HB's to Garmin, Unit Comparison, Input needed.

[Cajunhunter67]

I have been a long time HB user.
I was thinking of updating to the latest HB Helix 10's with Mega (especially side imaging) as I fish mostly shallow water.
But, I am looking into Garmin as I get a company discount.

With the capabilities of the Helix unit with DI, SI, and mapping which model Garmin is comparable?

Most of my fishing is in Catahoula and Concordia parishes. Shallow lakes. Bank beating.

Thanks
Don

[harrys]

I am in the process of converting, i am also a long time bird user. i had the Helix 10 gen4 i purchased the Garmin echomap 106sv to replace it. the echomap units have very good built in maps, all the lakes i fish in NY are as good as high def lakemaster maps on my birds.

[dswindall]

I changed to all Garmin's this year from a lifelong HB user most recently two Helix 15's. From my perspective only, the sonar is on par with each other. I really like the ClearVu of the Garmin over the DI. It seems to provide better clarity and separation (may be the settings I use). I do prefer the Lakemaster versions on HB better than the Garmin Navionics Vision maps (again it may be how I have them set up and time on them). Overall, I am very pleased with the Garmin's and have no regrets.

[fishin couillon]

With the capabilities of the Helix unit with DI, SI, and mapping which model Garmin is comparable?

For the comparable models, it would be the Echomap units. For the 10" and 12" units, look at the Ultra 106 and 126. While you are thinking of the update, if you plan to make the switch, figure out how you want the transducer setup. All in one ducer setup or image/shoot thru setup (2 seperate ducers).

What's a parish???


https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/626316

[06 SB]

Been doing the same thing. I have used both Lowrance and HB in the past. Current boat is all HB Helix G3 or 4. I swapped one out on the bow for Livescope with a Echomap 106sv. I plan to do a 126sv at the console in the near future. From my research, I will need a GT8 (2D) transducer to epoxy into the bilge plus a GT36 (SI/DI) on the jackplate. I will need a Y cable for the two transducers to go into the 126sv. Garmin sells a kit with all three items. The GT56 does all the functions and cannot be used with a Y cable. I will also need a network cable to link the two Garmin units together. I use lake level offset because my lakes get dropped down 15 feet or so. Garmin has that capability if you purchase the Vision+ mapping card. The map card is shared with the 106sv so no need for two cards like the Helix. Depth shading is also available with both. I also like having a touch screen again. I did not realize how much I missed that.

[PMantle]

All in one ducer setup or image/shoot thru setup (2 seperate ducers).

I went with the 2 ducers on my new boat and am glad I did. I kept one Lowrance unit with 3 in 1, and I cannot get much of anything on plane. The Garmin shoot through is great for that.

[MichAngler]

I have run both for a while now I still have 2 Solix’s and 2 Echomaps on my boat right now

First 06_SB is spot on with his info
I would also add the depth shading on the Garmin is a lot easier to use and is more flexible

Echomap with a GT56 or 36 is the equivalent to your Helix’s for SI and DI but the Garmin 2D is much better

The biggest thing is Garmin’s are more reliable and easier to setup and maintain

Updates are a lot easier you update one unit and it updates all units/devices on the network at the same time (Units need to be turned on)
Garmin mapping is built in so redraw and zoom in/out runs faster
Garmin also uses the standard Industry waypoint icons unlike HB
Map cards can be shared over the network unlike your Helix
Better processor / OS boots up in 1/3 the time
The Cradle mount is easier and faster to remove units when traveling

One thing that is different is most Garmin external devices run on a NMEA 2K network and you will need to set one up to have an external GPS antenna and heading sensor

In the last 2 years I have had to redo the solix network a bunch of times and send both solix’s into HB because an update bricked them both yet I have had no issues with the echomaps

Last but not least is Garmin’s LiveScope is the best FFS out there

[Cajunhunter67]

Ok
So if I get two Echomap 106sv (TM and Console)
What do I need to have DI at the TM, and SI at the console?
Why do I have to replace the thru hulk transducer?
MichAngler and 06 SB, you have been a tremendous help with info.

I’m not interested at this time in getting livescope. As I stated, I fish very shallow water. I believe the HB360 may be the better choice of my lakes. We have a few guys with livescope and I was told by them it doesn’t do well in our ahallow lakes.
Thanks for all the input and continued help.

Don

[MichAngler]

I have not seen a big difference in DI between the GT54 and GT56 maybe someone that uses DI more than me can chime in

Right now Bass Pro has a great deal on the 106sv for $999.97 that comes with a GT54 transducer and in my opinion would be just fine for the bow/tm with DI
It comes with the older bluechart lakevu mapping but it’s still good mapping

As for the console you can get the same unit/price but you will need to replace the GT54 with a GT36 and GT8HW with a Y cable
The reason for this and why you need to replace your thru hull transducer is so you can get 2D and depth readings at high speed (On Plane) and DI and SI when at slower speeds

Now if you have a HB graph you plan to keep at the console that already does the high speed readings then you don’t need this you can get a GT56 and use it at slow speeds or just use the GT54 for the lowest cash layout

Hope this isn’t too confusing

[Cajunhunter67]

So my current thru hull transducer will not work with Garmin?
I fish shallow lakes so it’s important for me to know when depth is changing at speed. So that will need to get replaced.
I’m just trying to move from HB to Garmin. The Helix type units with Mega to Garmin and get the same or better quality picture.
I want 10 inch screens. Bow and Console.
Do I need different transducers then what comes with the Garmin units to get this?

The units I was looking at on TW site are running over 2k dollars. But my discount will lower the price to the cost of the HB units.

Don

[fishin couillon]

If its a HB transducer, no it will not work.

What Mich. said, the 106 @ BPS for $999 is a better deal for both console and bow.....as it was mentioned, you will need the GT8/GT36 combo for the console. For the bow, you can buy the same unit @ BPS and then buy the GT56 separate.....save the GT54's as spares or sell them.

The price difference from BPS and TW are due to the internal maps that are included in the unit. If you want the latest and greats in mapping then get the "New" ones from TW.

[Cajunhunter67]

Ok
I will need to get the shoot thru hull transducer AND a GPS antenna to make this work?
The Garmin units do not have a built in GPS?

Thanks
Don

[fishin couillon]

Yes they have built in GPS antennas..

[Cajunhunter67]

Yes they have built in GPS antennas..

Thanks Couillon.
Most on this board probably don't know what that means unless your from Cajun land Louisiana.

So if i get the GT8 thru hull, and buy the 106sv which comes with the GT56 Transducer, will they work together? Y connector like the HB?

Don

[Todd Driscoll]

Thanks Couillon.

So if i get the GT8 thru hull, and buy the 106sv which comes with the GT56 Transducer, will they work together? Y connector like the HB?

Don

No, with the y-cable and GT8 you must use the GT36. GT56 won't work with the y-cable.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/735593

[harrys]

the two transducer bundle comes with the Y cable also

[Cajunhunter67]

Thanks for all the help.
Greatly appreciated!

Don

[Cajunhunter67]

I believe I may have a plan,
TM: Force 50.
Bow Electronics: Garmin 106SV.

Console electronics: HB Helix 10 Mega si/di.

Spending an additional $550.00 to have the hull shoot thru with Garmin makes no sense.
Then have to try and sell the GT56.

Garmin dropped the ball on this.
The 106SV should come with the option of the GT36 transducer as a package.
Then purchase the GT8 and Y cable. $129.99.

Don

[fishin couillon]

Why not buy the unit without the transducer?

[Cajunhunter67]

Why not buy the unit without the transducer?

I didn’t realize that was an option.
My discount is limited to two items at a time.
But i can separate the purchases.

That changes the plan for sure.
Thanks
Don