Bird 55 vs. FL 20

[mc367]

looking for some o.e.(operating experience) I have an FL8 and i want to buy another depth finder. Trying to make a decision between the Bird 55 and the FL20, Ive used the FL20 b4, like the features of the Bird 55, but never tried it.

[Borch]

I've used an Ice 55 for a couple of winters now and really like it especially when hole hopping with varying depths. The auto feature is very nice as it automaticly adjust the depth scale. No need to switch knobs to get the right range. It's sensitive and I'm quite fond of the hummingbird softer color scheme.

Only things I'd change are beefing up the noise rejection for when you fish around several guys with birds and having a night mode because it's quite bright.

[fishmounter]

Talking about the FL8 which I have had for years are the newer Vexilar models more sensitive than the older FL8? I do like the idea that the new models are a flat screen so when fishing outside they don't build up with snow or water. Are the newer models more able to define bottom and fish and Hummingbird vs Vexilar.

[Esox_Magnum]

New Vex's are basicly the same as the old ones, better IR in the ones in the past 8-10 years is about the end of their advancements....Other than the cosmetic changes and add on accessories that is....

[harvey lee]

I have used the FL8 and the 18. Both good units. I used my FL8 for many years and it preformed flawlessly.

I cannot speak much of the FL20. I used one once when they first came out and I do know I thought it was a very nice unit.

I really like the Ice 55 as the 6 color scheme is nice as one can change the colors for something different. maybe easier on the eyes.

I also really like the auto depth readout.

I typically do not have much for issues with other units nearby but a few times I have but got it adjusted out.

I have used the MarCum LX5 and it is a great unit.

I find myself using the Ice55 the majority of the time but I do use my LX5 also from time to time.

The target seperation is also pretty good and the unit works well in shallow water.

The battery power readout on the screen is also nice.

I thought the Ice55 was a unit very easy to learn how to use.

[BoxMN]

I have lx5, used FL8, FL18, FL20 quite a bit, and only used a HB once. But I was impressed with the HB, more than I thought I was going to be - it was the 35 I think though, so the 55 should be better. Can't say too much about it other than I liked it more than I thought I would, and I would go HB over any of the Vexilars I have used, probably. But I think I would still stick with my lx5 personally, probably so used to it. Good luck.

[CJH]

I really like the Ice 55 as the 6 color scheme is nice as one can change the colors for something different. maybe easier on the eyes.

I also really like the auto depth readout.

I typically do not have much for issues with other units nearby but a few times I have but got it adjusted out.

I find myself using the Ice55 the majority of the time but I do use my LX5 also from time to time.

The target seperation is also pretty good and the unit works well in shallow water.

The battery power readout on the screen is also nice.

I thought the Ice55 was a unit very easy to learn how to use.

^ This.

I chose the Ice 55 over Vex and Marcum, and after having an Ice 55 for three sesasons now, I would do it again in a second. Great unit!!

[jwmiller33]

All I am going to say is this past weekend I brought both my Ice 35 and FL20 with me to the lake. The FL20 stayed in the truck the whole weekend. Maybe it is a personal preference, but I enjoy using my Bird over my Vex. Especially when there are a bunch of other people fishing around you as chances are about 90% of them have vexilars and have to mess around with the IR button in certain scenarios

[mc367]

Thanks 4 all the input, greatly appreciated. It's settled ICE-55 it is. Good luck to all on the ice this winter, bobber down!

[marine_man]

I think you'll be happy with your choice.

I've owned a FL-8 for several years, an LX-5 and an ICE-55. I really like the ICE55 for it's added color palette. Instead of trying to read in between the blured colors (red / yellow, etc) to understand if the fish is moving in closer or further out there's enough extra colors to fully describe that. I wish the target separation as displayed on the graph would be a little better in zoom mode, but I can live with that.

marine_man