Humminbird is a leading manufacturer of fish finder systems for anglers. Two of their most popular fish finder models are the Helix series and the Solix series. While both systems offer high-quality sonar capabilities, there are some key differences between the Helix and Solix that anglers should understand when choosing which model is right for their needs.
In short, the main differences are:
- The Solix is the higher-end model with more advanced features and capabilities.
- The Helix is more affordable while still offering excellent fish and structure finding.
- The Solix has higher processing power, faster ping speed, bigger screen size options, networking capabilities, mapping functions and more.
- The Helix is limited on screen size, has slightly lower power and less expansive features but is still highly capable.
This article will provide a more in-depth look at how the Helix and Solix Humminbird fish finder systems compare in terms of price, display, sonar frequency and cone angles, power and speed, networking abilities and more. It will help you determine which model is the right investment for your fishing needs and budget.
Price and Cost Considerations
One of the biggest differences between the Humminbird Helix and Solix fish finders is price. Solix models are significantly more expensive than Helix models.
For example, the Humminbird Helix 7 fish finder runs around $350 to $450. In comparison, the comparable Humminbird Solix 7 model costs between $1300 to $1600.
Here is a quick price comparison of some popular models in each series:
Helix Series Pricing:
- Helix 5 – $250 to $350
- Helix 7 – $350 to $450
- Helix 9 – $550 to $700
- Helix 10 – $800 to $1000
Solix Series Pricing:
- Solix 5 – $900 to $1100
- Solix 7 – $1300 to $1600
- Solix 10 – $1800 to $2200
- Solix 12 – $2500 to $3000
As you can see, Solix models cost about 2-3 times as much as the comparative Helix models. The Solix 10 and 12 are significantly more expensive than any model in the Helix lineup.
This price difference is due to the Solix units having higher-end sonar capabilities, faster processors, networking functions and extra features that drive up the costs. For anglers on a tight budget, the Helix provides excellent fish finding quality at a much lower price point.
Display Size and Resolution
In addition to cost, screen size is a major difference between the Humminbird Helix and Solix fish finder models.
The Helix lineup offers more limited display size options, while the Solix models go up to large 12” and 16” full widescreen displays.
Here is a comparison of the display sizes available on both Humminbird series:
Helix Display Sizes:
- Helix 5 – 5” display
- Helix 7 – 7” display
- Helix 9 – 9” display
- Helix 10 – 10.1” display
Solix Display Sizes:
- Solix 5 – 5” display
- Solix 7 – 7” display
- Solix 9 – 9” display
- Solix 10 – 10.1” display
- Solix 12 – 12” display
- Solix 16 – 15.4” display
The Helix 5 through 10 models cap out at a 10” display. In comparison, the Solix goes up to full widescreen 15” and 16” displays on the Solix 12 and 16 models. This gives the Solix a significant advantage in screen real estate.
Both fish finder systems offer displays with crisp 480 x 800 resolution on the 5 to 10 inch models. The Solix 12 and 16 increase the resolution up to 1280 x 800 for enhanced detail on the larger widescreen displays.
Overall, the Solix provides the advantage of much larger screen sizes for anglers who want to be able to see the sonar readings and graphics in greater detail.
Sonar Frequencies and Cone Angles
The sonar transducer is responsible for sending the sound waves into the water to locate fish and structure. There are some notable differences in the sonar capabilities of Helix vs Solix fish finders.
The Helix series transducers output at a single 455 kHz frequency with 20 degree cone angle. This provides excellent fish targeting and separation in most situations.
The Solix models deliver more versatility with dual beam transducers that output both 455 kHz and 800 kHz frequencies. The 455 kHz has a 20 degree cone like the Helix while the 800 kHz uses a more pinpoint 10 degree cone angle.
The 800 kHz frequency on the Solix provides even better target separation and the 10 degree cone angle allows detecting fish within a narrower area. The dual beam gives anglers the ability to quickly switch between the wider 455 kHz and more precise 800 kHz views.
In addition, many Solix models can be upgraded to add SideScan and DownScan sonar capabilities through add-on transducers. This allows creating photographic images of the water bottom and structure.
The Helix is limited to the single frequency 455 kHz transducer. This provides excellent fish finding but lacks some of the advanced sonar capabilities found in the Solix models.
Internal Power and Ping Speeds
Processing power is another significant difference between the Humminbird Helix and Solix series. The Solix fish finders have a higher wattage transmitter and faster ping speeds.
Here is a comparison of power and ping rates:
Helix Series:
- 300 watt transmitter power
- Ping speed up to 4000 times per second
Solix Series:
- 500 watt transmitter power
- Ping speed up to 8000 times per second
The Solix offers around 65% more transmitter power than the Helix models. It also pings at twice the speed, providing faster real-time sonar returns.
This allows the Solix to deliver faster target lock, better high-speed performance, and improved sonar imagery in challenging fishing conditions like rough water or dense cover.
Again, the Helix sonar capabilities are excellent for the price point. But the Solix takes it to the next level with significantly higher power and ping rate.
Networking and Mapping
Networking capabilities are a feature that really differentiates the Solix models from the Helix series.
The Helix fish finders have no built-in networking functions. They operate solely from their individual displays.
In contrast, the Solix fish finders allow advanced networking through Humminbird’s Ethernet and wireless ZeroLine networking.
ZeroLine networking lets Solix users:
- Link together Solix and select Humminbird units on a high-speed network
- Share sonar, maps, waypoints and routes wirelessly
- Enhance coverage by combining sonar signals from multiple transducers
- View down imaging and side imaging views remotely
In addition, built-in HumminbirdLakeMaster and AutoChart Live mapping allow the Solix models to generate real-time depth contour maps. The Helix does not have built-in mapping.
For anglers who fish from multiple positions on the boat, networking can really increase efficiency and awareness. The Solix provides a major advantage in this regard.
Additional Differences and Features
There are a few other notable differences between the Humminbird Helix and Solix fish finders:
- Cartography: The Solix supports built-in maps and has an SD card slot for additional map storage. The Helix does not support mapping.
- Touchscreen: Some Solix models offer touchscreen control for additional convenience.
- Supported Angles: The Solix supports wider transducer angles up to 83 degrees for specialized applications. Helix is limited to 20 degrees.
- Windows: Solix supports custom view arrangements and can display up to 8 sonar windows simultaneously. Helix maxes out at 3 windows.
- Optics: Some Solix models support add-on MEGA Down and Side Imaging transducers for photographic underwater views.
While more limited in features, the Helix still provides the key sonar capabilities of excellent fish targeting, bottom contour viewing, depth reading, water temperature, etc. The added features of the Solix provide more versatility for advanced anglers.
Helix vs Solix Comparison Chart
Here is a helpful comparison chart summarizing the key differences between Humminbird’s Helix and Solix fish finder models:
| Feature | Helix Series | Solix Series |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $250 – $1000 | $900 – $3000 |
| Display Size | 5” – 10” | 5” – 16” Widescreen |
| Sonar Frequency | Single 455 kHz | Dual 455 kHz & 800 kHz |
| Power | 300 Watts | 500 Watts |
| Ping Speed | Up to 4000 pings per second | Up to 8000 pings per second |
| Networking | None | Ethernet and Wireless ZeroLine |
| Mapping | Not Supported | Built-in LakeMaster and AutoChart Live |
| Touchscreen | No | Select Models |
As shown in the table, while the Helix provides excellent basic fish finding ability, the Solix offers significant advantages in power, performance, display size, networking and mapping capabilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both deliver high-quality sonar for locating fish, the Humminbird Solix represents the top of their line with the most advanced capabilities and features.
Key advantages of the Solix over the Helix include:
- Larger display options up to 16” widescreen
- More powerful transmitter and faster ping speeds
- Dual beam sonar with 455 kHz and 800 kHz frequencies
- Advanced networking between multiple units
- Built-in lake and coastal mapping
- Additional features like touchscreen, video support, expanded viewing angles
For many anglers, the more affordable Helix models provide excellent performance at a fraction of the Solix price. But for those needing the largest displays, fastest sonar imaging, or advanced networking functions, the Solix is easily the superior choice.
Both the Helix and Solix deliver the proven fish finding capabilities that Humminbird is known for. Selecting the right model comes down to the specific performance you need and how much you are willing to invest. Carefully considering display size, sonar frequencies, speed, networking abilities and built-in maps will help determine which Humminbird system is the best fit.
