Humminbird HELIX 7 Sonar G2

The HELIX 7 Sonar G2 is one of the Humminbird units released in 2017. This particular model is no longer available. It’s a fish finder only unit; it does not have GPS or charts, nor it can be upgraded with any GPS and charts. For reference, this is the Humminbird part number 410270-1.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 7″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, 256 color TFT, with LED backlight
• Sonar: DualBeam Plus with SwitchFire
• Depth Capability: 1,500 feet (457 m)
• Frequency and Coverage: 200 kHz / 20° & 83 kHz / 60°
• Transducer: Transom XNT 9 20 T
• Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 10.8-20 VDC
• Power Draw: 800 mA
• GPS: No
• Charts: No

Sonar features

As opposed to the HELIX 7 CHIRP DI G2, this unit only has one type of sonar which is the traditional DualBeam Plus. It uses two main frequencies – 200 kHz and 83 kHz. It doesn’t have CHIRP technology, but still, it does provide an excellent target separation. Also, since the unit’s sonar is DualBeam Plus, it can run both frequencies simultaneously and you can view the results in split-screen format.

Although it’s a basic fish finder, it does offer quite a few standard sonar features. To begin with, it has the Selective Fish ID+ feature which offers a slightly different display of the fish targets. It uses advanced signal processing to interpret the sonar returns and identify the fish targets and assigns a fish icon to each fish target. You can also opt to view the approximate depth of each fish target next to it.

Like all the other Humminbird fishfinders with DualBeam Plus sonar, the HELIX 7 Sonar G2 has the SwitchFire feature. This is basically a quick sonar filter. It has two modes, Clear Mode and Max Mode. By selecting Clear Mode, the unit will filter off all the clutter and small targets, focusing on the bigger targets. Conversely, by selecting Max. Mode, the unit will show all the sonar information on screen.

Vertical Flasher and Circular Flasher are two features included as well. The Vertical Flasher (or Real-Time Sonar view) appears near the standard sonar view. It displays the information caught by the most recent sonar pulse. The Circular Flasher puts the sonar information into a ring view with the depth shown in the middle. The outer ring shows the strength of each signal from left to right. As a general idea, this type of sonar is best to use when fishing in stationary mode, or for ice fishing.

Among other features, we can count Depth Alarm, Fish Alarm, Freeze Frame, Structure ID, WhiteLine, Split Zoom, Bottom Lock, etc. However, this unit does not have Sonar Recording and Sonar Rewind features as it doesn’t have a microSD or SD card reader.

Transducer

The Humminbird HELIX 7 Sonar G2 includes the XNT 9 20 T transducer which features a plastic housing, a transom mount, has 20′ (6 m) of cable, and also integrates a temperature sensor. The unit can show the water temperature detected by the transducer’s built-in sensor but does not have a Temperature Graph feature. Also, the transducer does not have a speed sensor, and since the unit doesn’t have GPS, it cannot calculate the speed of your boat.

The XNT 9 20 T transducer uses two conical beams with a coverage of 20° @ 200 kHz and 60° @ 83 kHz. Its maximum depth capability is 1,500 ft (457 m) which applies to the 83 kHz beam.

The transducer should be able to maintain an optimal bottom and fish target reading at speeds up to 20-30 MPH. However, the recommended speed for a maximum of targets is 1-6 MPH.

Control unit features

The HELIX 7 Sonar G2 features a 7-inch diagonal LCD display, 16-bit color with a pixel matrix of 800H x 480V. It also integrated LED backlight for a bright view and excellent readability even in direct sunlight.

The unit is IPX7 waterproof. In other words, it can resist incidental water exposure such as rain or splashes, and even immersions in freshwater up to 1 m.

As we’ve mentioned above, this Humminbird fish finder features an improved interface, with smaller digits, in order to cover a smaller portion of the sonar view. Its interface is highly intuitive and easy to use. However, it doesn’t have touchscreen technology; its operation is done exclusively via the keypad on the right. The unit doesn’t offer NMEA or other networking support. It also doesn’t have an SD, or microSD card reader.

The unit includes the classic Gimbal mount, however, an in-dash mounting kit is also available. A unit cover is not included.

The Pros

• DualBeam Plus sonar;
• XNT 9 20 T transducer is included;
• Depth capability up to 1,500 ft;
• Multiple alarms;
• Fish ID, RTS, Circular Flasher, SwitchFire, Alarms, Bottom View, Structure ID functions available;
• Excellent, sharp imaging;
• Fairly large, 7-inch display;
• Easy to use, intuitive interface;
• IPX7 waterproof;
• Gimbal mount included;
• Easy to install.

The Cons

• Unit cover is not included.

Summary

The Humminbird HELIX 7 Sonar G2 is a fish finder only unit without any navigation functions. It offers DualBeam Plus sonar and comes with a basic 200/83 kHz transducer. It’s an affordable fish finder system, great for inland and off-shore fishing, being able to scan depths up to 1,500 ft.