vexilar combo sonar/flasher ?

[bmp78]

Hi guys/gals,

I am considering purchasing this unit for the winter. I was hoping to get some opinions good or bad on this new unit from vexilar. I plan on fishing a deep metro lake I live on (big carnelian) and will be with my 7 and 4 year old kids (camera might be needed). Thanks

[Eric_Kruger]

Vex is tried and true, For deeper lakes the top end model (fl-22) is a no go, It is specifically made for 60 ft or shallower. You would be looking at the fl20 or fl18 for that application. Have you concidered any of the other options like the fl5/7/9 or ice 45/55?

Regardless of which brand/model/pricetag you decide on they will all help you find fish...find one that works for you.

[bmp78]

I have not looked at the other options but will. This unit interest me due to the camera and flasher being in one package and I have used a vexilar fl 8 for many years with no issues. I beleive it is a fl 20 that is part of the package with the camera. Not sure what kind of camera is on this unit and if it is considered a decent one. Thanks.

[Brad B]

if you are not set on a vex your other option for a flasher/ camera combo would be the new LX9 from marcum. the advantage of this over the vex is the ability to overlay the sonar on the camera image plus it also comes with a buit in DVR so you can record what the camera is seeing. If you don't like the overlay you can do a split screen and see both side by side instead. I don't know how much the vex combo is but the marcum is like $1200 to $1300 but on that note it gives you more features then the vex.

[fisherman-andy]

I would opt out of a camera all together. You may find yourself almost never ever using it while out on the ice. Maybe look at a bargain model camera instead in the range of $100-$200 if you really want one.

I recommend being that you are with others and kids its best if each one have their own flasher unit. If your gonna stick with Vex then get the Fl20 and maybe a humminbird ice 45/55 to offset interference. Your gonna like the bird...

[bmp78]

Great ideas everyone. I appreciate the advice.

[hnd]

i agree on the just get 2 separate option or somethign like the lx9. i was looking at the combo and it was pretty bulky. i've not held the lx9 obviously.

[magicstix]

I'm with Fisherman Andy on this one. I'd buy another Vex since you already have one. 7yr old could probaly get the hang of it. My 6 yr can understand the jig line but is still having a hard time with fish mark. And then in another few years buy another flasher or get a lx9 for yourself and let the kids play with the vex's.

As for the camera, every kid is different but niether of mine didn't really care one way or another.