Humminbird Helix 5 G3 Fish Finder
| Overall Rating | 88.4% |
| Grade | Good |
| Maximum Depth | 1200 ft in saltwater |
| Sonar Frequencies | Traditional Sonar: 50/80/200 kHz; CHIRP Range of 150-220kHz |
| CHIRP |  |
| Display Size | 5 Inches |
| GPS | |
| Chartplotter | |
| Down Imaging |  |
| Side Imaging | |
| Transducer Included | |
| Suitability for Kayaks & Small Craft | |
| Water Temperature Sensor | |
Humminbird Helix 5 G3 Review: What Anglers Are Saying
The Humminbird Helix 5 G3 is well-established among anglers worldwide and offers an impressive depth capability of up to 1200 feet in saltwater.
A standout feature is the integrated chartplotter with AutoChart Live, which allows you to create your own detailed nautical charts in real-time.
Equipped with Humminbird’s CHIRP technology, it delivers clear and precise views of fish and structures in both Narrow Mode (180-240 kHz) and Wide Mode (140-200 kHz). All information is displayed with crisp detail on a high-resolution 5-inch screen.
Although it lacks Low CHIRP and Down Imaging, the Helix 5 G3 is a powerful option at an attractive price.
This fish finder is an excellent choice for anglers who want a reliable and high-performing device with a focus on precise navigation and the ability to create custom maps.
It is ideal for exploring new waters and for anglers who value clear and detailed underwater views. Its size also makes it a great choice for medium-sized boats.
Here you will find a detailed review of the Humminbird Helix 5 G3, supplemented by a summary of relevant customer reviews. Additionally, we have clearly summarized the most important pros and cons of this fish finder for you.
Humminbird Helix 5 G3: The Official Editor’s Review
Maximum Depth / Sonar Frequencies / CHIRP
The Humminbird Helix 5 G3 reaches an impressive maximum depth of 1200 feet in saltwater. For traditional sonar readings, it utilizes 50, 80, and 200 kHz frequencies.
For high-resolution CHIRP imaging, it employs Dual Spectrum CHIRP technology. This features a Narrow Mode (180-240 kHz) for detailed views in shallow to medium depths and a Wide Mode (140-200 kHz) for greater depths and broader coverage.
The Humminbird Helix 5 G3 stands out with its impressive depth performance, reaching a full 1200 feet in saltwater, which puts it at the top of our comparison. The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv follows with a saltwater depth of up to 820 feet.
For traditional sonar imaging, the Helix 5 G3 uses 50, 80, and 200 kHz frequencies. However, when it comes to razor-sharp CHIRP images, it utilizes high-resolution Dual Spectrum CHIRP technology.
Generally, lower frequencies penetrate deeper but offer less detail, while higher frequencies provide more detailed images but don’t reach as deep. Modern fish finders combine both to ensure maximum depth and excellent resolution.
The Helix 5 G3 features state-of-the-art Humminbird CHIRP functionality. By simultaneously transmitting and analyzing a range of frequencies, it provides highly detailed insights into the underwater world.
You have two choices for CHIRP frequencies:
Narrow Mode: This mode uses the 180-240 kHz frequency range with a narrow cone angle. It is ideal for locating fish in shallow to medium water depths within a smaller area around the boat.
Wide Mode: This mode transmits frequencies in the 140-200 kHz range with a wider cone angle. This allows you to reach greater depths and cover a wider radius around the boat to find fish.
However, it’s important to note that the included transducer does not support CHIRP in the low-frequency range (28-250 kHz). This means the CHIRP function won’t reach the fish finder’s absolute maximum depth, as that would require even lower CHIRP frequency ranges.
Display Size / GPS / Chartplotter
The Humminbird Helix 5 G3 impresses with a 5-inch display and razor-sharp images, supported by a practical split-screen function. The integrated GPS allows for the precise saving of hotspots with an accuracy of 3-7 feet.
As the only device in our comparison, it features a chartplotter that allows the use of external nautical charts (e.g., Navionics) via a microSD card slot. Furthermore, you can create your own maps with AutoChart Live.
The Helix 5 G3 scores points with a 5-inch display and a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. This standard resolution for 5-inch fish finders ensures razor-sharp images.
The split-screen function is especially practical: you can divide the display to show, for example, the depth chart and the sonar image simultaneously in a clear layout.
For anglers on larger bodies of water, a reliable GPS is essential. The Helix 5 G3’s integrated GPS allows you to save and relocate your hotspots with precision, offering an accuracy of 3-7 feet under optimal conditions.
As the only fish finder in our comparison, the Humminbird Helix 5 G3 includes a chartplotter. This allows you to display electronic nautical charts, which are crucial for identifying and navigating around shallows.
The Humminbird Basemap comes pre-loaded on the device. This map covers more than 10,000 lakes and the U.S. coastline.
Thanks to the microSD card slot, you can also easily use external premium charts, such as those from Navionics (additional costs may apply). Furthermore, the AutoChart Live function gives you the ability to create your own depth maps as you go.
With the optional Humminbird AutoChart Pro PC software, you can even enhance these maps with information on bottom hardness.
Fish Finder Features / Down Imaging / Side Imaging
The Humminbird Helix 5 G3 offers an excellent fish-finding function using Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar. This provides detailed fish arches and clear views of structure. The device does not have Down Imaging or Side Imaging technology.
The Humminbird Helix 5 G3 offers an outstanding fish-finding function with its Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar.
This technology delivers highly detailed fish arches and provides a clear depiction of fish-attracting structure as well as the bottom. This gives users a precise insight into the underwater world before casting a line.
Humminbird’s Down Imaging technology uses an extremely thin, high-frequency beam to produce sharp, picture-like images of underwater structures, vegetation, and schools of fish. This is particularly advantageous for accurately identifying bottom structures and the fish hiding within them.
Similar functions from competing products, such as Lowrance Downscan Imaging or Garmin’s ClearVü, offer comparable detailed views directly beneath the boat.
The Humminbird Helix 5 G3 is not equipped with Down Imaging technology. For anglers who value this type of precise underwater observation, the following fish finder models might be of interest:
With the remarkable Humminbird Side Imaging, you get a 180-degree perspective of the world beneath your boat. Its ultra-thin sonar beam instantly scans an area up to 400 feet to the left and right—for a massive total coverage of 800 feet.
The returns from each scan are then seamlessly stitched together to create a stunning, picture-like view of the bottom. You can use the zoom feature to magnify details or mark promising structures and hotspots with a waypoint directly on your screen.
Comparable technologies from other manufacturers are known as SideScan Imaging from Lowrance and SideVü from Garmin.
The Humminbird Helix 5 G3 does not offer the Side Imaging feature. Anglers looking for this technology will find it in Garmin’s Striker Vivid series, for example, starting with the Striker Vivid 7sv and its 7-inch display.
The Humminbird Helix 5 G3 features a built-in sensor that displays the current water temperature. This function is incredibly valuable to anglers, as water temperature is a major factor that influences the behavior and location of fish.
This allows you to identify colder or warmer water layers where certain fish species prefer to hold, enabling you to build a more precise and effective fishing strategy.
Transducer / Suitability for Kayak Fishing
The Humminbird Helix 5 G3 comes packaged with the XNT 9 HW T transducer, giving you Dual Spectrum CHIRP capability right out of the box. However, its 5-inch display makes it less ideal for inflatable boats and belly boats compared to more compact 4-inch fish finders.
The Humminbird Helix 5 G3 includes the XNT 9 HW T transducer, which directly supports the Dual Spectrum CHIRP function. This saves you the additional cost of buying a transducer separately.
However, due to its 5-inch display, the Helix 5 G3 is less ideal for use on inflatable boats and belly boats compared to smaller 4-inch fish finders. For this type of use, the following 4-inch models are particularly recommended:
For inflatable boats, the transducer is typically mounted on a solid transom. For belly boats, on the other hand, special strap systems with a mounting plate work best, as they can be flexibly attached to one of the pontoons.
If you’re using a rental boat where permanent installation by drilling isn’t allowed, we recommend a portable transducer pole or a suction cup mount for a non-permanent, flexible setup.
Customer Review Roundup: Feedback from Real Owners
The Humminbird Helix 5 G3 is a huge hit with customers. Drawing from over 280 reviews, it boasts an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Buyers commented as follows:
- Working great and has plenty of functions for a unit this size and price. The screen is easy to read without my reading glasses.
- Overall, a solid unit for the cost, the GPS and maps are easy for me to use and are fast and accurate. If you don’t have deep pockets or a lot of mounting space, then this is a unit that you should seriously look at.
- Simply outstanding! Gourmet’s secret weapon! Professional results with beginner-friendly operation. Auto-cleaning function actually works. Noise levels lower than decibel claims.
- Excellent product! Love this unit!
- Works as advertised. Very detailed graphics.
- Good product for the price.
- Super quality and works as described. Used several times and I’m impressed each time finding fish and keeping me informed of depth.
- Easy to use.
- Very nice.
- Wonderful. It was a birthday gift for my husband. On his birthday, when he opened his gift, he was super surprised but, most of all, very happy because it was the exact one he wanted.
The international popularity of the Humminbird brand is highlighted by numerous positive customer reviews from anglers all over the world, including Canada and Australia.
Based on this global feedback, the Humminbird Helix 5 G3 is highly regarded as a quality device that offers excellent performance and value for its price. Users consistently report that it works exactly as described and express impressment with its ability to locate fish and provide accurate depth readings.
A major highlight for many is the display, which is praised for its very detailed graphics and for being clear and easy to read, even without reading glasses.
The device is also considered very user-friendly, with beginner-friendly operation. The integrated GPS and mapping functions are frequently singled out for their speed, accuracy, and ease of use.
Overall, anglers worldwide recommend it as a solid choice, especially for those with limited mounting space or a smaller budget. The high level of satisfaction is evident, with many buyers calling it an excellent and wonderful product that also makes for a much-appreciated gift.
While the CHIRP function from other manufacturers may only cover a few frequencies around a central point, some Humminbird devices scan entire frequency ranges.
For example, Narrow Mode covers the 180-240 kHz frequency range, and Wide Mode uses the 140-200 kHz range. It’s also great that you can either use external, third-party charts via the microSD slot or create your own nautical charts.
The high performance of the Humminbird Helix 5 G3 is reflected in its price. We recommend it to all boaters and anglers who are looking for a technically superior fish finder for use on a medium-sized boat.
Humminbird Helix 5 G3: Pros and Cons
The Humminbird Helix 5 G3 is a fan favorite with over 280 positive Amazon reviews. It is the most powerful device in our comparison, with a depth capability of up to 1200 feet in saltwater.
Highlights include the chartplotter, the AutoChart Live function for real-time map creation, and the Humminbird CHIRP technology (Narrow & Wide Mode) for clear views of fish and structure. All of this is displayed on a high-resolution 5-inch screen.
Limitations include the lack of Low CHIRP and Down Imaging. Overall, the Helix 5 G3 offers outstanding performance and advanced features at an attractive price.
Pros
- Purchased and reviewed by over 280 buyers on Amazon
- Most powerful device in our comparison (1200 ft depth in saltwater)
- Chartplotter
- AutoChart Live function for creating your own nautical charts
- State-of-the-art Humminbird CHIRP with Narrow Mode (180-240 kHz) and Wide Mode (140-200 kHz)
- High-resolution 5-inch display
Cons
- No Low CHIRP (This is not available from Humminbird in this price range.)
- No Down Imaging
The Humminbird Helix 5 G3 has established itself as a favorite among anglers, a fact supported by over 280 positive reviews on Amazon. It is the most powerful device in our comparison, impressing with a depth capability of up to 1200 feet in saltwater.
A major plus is the integrated chartplotter, which allows for precise navigation. The innovative AutoChart Live function makes the Helix 5 G3 stand out, as it allows you to create your own detailed nautical charts in real-time—an invaluable advantage for exploring new waters.
Furthermore, it is equipped with state-of-the-art Humminbird CHIRP technology, which offers both a Narrow Mode (180-240 kHz) and a Wide Mode (140-200 kHz) to consistently deliver clear and precise views of fish and structure.
All of these features are displayed with crisp detail on a high-resolution 5-inch screen, which significantly improves operation and readability.
Despite its many advantages, the Humminbird Helix 5 G3 does have a few minor limitations. It does not feature Low CHIRP, which is standard for this price class from Humminbird and therefore shouldn’t be a major point of criticism. Down Imaging is also not included in this model.
Overall, the Humminbird Helix 5 G3 offers outstanding performance and many advanced features at an attractive price. It is an excellent choice for anglers looking for a reliable and powerful fish finder.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Humminbird Helix 5 G3
Does the Humminbird Helix 5 G3 have a chartplotter?
Yes, the Humminbird Helix 5 G3 has a built-in chartplotter. This chartplotter provides the flexibility to either use external nautical charts or to create your own detailed maps in real-time with the innovative AutoChart Live function.
- Humminbird
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