Returning to icefishing - which Ice Fishing Depthfinder?

[GillsnBills]

After years away with too many kids sports, I am trying to re-engage in some ice fishing. Which Vexilar unit would you experienced ones recommend for the ice? When I used to fish, the FL-8 was the dream, now I think I will need a 2nd mortgage to look at the FL20 or FL18......are they necessary? Thoughts? Thanks!

[bigbad401]

don't just look at the Vexilar, look at all the brands out there. The showdown, marcum, humminbird, vex, lowrance all make good units, some better for the money than others.

[tsande00]

I would say that there are several great units on the market now days and Vexilar may no longer be the top dog.

[Bottle Fish]

GillsnBills you haven't been watching Ice Fishing Today by any chance have ya? It's just an infomercial. Vex isn't the only company out there despite what it may have told you. Just thought you should know.

All kidding aside, look at what you need one for and compare different units and the features you might use like bigbad401 said.

[magic_minnow]

Just my 2 cents, I own a showdown 5.6 and love it. Have owned Marcum VX1 and VexFL8 in the past, great basic units, but by far the showdown gives you more for your money.

[jwmiller33]

go with the humminbird and save yourself some $$

[WinterHaven]

I would say that there are several great units on the market now days and Vexilar may no longer be the top dog.

AMEN!!!!!

[GillsnBills]

Thanks guys...I guess I used the name Vexilar generically like Xerox/Kleenex. You can see how long it has been since I looked at these - and I just noticed the Vex's in a recent ad. I bought an old Xercom years ago, and kicked myself I did not get a Vexilar later. I don't even know some of the names that are out there, so looks like I gots some studying to do.

[deadeye]

Here is a Poll of what people use. You have to vote to see the results (just mark other) but it gives you a good idea of what people are using.

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2094815/1/Which_Flasher_do_you_use_Poll

The ICE series are Humminbird brand flashers, the FL series are Vexilar, and the VX/LX series are the Marcum brand flashers. My advice if your just getting back into it is to head out to the stores and see them for yourself. Everyone is different in what they like so its tough to say what is really better as its personal preference. Once you get your hands on them you can see what its all about.