Vexilar Vs. Humminbird

[MJBaldwin]

Alright guys you know more than I do. But I am getting into Ice fishing and am debating wither to buy a Vexilar FL-8 or a Humminbird ICE 35.... I have used my buddies Vexilar a few times but not that much so I want one that will be a decent one for a novice as well as one that will last awhile. I will mainly be fishing Pan Fish, Crappies, Walleye's along that line. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.

[Koepper08]

I've had my Fl-8 for 7 years. It is an awesome machine. I had one problem with the switch and brought it back to Vexilar. They put a new battery in, fixed the switch, and gave me a hat to boot! Great customer service and reliable product. From all my experience get the Vex, they will last a long time. One thing to think about is getting bottom zoom. I am thinking about upgrading and that is the only feature I miss on the FL-8.

[fishersofmen]

Can't go wrong with the FL-8.

[fisherman-andy]

Either machine can serve you well with the Vexilar being backed up by years of reliable use and the Humminbird having newer or better features.

Dont pick a machine base on someone else's opinion. If you get the chance try it out before you buy. Each flasher have its pros and cons and its going to depend on your own preference and use.

If you are willing to take opinions then my order of entry level flashers would be in this order:

1. Tie between the Marcum VX1 Pro and the Humminbird Ice 35

2. Vexilar FL8

3. Marcum Showdown

[deadeye]

I have had my fl8 since 97 and it has been through alot. You can't go wrong with it at all. It certainly has helped me catch more fish.

That being said I think right now you get more bang for your buck with the humminbird. The longevity has yet to be determined but so far they seem to have gotten the kinks worked out.

Either way your getting a great unit and will catch more fish because of it.

[MJBaldwin]

Thanks for the input guys I really appreciate it and its been making me think a little harder. I wouldnt mind buying a used FL-8 but just am very indesisive about it and trying to figure out the best option....

[PerchJerker]

I am getting into Ice fishing and am debating wither to buy a Vexilar FL-8 or a Humminbird ICE 35

Both are good units and will perform really well for you.

I owned an FL-8 for years and it was the top dog back then. As some of the guys have already said, they've had them for years and they're still working great. It's very rare to hear any complaints about Vex and they've got a great track record with taking care of their customers.

The HB ICE-35 is a newer unit and has a few more features and I think a crisper display --- not as long of a track record but also a very good unit. And you won't hear many complaints about that unit either.

Marcuum also has a couple good units in the same price range, the VX1 Pro and the Show Down. Both of those are also excellent performing units.

Hopefully that helps a bit. The bottom line is that you should pick the one you like and you'll be in great shape whichever way you go.

[JigginIsLife]

This is my 8th year with my Vexi Fl-8 and love it, but that does go withough saying:

Have I had problems with it..... NO

Do I take care of it.... for the money I paid... heck yes like a baby.

Last year was the first year that actually had a "problem" and i put it in quotes becuase all it was, was a new battery which really isn't a problem. i have not had any mechanical defects, and everything has really tested time well. Has even fell off the trailer once or twice and it still lives.

I think i have the pro pack, and also got the blue cloth cover for it. It has protected this thing time in and time out. I can honestly say that with the depth you will probably be fishing an Fl-8 will do the trick. you will be on the first setting about 80% of the time and will not need that zoom. The other thing is that if you practice with this and pay GREAT attention to the thing while fishing, you can fish and never need zoom.

In my expierence just the way an eighth of an inch the way the flasher light moves can tell me whats happening and i dont need zoom. with all that said, a flasher wont make them bite, will only let you know they are down there.... about the most frusterating thing is seeing the fish, and not catching those.

[cwebs]

A fishing bud and me use a humminbird and a vex at the same time on the boat. They both work great and no interferance. It will boil down to what features you want. I don't think you can go wrong eather way.

[Bottle Fish]

Flip a coin.

[tsande00]

you will be on the first setting about 80% of the time and will not need that zoom. The other thing is that if you practice with this and pay GREAT attention to the thing while fishing, you can fish and never need zoom.

In my expierence just the way an eighth of an inch the way the flasher light moves can tell me whats happening and i dont need zoom.

Will he need zoom? Absolutely not.

Did I need remote start in my car? Absolutely not, but I still love it.

Zoom is a feature and nothing more. It might not even help a person catch more fish but it is easier to look at. I use zoom all the time...I doubt I have caught any more fish than if I didn't have it...then again my car starts every time too even if I have to walk out and use the key instead of laying there in bed hitting the remote button.

[bigbad401]

I used to own both before I sold my Vex FL-8. I like the ICE-35 and its features a lot; especially the adjustable zoom and dual-cone transducer. I think you get a lot more for your money with the Humminbird than the Vex.

[SaintPaulPaul]

Go with the Vex! You don't need anything more than an FL-8, especially starting out. I've used them for 20 years and the biggest problem I've had with them is that they tend to get stolen if you aren't careful! I've tried other brands (ColorPoint comes to mind...anybody remember those?!!! Thought I'd try the new thing, nothing but problems, eventually they ceased production). Vex has the best service plus they are a LOCAL company employing LOCAL folks. Something to consider. PS check on Craiglist for a deal on FL8's- definately an untapped resource for ice-fishing gear.