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Vexilar FL-18 vs. FL20

gonehunting

By gonehunting
in Ice Fishing

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gonehunting Proficient

gonehunting

Posted
Posted

I am curious if there is anyone out there like me that seems to always want the newest and the best. The reason I ask is that I had an FL-18 for about 5 years and it worked flawlessly. I then purchased the FL-20 and am not sure I gained anything by spending another $100.00 to upgrade. I've honestly thought about selling the FL-20 and buying a new FL-18. To me the FL-20 has so many lines around the graph that it is hard to read depths at times depending on what setting your on. Most are impressed with the flatscreen but I don't know that if it was a great upgrade or not. It looks like Vex eliminated some of the confusion of the depth lines on the Fl-22 but am not going to upgrade to that model. Anyone else left with the same impression? I don't know that I would buying anything but a Vex or maybe a Marcum LX-5.

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Roomylegend Explorer

Roomylegend

Posted
Posted

Ok I had a 12 and I got the new vexlar 22. I talked to the rep and he is a great friend of mine. The fl 22 has it's advantages but he said not a lot has changed. Better resolution, quieter in the noise cuz it automatically adjust, nite mode and the tri beam is nice when fishing with other people around. The advantages of the fl 22 is shallow water. Ii fish in the plains and never fish over thirty feet. I love the bottom zoom and it has bottom lock for summer fishing. Honestly it's ego and and your walete. An fl 8 is more then you really need to catch fish and marcum is like the ford and chevy debate. I love my vexlar and bottom zoom. The only thing I have trouble with my fl 22 is knowing how deep it is with the new screen readings. I love the flat screen very nice. If you have a twenty I don't suggest u upgrade and wait it out. The fl 22 does in my opinion have the best resolution.

Hope this helps some. Good luck fishing.

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fisherman-andy Mentor

fisherman-andy

Posted
Posted

I have the same feeling, only with my Marcums. I sold my old VX1 and picked up the LX5 to add to my lineup of an LX3tc, Ice 55. I have fished with LX5's before but never gave it much thought. Dont ask me why.

Set side by side the LX3tc and LX5 is almost identical in features and display. Minus the dual transducer and SFL. However the crisp displays on the LX3tc is pretty fine line already while in zoom mode. I found no difference while in zoom. I guess if you fish shallow or breaks in deep water the dual ducer may come in handy. You begin to wonder if it was really worth the extra $100.

I will say one thing though,the LX5 can knock out just about any interference you get...

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joneshat11 Community Regular

joneshat11

Posted
Posted

I have both an 18 and 20 all though I do have the 20 I believe you actually lose something out of functionality and thats the bottom lock on the 18. Otherwise the flat screen is what keeps me using the 20. 22 will be purchased next season as it has bottom lock.

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Ed Carlson Grand Master

Ed Carlson

Posted
Posted

You would find the FL-22 more advantageous in open water use as well, with the BL and the LP mode, and the flat screen display for a greater field of view.

The Vexilar LP and BL Modes are highly useful in open water use. The LP mode will deal with algae blooms on lakes and particulate clutter and bubbles in rivers, far easier to get a cleaner reading.

For the $69 difference, I would suggest you go with the Fl-22.

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