Helix or Solix ?

[nitro26]

I am currently running 2 humminbird helix 9” mega gen 3 , and also a 12 inch Garmin for my Livescope . I was considering upgrading my humminbirds to 12 inch units also . So my question is…. I am happy with the helix units but since I’m upgrading what is everybody’s opinion on helix or Solix ? Advantages /disadvantages. Likes / dislikes?

[BassBoatWired]

I run Solix and Apex on my boat, I prefer the user layout on the Solix. Solix is the most power-hungry graph unit out there, so you will need a quality battery and wiring for it. I would say it is a lot based on your budget. Helix is very easy to operate and has great imaging. We offer both on our website, if we can assist you in any way.

[Wayne P.]

I run Solix and Apex on my boat, I prefer the user layout on the Solix. Solix is the most power-hungry graph unit out there, so you will need a quality battery and wiring for it. I would say it is a lot based on your budget. Screen resolution on the Solix is better, but you could experience more networking issues or lagging at times. Helix is very easy to operate and has great imaging. We offer both on our website, if we can assist you in any way.

A Helix 12 and SOLIX 12 have the same display pixel count== 1280 X 800

[MichAngler]

Stay with the Helix

Solix is a whole other animal and has some strange quirks when networked with another Solix/Apex not to mention a ton of settings you will most likely never need or use

The difference in image quality is not worth the hassle of learning yet another user interface and the quirks that come with it

And BassBoatWired is correct the Solix is a power hungry monster

You’re happy with the Helix your familiar with the system and menus so stick with it

[nitro26]

Thx guys

[Keoweefishing]

Stay Helix. Buy a 16" one even!

[wildkat7]

I've had both models. Stay with Helix! Solix use a TON of battery power. Heck, you can hear them humming constantly. The only reason I was running the Solix, they came on my Nitro. They also were very glitchy at times IMO. Had to turn off the main power supply a couple times in order to be able to restart them. A lot of the big boys use the Helix over the Solix/Apex due to these reasons.

[Wayne P.]

Stay Helix. Buy a 16" one even!

No such thing, Helix 15 is the largest one with a 15.4" display.

[Gsmith223]

Solix are superior in almost everyway. Being able to share map cards alone makes it worth it to me. Also the touch screen at the console is a must. Trying to set waypoints with a cursor is a joke once you have used a touchscreen.

[Roper56]

Solix are superior in almost everyway. Being able to share map cards alone makes it worth it to me. Also the touch screen at the console is a must. Trying to set waypoints with a cursor is a joke once you have used a touchscreen.

One thousand and one one thousand and two one thousand and three, done

[MengRanger]

HELIX! Unless all of the bugs in the software have been fixed in the Solix. I had a 12 and 15 Gen 2 and they were a disaster.

[Mcjenson]

I've had both models. Stay with Helix! Solix use a TON of battery power. Heck, you can hear them humming constantly. The only reason I was running the Solix, they came on my Nitro. They also were very glitchy at times IMO. Had to turn off the main power supply a couple times in order to be able to restart them. A lot of the big boys use the Helix over the Solix/Apex due to these reasons.

I've noticed the same, lots of pros run the helix units. I thought my helix units were quirky and required lots of restarts, but apparently the solix is next level with those issues. I think the main issue is they flat out don't have enough computing power in those graphs.

[fishnfireman]

Solix for me.
Much like electric windows in a truck--Once you use them----hard to go back to roll up.

[Phoenix Jim]

Solix are superior in almost everyway. Being able to share map cards alone makes it worth it to me. Also the touch screen at the console is a must. Trying to set waypoints with a cursor is a joke once you have used a touchscreen.

I agree. Other than the last update, which hopefully gets an update soon, I love my three solix units. To me helix seems antiquated next to my solix

[electritek]

Had 3 12" Solix units on my last rig, always battery problems. Went back to 3 12" Helix units-problem solved.

[Madeintheshade]

I agree. Other than the last update, which hopefully gets an update soon, I love my three solix units. To me helix seems antiquated next to my solix

what are the update issues people are grumbling about ?
I haven’t noticed an issue yet.

[MichAngler]

what are the update issues people are grumbling about ?
I haven’t noticed an issue yet.

Too many updates have crashed units

I had to pay to ship two solix’s back the HB because an update bricked them

HB fixed them for free but you do not want to know how much it costs to ship two solix’s completely insured

I have not done an update for almost two years because they work and I don’t want to pay to ship them back again

Other updates meant to fix one thing accidently cause other issues

You need to know HB bought the company that designed the original system the Solix uses (they did not design this themselves) and I doubt a single tech that help build that original system still works for them so you can imagine what problems this can cause when you try to make changes to it

[Wayne P.]

Too many updates have crashed units

I had to pay to ship two solix’s back the HB because an update bricked them

HB fixed them for free but you do not want to know how much it costs to ship two solix’s completely insured

I have not done an update for almost two years because they work and I don’t want to pay to ship them back again

Other updates meant to fix one thing accidently cause other issues

You need to know HB bought the company that designed the original system the Solix uses (they did not design this themselves) and I doubt a single tech that help build that original system still works for them so you can imagine what problems this can cause when you try to make changes to it

The ONIX was on the market in May 2014. It came from the GeoNav purchase.