Humminbird Helix 9 Review

Quick Overview

A reliable fish finder can help you become a better angler.

This Humminbird Helix 9 Chirp MEGA Fish Finder review will show you how.

It will discuss key features that could help you understand fish behavior and make you more successful on the water.

While it is possible to look for fish without the aid of electronics, it would be like you’re angling blind.

So the next time you go fishing, consider bringing a Helix 9 Mega SI G4N with you.

Humminbird Helix 9 Chirp MEGA Fish Finder Review

Humminbird was hatched five decades ago in a garage-like facility in Eufaula, Alabama.

Over the years, it has grown into one of the leading fishing electronics manufacturers in the USA.

The Helix 9 series is a mid-tier offering from Humminbird.

It first came out in 2015 when the company stopped producing the 900 series.

It has a wider screen, more powerful processors, and wireless control—a step up from the previous product line.

The Mega SI G4N is one of the brand’s most recent releases for the Helix 9 series.

It has all the previous iteration’s standard features like down and side imaging and built-in GPS. 

However, the G4N does them better than the G3N.

In addition, it offers WiFi connectivity on top of the previous version’s Ethernet and Bluetooth, which is a welcome upgrade.

It also has access to more premium maps from Coastmaster and Lakemaster charts, making it easier to find fish.

Who Is This Product For?

The Humminbird Helix 9 Mega SI Fish Finder makes it easier for you to see beneath the water.

It can also mark fish-holding areas for you and track your movements.

Install the right maps, and you can use them to steer clear of shallow bodies of water or navigate the world.

This fish finder is perfect for fishers of all skill levels, although it takes some getting used to for beginners.   

It comes with a reasonable price tag, so it is also ideal for budget-conscious anglers.

However, the Humminbird 411380-1CHO Helix 9 is not portable.

You would need access to a boat battery to operate it. That means you could not use it for kayak fishing, shore fishing, and ice fishing.

What’s Included?

Each Mega SI G4N package comes with a control head, a power cable, and a gimbal mounting bracket.

It has a plug-and-play characteristic, so it only takes a few minutes to get it standard.

The tilt mounting is also easy to use, whether you are installing or removing it.

Keep in mind that the Humminbird 411380-1CHO Helix 9 package does not include a transducer, so this will mean an additional cost on your part.

Still, it will allow you to pick one that fits your unique rigging needs.

Overview of the Features

Now let’s dive into the more exciting part of this Humminbird 411380-1CHO Helix 9 Chirp MEGA SI+ GPS G4N CHO (Control Head Only) Fish Finder review.

Below are the key features that make us think this product is worth your time and money.

• Display Unit

As you might have guessed from its name, the Helix 9 comes with a nine-inch display.

It features a resolution of 800x480 pixels, a 16:9 ratio, and a 65k color palette, allowing you to see the images clearly.

It has 1,500 nits of brightness and an LED backlight, so you will have no trouble viewing it at night.

The screen is glass-bonded and resistant to glare, so using it won’t be a problem in the daytime either.

This feature also adds a level of protection against a few dings, which goes well with its IP-X7 waterproof rating.

Other fish finders usually come with much smaller screens, which puts the Helix 9 above the competition.

It does not use touchscreen technology, but it does offer a split-screen feature.

• Navigation

The GPS built into the system will allow you to pinpoint your location with an accuracy of 2.5 meters.

The Humminbird 411380-1CHO Helix 9 has enough space for 45 routes, 50 trails (with 20,000 points for each trail), and 2,750 waypoints.

If you want to convert trails into routes, then add waypoints.

The Mega SI G4N is pre-loaded with a professional charts package called ContourXD.

It is better than the UniMap charts used in lower models.

On top of all these, the G4N offers AutoChart live capability.

It helps you determine the contours beneath a body of water using sonar.

• Down and Side Imaging

One of the favorite topics that anglers discuss is which is better between mega down and side imaging.

Mega side imaging lets you see all around the boat while down imaging shows you what is happening underneath it.

While there is a time and place for each function, it is better to have both.

That is what you will get with the Humminbird 411380-1CHO Helix 9.

With the G4N fitted to your boat, you will spend more time trying to catch fish instead of looking for it.

• Dual Beam SwitchFire

Another interesting feature of the Mega SI G4N is the Dual Beam SwitchFire.

It lets you switch the display quickly between broad view and clearer images.

The broad search can help you scan large areas more quickly.

Once you find something interesting, you can zoom in to confirm if there are fish worth catching.

Many anglers find this function very useful when trying to locate a great spot to cast from.

• SmartStrike

SmartStrike is a digital fishing guide that helps you predict accurately where the fish will be next.

While this feature is not unique, other fish finders leave you to analyze the images and make decisions on your own.

SmartStrike does this for you and tells you exactly where you should go.

It is like having a fishing guide with years of experience by your side.

• Upgraded Processors

Fish finders generally do not have the fastest processors among electronic products.

However, they do need a decent amount of power, so the images do not lag.

The CPU fitted into the Humminbird 411380-1CHO Helix 9 is 25% more powerful than others, giving you real-time imaging.

That means you do not miss out on a big catch or pass right by a great fishing spot.

• Memory Card Slots

While a second slot for a memory card seems simple, it is something that not many fish finders have.

That is why many anglers appreciate the two card slots in the Helix 9, giving it a total memory of 64 MB.

It allows you to use the data card and chart card simultaneously, saving you from having to swap cards frequently.

How To Get the Most Out of the Humminbird Helix 9

Make sure it is always in good running condition to get the most out of your Humminbird 411380-1CHO Helix 9.

There are many ways to do so.

One is to keep it away from harmful chemicals, including those found in sunscreen and even bug spray.

The warranty does not cover damage due to these substances, so you should keep this in mind.  

When the unit is not mounted, make sure not leave it in your car or the trunk.

The electronic parts inside it are sensitive to temperature and could sustain damage under this condition.

When the Humminbird 411380-1CHO Helix 9 is mounted but not being used, use the control head cover.

While it can stand up to a fair amount of abuse, protecting it will prolong its functional life.

If you want to clean the screen, use mild soap and warm water, then wipe dry with a soft cloth.

For stubborn water marks, a mild solution of water and vinegar will get the job done.

Do not, under any circumstance, use a chemical glass cleaner as it can cause the lens on the unit to crack.

Finally, the control head is waterproof, but it is not a good idea to let saltwater sit on it for long.

Use a soft cloth dampened with fresh water to clean the Humminbird 411380-1CHO Helix 9 when a salt spray hits it.

Alternative

The Helix 9 Mega SI is not among the most expensive models, but it is not cheap either.

If you are looking for something even more affordable, try the Helix 7 Mega SI G3.

It has a slightly smaller screen at seven inches and lesser coverage of 125 feet below and on either side.

That said, the Helix 7 comes for half the price of the Helix 9 on most online selling platforms.

It also has some of the advanced functions of the more expensive models, like AutoChart live, split-screen view, and GPS.

Verdict

The Humminbird Helix 9 does not disappoint.

It is packed full of features that experienced anglers are looking for.

Beginners would also find the device very helpful after some practice.

All of the benefits come at a cost, but if you have the budget for it, you won’t have much trouble finding fish again.