Vexilar FL-20 or Hummingbird Ice 55?

[bcollins]

I am going to be buying a new flasher here in the next week but cant decide on whether to get a vexilar fl-20 tri beam or a hummingbird ice 55 i know they both have there pros and cons but i am just curious to know everyones opinion as to why they would chose one over the other thanks.

[bigbad401]

ICE 55

[ripstick]

Had the 18 and loved it. Now went to the 55. Its a great rig.

[bcollins]

so what makes the 55 that much better than the 20?

[bigbad401]

For me is because it is not a Vexilar. I like to be a little different and not have the same as everyone else. That is why I own an AMC Javelin. To be different. But it is personal preference. Go to the store a decide what you like best because either that you buy will do the trick.

[mntim]

Get a hummer.

[fisherman-andy]

If you gonna drop that kind of dough, may as well look and compare a 3 top models from each company. Vex FL20, Marcum LX5, HB ICE55.

Its going to depend on your preference. For me its was the super fine line of the Marcum. I will switch back and forth between my ICE55 and Marcum. But when I am on top a school of fish or trying to locate them I will put away the bird and turn on the fine line feature of my Marcum. Im not a blob person.

But as anyone will say they anyone of the units will help you catch fish.

[bcollins]

ya im not a fan of marcum otherwise i would of thrown them in here

[ripstick]

1st. the auto digi depth for when you are working fast structure. 2nd. better bottom seperation. 3rd. change in color scheme. But in the end it all comes back with what you like.

[boec0020]

I went from Vex to the Bird and I am happy.

Papa-ooma-mow-mow, ooma-mow-mow

Well, don't you know about the bird

Well, everybody knows that the bird is the word

A-well-a, bird, bird, b-bird's the word

[bk_MN_iceman]

Just got my Humminbird ICE 55 a couple weeks ago. So far, I love it. I haven't played with all of the settings yet but so far i've been able to zoom in on the fish near my bait. It's been great. I've never used the Vex FL20 but really enjoy the quietness of the humminbird so far!

[ripstick]

Now thats cute

[Esox_Magnum]

Seperation on the 20 is 2.68", Seperation on the 55 is 2.50" not much difference. LX-5 with SFL on it gives you 3/4" sepration, big difference.

[Drewski]

I've used both, and there was nothing the 55 had that would make me want to switch. When I had my FL-20 (I now have a fl-22), you get some great features: 6 and 12' bottom zoom, low power mode (which I use more times than I can count), and the night mode which is great for not only night fishing but also overcast days.

[Ed Carlson]

Drewski...try this once with your new Vexilar FL-22HD..set 3 split shots 1/2" apart on your FL-22HD.

And tell me at what gain and mode you can read them clearly and specifically. (Test all 3 ducer beams too)

My bet is set at 10% to 20% gain and in both full and zoom modes you will easily see them clearly separated at 1/2"...give it a test once.

Then move them even closer, and try it again in 8 degree beam mode.

[robo]

Ice55 all the way. I have had it for a year now and it is awesome. great product.

[shiltsy]

I've got all Humminbird electronics in the boat, but LOVE my FL20. I absolutely love it. If you're on the fence on two great products, it's always nice to support a MN company!

[harvey lee]

I have both the LX5 and a Ice55. I find that I probably use my ice55 more than the LX5. I have not used the 20 or Vex 22 so I cannot speak about them at all.

I am sure the Vexilar units will also catch you fish.

They all have their benefits and will all get the job done.

[kitchy]

I love these conversations on electronics. I too am of the opinion that all will help you catch fish. I have a FL-18 and a 55. Can catch fish with either. I fish with a group of guys that have everything from FL-8s to LX-5s and I have my 55. The guy that ALWAYS outfishes has the FL-8. Just goes to show you that electronics are great but it takes more than that to land fish. Buy a flasher you can afford and like and learn how to use it. Presentation and technique are far more important than what flasher you have.

Interesting note on the 55..used it for the first time last week. Actually got interference from nearby auger noise. Screen lit up like a christmas tree. Anybody else ever see this with the 55 or any other flasheer? I guess the frquency was just right to cause interference. Never had that happen before.

[reddog]

Im hearing food things about the Hbird 385 ice combo, which includes a gps, complete with 1 card slot for mapping.

Anybody tried this unit?

[IBFishin2]

I've had the same issues fishing 10 feet away from a lx3. The lx3 had the same issues as well.. What's up with this "No Interference" thing...

[MN BassFisher]

Yeah, I've gotten small bits of interference 3 times now on my 45. Once was with 3 flashers around though. The other was with Marcum's.

[CoorsCaptain]

I have the Bird 55 as well. Was using it yesterday and a snowmobile pulled up and I had some interference until they left. I went from an old Fl-8 to the 55 so far I love it. I'm starting to be able to tell the differance in the size of the fish with it. Small saugers can still sneak in on the bottom without me seeing them though.

[WallyGader]

Marcum line seperation shmeperation. I can easily dial my 20 in to any water depth to acheive a more than desirable view and seperation.

[quickfish6]

ICE 55 that is the way to go