Let’s Talk About Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case
The Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case offers anglers a convenient solution for transporting their fish finders without the need for a dedicated, hard-mounted setup. Humminbird, a well-known name in marine electronics, designed this case to accommodate HELIX 5 and HELIX 7 series fish finders, converting them into portable units. It includes a soft-sided bag, gimbal mounts, and storage compartments, allowing users to easily move their electronics between boats or use them for ice fishing.
I needed a portable solution for my HELIX 7. I fish from a kayak, a small aluminum boat, and occasionally through the ice. The thought of purchasing and mounting separate fish finders on each just didn’t make sense, financially or logistically.
Upon receiving the Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case, I was impressed with the overall construction. The soft-sided bag felt durable, and the inclusion of gimbal mounts was a welcome addition. However, the absence of a battery and charger was immediately noticeable, as that would require an additional purchase to complete the setup.
I considered building my own portable case using a plastic ammo box and some foam inserts, but the Humminbird case’s purpose-built design and included mounting hardware seemed like a more convenient and professional option. Another similar product is the HawkEye FishTrax portable fish finder system, but I already owned a HELIX 7, making the Humminbird case a more economical choice. I was initially excited about the possibilities this case offered, but slightly disappointed by the fact that essential components like the battery and charger weren’t included.
Real-World Testing: Putting Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case was on a kayak fishing trip on a local lake. I mounted my HELIX 7 onto the included gimbal bracket, connected the transducer, and powered it with a separate 12V battery I already owned. The soft-sided bag easily fit within the kayak’s tankwell, providing convenient access to the fish finder.
The Humminbird unit performed admirably, even in choppy water conditions. The screen was clear and easy to read, and the GPS function worked flawlessly. However, I found the battery compartment a bit cramped, making it difficult to manage the power cables.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case has held up surprisingly well. The soft-sided bag shows no signs of wear and tear, despite being exposed to sun, rain, and the occasional splash of lake water. The gimbal mount remains sturdy and secure, even when navigating rougher waters.
Cleaning the case is a breeze; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Compared to my previous experiences with hard-mounted fish finders, the Humminbird portable case offers far greater versatility and ease of use, though setting it up each time takes slightly longer than simply flipping a switch. It certainly outperforms trying to jury-rig a portable setup using random boxes and straps.
Breaking Down the Features of Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case
Specifications
- The Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case is designed for portable use of Humminbird HELIX 5 and HELIX 7 series fish finders. It offers a convenient solution for users who want to move their fish finder between different vessels.
- The case is black and made of durable, soft-sided material. The material helps protect the fish finder during transport and use.
- The case includes a carry handle for easy transport and storage compartments for the transducer and a battery/charger (battery and charger not included).
- It includes the necessary hardware and gimbal mounts to convert an existing transducer and control head to portable use. The hardware makes for an easy and quick conversion process.
- The case does NOT include a battery or charger, meaning users must provide their own power source. This is an important consideration for potential buyers.
Performance & Functionality
The Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case performs its job admirably, converting a standard fish finder into a truly portable unit. The gimbal mount securely holds the fish finder, allowing for optimal viewing angles.
Its main weakness is the lack of included battery and charger. However, if you already have a suitable 12V battery and charger, this case provides a convenient and affordable solution for portable fish finding. It meets expectations, allowing me to easily move my HELIX 7 between my kayak, boat, and ice fishing setup.
Design & Ergonomics
The Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case boasts a user-friendly design with intuitive storage compartments and a comfortable carry handle. The overall build quality is solid, suggesting the product will withstand regular use.
The case is relatively lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and store. There’s minimal learning curve; simply mount your fish finder, connect the transducer and power, and you’re ready to go.
Durability & Maintenance
Made from durable, soft-sided materials, the Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. With proper care, this case should last for many seasons.
Maintenance is straightforward; simply wipe down the case with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. The case’s simple design makes it easy to inspect and maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case comes with the gimbal mount and hardware necessary to attach your HELIX 5 or HELIX 7 fish finder. The primary customization option involves selecting a suitable 12V battery and charger.
The case is compatible with various aftermarket transducers and power cables. Users can also add accessories like transducer mounting arms or additional storage pouches to the case.
Pros and Cons of Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case
Pros
- Convenient portability for HELIX 5 and HELIX 7 fish finders.
- Includes necessary gimbal mounts and hardware for easy conversion.
- Durable soft-sided construction protects the fish finder.
- Dedicated storage compartments for transducer and battery/charger (battery and charger not included).
- Allows users to easily switch their fish finder between different vessels.
Cons
- Battery and charger are NOT included, requiring additional purchase.
- Battery compartment can be cramped and difficult to manage cables.
Who Should Buy Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case?
The Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case is perfect for anglers who fish from multiple boats, kayaks, or through the ice. It’s also ideal for those who want a flexible and cost-effective solution for using their fish finder in different situations. Pro anglers who travel and need to transport their equipment safely will appreciate the convenience this case offers.
Those who should skip this product are anglers who only use their fish finder on a single boat or those who prefer a permanently mounted setup. Buyers should consider purchasing a high-quality 12V battery and charger to complete the portable system.
Conclusion on Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case
The Humminbird PTC UNB 2 Portable Soft Sided Carry Case provides a practical and reliable way to convert a HELIX 5 or HELIX 7 fish finder into a portable unit. While the absence of a battery and charger is a drawback, the case’s durable construction, included mounting hardware, and convenient storage compartments make it a worthwhile investment.
At $169.99, the price is justified for the convenience and versatility it offers, especially compared to purchasing separate fish finders for each boat. I would personally recommend it to any angler looking for a flexible and portable fish-finding solution. Don’t be caught on the water without it! Upgrade your fishing game today.