlock the full potential of MEGA Imaging on select models.