The HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G2N and SOLIX 10 MEGA SI GPS basically offer the same sonar, GPS and charts; also, the units have the same display size. However, the SOLIX unit is considerably more expensive but does offer quite a few extra features and capabilities. In this post, we’ll try to cover them all. Also, to be clear, the comparison here is between the Humminbird 410120-1 (HELIX) and the Humminbird 410490-1 (SOLIX).
Humminbird HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G2N – Short Description
The HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G2N (410120-1) is a fish finder and chart plotter, one of the systems released in 2017. As its name suggests, it has MEGA Side Imaging sonar, but also MEGA Down Imaging, and CHIRP DualBeam Plus sonar. Like most Humminbird fish finders, it includes a transducer, which supports all the mentioned sonar types. This unit is also 360 Imaging capable, but in order to use this type of sonar, it requires a 360 Imaging transducer.
Needless to say, for MEGA Side Imaging and MEGA Down Imaging, the system can operate at 1.2 MHz, in order to provide high-definition, crisp images of the underwater environment and the bottom.
In terms of navigation, the unit integrates a high-precision GPS system and the Humminbird Basemap. It also has AutoChart Live which gives you the possibility to create custom maps. Of course, the unit is also compatible with various premium charts, such as Navionics Platinum+, or Navionics Gold/HotMaps, and also supports SmartStrike fishing charts.
The unit itself features a 10.1″ display with a pixel resolution of 1024 x 600, and a 16-bit color range. It does not have cross-touch technology, though… Read Full Review.
Humminbird SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS – Short Description
The SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS is also a Humminbird fish finder and chartplotter. It essentially offers the same sonar features as the HELIX unit, but it includes the XM 14 20 MSI T transducer. This transducer supports the same frequencies – 83/200/455/800 kHz, and 1.2 MHz for MEGA SI and MEGA DI, but has a different connector type (14-pin).
The unit’s standard sonar is DualBeam Plus, so you can use both 83 and 200 kHz beams simultaneously, or even blended together. As for Side Imaging and Down Imaging, apart from the MEGA modes, the unit can use just as the HELIX unit, regula 455/800 kHz SI and DI.
In terms of navigation, this Humminbird SOLIX unit has the Humminbird Basemap charts and AC Live, also being compatible with the same Navionics, LakeMaster, and SmartStrike charts. It has the same 10 Hz internal GPS as the HELIX unit, and can provide enhanced position fixes via MSAS, WAAS, and EGNOS.
On the other hand, the SOLIX unit can record up to 10,000 waypoints in its memory. It’s display has a 1280 x 800 resolution and cross-touch technology… Read Full Review.
The Main Differences
Transducers. As we’ve mentioned above, the SOLIX unit comes with the XM 14 20 MSI T transducer, while the HELIX unit includes the XM 9 20 MSI T transducer. These are basically the same, however, the XM 14 20 MSI T transducer has a 14-pin connector, compatible with the SOLIX and ONIX units, while the XM 9 20 MSI T transducer has a 9-pin connector, being compatible with the HELIX unit.
Waypoints, routes, and tracks. Both units have the same GPS and internal chart base, and they’re also both compatible with the same external charts. However, the SOLIX unit can save up to 10,000 waypoints and 50 routes in its memory, while the HELIX unit can only save up to 2,500 waypoints, and 47 routes.
Display resolution. Both units have a 10.1″ diagonal LCD display with LED backlight. However, the SOLIX unit has a richer pixel display – 1280H x 800V, while the HELIX unit has a 1024H x 600V pixel matrix. Evidently, more pixels equals better imaging.
Interface. The Humminbird HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G2N has a classic keypad interface. This being said, the navigation through its menus and the usage of its applications can only be done from the keypad on the right. The SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS unit has a cross-touch interface. In other words, its display is responsive and can be operated just as a tablet. However, it still has a side keypad, which in certain cases can be more useful than the touchscreen action.
Memory card reader. Both units have a dual card reader. However, the SOLIX unit takes microSD cards only, while the HELIX unit takes SD cards only.
Networking. Both units are highly networkable. But the SOLIX one has NMEA 2000 included, while the HELIX unit requires an adapter in order to be integrated into an NMEA 2000 network.
Side by Side Comparison
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Bottom Line
Both units offer the same sonar and navigation capabilities, but the SOLIX unit has a superior display and cross-touch technology. It’s also NMEA 2000 ready, while for the HELIX unit NMEA 2000 connectivity is optional. Also, there’s quite a price difference between the two; the SOLIX model costs at least $500 more than the HELIX unit, depending on the retailer. Therefore, if you opt for the SOLIX unit, you’ll basically be paying extra for the higher pixel resolution, the cross-touch interface, and the fact that it’s NMEA 2000 ready.
Thank you very helpful,