Purchasing Ice Fishing Electronics

[Vlasin]

In the market to buy a nice off season flasher and really don't have a ton of experience with them and the knowledge to truly feel confident in my purchase with so many on the market...Marcum, Vexilar, Lowrance, Humminbird, Zercom, etc... Price $350-400.0 cap; cheaper would be better as long as quality is there. But, I have a feeling you get what you pay for when it comes to flashers.

From talking with a few people, it seems Vexilar is the way to go...but why?

What are some factors to concider when shopping flashers?

Thanks for any tips in advance!

[My_Key]

One last storm before the ice melts?

Look at the features vs the price. Everyone has their opinion of what's best, you should just make your own.

If you want mine, Vexilar isn't worth the money unless you are looking at the FL-18, 20 or 22. For what FL-8 and FL-12 are going to cost, you can get much more for the $$$ with a Marcum VX-1, Showdown or Humminbird Ice 35.

[dairyman]

If your looking for a unit why not consider one that you can use for both seasons-------summer and winter. That's what I did

[Ed Carlson]

I use my Vexilars' in all 4 seasons. Vexilar has been my primary choice for most of 30 years now. The FL-12, FL-18, FL-20, and now the FL-22HD are very good cost effective options for 4 season use.

Vexilar offers TK-Kit's with everything you need to make the FL series most usable in a boat. They will run less than $100, depending on what ducer configuration you wish for your application.

From the ice to the boat in minutes. Then back again to the ice pack just as quickly come first ice.

[NCLaker]

Check out the Northwest sports show. Lots of great deals. Ran across and used FL20 from Wigwam Resort that was going for $320! Also, had some used marcums. Lots of retailers (Marine General, Thorne, Reeds, Etc) selling ice electronics on sale (not sure of discount).

Love my Vex's

[H20fowlr]

Go look at them and find what works best for you. They all can be set up for 4 seasons and have decent quality. I fish with friends that have both Marcum and Vex's. One of my friends w/ the FL18 likes my LX-5 better. I have another that likes his old FL8 and doesn't like the color difference on mine.

It is a matter of preference. What is most important to you?

Go to a show and see them being demo'd and then make your decision.

[Sherpa]

Go look at them and find what works best for you. They all can be set up for 4 seasons and have decent quality. I fish with friends that have both Marcum and Vex's. One of my friends w/ the FL18 likes my LX-5 better. I have another that likes his old FL8 and doesn't like the color difference on mine.

It is a matter of preference. What is most important to you?

Go to a show and see them being demo'd and then make your decision.

Humminbird does not give you the option of using it on open water. I love my 35 but wish I could mount it up front in my boat.

[TooTallTom]

The Humminbird ICE units maybe don't translate to summer use (I have no idea) but the summer units translate to winter use.

I love having my GPS in the winter. I've also found that I prefer the history that I get using the 2D "summer" mode over the flasher mode that is available on the unit. It lets me look at something other than my depthfinder for a bit without missing anything, and helps with seperation of fish and lure(s).

[osok]

JMO- but Vexlar is the coca-cola of flashers....IE: their name is synonymous with winter fish finders.

There are many options out there, and they all have their quirks and caveats. I own and love my Showdown and this year bought their ice troller and love that too.

I fish w/ people that have Vex's, Marcums, and Humminbirds. They all spout that their units are the best ever period. If I was to do it again I'd might lean towards the Humminbird, but something drastic would have to happen to pry the Showdowns from my hands.

[that_guy]

In the market to buy a nice off season flasher and really don't have a ton of experience with them and the knowledge to truly feel confident in my purchase with so many on the market...Marcum, Vexilar, Lowrance, Humminbird, Zercom, etc... Price $350-400.0 cap; cheaper would be better as long as quality is there. But, I have a feeling you get what you pay for when it comes to flashers.

From talking with a few people, it seems Vexilar is the way to go...but why?

What are some factors to concider when shopping flashers?

Thanks for any tips in advance!

I honestly think you are thinking way to hard. My advice can be summed up in two words. 1) Color 2) Coordination. As everyone knows the most important thing in ice fishing is how you look on the ice. So my advice is as follow.

If you own a clam house or an otter with the cool blue camo Get a vexilar, it doesn't matter which one, just get a blue case.

If you own an Eskimo House or an eskimo auger, then you should definitely go with a Marcum.

If you own a Frabill house, I think you can get away with the Humminbirds.

Get a lowrance if you have one of those expensive fishing suits in grey.

Problem solved!

[thatoneguy]

You can't really go wrong - each company makes quality units that all perform the same basic function. yes, there are some differences, but for general purpose ice fishing use, they're all fine.

I've used a FL-12 for the past few years and it's great. I've also used a Marcum, and it was fine. I have a friend who swears by 'Birds, and I've used his, and it was fine.

Just find one that you understand how to use, and enjoy it

[hugoslugger]

I just purchased the Showdown 5.6 to upgrade from my Vex fl-8se pro pack. I'm selling that buy the way if you're interested. It's 3yrs. old, in great condition, mag shield, and battery meter. PM me if you're interested. But anyways, as it was already stated you can't really go wrong with any brand. Every company makes great electronics and it's just up to you on how much you want to spend and if you know how to use it.

[JbuZZo]

"I honestly think you are thinking way to hard. My advice can be summed up in two words. 1) Color 2) Coordination. As everyone knows the most important thing in ice fishing is how you look on the ice. So my advice is as follow.

If you own a clam house or an otter with the cool blue camo Get a vexilar, it doesn't matter which one, just get a blue case.

If you own an Eskimo House or an eskimo auger, then you should definitely go with a Marcum.

If you own a Frabill house, I think you can get away with the Humminbirds.

Get a lowrance if you have one of those expensive fishing suits in grey.

Problem solved!"

BEST ANSWER EVER!!!!!

[NCLaker]

BEST ANSWER EVER!!!!!

+1 on that!! Finally unbiased advice that makes sense

Since I have a Grey SnoSuit, Red Eskimo, Clam Fishtrap, I guess I'll be buying be investing in some new flashers next year

[Pooh]

a used vex popped up in the "PREMIUM ICE FISHING GEAR used item ads" forum... may be worth checking out

i guess that was stated in an earlier post

[JakeJ_Mn]

I had a Humminbird Ice 55 and was not happy. Maybe operator error or lack of patience, but I always found it hard to dial in on my jig or hook so I sold it.

Bought a Vexilar FL 20 with the tribeam - without doing anything but turning it on the correct depth - I can watch my #8 plain hook all the way down in 36 feet. Now I am happy. I also found a FL 12 on C list reasonable so now I have 2 Vexis.

I believe they are all good. Heard great things about the Showdown and Marcum, but never used one.