guitarno
Experienced
I also currently have both. While the UI on the Helix is definitely easier to use, AxeEdit is much easier to use than the Helix UI. Furthermore some things are downright clunky on the Helix UI like rearranging effects if there is not an open space and moving things to path 2. After a month with Helix i've found some good tones, but nothing as good as the Axe's tones. The best tones I can get out of the Axe are sublime, the best tones I can get out of the Helix are good to maybe very good. I personally never adjust anything at a gig except for global EQ so the Axe's UI is of minimal impact in that environment. Personally, the Helix is getting returned. The compromise in tone is not worth it for a pretty UI. Although I will really miss the scribble strips and a few other cool features. The AX8 looks like a much better compromise to me.
This was pretty much my experience as well. I was able to get some good sounds on the Helix, but nothing really compelling. The user interface was very good, although it has a few issues, but I'm not sure I would be changing all kinds of parameters during performance so not a deal maker. Some of the other features were nice to have (routing options, USB interface, Mic input & pre-amp), but I can get those thing in other ways. I just don't think the quality of the amp modeling puts it in the same league as the AXE or Kemper, and didn't think it was worth the price because of the amp modeling. With the AX8 being available for less (not counting Helix vendor discounts), I think it's a no-brainer to at least try out the AX8.