entry level flasher

[River-Runner]

has anyone used the humminbird ice 35. it seems to have all of the features of the more expensive flashers at a reasonable price.

[jwmiller33]

here is a post i made a couple weeks ago in a similar thread in the ice fishing forum about my flasher:

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 $275-300 (got for $250 at STP ice show)

Vexilar FL8/FL12 $300ish

MarCum VX1 $300ish

Better

Humminbird ICE45 $375

Vexilar FL18 $419.00 (ProPack)

MarCum LX3 $369.99

Best

HumminbirdICE55 $450

Vexilar FL20 $450

MarCum LX5 $425

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

Another great thing about the Humminbird flashers is they run on a different frequency then the Marcums and Vexilars, so you dont EVER have to worry about getting interference from the Marcums and Vexilars. It is nice to not even have to press the interference button and mess around with it

I have had my ICE35 for this entire ice season and couldn't be happier. I have no regrets about purchasing this unit and if i had to do it all over again, I would buy the same unit. 2 year warranty is nice too

[BartmanMN]

I would have to move the VX-1 into the "Better" category as it has the same features as the other ones listed, but for a cheaper price.

[jwmiller33]

I would have to move the VX-1 into the "Better" category as it has the same features as the other ones listed, but for a cheaper price.

how so? the vx-1 doesnt have adjustable zoom nor does it have dual beam sonar and the ice 35 has both of these features, and the ice35 is cheaper then the vx 1.

the ice35 also can read depths up to 200 ft... what is the max depth of a vx 1?

[Fred_Bear]

Don't forget more gadgets and gizmos = More things to break or go wrong.

I bought my FL-8 over 10 years ago and it still runs like the first time I used it. Not one problem: same battery, transducer, case, charger, everything. Never once have I had to think about contacting customer service.

If you're looking at entry level flashers, then you're probably trying to save money. Other brands might have all the bells and whistles but are going to cost you more in the long run. They're going to cause you more stress and headaches also.

[THavas]

...i need to read about flashers! I have no clue how they work. Why not just buy a 2nd transducer and holder or boat Hummingbird etc Sonar/GPS and use it?

It's good to see someone took the time to do the comparison though for the rest of us newbies :-) Thanks!

[fisherguy2010]

I would say look into the showdown. It is made by I believe aqua-vu. It is under 300 dollars and has a vertical display which is easier for the entry level fisherman. The resolution is amazing. The only problem is finding one as they are out of stock everywhere

[jwmiller33]

showdown is a great option too! good mention fisherguy!

[Northlander]

Don't forget more gadgets and gizmos = More things to break or go wrong.

I bought my FL-8 over 10 years ago and it still runs like the first time I used it. Not one problem: same battery, transducer, case, charger, everything. Never once have I had to think about contacting customer service.

If you're looking at entry level flashers, then you're probably trying to save money. Other brands might have all the bells and whistles but are going to cost you more in the long run. They're going to cause you more stress and headaches also.

What? How would a better more expensive unit cause you more stress and headaches? This statement doesnt makie sense to me. Maybe you can shed some light on exactly what you mean by this.

[deadeye]

Good breakdown and points jwmiller33.

Good thinking mentioning the showdown. My dad has got one of those and its pretty decent for the price. He didn't like the display on flashers and that showdown was just what he wanted.

My vex has served me well for the past 13 years but if I had it to do over today the bird has the most bang for the buck imo.

Yes, there is more to go wrong but that is like saying I would rather have a old black and white tv vs. a plasma for the same price.

[bigbad401]

Good breakdown and points jwmiller33.

Yes, there is more to go wrong but that is like saying I would rather have a old black and white tv vs. a plasma for the same price.

Good one!

[fisherman-andy]

Originally Posted By: BartmanMN

I would have to move the VX-1 into the "Better" category as it has the same features as the other ones listed, but for a cheaper price.

how so? the vx-1 doesnt have adjustable zoom nor does it have dual beam sonar and the ice 35 has both of these features, and the ice35 is cheaper then the vx 1.

the ice35 also can read depths up to 200 ft... what is the max depth of a vx 1?

How often you fishing up to 200ft of water? 1000watts of power, 2 inch target separation vs ice 35's 2 1/2inch, zoom feature, interference rejection, and can be found for the price of $279 at Mills Fleet Farm when available. In fact it has always sold at that price at Mills. Hence other places may sell it for more I guess.

I think the VX-1 can hold its ground against the ice 35 for features and price cost. I dont think adjustable zoom window is going to catch you more fish. But heck either one would be a good entry level flasher. A step up against the FL8/12's.

[simple1]

You can get the ice 35 for 269.00 at many places. It has a big screen, which I really like and the dual beam on an entry machine is hard to beat. Im sure the VX-1 is a great machine, but for less money you can find the ice 35 and its a great value. I had an ice 35 that had problems so I returned it. The one I have now works great and I am very happy with it.

[jimmyjames76]

I'm a long time FL-8 user, and I just bought a Humminbird ICE 35. I think it's great. I've only had it out 4 times, but so far I'm really impressed. The features you get for the money are pretty amazing. Obviously I have no idea if it will last 10 trips or 10 years, but I'm not at all worried about it. Humminbird has been around a long time, and a 2 year warranty from a reputable company is enough to make me feel ok about buying it. Plus I think the 35 is probably the least likely to give a guy trouble because it doesn't have the LCD screen or the auto depth stuff.

[jwmiller33]

How often you fishing up to 200ft of water?

[simple1]

I think we can all be excited that humminbird is in the game now for flashers. Better machines at cheaper prices! And I heard a rumor of a rumor that Vex may be planning something new.

[jwmiller33]

ALSO, marcum only offers a ONE YEAR warranty with their new flashers, and humminbird offers a 2 yr warranty! another big benefit in my opinion.

[fisherman-andy]

You can get the ice 35 for 269.00 at many places. It has a big screen, which I really like and the dual beam on an entry machine is hard to beat. Im sure the VX-1 is a great machine, but for less money you can find the ice 35 and its a great value. I had an ice 35 that had problems so I returned it. The one I have now works great and I am very happy with it.

I doubt it. $269 would have to be close out season sale. I have never seen it that low of price. Im talking retail and not some special price at a fishing event. Everywhere I had looked its at least $279-$300. So its not cheaper. The VX-1 has always sold at the $279 price at Mills as long as I can remember. It also can be found between $279-$329.

[jwmiller33]

you just have to know where to get it.. i got mine for 250! so ya, 30 bucks cheaper for something with dual beam and adjustable zoom.. no brainerd IMO

[LOTWSvirgin]

I just got rid of my vx-1 and got a Humminbird. I like it so far

[fisherman-andy]

Originally Posted By: fisherman-andy

How often you fishing up to 200ft of water?

you ever fish for lake trout?

Originally Posted By: fisherman-andy

1000watts of power, 2 inch target separation vs ice 35's 2 1/2inch, zoom feature, and can be found for the price of $279 at Mills Fleet Farm when available. In fact it has always sold at that price at Mills. Hence other places may sell it for more I guess.

I think the VX-1 can hold its ground against the ice 35 for features and price cost. I dont think adjustable zoom is going to catch you more fish. But heck either one would be a good entry level flasher. A step up against the FL8/12's.

when did i ever say that having adjustable zoom was going to catch more fish????????????????? i never did... i just said its a nice feature to have... and i bet if you had it on your unit, you would like it.. but, like most features, it is not NECESSITY...

i dont think an extra 1/2inch of target separation is going to catch you any more fish either!!! however, having dual beam sonar could very well catch you more fish

they are both very good units. and i would be happy with either one of them... however, when it came down to it, i chose the bird over the marc. to each, his own.... there are plenty of times when i have used my adjustable zoom when it was NOT in the bottom 6 or 12 feet of the water column and i was very grateful for having the adjustable zoom. plus, the ice35 was 50 bucks cheaper then the marcum vx1, so it was kind of a no brainer for me... 50 bucks cheaper PLUS a dual beam sonar AND adjustable zoom and a nice big display screen.

Slow down buddy. I aint trying to argue with you here. But for kicks how many people are fishing for lake trout? You have alot of love for your ice 35. I could care less. Im not a ford vs chevy type guy. But do show me where you can purchase an ice 35 for $50 less than the VX-1? Both flashers seem to bottom out at retail for $279. That would make it $229? If so that's an awesome deal you got. And I aint talking season close out prices or special event prices. You can get a Marcum for cheaper that way also. So I dont think its cheaper.

Im just talking & comparing the available features on the flashers. I take target separation over zoom window. The dual beam option is nice on the Ice, i cant disagree with that. But like you said I dont think that is going to catch you more fish either. For what its worth I already own a VX1, LX3tc, and have just purchased a humminbird ice 55 that is not even out of the box yet and itching to be used. It was hard choosing it over the LX5's super fine line & target separation features. I guess I jump on a good bandwagon.

[simple1]

Well, thats what I paid for mine from a big sports store here in MN. This was before Christmas and they had them at that price for a very long time. Although they are out now and I agree with you that the MSRP is 299.00 for the Ice 35 from the Humminbrird HSOforum as the VX-1 is 299.00 from the Marcum HSOforum.

I have never used any Marcum products, but I will say I have heard A LOT of great things about them from their users and I am sure I would be happy with one if I owned it.

Simple1

[hamms-scooter]

You guys using the bird how do you like the display without the lcd? I use a fl-8 and have 2 buddys with the ice 55 and I don't know what i think of the lcd.Plus it is fiber optic right? I have seen the 35 and if it in deed has zoom and DBT it would be worth it to me.

[Mr.Outdoors]

I had a Marcum LX-3 and all around I didnt like it all that well... I sold it after about 2 months of owning it and bought a FL-8....I personaly love my Vex... But thats just me... Although I would be interested in seeing the Humminbird 35 in action...

[bigbad401]

For me, the display on my ICE 35 is so much nicer and easier to look at than the FL-8 that I sold or my brother-in-laws FL-20.