Flashers

[BigFish1]

I dont want to start a war between flashers, but I was wondering how people feel about their Marcum LX-5, and hummingbird 55? What is the good, bad and ugly? Thanks in advance!!!

[Craigums]

I've never used either but Ive researched them alot. on the LX-5 I like the target separation and on the bird 55 I like the flat screen and 6 color display

[rkpolaris]

vexilar series have been great for me, not a single problem with my fl-8, ive had for 9 years. i have not use the marc um

[Fred_Bear]

vexilar series have been great for me, not a single problem with my fl-8, ive had for 9 years. i have not use the marc um

That sounds about right. The birds and marcums have all the bells and whistles, but the vexilars still get the job done while taking a pounding and will last you almost literally forever. Good luck trying to kill one.

[Hory]

I didn't want to start another topic on flashers, but was looking for some more information as to models, rather than brands. I would like to know which models for each brand would correspond to my fishing needs. I generally fish pannies in anywhere from 5-25 fow, rarely deeper. I just need to be able to see my jig, the bottom, and be able to distinguish fish that are suspended or nearly on the bottom. I am also a college student, so price is definately a factor as well as durability. So what are some of the models and their prices that would suit me best? Thanks for your help!

[Fred_Bear]

If price is an issue then the Bird Ice-35 or the Marcum Vx-1 is your choice. Both have zoom and will be just as durable as more expensive models. They just don't have quite as many bells and whistles as the higher end models, but will still do everything you need to catch fish.

[Esox_Magnum]

I havent used a bird but own 2 LX-5's, from doing side by side comparisons between mine and my buddies FL-20, I beat him in target seperation, cheaper price, better standerd features like the Super Fine Line that IMO is a must and dual beam transducer, sharper crisper lines and quieter. HE wins with the dimmer and maybe the flatscreen

We tested ours in 17' of ultra clear water where we could see the fish hugging bottom and whos marked fish better. So kinda a controlled enviroment.

[Hory]

Sorry to ask, but what is Super Fine Line, and would it come on an lx-1? I am interested in either an lx-1 or maybe a Hummingbird 35. What would be the comparable unit from vexilar to these also?

[Rebeleye]

I wouldn't hesitate to pick up an FL-8se Genz pack. You should be able to get one for around $265.

[Fred_Bear]

Sorry to ask, but what is Super Fine Line, and would it come on an lx-1? I am interested in either an lx-1 or maybe a Hummingbird 35. What would be the comparable unit from vexilar to these also?

That would be an FL-8se. The main difference on the FL-8 compared to the VX-1 and the Ice-35 is that it doesn't have a zoom function, which is pretty important to some people. What you do get though is a tried and tested bulletproof machine that will last you. My father has a 20 year old FL-8 that still works and mine is going on its 8th year with no problems and I won't be getting rid of it anytime soon as I'm a college student also. Vexilars also hold their value better than the other brands; people will pay pretty ridiculous prices for used Vexilars in good shape so if you want to upgrade once you're out of college you'll be able to get a good price for it. I just watched a 15+ yr old FL-8 with a new transducer get sold for $220 at Scheels last week.

[Esox_Magnum]

Sorry to ask, but what is Super Fine Line, and would it come on an lx-1? I am interested in either an lx-1 or maybe a Hummingbird 35. What would be the comparable unit from vexilar to these also?

FL-18,20 is comaprible to the VX-1

As far as SFL its only on the LX-5 think of your marks as this: Take a sharpie and draw a line, this represents Vex now take a fine ball point pen and draw a line thats a LX-5 in Super Fine Line.

[Fred_Bear]

Originally Posted By: Hory

Sorry to ask, but what is Super Fine Line, and would it come on an lx-1? I am interested in either an lx-1 or maybe a Hummingbird 35. What would be the comparable unit from vexilar to these also?

FL-18,20 is comaprible to the VX-1

Fl-18 yes; FL-20 no (dual beam transducer, flat screen, low power mode)

Super Fine Line is pretty sweet though and if I had the money for a new flasher I would definitely be getting an LX-5 as they sell at a very fair price right now. My only drawback is I feel it won't last as long or take the beating that my Vexilar does now.

Any problems with yours yet Esox? How long have you had it? Do you baby it?

[hamms-scooter]

Do you find your dual beam transducer to be a must? which cone angle do you use for the most part and does the smaller angle help you even more with your fine line? looking to add to my fl-8 se and just wondering what you think about them.. thanks

[Fred_Bear]

I just did a little write-up about different cone angles in this topic: http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/ub...fl_#Post2089773

[Esox_Magnum]

FL-18,20 is comaprible to the VX-1

[Esox_Magnum]

Do you find your dual beam transducer to be a must? which cone angle do you use for the most part and does the smaller angle help you even more with your fine line? looking to add to my fl-8 se and just wondering what you think about them.. thanks

I almost always use mine in narrow beam (8 degrees) for the simple fact I only want to know whats on my jig, not my buddys jig or my deadstick. I'll switch to wide ( 20 degree) to set the deadsticks depth thats about it.

[jwmiller33]

I dont want to start a war between flashers, but I was wondering how people feel about their Marcum LX-5, and hummingbird 55? What is the good, bad and ugly? Thanks in advance!!!

I was in a similar scenario as you until the ice show on Saturday. I've been ice fishing for a couple years and I've been bumming off friend's and family's units since I have ice fished. Since Ive never owned a flasher before, I have no brand loyalty pulling toward a particular unit which I believe is actually better in this case. I wanted to compare apples to apples so when you look at the offerings from each company, you end up with this

Good

Humminbird ICE35 $299.99 (got for $250 at STP ice show)

Vexilar FL8/FL12 $319.99/$349.99 (ProPack)

MarCum VX1 $299.99

Better

Humminbird ICE45 $399.99

Vexilar FL18 $419.00 (ProPack)

MarCum LX3 $369.99

Best

HumminbirdICE55 $499.99

Vexilar FL20 $459.99 (ProPack)

MarCum LX5 $449.99

I pretty much eliminated myself from the Best category because I simply couldnt afford to spend $500 on something that I was only going to use to fill a pail with some panfis. If money grew on trees, I would most likely have bought a MarCum LX5 or Hummingbird 55 since they seem to be the most impressive units on this list, but in my case, not the most practical.

I created a grid with all 6 units and wrote in the specification for each individual feature. When I was done with my analysis, the ICE35 literally jumped off the page with regard to bang for your buck (its the least expensive unit on the list). The entry level ICE35 has features more on par with the more expensive FL18 and LX3 units, and is a much better unit than the comparable FL8/FL12 and VX1 units. The ICE35 has a dual beam transducer (9* & 19*), ability to move your zoom window anywhere in the water column, and 10 level interference rejection. I was somewhat concerned that Humminbird was new in this arena and would likely have some bugs to work out in their products, but I was also familiar with their reputation as a company and the fact that this unit comes with a 2 year warranty helped to put my mind at ease. I also have a Humminbird in my boat and I know they make really good products.

The ICE35 also has a demo mode which allows you to play around with all of the features of the unit while sitting in your living room. Its helpful to learn what the buttons do and how the variable zoom works. I have been playing with this thing all night and it is fun to play around with it so I will be familiar with it when the ice finally freezes and i get out there fishing.

Some guys are loyal to vexilar because of their durability and their ability to last several years. Well, I know how to take care of my equipment and I make sure it gets treated how it should. As long as you don't let it bounce around in the otter sled behind the snowmobile, bang the transducer around on the ice, etc, and you take good care of it, I have no reason to believe this Humminbird I bought won't last just as long, or if not longer, then a Vex or Marc

[Esox_Magnum]

Your Marcum prices are a little off

LX-5 $449.99

LX-3TC $369.99

VX-1 $299.99

All off Pro Fishing Supplys site.

[Hory]

I have another question that I have come up with as I sit here thinking about my usual hard-water fishing spots. I am generally fishing at MAX 20 feet, and I would bet 5 out of 10 times I will be going for fish at 10 fow or under. Between the fl 8/12, the lx1, and the ice 35, which would be the best shallow water unit.

[bigbad401]

I pretty much did the same as you, jwmiller33. Last year I had $300 to spend on a new flasher and I made a spreadsheet with all the "entry" level flashers. In my comparison, the Marcum and the Humminbird give a lot for the money. The ICE 35, by features, was the one that turned out to be the best. I got it and love it. I too was worried about Humminbird being new to the ice scene, but I am glad I did get it now.

[Fred_Bear]

Very good post jwmiller33!!

You're very right, the only thing that keeps me loyal to Vexilar is that they have been around forever and are proven to take a beating and last forever. The other brands definitely do give more options and gadgets for your $$, especially the new Birds. The only drawback to them is that they are new which most likely won't be a drawback at all in a few years. One of the most overlooked features of flashers is the ability to reject interference and also not cause interference and the Birds really nailed it with that one. I think the LX-5s are pretty good too but from what I've heard they cause a lot of interference to other flashers. I don't really have a choice but to be somewhat hard on my flasher with the fishing trips I take each winter, so I need one that can take a beating and not miss a beat.

Thought you might want to know that Scheels is selling LX-5s at $399.99 all winter. At least thats what the Fargo store is doing and they usually have the same prices at most stores.

[erickol]

i got my first flasher last season, marcum lx1. loved it, used it and abused it, no worse for wear. I would recommend one for sure. as far as for comparing to vex..... i fished it side by side with plenty vexilars, from fl-8/fl-18. I did have some issues with ir interference with the stronger units. as far as out performing for its main intended purpose, they are pretty much the same when all is said and done. think allot of the back and forth is brand loyalty speaking more than anything (not that that is bad), hate to sound niave, but vexs, and marcums are both great. each might have small pros or con, but overall both are gonna get the job done..... Look for a deal, that might help tip the scale.

that said, I did just upgrade to a lx3, mainly for greater zoom and better ir.

[erickol]

I meant to say, my lx1 had lots of interference from the vexilars, which was the only drawback at all.

[Fred_Bear]

I have another question that I have come up with as I sit here thinking about my usual hard-water fishing spots. I am generally fishing at MAX 20 feet, and I would bet 5 out of 10 times I will be going for fish at 10 fow or under. Between the fl 8/12, the lx1, and the ice 35, which would be the best shallow water unit.

Personally, If I were in your situation I would look for a used FL-8 in a good condition for around $200 if you're going to be fishing shallow water. Interference isn't really a problem in shallow water and you most likely won't be using the zoom either. You could save some money too being that you won't be getting out all that much.

[Esox_Magnum]

I fish with all the Vex's next to my LX and other than the 12's we have had no problems with interference no matter the depth. We normaly fish from 6' to 25'.