The next generation of Humminbird Ice Helix units have seen some significant improvements over earlier iterations in the series. The game-changing CHIRP sonar technology has made it’s way from the boat to the ice — offering noticeably better target separation. They’ve also added 6 different Interference Rejection settings that will help clean up your screen when you’re fishing with buddies. The new readout is must faster and more responsive, giving you a real-time display of what’s going on below the ice. Oh, and don’t forget about the Lakemaster mapping technology that’s truly second to none.
In this article, we will be discussing the new Humminbird Ice Helix G2 units, which are the second generation of Humminbird Helix ice units. These units offer both sonar and GPS capabilities, making them a valuable tool for ice fishermen. The biggest benefit of these units is the use of electronics, which greatly enhance the fish-finding process and make it easier to catch fish.
Sonar Capabilities
The Humminbird Ice Helix G2 units utilize chirp technology, which has been used in open water for some time now. Chirp technology sends down multiple signals of different frequencies, providing a more detailed picture and better target separation. This is particularly useful for ice fishermen, as it allows them to see the subtle differences between when a fish is a few inches away from their bait and when it’s closing in. This level of detail is a huge advantage when it comes to catching fish.
The units also feature a flasher display mode with oversized digital read outs, providing an ultra-fast, real-time display. Additionally, there is a split-screen option that allows users to view both the 2D sonar and flasher simultaneously. This is especially beneficial for those who are transitioning from using a flasher to a 2D sonar screen, as it provides a means of comparing and interpreting the information from both displays. The 2D screen also displays the history of how the jig was working and how the fish responded to the bait, giving anglers a reference for future fishing strategies.
Interference Rejection
One common issue that ice fishermen face is sonar interference. Humminbird has addressed this problem with the second generation of Helix units by incorporating six interference rejection settings. These settings are easily accessible by pressing the checkmark button on the unit, allowing users to quickly adjust and optimize the sonar display for the clearest picture possible. This feature greatly reduces the frustration of dealing with interference and ensures a more accurate and reliable fish-finding experience.
Mapping Capabilities
Humminbird has long been a leader in mapping technology, and the Ice Helix G2 units continue this tradition. The units are compatible with LakeMaster maps, which provide ultra-detailed and high-definition maps of numerous lakes across the country. With the LakeMaster chip, users can take advantage of select features such as shallow water highlight or depth highlight, which make fish-holding spots stand out on the map. This is an invaluable tool for identifying potential fishing hotspots.
For lakes that are off the beaten path and do not have existing maps, the Ice Helix G2 units come with AutoChart Live. This feature allows users to create their own maps of the lake using their boat prior to ice fishing. This functionality provides the same level of detail and accuracy as LakeMaster maps, but with the added benefit of being able to create a map of any lake, regardless of whether it has been previously mapped or not.
In addition to LakeMaster maps and AutoChart Live, the Ice Helix G2 units also come with a new base map that includes over 10,000 lakes right out of the box. These maps are a great resource for finding spots that are likely to hold fish and can help anglers get to their desired fishing locations more efficiently.
GPS Capabilities
The Ice Helix G2 units also feature GPS capabilities, which offer several useful tools for ice fishermen. One of these tools is the track feature, which allows users to draw a line on the map to track their movements. This is helpful for navigation and safety purposes, as it allows anglers to see where they have been and easily find their way back to their starting point or avoid any potentially dangerous areas on the water.
Another valuable tool provided by the GPS capabilities is the ability to set waypoints. Waypoints are markers that users can place on the map to mark specific locations, such as fishing spots or other points of interest. This is particularly useful for ice fishermen who want to remember the location of productive weed lines or other areas that may change from year to year. By transferring the GPS data from their boat to their ice units, anglers can have all of their detailed waypoint information with them on the ice, making it easier to find and target fish.
Portability and Durability
The Ice Helix G2 units are designed to be portable and durable, making them ideal for ice fishing. They can be easily mounted on the front of a snowmobile or ATV, or carried in the front seat of a truck. The units come with redesigned ultra-heavy-duty zippers and have cargo pockets on the back for storing additional gear. They also come with a battery charger and a battery, ensuring that users have everything they need to power their units while out on the ice.
