Humminbird ICE HELIX 5 CHIRP G2

The ICE HELIX 5 CHIRP G2 is one of the ice fish finders released by Humminbird in 2019. As its name suggests, it is a fish finder only; it does not have GPS or other navigation features like the ICE HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 that we’ve already covered here. For reference, this is the Humminbird part number 411180-1.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 5″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, 256 color TFT, with LED backlight
• Sonar: Dual Spectrum CHIRP
• Depth Capability: 400 ft. (122 m)
• Frequency and Coverage:
  130-250 kHz, 15°-21°
• Transducer: Xi 9 1521
• Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Draw: 600 mA
• Power Input: 10.8-20 VDC
• GPS: No
• Charts: No
• Portable kit: Included

Sonar features

First of all the ICE HELIX 5 CHIRP G2 includes the Xi 9 1521 ice transducer which offers a beamwidth range between 15° and 21°, and a depth capability of 400 ft. (122 m). It has 8 ft (2.4 m) of cable and a stabilizing floater.

However, the unit’s sonar is slightly better than for the older ICE HELIX CHIRP GPS G2 (410430-1) as it offers 6 interference rejection settings (up from 5) for keeping competing sonar signals from cluttering the display of your unit and for delivering a clear view of what’s under the ice. Plus, it is a year-round capable unit. It can be paired with all the HELIX 5 CHIRP G2 transducers so you can install it on your boat.

The unit supports three main 2D CHIRP frequencies, these being 50/83/200 kHz. So, depending on the transducer used, this fish finder system offers the possibility of using 50/200 (28-75/130-250 kHz), 83/200 (75-155/130-250 kHz, or the Dual Spectrum CHIRP modes Narrow Mode (180-240 kHz), Wide Mode (140-200 kHz), and Full Mode (150-220 kHz). Of course, with the included transducer, the available frequency range is High CHIRP (130-250 kHz).

The unit has an advanced ice flasher feature offering 1024 segments for a more detailed view of your jig and the fish attacking it. Along with the sonar segments, the flasher also provides plenty of other readings, including Gain, Depth, Range, the diameter of the sonar beam based on depth, Battery Status, Zoom Range, and more. The unit can also read Temperature; however, the included transducer does not have an internal temperature sensor.

An Adjustable Sonar Zoom feature is available as well. This gives you the possibility to focus the bottom or a certain suspended height for improved target detection. There is a 2X zoom for the flasher, and up to 8X zoom for the 2D sonar view. Plus, as opposed to the older unit, this one offers a target separation of 3/4″ (up from 1.5″).

Control unit features

The ICE HELIX 5 CHIRP G2 features a fully digital LCD display with a 256 color range, and integrated LED backlight, just as the HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3. It’s 5″ in diagonal, and has a pixel matrix of 800H x 480V. It’s also IPX7 waterproof which essentially means that it can take incidental water exposure.

The unit is keypad operated; it does not have touchscreen technology. It offers split-screen possibilities for up to two applications per view. In other words, you will be able to work with the sonar flasher and the 2D CHIRP view in parallel if needed.

One of the new features for this unit is the Jig Charge Mode. This feature gives you the possibility to charge your glow-painted lures and can be quite useful in overcast conditions or when fishing at night.

Since it’s a fish finder only system, the HELIX 5 CHIRP G2 411180-1 is not networkable. It doesn’t offer NMEA or Ethernet possibilities, and does not have wireless connectivity. It also does not have a microSD or SD card reader.

Finally, the portable kit is included with this Humminbird ICE fish finder as well. This consists of a carrying case with a built-in cable wrap, a 9 Amp Hour battery, and charger for the battery, plus the power cable and the transducer with its cable.

The Pros

• Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar;
• Supports 50/83/200 base frequencies, and High, Med and Low CHIRP;
• Ice transducer Xi 9 1521 included;
• 1024-segment flasher;
• Split-screen possibility for the ice fishing flasher and 2D CHIRP sonar;
• Plenty of readings on the flasher, including Gain, Depth, Range, the diameter of the sonar beam based on depth, Battery Status, Zoom Range, and more.
• Interference Rejection function (6 settings);
• Adjustable sonar zoom 2X (ice flasher) and up to 8X (2D sonar);
• Superior target separation 3/4″ (up from 1.5″);
• Jig Charging Mode;
• 800 x 480 resolution, 256 color display, with LED backlight, providing clear images, easy to read even in direct sunlight;
• Carrying case and mount included;
• Battery with charger included;
• Year-round fish finder, compatible with all the HELIX 5 transducers.

The Cons

• No GPS;
• No charts;
• The transducer does not have a temperature sensor.

Summary

The Humminbird ICE HELIX 5 CHIRP G2 is a portable ice fish finder that also offers 2D CHIRP sonar. It includes the Xi 9 1521 transducer and the complete portable kit (case, battery, and charger). It does not have GPS, maps, and other navigation features, so it’s more affordable than the GPS fish finders. And finally, it’s a year-round fish finder system; it is compatible with all the HELIX 5 (50/200 kHz and 83/200 kHz) transducers and can be used on a boat.