I have installed both of these brands (HB and GM) and installed both of these brands' FFS as well over the last couple of years. Just installed the LVS34 so will have more info on that later. After my 2024 install, I was thinking through the advantages and disadvantages of each brand from both an equipment quality, installation, ease of use, mapping, side imaging, FFS, etc.... standpoint. I started a list for my own use as I haven't used all of the features/accessories of both yet. I thought I would share my thoughts so far to also hear from others:
Humminbird -
Like (HB)
- Lakemaster mapping
- Mega 360 option
- Value/price and great picture you get with the Helix models
- Heavy duty rubber covers (bungee across them still a good idea)
- Mega Side imaging - amazing quality pics from Mega side imaging even on Helix models
- Metal network connectors for ethernet vs plastic
- Quick disconnect clip makes it easy to connect and disconnect (also in dislikes as well)
- No black box for FFS
- Software interface takes some getting use to (as any change does) but is fairly easy to use. It can get confusing if you hide a feature and need it at another point in time or if the network isn't connected the network icon doesn't show up (if I remember correctly).
- FFS transducer is super slick and contained, it is easy to rotate to perspective and is tight to the shaft with very little extra wire needed and seems like it would not get hung easily nor get knocked off easily
- Bigger screen on HB vs equivalent size GM (Helix 12 screen bigger than 8612)
- Customer service is really good. I have had issues that were caused by my negligence and they just sent me a new accessory that same week (broke MegaLive off of the bracket when stowing the TM the wrong way).
Dislike (HB)
- FFS is not as good of an image as some others (Just installed LVS34 so am making an assumption but I couldn't get ML dialed in exactly where I wanted it)
- Quick disconnect tabs on the unit/graph itself. The quick connect clip connects via a super small plastic tab on the unit housing. This is a fatal flaw that requires the unit sent back if these tiny tabs crack, which is so easy to do. I have seen them break just by taking the quick clip on and off a few times, rough water bouncing can break them off of the actual unit, I have seen them break when shipping a unit if the quick clip is attached etc...etc... I get frustrated every time I think about this one as so much is riding on these tiny tabs.
- Very small gauge power wires on units to connect to 8-10 gauge boat wiring
- Power wire connection slides in and out and can become unplugged easily
- Updates can only be done on a physical SD card vs over wifi from what I experienced on the Helix but not sure bout Apex etc...
- Product registration is manual vs over wifi
- Sporadic issues/slowness with network connections and recognizing other units/accessories with older network box when you max out the 5 ethernet ports
- FFS transducer needs power and a switch
- Units don't come with the fuses and fuse holder required for install (someone correct me if I am wrong)
Garmin -
Like (GM)
- FFS picture/detail (just installed LVS34 so making some assumptions here)
- FFS info available - so, so many YouTubes on Garmin Livescope about settings and usage
- Heavier gauge power wires
- Software updates and product registration can do done over wifi for some models
- Units and black box comes with the fuse holder and fuses you need for installation
- Power wire has a collar that screws on to keep it in place
Dislike (GM)
- Separate Black box needed for FFS
- Cover for graph is thin and doesn't hold on well (must have bungee)
- Plastic network connector collars vs metal
- 8612 smaller screen than Helix 12
- FFS mounts require extra wire hanging loose to rotate to perspective and transducer seems to stick out away from shaft more than HB
others likes and dislikes?