For nearly half a century, Humminbird Fish Finders have been a favorite among anglers and fishermen. With Side Imaging technology, the brand strives to push technological boundaries with every new product, and their classic approach to style and functionality make them easy to use and consistently produce results.
The company has gone through multiple sales and rebranding, and today is owned by Johnson Outdoors, a company that encourages the flourishing of the Humminbird brand.
Many devices used by anglers today were originally created and produced by Humminbird. The Super Sixty, the fishing industry’s first mass produced depth sounder, was created by Humminbird in the 1970’s. Since then, the brand has only continued to expand and improve their technology and production.
Their product catalogue is vast and varied, with many types of fish finders and other products designed to assist the fishermen and anglers of today. Their brand spans many price ranges, features, and designs, and every fish finder yields great results, depending on the needs of the customer.
Best Basic Fish Finder
The PiranhaMAX 4, the smallest and least expensive of the Humminbird Fish Finders, is a great introduction for fish finder novices.
It features some basic set up, such as a 4” display and dual frequency sonar. The small device can be mounted on a boat for easy access and visibility. It has the ability to sense depths up to 600 feet, and the sonar uses DualBeam technology for better signalling.
The PiranhaMAX 4 does not feature internal GPS technology like some of the larger Humminbird models do, but the portability and ease of use more than make up for it. This smaller model runs for under $150 typically, making it a great way to venture into the world of fish finders without breaking the bank.
Best High-Tech Fish Finder
For the angler searching for the fish finder that has it all, they need not look any further than the SOLIX 15 CHIRP MEGA SI model from Humminbird.
While this SOLIX model comes with a hefty price tag, it has features beyond the wildest dreams of any fisherman. With a massive screen size of 15.4”, there is truly nowhere for fish to hide from this technology. The internal GPS system of this device is without compare, with high-speed connections and the ability to chart, map, and save previously unknown locations.
The SOLIX 15 model utilizes CHIRP technology, which is highly regarded amongst anglers. The Side and Down Imaging capabilities of the SONIX 15 and its CHIRP technology mean it can sense depths up to 125 feet down and 250 feet side to side. Moreover, the SOLIX 15 can be modified with add ons for even deeper and wider coverage – up to 400 feet down and 800 feet side to side.
The possibilities are endless with the SOLIX 15.
This technological marvel also features built in Bluetooth capabilities, Ethernet hook up, and AutoChart Live. The latter can map out vegetation, depth, and bottom hardness of most locations, creating a comprehensive snapshot of what the area looks like. Knowing the environment can help determine what types of fish may lurk there, making this product even more comprehensive.
Again, the price tag on the SOLIX 15 is rather hefty, but its features make it worth the investment for the serious angler. Humminbird also has a SOLIX 15 version without the MEGA capabilities for a slightly smaller investment, but still featuring the best of the features of the SOLIX 15 CHIRP MEGA SI.
Best Value Fish Finder
For a “mid-range” fish finder with the best value, the avid angler should check out the HELIX 10 DI. This particular model and series has been considered one of the best and most cost-effective machines produced by the Humminbird brand. While the HELIX series features fish finders of all sizes, the HELIX 10’s 10.1” display screen is a perfect size for sportsmen.
This machine, like the SOLIX series, uses the CHIRP technology that anglers praise. As is, the HELIX 10 DI can sense depths up to 250 feet, but with the right additional materials, it can be modified to sense up to 3500 feet deep for extreme deep-water use, like deep ocean fishing. The versatility of the HELIX series is widely praised, and for good reason.
The HELIX 10 DI also features the same AutoChart Live capabilities as the SOLIX 15. It carries built in GPS chartplotting, Bluetooth abilities, optional Ethernet networking, and more. The screen also features LED backlighting, for better visuals.
The HELIX 10 DI is nearly half the price of the SOLIX 15, so for the fishermen looking for something a bit simpler without sacrificing GPS capabilities and mapping, the HELIX series is the way to go, especially the HELIX 10 DI model.
Best Fish Finder for Ice Fishing
Humminbird has an extension of their HELIX line specifically designed for and marketed towards those who enjoy ice fishing. The challenging environments of ice fishing can make the sport difficult but with the HELIX ICE series, anglers have some great technology on their side.
For the best features that the HELIX ICE series has to offer, anglers should try either the ICE HELIX 5 or ICE HELIX 7 models, depending on their preferred screen size. These ice fishing fish finders come equipped with 16-BIT color displays with backlighting. They also use the CHIRP technology of the other HELIX series but redesigned for the ice and cold. The Basemap and UniMap capabilities of these machines is also unparalleled in the world of ice fishing.
Though there are other, smaller, and still capable models in the HELIX ICE series, the ICE HELIX 5 and 7 models are absolutely worth the investment for the passionate ice anglers.
The Best Fish Finders – Period
Humminbird has made a name for themselves in the world of fish finding over the last 40 years, and with good reason. With ever-adapting technology and fish finders for every price point, all anglers are sure to find a Humminbird product perfectly suited to their needs.