Best For Inland Trolling
Humminbird Helix 9 Si GPS Review
The Helix 9 Series was first released back in 2015 after the 900 Series was discontinued. Compared to 999ci HD Si combo, Helix 9 Si GPS comes with a wider screen and faster processor as well as wireless control.
Read this Humminbird Helix 9 Si GPS review to familiarize yourself with its main features and capabilities and determine if it is still a good choice in 2019.
Pros & Cons
- 3 sonars
- DualBeam Plus
- SwitchFire
- Maximum depth of 1,500ft (3,000ft with upgraded transducer)
- Numerous sonar functionalities
- IP-X7 waterproofing
- GPS/trackplotting
- High-quality 9” screen
- Wireless control
- Ethernet, NMEA 0183/2000 and two microSD slots
- No CHIRP sonar
- Not suitable for beginners
Specifications
| Specifications | Humminbird Helix 9 Si GPS |
|---|---|
| Type | Down Imaging and Side Imaging |
| Sonar | Side Imaging, Down Imaging, DualBeam Plus with SwitchFire |
| Transducer | Transom XNT 9 SI 180 T |
| Display (size, resolution, backlit, color) | 9'' diagonal, 65,000 color TFT, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, with LED backlight |
| Dimensions | 13.44"x7.5"x 4.2" |
| Weight | 6.4 lb |
| Batteries | xxx |
| Depth Capability | Down Imaging: 150 ft (46 m) Dual BeamPlus: 1500 ft (457m) Side Imaging: 150 ft (46 m) |
| Frequency | Down Imaging: 455 kHz / Narrow, Medium and Wide fan-shaped cone Dual BeamPlus: 200 kHz / 20° and 83 kHz / 60° Side Imaging: 455 kHz / 84° (x2), 480 ft. side-to-side coverage |
| Power Output | 500 Watts (RMS) |
| Power Input | 10.8-20 VDC |
| GPS | Internal, Precision |
| Maps | ContourXD (built-in), AutoChart Live |
| Routes, Waypoints, Tracks | 45; 2,750; 50 (20,000 points each) |
| Waterproof | yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | yes |
| MicroSD card slot | yes |
Display/Screen
Humminbird Helix 9 Si GPS features a 9” screen (1” wider than the 900 Series models) with a pixel matrix of 800 x 480, a 16:9 ratio, and a 65k color palette. It comes with a LED backlight, which means you should be able to observe the screen without any difficulties even at night or in direct sunlight.
The waterproof rating of this model is IP-X7, so it should be able to withstand any accidental splashes as well as heavy rain. When it comes to complete submersion, the unit can be immersed in 3.3ft of water for up to 30 minutes without any negative consequences. On the other hand, the “X” in its final rating tells us that it has not been tested against the entry of solid objects, including dirt, sand, and dust.
Humminbird Helix 9 Si GPS does not come with the touchscreen technology and can only be operated using the keys located on the right side of the housing. However, it does offer the split-screen feature.
Sonar & Transducer
Humminbird Helix 9 Si GPS comes with an XNT 9 Si 180 T transducer, the same model that goes with Helix 5 and 7 Si. Apart from the temperature sensor paired with the temperature graph on the control unit, the transducer is also 2D, Si, and Di capable, which means it supports all type of sonar functions provided by the unit.
Speaking of sonar functionality, Humminbird Helix 9 Si GPS features 2D scanning as well as Side and Down Imaging. The maximum depth for the 2D sonar is 1,500ft and 240ft on each side for Si. The Down Imaging range is just 150ft, which makes this model good for inland freshwater fishing.
The down beam operates at an angle of around 75° while the Si and Di scanning modes use thin fan-shaped beams. Note that they both operate at 455 kHz and perform best when tasked to analyze underwater structures and reveal potential fish hiding places.
When it comes to 2D scanning, the unit features a DualBeam Plus sonar, which utilizes two conical beams that operate at different frequencies. The 83 kHz beam operates at 60° and offers more coverage but lower accuracy. On the other hand, the 200 kHz beam is angled at 20° and provides more focused results. You can blend both beams on the screen or observe them separately in the split-screen mode. You can also combine it with the Side/Down Imaging sonar or your GPS. Note that the 2D sonar will perform better at detecting fish and fish arches than Si and Di.
The unit also comes with a multitude of standard sonar functions, including sonar recording, SwitchFire, Contour Mode, Fish ID+, Real Time Sonar (A-Scope), Split Zoom, and BottomLock.
Navigation
As its name suggests, Humminbird Helix 9 Si GPS comes with a precision GPS/WAAS receiver with an accuracy of 2.5m. The unit can store up to 2,750 waypoints, 45 routes (50wp), and up to 50 trails with 20,000 points per trail. You can also convert trails to routes if you so choose and add waypoints to them.
When it comes to cartography, the unit comes with preloaded Humminbird ContourXD, which is a professional charts package with much more to offer than the UniMap charts loaded into smaller and cheaper models. It covers over 3,000 lakes in the US with channels, contour lines, markers, boat accesses, major roads, and more. Apart from this, you will have access to the Drift Alarm, Off-Course Alarm, MOB, and 3D Bird’s Eye view of the maps.
Finally, Humminbird Helix 9 Si GPS also comes with the AutoChart Live function, which allows you to use the sonar to map a specific body of water and determine its contours.
Networking
Humminbird Helix 9 Si GPS really excels when it comes to networking features, providing not just Ethernet connectivity but also NMEA 0183 and 2000 ports. On top of that, it also comes with two microSD card slots.
What's In The Box
- Humminbird Helix 9 unit with sun cover
- Transom
- Tilt mount
- Power cable
- Transducer with long cable
- Documentation and CD with manuals
- All in one plugin unit
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.
Humminbird HELIX 12 Read Review
Humminbird Helix 10 CHIRP Mega Si GPS G2N Read Review
Humminbird Helix 9 Si GPS Read Review
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 Read Review
Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPA G2 Read ReviewVerdict
Humminbird Helix 9 Si GPS is one of the most well-rounded 9” fish finders/chartplotters, offering an excellent money-to-value ratio. It comes with 2D, Side, and Down Imaging and features one of the top GPS systems on the market. It is technically suitable for all types of fishing trips but will perform best during inland trolling expeditions.