Looking for in-depth Humminbird fish finder reviews? Read on for a comprehensive overview of the best Humminbird fish finders on the market.
Humminbird is synonymous with premium quality angling electronics and is the pride of Alabama. The brand offers some of the best fish finders on the market with impressive features at a decent price point. Fans can’t even put a number to the legions of benefits on the fishing skippers and tournament circuit.
However, choosing the right fish finder can be an uphill task since there’s a wide range of fish finder models. Don’t fret! We did the legwork for you and narrowed down the options.
3 Best Humminbird Fish Finders
Here’s a detailed review of some of the best Humminbird fish finders available on the market. We’ve also included a handy buying guide.
Humminbird Fish Finders Review
- Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3 – Best suited for professional fishers
- Humminbird Helix 10 Mega SI+ GPS G4N – Best suited for serious fishers
- Humminbird Piranhamax 4.3 DI – Best suited for kayak fishers
Humminbird usually offers three different series of fish finder models and other numerous variations that fall within these lines. The professional level Apex will soon join the family.
Let’s dive right into the Humminbird fish finder review!
1. Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3 is ideal for professional anglers.
- Display – 12.1 inches
- Resolution – 1280 by 800
- Side Scanning – Up to about 200’
- Frequencies – Dual frequency CHIRP, Wide Mode, Optional Deepwater, Mega Side Imaging, Mega down imaging
- Side scanning – Up to a maximum of 200
- Maximum Depth – Mega Down Imaging, Optional transducer CHIRP
- Transducer Angles – 55◦, 86◦, 60◦, 42◦ and 20◦
- Target Separation – less than 2.5”
- Maps – Yes
- GPS – Yes
Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3 is one of the fish finders on the market. It stands out from most of its counterparts including the Solix and Helix fish finder brands. Humminbird is a renowned company that’s known to make high-end and premium quality angling electronics and the Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega is no exception.
When it comes to overall performance, Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3 comes a distant close to Lowrance HDS-12 Live. The Solix series doesn’t have any serious competitors beyond other relatively expensive models from Humminbird such as the Apex.
Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3 additionally features a 12.1-inch screen that delivers high-resolution images. It uses its electronic wizardry and exquisite sonar system to produce what can be termed as legendary images in terms of quality. Not even the brightness of the sun can compromise the quality of the image.
The fish finder offers a great display owing to the large screen but you can still upgrade. The images are usually clear and crisp regardless of the weather condition.
Image Quality
Lowrance HDS-12 Live might be a bit edged out when it comes to image quality especially when compared to the Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3. However, Lowrance has a better screen. Most anglers can confirm that the images from this particular model are usually ridiculously clearer thanks to the Mega upgrades.
The Mega Upgrades tend to provide high frequency fine-grained detail within a certain range. We are literally talking about watching the fish stalking a prey and every detail on the bottom structure such as leaves and branches.
Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3 is a solid investment given the 200ft range with Mega-equipped feature. This unit boasts impressive technological features with great clarity and the SI+ abbreviation is enough proof. Other brands use the same technology but that of this model is unparalleled.
Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3 features XM 14 HW MSI T transducer which is top tier in the angling electronics business. It produces broadcast angles both specific and varied to different applications including the famous sweeping feature known as the Mega 360. The latter provides 360 degrees side scanning when sitting still which is an amazing technology with a clear utility. You’ll be blown away!
Standard Sonar and CHIRP System
Just as the name suggests, Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3 is powered by CHIRP system and standard sonar. This typically means that the angler will catch more fish since the target will have nowhere to hide.
What’s more, this unit allows you to effortlessly switch between different modes with a click of a button. It will display all the important information without any distractions. Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3 is the best suited for professional anglers.
In addition, users can actuate the user interface with backup buttons and a touch screen. However, just like other fish finder models from this brand, this technology can get a little complicated. This means that you need to learn to get conversant with the options. The effort is quite rewarding since you’ll be equipped with the most powerful technology in the angling electronics industry.
Mapping and Mapping Features
Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3 comes with two different SD slots and more than 1000 charts of coasts and lakes in America. It also has a GPS feature that allows you to save waypoints for future reference and mark the hotspots such as honey holes. This unit has it all as it got you covered during the whole fishing adventure.
Plus, the auto chart live system allows the user to map the entire structure to account for all things ranging from the structure and cover to hardness. You can share the maps with your friends and other anglers after uploading them.
Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3 has an excellent mapping feature. However, its counterpart, Lowrance offers better in terms of technology. The Genesis Live and C-Map features have to be one of the best in the fishing industry.
What’s more, it offers great networking options, along with Cannon and Min Kotta products that allows different navigation options. It also allows the angler to control multiple units on the boat.
Generally, both professional anglers and the novice appreciate the utility, options and power provided by the Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3. It has an amazing system that makes it worth the price. The only drawback is that the learning process can be a bit complicated for some anglers owing to the different technological features.
Pros
- Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3 has excellent networking options
- It offers both standard and CHIRP sonar options
- It features a great display screen and delivers ridiculously clear images
- This fish finder has an excellent range and depth
- It has great mapping features
- It has powerful maps, GPS system, auto pilot and chart plotting features
- Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3 has less than 2.5inches target separation
Cons
- Humminbird Solix 12 Chirp Mega SI+ G3 falls on the higher side of the pricing spectrum
- It’s a bit complicated
2. Humminbird Helix 10 Mega SI+ GPS G4N
AVAILABLE ON FISHUSA
- Resolution: 1024 by 600
- Display Size: 10.1 inches
- Frequencies: soA Downar, CHIRP full mode, wide mode and narrow mode
- Maps: Yes
- GPS: Yes
- Target Separation: Not more than 2.5 inches
- Down Imaging: Mega
- Side Scanning: 250ft, 400ft and 800ft
- Transducer Angle: 55◦, 86◦, 60◦, 42◦ and 20◦
- Maximum Depth: 1,200ft and 3,500ft when using an optional transducer
Humminbird Helix 10 Mega SI+ GPS G4N is best suited for mid-tech anglers as it offers excellent fishing technology and high-performance. It’s competitively priced and strikes a perfect balance between budget performance and bleeding-edge for most weekend fishers and avid anglers. This fish finder model has it all.
Display
Humminbird Helix 10 Mega SI+ GPS G4N features a 10-inch display screen. It’s not the biggest of screens in the fishing industry but it works remarkably well. The best thing about the screen is that its quite easy to read even under direct sunlight owing to its 1500nits of brightness.
What’s more, this unit offers quality images thanks to the high resolution which makes it stand out from the rest.
Humminbird Helix 10 Mega SI+ GPS G4N additionally features other impressive options such as side and down imaging. This makes the image quality unparalleled especially when talking about branches and leaves on trees that are sub-merged. This fish finder sports high-quality images like those of the Lowrance HDS Live except at a lower cost. The down imaging is a game changer!
Humminbird Helix 10 Mega SI+ GPS G4N is powered by side and down imaging, powerful CHIRP and XM 9 HW MSI T transducer. All these options are incredible and play a significant role in the quality of the images. Firing this fish finder in water will melt your heart especially if you usually spend long hours fishing. The down imaging is equally impressive especially when it comes to details.
Humminbird Helix 10 Mega SI+ GPS G4N has an excellent standard view. The CHIRP sonar technology, on the other hand, provides plenty of details and target separation. This unit is one of the best fish finder models on the market.
GPS System
Just as in the name, Humminbird Helix 10 Mega SI+ G4N features an excellent in-built GPS system with detailed maps. You’ll also have access to the Auto Chart Live that not only allows you to share but also create your own maps. Most anglers can’t fish without a map or other mapping features. The standard view of this fish finder model is ideal for locating any schooling bait and predators too.
Like other advanced units, you’ll need to learn how to use different technological features equipped in the Humminbird Helix 10 Mega SI+ GPS G4N. The best thing about this fish finder is that it has a friendly user interface. It also offers excellent networking options that include accessory and navigation units.
These features are quite handy for anglers that run different control heads simultaneously. It also works well for those who like operating compatible trolling motors from the fish finder as it’s a cost-effective method of getting hold of some high-end features.
Pros
- Humminbird Helix 10 Mega SI+ GPS G4N offers excellent image quality
- The networking options are solid
- It uses a powerful CHIRP sonar technology
- It has a great display screen
- Fantastic target separation
- Excellent side and down imaging
- Humminbird Helix 10 Mega SI+ GPS G4N offers an extensive range of transducer angles
- Powerful mapping features and GPS system including the option of pre-loaded maps
Cons
- Humminbird Helix 10 Mega SI+ GPS G4N is a bit complicated
This is one of the best ice fishing fish finders on the market.
3. Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI is best suited for kayak anglers.
- GPS: No
- Maps: No
- Frequencies: Dual frequency 200/455
- Resolution: 272 by 480
- Display Size: 4.3 inches
- Side Scanning: No
- Target Separation: 2.5”
- Maximum Depth: 600ft at 200kHz and 320ft at 455kHz
- Transducer Angle: 74◦, 28◦ and 16◦
Canoe and kayak anglers also need to use fish finders even though they need a little bit of space to achieve that. In this case, the Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI will come in handy. It’s one of the most affordable units and the smallest fish finder available on the market.
In terms of overall performance, the Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI is eclipsed by the famous Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv. It’s no surprise since Garmin is a renowned brand that has worked its way up to position itself as one of the most dominant names when it comes to low and mid range fish finders.
BUY ON AMAZON
Garmin offers some of the best small fish finders on the market at a reasonable price. On the flipside, Humminbird typically doubled down their quality to give Apex, Solix and Helix a run for their money when it comes to low and mid range fish finders.
These brands have set the ground for companies like Garmin since they seem to have neglected the low-end market. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI is not a solid investment.
For the price of the Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI, you can get more in terms of technological features from the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv. Other brands should look to beat Garmin when it comes to smaller fish finders.
Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI is powered by the incredible XNT 9 DI T transducer that offers dual frequency sonar at a maximum depth of 600ft at 200kHz and 455kHz for 320ft. This unit offers excellent detail and depth especially when paired with the display screen.
The best thing about this model is that it delivers high-resolution images. Just as in the name, the DI which is the down imaging system provides greater detail as compared to standard sonar. This is more than just a mere marketing gimmick.
The overall performance was unmatchable before the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv. However, the brand offers incredibly bright, multi-colored display screen on the smallest Vivid. The quality of the image is equally superior in all angles. It gets worse.
Garmin Strike Vivid 4cv sports both GPS and CHIRP. This leaves the Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI wanting since it doesn’t have any maps and mapping features, GPS marking, course charting and waypointing features. The 2D sonar technology, on the other hand, tends to leap right behind the Striker Vivid 4cv. Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI has an uncomplicated interface but Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv still has an edge over it.
You don’t have any reason to choose the Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI over the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv given the negligible difference in price between the two units.
Pros
- Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI falls on the lower side of the pricing spectrum
- It’s perfectly sized
- It has an excellent down imaging
- Uses dual frequency sonar technology
- Great range and depth
Cons
- Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI lacks the GPS features
- It has no CHIRP
Basics of a Fish Finder
Frequency Demystified
Sonar technology usually refers to sound usually beyond the human hearing range. However, in principle, it’s just normal noise. The sound is in form of a water wave with valleys and peaks or troughs and crests. High frequencies tend to pack more oscillations in a specific time frame as compared to low frequencies.
Low Frequencies
Lower frequencies usually penetrate better than higher frequencies in water. Fish finder models equipped with low frequency transducers get through the water effortlessly allowing them great depth. The only drawback with low frequency fish finders is all the oscillations usually provide data with fewer troughs and crests per second since they can’t provide a lot of information like high frequencies. It works just like a smart phone and higher frequency typically translates to more information.
Higher Frequencies
Higher frequencies usually offer detailed information allowing the fish finder to serve its intended purpose of helping you catch more fish. It also helps detect the size and exact location of the fish. High frequency fish finders can penetrate a lot of water neither can they tell you about the cover and bottom structure.
Dual Sonar
Most fish finder models use dual sonar frequencies that pairs both low and high frequencies to provide impressive features. Low frequency signal usually reads the bottom as the high frequency helps the angler find more fish.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Fish Finder on the Market
- Transducer angle
- Target separation
- Maximum depth
- Side imaging sonar
- Resolution and display size
- Maps and GPS
You can read more Humminbird fish finder reviews on Amazon for insights on other models.
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