Best For Inland Fishing
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 Review
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 is an upgraded version of the Helix 7 Si GPS model launched at the very end of 2016. In addition to a just slightly higher price, the new model comes with many significant improvements, including the CHIRP sonar technology and the AutoChart Live feature.
Keep reading this comprehensive Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 review to learn all about this fish finder’s main features and capabilities and determine if it is the right fit for you.
Pros & Cons
- DualBeam Plus
- SwitchFire
- Chirp sonar
- XNT 9 Si 180 T transducer
- 1,500ft depth capability
- Numerous sonar functions
- Built-in GPS
- UniMap charts
- IP-X7 rating
- MicroSD slot + NMEA 0183 port
- Gimbal mount
- No unit cover
- Limited reach of the Si and Di imaging modes
Specifications
| Specifications | Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 |
|---|---|
| Type | Down Imaging and Side Imaging |
| Sonar | CHIRP DualBeam Plus, CHIRP SI, CHIRP DI |
| Transducer | Transom XNT 9 SI 180 T |
| Display (size, resolution, backlit, color) | 7' diagonal ultra-wide, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, 16-bit color, color TFT, with LED backlight |
| Dimensions | 10.54''x5.8''x3.68'' |
| Weight | 5.45 lb |
| Batteries | xxx |
| Depth Capability | Down Imaging: 150 ft (46 m) Dual BeamPlus (2D): 1500 ft (457m) Side Imaging: 150 ft (46 m) |
| Frequency | Down Imaging: 455 kHz (420-520 kHz) / Narrow, Medium and Wide fan-shaped cone Dual BeamPlus (2D): 200 kHz (175-225 kHz) / 20° and 83 kHz (75-95 kHz) / 60° Side Imaging: 455 kHz (420-520 kHz) / 85° (x2), 240 ft. on each side of the boat |
| Power Output | 500 Watts (RMS) |
| Power Input | 10.8-20 VDC |
| GPS | internal |
| Maps | Humminbird UniMap (built-in) |
| Routes, Waypoints, Tracks | 45, 2,500, 50 (20,000 points each) |
| Waterproof | yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | No |
| MicroSD card slot | yes |
Display/Screen
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 features a 7” display with a pixel matrix of 800 x 480 and 16-bit color, which ensures very crisp and focused imaging. The LED backlight provides better observation during the night or in direct sunlight.
The unit has an IP-X7 waterproof rating, which means it can hold its own against water splashes and heavy rain. It can also survive complete submersion in 3.3ft of water for up to 30 minutes. On the other hand, the “X” in the rating means that it has not been tested against the entry of solid objects like dirt, dust, and sand.
The screen does not feature the touchscreen technology and can only be operated via the keyboard located on the right side of the unit. Note that you can also observe separate scans of the DualBeam sonar using the split-screen mode.
Sonar & Transducer
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 provides you with DualBeam Plus as well as Side and Down Imaging, boosted by the CHIRP technology for better target separation, superior underwater observation, and less excess clutter.
The unit itself can cover 50, 83, and 200 kHz when it comes to the 2D sonar, but the provided transducer is only capable of 83/200 kHz. Since it utilizes the CHIRP technology, the ping is modulated over 75-95 kHz and 175-225 kHz, respectively.
As we already mentioned in this Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 review, the DualBeam Plus 2D sonar allows you to observe the scans made by both beams simultaneously in the split-screen mode. If you want to cover the low CHIRP as well (50 kHz modulated over 28-75 kHz), you have to upgrade the unit with a 50/200 capable transducer. Note that the provided transducer uses conical sonar beams that operate at 60° for 83 kHz and 20° for 200 kHz.
The unit uses 455 kHz frequency (modulated between 420-520 kHz) for Down Imaging and thin sonar beams instead of conical. The Side Imaging beams cover 86° and can reach up to 240ft on each side of your vessel. Humminbird does not provide information about the specific angles for Down Imaging, but there are 3 different scanning modes: wide, medium, and narrow.
Note that the Side and Down Imaging provide you with almost photo-like scans and work best for observing and understanding underwater shapes and structures, but the 2D sonar is still better for discerning fish targets.
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 has its maximum depth capped at 1,500ft for DualBeam Plus and at 150ft for Si and Di. The maximum depth capability with a 50/200 kHz transducer is capped at 2,500ft. The transducer you get with the unit is the XNT 9 Si 180 T, which comes with a plastic gimbal mount and an optional in-dash.
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 also features numerous standard sonar functionalities, including Sonar Recording, Selective Fish ID+ with Fish Alarms, Real-Time Sonar, SwitchFire, Bottom Lock, Split Zoom, and Screen Snapshot.
Navigation
One of the fanciest features Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 has to offer is AutoChart Live, which allows you to scan the depth contours of any body of water based on the data provided by your 2D sonar. This means you can map/remap any body of water and make sure you always use the latest depth contours. However, you have to install the ZeroLines, Navionics or LakeMaster card in order to use this feature.
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 comes with preloaded UniMap charts, which are the most basic iteration of map charts commonly found in Humminbird devices. They do not provide a lot of details, but they do cover inland lakes and the contiguous US coastline at 30m per pixel. In case you are after a superior mapping experience, the unit is compatible with the Navionics Gold/Hot Maps, LakeMaster, and SmartStrike cards.
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 features a built-in GPS receiver with EGNOS, WAAS, and MSAS and offers quick fixes with an accuracy of 2.5m. It can store 2,500 waypoints, 45 routes (with 50 waypoints), and 50 tracks (with up to 20,000 points each). Finally, the unit can also measure the speed of your vessel.
Networking
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 features upgradeable software so you should make sure to use the latest version at all times. The unit also comes with one microSD card slot and NMEA 0183 port. On the other hand, it does not support Ethernet or NMEA 2000.
What's In The Box
- Humminbird Helix 7
- Transom
- Tilt mount
- Power cable
- Transducer with long cable
- Documentation and CD with manuals
Humminbird Helix Series Overview
In this Humminbird Helix series overview, you can check out some of the most important features of other models from the series to determine if any of them is a better fit for your needs.
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Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPA G2 Read ReviewVerdict
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 is an excellent fish finder/chartplotter for inland fishing thanks to its DualBeam Plus sonar paired with Si and Di technologies and a transducer that can support all sonar types and frequencies except 50 kHz. Its Si and Di range, however, are not that impressive, so you will have to rely on DualBeam Plus for off-shore expeditions.
Although online pictures do not do it justice, Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 is a rather large unit so we would not recommend using it in kayaks and small canoes. Finally, the company implemented various upgrades over the older Helix 7 Si GPS like AutoChart Live and CHIRP while basically keeping the same price, so you truly get great value for your money.