Vexilar Tri-Beam?

[BucksnDucks]

You guys that have laid down the extra $ for the tri-beam option on your Vexilar, what has your experience with it so far been like? Is it worth the extra $100 or so? Will a guy use this option enough to justify the additional cost? My thoughts are that it would truly shine in deeper water, say 30 ft. plus. Am I missing out on something great compared to my FL20 with the standard 12 degree cone? Thanks for your input, can't decide for myself without doing a side by side comparison in the shallow southern MN lakes I frequent, so I seek the input of those who have used it!

[swmndeerhunter]

If you fish in shallower water I would say you would definetly benefit from it. I don't use anything but the 19 degree on my dual beam FL-20 in the shallow lakes around here. The 12 degree you don't have much of a cone under water in 10-15 or less.

[Esox_Magnum]

I prefer the narrow cone in shallow water, or any waterfor that matter, lets me see only my jig and lets me see through the weeds better.

[ihc1]

I have had a fl 12 with the 12 degree for the last four years and this year got a new fl 22 with the tri beam. In shallow non weedy water the 20 degree works good but if it is weedy the 12 or 8 degree and low power mode are the BEST. I think the 12 degree is a good all around choice, I used it for years with no complaints, but I generally fish 25' or less. The 8 degree would be good for picking up jigs in deeper water.

[blackleech]

I have the Tri-beam and I use all three settings. I like the 20 degree for real shallow stuff, the 12 degree for most fishing depths (usually 35 ft max) and the 9 degree when I'm fishing drop offs and areas with structure to limit my dead zones. I also occasionally fish in the 40ft plus range and use the 9 degree. Would I run out and drop $100 to get one?? I think I would If I could sell my old ducer. Then again Im an options and electronics geek and usually have to have all the latest gadgets.

[PerchJerker]

IMO having a dual beam option is GREAT and gives you a lot of functionality and improved performance. IMO the 3rd beam gives you another option but doesn't really give you any advantage in terms of functionality or performance. It sounds great, but it's really a bunch of hype about nothing substantial. If you like it or if you want it then go for it, and more power to you if you think the 3rd beam helps. But in the words of Nigel Tufnel, these go to eleven

[mr.z 1972]

IMO having a dual beam option is GREAT and gives you a lot of functionality and improved performance. IMO the 3rd beam gives you another option but doesn't really give you any advantage in terms of functionality or performance. It sounds great, but it's really a bunch of hype about nothing substantial. If you like it or if you want it then go for it, and more power to you if you think the 3rd beam helps. But in the words of Nigel Tufnel, these go to eleven

Why don't you make the spaces larger and have go to ten like the others?

[Ed Carlson]

The Tri-beam enhances the sonar users options and the sonar units overall flexibility of use under a wider range of conditions and challenges.

You gain the ability to focus more precisely upon your work and enhance the Target ID of the sonar return in conditions where a single or even a duel beam would not be as functional.

No one beam servers the user well in all conditions, the Tri-Beams ability to adapt, is key.

[fishwater]

It sounds great, but it's really a bunch of hype about nothing substantial.

Pretty true the vast majority of the time. If you need stuff out of the cone, go narrow. I always try and run as wide as the conditions allow - figure you might as well catch as much action on the electronics as possible.

The real question is, which is the greater cone? 8 degree in normal mode, or 12 degree in low power mode. Vexilar essentially has six cone options.

[Esox_Magnum]

Also be aware many are having issues with the Tri Beams, Seems many with the new 22 are having the most issues but may be there are more in use on the 22 that other units.

[fishin4fun85]

just bought a 22 and looking forward to the options it will provide

[gixxer01]

Maybe this will help. I know it's not the vexilar cones, but pretty close.

Did some calculating to see how much of the bottom is actually viewed using a 9, 12 and 19 degree transducer.

All values are rounded.

9 Degree:

10 FOW...1.6' dia. 2.0 sq. ft.

20 FOW...3.1' dia. 7.7 sq. ft.

30 FOW...4.7' dia. 17.5 sq. ft.

40 FOW...6.3' dia. 31.2 sq. ft.

50 FOW...7.8' dia. 48.8 sq. ft.

12 Degree:

10 FOW...2.2' dia. 3.8 sq. ft.

20 FOW...4.2' dia. 13.9 sq. ft.

30 FOW...6.4' dia. 32.2 sq. ft.

40 FOW...8.4' dia. 55.4 sq. ft.

50 FOW...10.6' dia. 88.2 sq. ft.

19 Degree:

10 FOW...3.3' dia. 8.8 sq. ft.

20 FOW...6.7' dia. 35.0 sq. ft.

30 FOW...10.0' dia. 79.2 sq. ft.

40 FOW...13.4' dia. 141.0 sq. ft.

50 FOW...16.7' dia. 220.1 sq. ft.

All the calculations are based on flat bottom.

Thought it was kind of interesting to see.

Should have used the time to fish, eh!

[fishin4fun85]

the vex manual gives you these dimensions for the tribeam

[desert_bulls]

I was doing a little research and I came across this.

http://www.furunousa.com/LearningCenter/Transducer-Beam-Angle-Calculator.aspx

[gixxer01]

HA HA! That would have saved me some time!

[FishinFools]

I love the Tri beam for a few reasons. 1) in shallow water with live crappie minnows I can see my bait in a larger area as it swims. 2) again in shallow water, switching between high and low (fl18) power gives great flexibility to see the bait at the edges of area of coverage without turning the gain up so high, 3) I can move over to a 75ft deep stocked trout lake and dial down with the 9 degree setting with a clear, low gain screen. Much more to learn, but it is a great product! (btw, mine had issues with the 12 degree output and vex sent me a new one the next day. These guys know how to provide excellent service!)

[fishinalot]

Also be aware many are having issues with the Tri Beams, Seems many with the new 22 are having the most issues but may be there are more in use on the 22 that other units.

Not sure what you mean about many issues? The only issues that I have heard is they are hard to keep in stock and everybody that has them, love them, including myself!

[Esox_Magnum]

Not working is what the problem seems to be.

[fishinalot]

Whats not working? I havn't heard of any issues.

[BehindtheHead]

the signal is very weak on one of the angles. my first didnt work on 8. my second didnt work very well on 12.

when i switch it to 12 now it shows the bottom as maybe 4 green lines with the gain cranked. i will be calling on monday.

[Ed Carlson]

One of the user related complications we have seen on the new Tri-Beam is anglers not watching to be certain the ducer is level in the hole.

Why does this occur, and why is this important to watch for?

When this occurs, the beam is misaligned to one side and target acquisition is compromised. Especially in the narrow beams.

Known issue and one that is correctable by the end user.

Sensitivity: We all know that bubbles and any thing on the puck limits and alters your readings on any sonar. With the Vexilar FL-22 HD this is even more critical to be sure the face of the transducer is kept clean. Wipe it frequently and if you notice odd changes in the sensitivity, it is likely time for a wipe. The FL-22 HD is very sensitive so keep this in mind as well.

Vertical alignment of transducer: Because the Tri-Beam Ducer puck is larger than the duer float, it may lean to one side when it rests up against inner wall of the ice hole. If your using the suspension arm and it is also too close to the wall you may also experience this tilt effect with ducer misalignment and poor target acquisition, so watch for this as well.

Resolution: Be sure the ducer is level and not leaning up against the ice hole wall.

To answer some other accusations on the dependability and performance of the new Tri-Beram, there were some ducers that experienced damage to the 3-way switch either in shipping, or latter on at the end user level.

This damage to the switch resulted in one of the Tri-Beam selection positions not working properly. You immediately knew it when it happened, as one of the 3 selections simply stopped to function, resulting in no signal in that position. However damaged, Vexilar replaced these immediately upon notice and inspection. Most damage has proven to be user related upon further inspection and dissection of the damaged switching units. Either by banging the switch against the shack sled or whatever, yet none the less, they are fully warrantied by Vexilar Customer Service.

Now...If you cat ate your ducer....Well...that is another story...right?

So let the electronics company that never experienced ducer or software related issues before, cast the first stone....everyone has at one point. The test of the metal of a company is in how it is handled if and when such an issue would arise. Vexilar will stand up to there products, without hesitation.

[fishinalot]

I must be one of the lucky ones, I have one and my son has one, with absolutley no issues.

[Ed Carlson]

Neither have I had any issues personally. The issue was not as prevalent as some would like you to believe, I would not be concerned. Just be aware, that if support is ever needed, it's there.

[clownshack]

I had some problems early on with my tri-beam and fl22. I was getting a ton of interference from other vexlars in the house. One call to vex and a new battery and some incite as to setting the fl22 up and all is well.

[Steve Foss]

I prefer the narrow cone in shallow water, or any waterfor that matter, lets me see only my jig and lets me see through the weeds better.

What he said.

I have the 9/19 on my FL-20. Using the 9 is the obvious thing in deep water and/or on steep breaks, but after experimenting with the 9 in shallow water, it just stays on 9 all the time now. Also, I use WAY less gain to see small jigs with the 9 degree setting than with the 19, and that delivers less interference from multiple units nearby.