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Personal Dilemma: Vexilar FL-22 vs Marcum LX-7


Rebel9921

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Yes, I will be dropping the big bucks at the upcoming Ice Fishing Expo... I've done countless searching online for pros and cons...

Heres the thing... A majority of my friends that I ice fish with are using Vexilar... I only have one friend that I regularly go out with that has a Marcum...

Price: Vexilar wins, with $589 MSRP vs rumored $700 MSRP for LX-7

Features: Im sure LX-7 wins this one hands down...

Ease of use: I'm pretty sure its even...

IR: I know Marcum has this one as its the best one in the industry

Now my concern... is that I usually go out with groups of friends... I want to be considerate of others too... I dont want others to struggle with their Vexilars if Im using my LX-7 at the same time... I do have friends with Vexilars join me in my ice shack from times to time...

This also will be my first flasher purchase...

Any added info/feedbacks will be very appreciated, as long its not biased... I do realize that this posting has the ability to start a Dodge/Chevy/Ford debate... Just like Strikemaster/Jiffy/Nils... Please no biased opinions... Just want the facts... Just be HAPPY that I have narrowed my choices down to either Vexilar FL-22 or Marcum LX-7

Many thanks!!!

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If you need a flasher for deeper than 60ft of water, then FL-22 is not for you. I have the FL-22 and I love it. I picked it over the Lx-5 just because I wanted the newest thing last year. The LX-7 will be the 'shi1' I assume, but you can get a lot with that extra $111.

If you don't want everyone messing with the IR button and you're not interested in Hummingbird 55 (different frequency), then the Vex would play the nicest. I think you'd be able to get your screens clean running the LX 7, but you'll need to play around a bit.

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I really see your IR problem as pretty minute. As long as everyone doesn't start pressing buttons, and just one of you does, I assure you it won't be much of an issue. I fish with plenty of die hard Vexilar guys. We don't have issues, we are friends, we have different likes, and are staffed by different companies, and it is nothing more than that. We have different gear. Simple. I like my Marcum, and I am not a fan of Vexilar, but who am I to make their decisions. They work fine together. If you take the proper steps. If there is interference, have just one person adjust until it goes away, simple. If you want the Marcum, it will work! It's really that easy, don't let that be your determining factor.

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I got a chance to see the LX7 a couple weeks ago and all I can say is WOW. I think if you see the two side by side and have a chance to play with the LX7 then your choice will be easy...and that's not to take anything away from the FL22 which is also a sweet looking unit, it's just that the LX7 absolutely has that 'wow' factor. The screen looks even bigger and more B.A. in person.

I didn't even bother posting about performance because we all know the reputation behind both brands is stellar.

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I think you are doing yourself a dis-service by not including the Humminbird 55 in your research. I really enjoyed using mine last year.

I can't say for certain if it was just because of the whole "newness" thing or what, but the LX5 stayed home or in the truck on most trips and I'm still in the opinion that even now, you couldn't pry the LX5 from my hands, so that should be an indication how much I liked the Humminbird.

The LX7 DOES look like a game changer though. I can't wait to see it in action!

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Yes, I will be dropping the big bucks at the upcoming Ice Fishing Expo... I've done countless searching online for pros and cons...

Heres the thing... A majority of my friends that I ice fish with are using Vexilar... I only have one friend that I regularly go out with that has a Marcum...

Price: Vexilar wins, with $589 MSRP vs rumored $700 MSRP for LX-7

Features: Im sure LX-7 wins this one hands down...

Ease of use: I'm pretty sure its even...

IR: I know Marcum has this one as its the best one in the industry

Now my concern... is that I usually go out with groups of friends... I want to be considerate of others too... I dont want others to struggle with their Vexilars if Im using my LX-7 at the same time... I do have friends with Vexilars join me in my ice shack from times to time...

This also will be my first flasher purchase...

Any added info/feedbacks will be very appreciated, as long its not biased... I do realize that this posting has the ability to start a Dodge/Chevy/Ford debate... Just like Strikemaster/Jiffy/Nils... Please no biased opinions... Just want the facts... Just be HAPPY that I have narrowed my choices down to either Vexilar FL-22 or Marcum LX-7

Many thanks!!!

The part I bolded, is this true? I've heard from some they are not compatible in the same house, heard from others that it's not an issue. Just curious as I'm looking this winter as well and my dad and brother already have vexilar.

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I have fished side by side with all brands, IMO interference between brands 99% of the time is a non issue. Personaly I'm a Marcum guy and will be untill one of the other brands come out with something better than my current LX-5's ( soon to be a 7 to), so far no others have come close including the 55 or 22, at least to me.....

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I too own a Humminbird Ice 55. I use it often too, but in certain instances, I still love my Marcum and am afraid I always will. I will have an LX7 I am sure this year and will likely keep my Humminbird and use it too. Either way, I like features on both. Not to be mean, but the only one I don't own is a Vexilar. Nothing bad, I just am more fond of the others. Like said above, interference, really a minor issue, anytime I have had it happen.

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I've owned the Vexilars and Marcums - and have fished with the Humminbirds. Honestly I just don't get the appeal of the Humminbird - I was really disappointed in the display, gain control, and a whole host of other issues. With Vex - I just don't think they've actually really improved their technology yet, to me the FL-22 just isn't anywhere near the LX-5 on a variety of areas. I have not seen the LX-7 yet, I'm sure it will be pretty insane. It all comes down to personal preference - all three brands have their loyal followers, for different reasons. Then there are the guys that are happier looking at a standard graph type display like you can get with a Lowrance unit. Try them both, them buy one, and go fishing.

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I personally think your getting way more depth finder with the LX 7. The Fl 22 isn't really thant much different than all the other Vexliars they just have a higher price tag to try to keep up with the other companies that are bringing forward new technoloyy that does cost more.

I don't have an LX 7 but will some day. I've fished with marcums the last 7 years having had an an LX3 and still have my LX 5. But I sure love thn new Humminbird 55 I got last year.

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Honestly I just don't get the appeal of the Humminbird - I was really disappointed in the display, gain control, and a whole host of other issues.

Not sure what you are referring too. The screen is big and bright, probably the easiest to read. The Gain control is a knob that you turn to the level you want, displayed on the digital readout - not sure what the problem is with that. I quite like it to be honest.

I have fished with a Vex. LX5, and a Lawrance Ice Machine and like the HB Ice 55 the best. All of these units are pretty good and all will help you catch fish. So it is very subjective as to what people like.

The LX-7 looks good, just can't get over the price.

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I am going to continue to use my FL-22. Always have been and always will be a Vexilar guy. Been using them more than half my life and have never been let down. When I think about flashers, I think about durability. I have more than a few friends that have had to replace ducers on their Marcums.

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I am going to continue to use my FL-22. Always have been and always will be a Vexilar guy. Been using them more than half my life and have never been let down. When I think about flashers, I think about durability. I have more than a few friends that have had to replace ducers on their Marcums.

The problem with your statement is another person can say the same or similiar to Vex or Humminbird. Most people tend to stick with what they know and understand. Or with what they feel is reliable. And some are just to stubborn to take advantage of newer technology.

There is no denying if you want the latest and greatest piece of ice fishing technology currently it has Marcum's name written all over it. I've never had any problems with my Marcum LX3tc&lx5 or my Humminbird-55. Nor has my buddies who I fish with have any issues with the Vex Fl20's. In fact we fish all in the same ice house with Fl20's, Marcums, humminbirds cooperating nicely with some minor adjustments.

Be it an FL22 or LX7 your still gonna catch fish. But if your already spending alot of $$$ in upwards of $500 or more might as well go all out and fancy and pick up the LX7. That's my take.

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I had an FL-18, one of the first out. Yep, had to send it in for the software update because it wouldn't hold bottom. Nobody ever mentions that... Sold it after I used a first generation LX-3. Had to get a new ducer that first year for the LX-3. No doubt, all companies have issues from time to time - both companies did a great job in terms of quick turnaround and great customer service. Haven't owned a Humminbird, but hear their customer service is good too. The reason I fish the Marcum is because of what's BEHIND the display, not how bright and flat the screen is. I look at a Humminbird or a Vex, and I see blobby displays and mushy gain adjustments. I look at my Marcum and it's all crisp, clear, and the gain adjustment is much more precise, the IR is better, etc. I'm amped to see the LX-7. Won't buy one the first year, there are other things I need more than a new sonar - but I sure can't wait to try one out :-)

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It looks like Marcum is eating Lowrance's lunch. It's what the X67C should have evolved into. I wonder if they are making this model in the US too? If it is, then I am going to have a very [PoorWordUsage] off wife. It really should have a GPS too at this price point.

AdamT

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