fast_randy Loc: Blackfoot, Idaho

I bought a new Humminbird ICE Helix 5 chirp, GPS fish finder and have had nothing but frustration with it and the company. First trying to get an owners manual. Then trying to understand the manual. Because they only have One. It covers all the Fish finders and every model. You have to figure out on your own what pertains to the one you have. Then their internet site is the hardest to register than any site I have ever been on. I still haven't been able to download the free map they promise you is worth up to $100.
Using it ice fishing has also been frustrating. The on switch touches the canvas cover, so it keeps getting turned on. You think it's charged and find out it's been running all night. And if you are ice fishing, don't don't ever see what the "fresh Water" arrow setting dose. With no warning you are in fresh water and it needs a different transducer to work. It says go to sonar mode to change back to ice mode. But it doesn't give you that option until the machine has been turned off for a long time. Just turning it off and back on doesn't work and either does the reset back to factory settings.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Can't help you but you helped me. Convinced me not to buy one. Thanks

fast_randy Loc: Blackfoot, Idaho

And now; yesterday I was ice fishing and it was working fine. Then we packed up and went to another lake. And when I opened the cover it was on and in demonstration mode. And when I got out of it, into operating mode, not easy, it wouldn't read anything with the transducer. Just 0.0 depth. So today I call Humminbird, and talked to a rep. I complained about the on butten. He recommended disconnecting the battery when not in use. Oh, ok. But then after I give him my serial number of my unit he said he couldn't do anything until I proved to him I purchased it. So I had to hang up and go to Amazon and prove I bought this. Then I called back to Humminbird and they emailed me a shipping label to send my transducer back.
So tomorrow I'm going fishing without my $500 fish finder. I recommend no one buy Humminbird products.

Ron620DVS Loc: Guntersville Alabama

Try this link and see if it can help with your problems..



https://www.justanswer.com/sip/humminbird?r=ppc|ga|2|Cars%20-%20Boat%20-%20Search|Humminbird%20(Marin%20Copy)%20(modified%20broad)&JPKW=%2Bfish%20%2Bfinder%20%2Bhumminbird&JPDC=S&JPST=&JPAD=167694645748&JPMT=b&JPNW=g&JPAF=txt&JPCD=20171205&JPRC=1&JPOP=AES_Cars_ControlUpdt&mkwid=sEivT6wjv_dc&pcrid=167694645748&pkw=%2Bfish%20%2Bfinder%20%2Bhumminbird&pmt=b&plc=&cmpid=15801382&agid=19217496658&fiid=&tgtid=kwd-42724059949&ntw=g&dvc=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItb-RjsLW5gIVbRitBh1JTg4-EAMYASAAEgKHHPD_BwE


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GlennMc928 Loc: Tualatin OR

I hate those birds,I bought the Humminbird 400 back when they first came out and Tom Man was promoting them who at the time was the number one guy in fishing and he recommended them. Humminbird where supposed to be the best fish finders made at the time and everyone wanted one. That thing was the worst piece of trash that I have ever owned but it was amazing it would even find fish on land in the parking lot and you cannot say that for the others. I called Humminbird and all they could do was replace the transducer and that same recommendation from Humminbird went on and on every time called them and they never did fix it or replace the unit with a new one but I did get three brand new transducers out of it god bless them.

Never again.

PapaDave

I do not have the model you purchased. but I do own a Humminbird side finder on my boat. Had it for a few years now. It does not work like I thought it should. Poor side / bottom pictures. Technical Help said it was the wrong transponder ... but They do not seem to have the unit I require. Go Figure.
I guess I should have spent the additional $1,500 (from a small business loan maybe) to buy an expensive Lawrence, rated #1 last few years.
Only, PRO's and Fishermen with working wives can afford. L.O.L.

Good luck and do not fall thru the ice.

Dolphin60 Loc: Virginia

I owned Humminbird for years on my boats and loved them. Boat I got this year has Lowrance on them and they are a pain for me to work. If I had the money I would switch back to Humminbird. As far as support whenever I called I never had an issue. For manuals look at this link.
https://www.humminbird.com/support/manuals?_ga=2.246765572.1834750050.1577570121-875499091.1577570121

It is for Helix units, they virtually all work the same.

NFN Loc: Wisconsin

My birds have been good to me. 597ciHD ice combo used in most of my ice fishing and kayak videos. Plus I have the first generation 1097 side imaging unit on my boat that still works as it should.
Sorry to hear about your experience.

fast_randy Loc: Blackfoot, Idaho

It might be my ice 5 unit and not just the transducer. It has been strange since I bought it. I always blamed it on getting turned on and other buttons getting pushed when the cover was closed. I continue to loose my white screen and find the black sonar screen. And shit like that. I bought a boat transducer and haven't put it on my boat yet. I'm taking it to Strawberry Res. in Utah Monday and try and use that.

Bruce b

Have to agree, Dolphin. I've owned Hummingbird finders for years. Customer service has always been great - professional & courteous. When my 3-d (very old model) finally gave up, I replaced it with a 2-d model. I just don't like 2-d period. I wonder if Hb. has outsourced to an inferior contractor/country/China? Am I allowed to say that? I've been eye-balling Garmin products to replace my 2-d Hummingbird. Anyone familiar with those? Don't want to take college courses to run it, just want to go fishing.

fast_randy Loc: Blackfoot, Idaho

When I called them they responded ok, I guess. I'll let you know how long it takes to get a new transducer. I complained about the on button being so close to the canvas cover and always finding it running when I open it up. You get out fishing and find your fish finder has been running all night in demonstration mode and your battery is 30%. He said to pull a terminal of the battery when you don't use it. Instead of fixing the problem they have secret tricks to tell you. 80/20 rule.

MITCH Loc: Pensacola, Florida

Should a bought a Garmin!!

Bruce b

No one should have to put up with that b.s. Have you asked to speak with a manager at a regional office? Be sure you get the name of the jerk you are dealing with in customer service. They stay in business because good people put their trust in their company. Please be sure to be polite. Folks tend to stop listening when they get scolded. I know that because I'm married!

MITCH Loc: Pensacola, Florida

I worked in Bass Pro fishing and marine for 2 years. Of all the fish finders we had I preferred the Garmin over all for quality, reliability, ease of use -especially for seniors (not all that patient). That's why I bought a Garmin 74cv for my pontoon boat. Very good machine and easy to use. Also have quick dismount without having to undo all the knows and cables, u like the other brands. Hope this helps!!

Bruce b

Thanks Mitch. Sounds like folks are really on board with Garmin units. The feedback is consistently good. And yes, I'm a geezer who is losing the patience battle. Don't like having to work very hard with the new tech stuff. Just want a few more days in the sun.