Opinions folks

[rixfishin]

I want to upgrade again on my Ranger 207 this winter. Got 500 to spend.... should I go with a Helix 5 with side imaging or a hydrowave? I am interested in side imaging and Humminbird makes it more affordable than Lowrance. So what is yalls opinion???

[FlipIt2119]

I'd go larger than a 5 series for side imaging unit. Either buy used or save up for a bigger screen size. Just my opinion.

[Transom]

Yep buy a sonar. You can get more for your money if you do not mind buying used.

[Jeff Hahn]

I agree...save your money and buy a bigger HBird, even if it's used. I wanted a Helix 5 and then wanted the 7. But, I waited and bought a Helix 9 on Black Friday, partially covering the cost with a $200 gift card at the store which I won in a tournament. The Helix 9 has been great so far. But, I would hate to have a smaller screen than the 9.

As far as the Hydrowave goes...save you money and buy a new rod or reel.

[model70man]

Look for the 899 or 999 series with SI. They are great units in the price range you are looking to spend. I use an 899 with SI/DI at my console and it works great.

[rixfishin]

Any of you got the Stryker 7 with Side Vu?? Is Garmin worth the money??

[rixfishin]

Never mind about the Stryker....... seen enough bad reviews just searching it up here.

[bamaman84]

I would save a little more and get a bigger screen. I just bought a new helix 10 for $875. It is last years model and it works great. I got it from digital oasis on the interwebs.

[King_Fish]

Any of you got the Stryker 7 with Side Vu?? Is Garmin worth the money??

I have a Stryker 7 w/ Down Imaging at the bow and it is just fine for its capabilities i.e. simple to use, crisp image, big screen, the color scheme, which I was a bit skeptical about, shows up very well in direct sun.

[gfulton]

I think those Hydrowaves are just snakeoil......

[BoilermakerRT178]

Throw me in the camp of save up to get something greater than a helix 7 SI. I have a 7 SI and am now looking to replace it w a 10SI.

This weekend I could see that there were objects on each side but could not make a determination enough to form an opinion on whether to fish it or not...which is the whole point.

[rixfishin]

Thanks for the input folks. I am what you would call a frugal fisherman. Electronics are so freakin expensive. I dont spend the money on something until I know its going to help my fishing. Not just a gimmick. I fish some BFLs and ABA tourneys and I know a few guys who swear since they got there hydrowaves they catch more fish.

[Bill Reynolds]

Thanks for the input folks. I am what you would call a frugal fisherman. Electronics are so freakin expensive. I dont spend the money on something until I know its going to help my fishing. Not just a gimmick. I fish some BFLs and ABA tourneys and I know a few guys who swear since they got there hydrowaves they catch more fish.

I have had a Hydrowave for 2 years and while I have had a few times that I think it restarted some breaking fish, there have been many times that I could tell no difference. For sure I have not had any Vandam moments. I would buy the largest sonar/side image unit I could afford.

[Buggs247]

Buy the largest side imagining unit can afford and ride for hours staring at it, it WILL make you a better fisherman!!!

[GeauxTide]

I went from a 597 to Helix7 and I can't recommend it highly enough.

[krr6581]

I think the Helix 7 would be a great choice and it's affordable.