Flashers

[MJBaldwin]

I am looking into buying my first flasher I have read on here really good reviews on the ICE 35. Just wondering what peoples takes are on this would this be a good first unit or would you reccommend the FL-8 or FL-12 or FL-18? I am looking more towards a used unit since I dont want to spend the amount that the new ones are. Let me know what your opinion would be on them. Whats the main difference between the Humminbirds, Marcums, & Vexilars?

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I promise there are DAYS worth of reading on this exact topic already.

[KG243]

get a chevy, no i mean ford or is it dodge? Do a search on all the respective brands and you will find all the info you want and much more.

[LakeDocktor]

Yes there are plenty of threads regarding this same topic. Each one will give you an opinion as to which is better, but they all do the job. My answer to your question is get what you can afford. My personal opinion is Vexilar. I have never had issues in the 20 years of owning their products and I have enough confidence to say I likely won't have any issues in the next 20...

[MNPIKE]

In the end..having one is better than not...regardless of brand.

If you like to fish the bottom in deeper water get one with zoom or bottom lock(vexilar).

[harvey lee]

I would also make sure one gets the dual beam transducer.

[Colt_45]

I have a vex (fl8 slt) and bird (45), I love my bird but they all do the same, My post is the same as the previous ones....buy what you can afford and one is better than nothing. Shop around, compare features, but you will always hear mine is better than his.

Last night my bird and my buddy's vex got just as many as each other but out fished the other 3 in our group 10:1, it does come down to patience, technique and some luck but no matter what you buy, you will improve your fishing.

[SalmonSlayer]

I wanted one with a zoom or bottom lock, but I got such a good deal on an fl-12 I couldn't pass it up. It has worked great so far. I really like the flat screen as compared to the fl-8 and 18.

[Nordern]

MJBaldwin,

No one is going to walk across that lake, take a look at you flasher, and say "why in the hell did you buy that brand"! Just look at what is out there and find one you can afford and are comfortable with. In 3 years you will probably upgrade so having something now is much better than nothing when it come to fishing with a flasher. Once you fish with it you will think why didn't I do this sooner. Regardless of the brand it makes a world of difference.

[EJD]

I agree with what others have said but I do think that you should try to find a unit with a moveable zoom and a dual beam transducer. I have a Marcum LX-5 and really like it.

[FBMH]

Vexilar Fl-8 Genz pack. Gets the job done. More than durable. Very easy to read screen. And not gonna run a wallet like a Fl-20 or Marcum will.

[Esox_Magnum]

Marcum VX-1 gets you zoom and price in the mid $200 range.. Any is better than nothing but some brands do more for less money....Best way to decide is get 2-3 different units out on the ice side by side and see the differences new technology has....

[PerchJerker]

If you're buying new, the Ice-35 from HB or the VX-1Pro from Marc are going to give you the best performance and best features for the best price. Nothing wrong with Vexs, but with the models you're talking about you'll pay more and get less with the Vex.

As stated, they all work well and do what they're supposed to do, you just have to pick between the features and models that are best for you.

You can check out all the models and prices at

Ice Fishing Flashers At Pro Fishing Supply

[mww24]

I have had the fl-8 which was stolen out of my truck at a gas station. I now have the VX-1. I like the vx1 better. it seems to pick things up a little better than my vex did. they are very similar though. Marcum does have a deal that you can get a 50 gift card if you buy a vx-1p. which gets you around 250.00 new. if you were to buy the fl-8 though you wouldn't be disappointed. If you can find a good one on c-list go for it. They all do a better job than a depth finder weight. Good luck with your search.

[trro0901]

I just picked up a ICE-45 for a new view of the underwater world. I have an fl-20 also but I find its not nearly as easy to use or as accurate as the new ICE-45. However I have noticed that the 45 display is only readable when its pointed right at you unlike the fl-20 where you can see it no matter what angle the screen is pointed. I would really push for the Humminbird right now because of the rebate available before the end of Dec. Vex's also don't have the same ability to avoid interference. I was told that the Humminbird units run on a different frequency and do not have problems around the Vex's or Marcums. Don't quote me on that, as it may have been a sales pitch, but last weekend was the first weekend I was able to turn on my FL-20 and ICE-45, and not have problems with the other flasher causing problems for my vex. my .02