From Vexliar to Marcum

[The_Vex_Man]

I would like to go from a FL 8 to the LX 5 and would like to know peoples opinons who have made the switch the pros and cons?

[Steve Foss]

I would like to go from a FL 8 to the LX 5 and would like to know peoples opinons who have made the switch the pros and cons?

There are no cons whatsoever in making that switch. All pros. Going from an entry level flasher from one brand to the top-of-the-line flasher from another brand. Only nice thing the LX-5 lacks, IMO, is the larger flat face that the newer Vex and Ice 'Birds have, and a digital depth readout. But going from the FL8 to the LX-5 is a good move, like going from a Chevy Luv to a 3/4-ton 4x4 Silverado.

[dougger222]

I only see pros with this flasher change.

[The_Vex_Man]

Thanks for all the great info today Steve its been helpful. When using zoom and fine line does it affect the battery more than running it without those two going? Do you use all the features on the lx5 or not?

[LMITOUT]

I made the same switch a handful of years ago and would have to agree that there are no cons that I can think of. I tell people it's like going from standard TV to high definition. The zoom and fine line technology is fantastic in the LX-5. No regrets at all. I also like the padded carrying case and the smart charging system that is included with the MarCum.

Good luck with your decision.

[Steve Foss]

No prob, Vex_Man.

I've fished with the LX5 a fair bit, but I don't know about added battery draw using those features. Most of my flasher fishing is for lakers, and those features are unnecessary for lake trout so I didn't experiment with them. I use an FL-20 now with dual-beam ducer. But someone will be able to answer your LX5 question.

Uh, you MIGHT have to change your HSO handle after you make the switch.

[Andy Loos1432404924]

All pros when considering the switch. You will really enjoy it!

[herefish101]

I made the same switch two years ago, and I love my LX5, the only downfall is battery life, I could use my FL8 for two days strait on one charge, now I carry an extra battery just in case. Great unit! You'll love it. I do wish it had a flat screen.

[slipperybob]

Yeap, the LX5 does like to use up more battery juice. Plus you can't put it into the bucket unless you turn it sideways. Oh well...

[herefish101]

I would like to go from a FL 8 to the LX 5 and would like to know peoples opinons who have made the switch the pros and cons?

You would have to change your screen name....lol....

[fishwater]

Yeap, the LX5 does like to use up more battery juice. Plus you can't put it into the bucket unless you turn it sideways. Oh well...

If it's in a bucket, what difference does the orientation of the unit make? I use a piece of foam in the bottom of my bucket to soften the ride a bit.

[Esox_Magnum]

Like already stated like moving up to a full HD tv. Made the switch long ago and nothing Vex or any other brand offers has me looking to go back or to change

[Wimbie]

Thanks for all the great info today Steve its been helpful. When using zoom and fine line does it affect the battery more than running it without those two going? Do you use all the features on the lx5 or not?

I wouldn't think using those features would draw from the battery more.

[rodmoen]

i can easily run my lx5 for a 12 hour day using zoom and not see the end of the battery, even when its used outside in the bitter cold. fantastic unit

[Esox_Magnum]

Ran my old one today (5 yeasr old) from 7am to 6pm still showed 40% on the guage with SFL and in zoom all day.

[slipperybob]

Going up in range makes the unit use up more battery. I get the longest run at the 20' setting. Fishing in deep water and using the 160' setting I probably experience about a 20% less time from my battery.

[Dan189]

the_vex_man, three reasons you'll love the switch:

1. target seperation with super fine line is incredible

2. optical zoom creates amazing seperation vs. vex's zoom mode

3. twelve levels of interfernce rejection.

I don't group fish that often so the last isnt crucial, but in doing the comparisons, the LX5 is much better than Vex's 20, and unless you do 90% of your fishing under 10 feet, its better than the FL22. I've previously used the FL18 and the VX1, and I'm loving the switch.

[Bottle Fish]

I went from an FL-18 to the LX5 and honestly couldn't believe the difference in target separation. It truly is like night and day and I know you won't regret making the switch, I sure don't.

<-- Notice the profile pic.

[TravP]

I've went from an LX-3, to a FL20, to an LX-5. I love my LX-5 and all the features. I want to try it in the same hole as an FL22 though so I can compare side by side while fishing.

[fishwater]

I've went from an LX-3, to a FL20, to an LX-5. I love my LX-5 and all the features. I want to try it in the same hole as an FL22 though so I can compare side by side while fishing.

Been there, done that. The LX5 lords over the fl22 in regards to target precision, interference rejection and zoom. FL22 obviously has a higher resolution display compared to the lx5. Your jig (and fish) flow smoothly on the fl22, it gives a warmer analog feeling compared to the tweaky and twitchy look of the lx5. The vex generally gives a blob comprised of multiple segments that move smoothly, the lx5 can be set to show a discrete line that essentially jumps from segment to segment.

[Dan189]

Quote:

Whats a used LX 5 worth?

Good luck finding one they're few and far between. I've been searching MPLS area, and Fargo cr_aig_l_st for one for a while, and owners love em too much to sell em. On the other hand there are plenty of FL20's for sale out there..... wonder why?

I'm not trying to start a chevy vs ford debate (which seems to already be in full force), I loved my FL18 while i used it, but the LX 5 is incredible.

[hamms-scooter]

Vex man you would have to change your name then...

[iffwalleyes]

Here is my 2 cents on this one. I own a FL 8, LX-5, and Humminbird 55. I had an LX-3 before my LX-5. THe FL 8 is great and will always be a great unit. The LX 5 is an awesome unit and I have fished with mine for 5 years or how ever long they have been out Dec of '05 actually. It has served me very well and is probably still my favorite flasher so far. However I just got the ice 55 and so far it is a great unit. I believe you get a few more bell for the money. Big thing I like is that I don't have to unplug the battery when you shut the unit off it is 0 draw coming from the battery. With the LX-5 the battery indicator continues to draw juice. I am still getting used to the zoom but I like that I don't have the split screen an can easily still see all the water column instead of just half. I do like the colors on the Humminbird they seem easier on my eyes the aren't so bright. Which is a good thing to about the LX 5 but with my eye a whole day on the ice those colors of the LX 5 burn in my eyes and I will actually look away and still see a flasher. Strange I know. Like I say I still own all 3. All good you can't go wrong with any of them. I think the ice 55 is a little cheaper than the LX-5 thought.

[Roomylegend]

The fl 22 has a switch to dim the brightness. Awesome unit. Never fished with a marcum lx5. But honestly I don't think there is huge difference in all of them. They all are sonar and the fl 22 has better resolution. Then the old velars. I still think the fl 8 is a great unit for the money!