I need a new flasher to play nice with my old 20yr old Vex 8?

[Big Sky]

Want to buy my son a flasher for Xmas, but dont want something to interfere with my old Vex 8 (bought in 1993 if that matters). We will often be in a portable shack together. I've researched as much as I can about brands and open to models. I do know for sure it will be an entry level unit. Therefore it's either Vex 8, Marcum 1, or Humminbird 35. Confusion comes in from my research. I haven't specifically found an answer about 8 vs 8 playing nice, but have read Vex users know when a Marcum is close. I read that 35's play with everyone, but seems they are prone to more issues in general. Prior to this post I was set to buy a 35. Read some more and changed to Marcum, but the interference concern reminded me I should just post my question. I don't care what I buy so long as we can fish side by side using our own units. If you experienced my same scenario, I'd appreciate your feedback. Thanks

[Esox_Magnum]

HB would be your best option since your Vex may not have IR and the new vex's and marcums will drive it crazy since they run on the same frequency, however the bird runs on a different frequency so may not bother it...

[jerkbait]

My Marcum LX5 places nice with my 30 year vex(Hondex) FL8.

[Redlineracer12]

I have fished side by side in a 2 man portable with a Marcum LX6 and old FL8. The FL8 was definitely getting some interference, but it was still plenty useable. If you're that close you probably only need to run one flasher in the middle anyways.

[CJH]

HB runs on different frequency from the other two. I have an Ice 55 and its been a great unit.

Every year I fish on LOW in a day house with a Marcum, Vex, and Lowrance and I have ZERO interference. They all can get them to play nice after a while, w/ the Lowrance having the hardest time.

Good Luck!

[20lbSloughShark]

My 15-20 year old Fl-8 works just fine with my dads 5 year old Fl-18. Vexilar is good about interference rejection.

[bigbad401]

If your old FL8 does not have IR then a Humminbird would probably be the best. I used to have an old FL8 and my brother-in-laws FL20 would cause way too much interference to deal with. Now I run an ICE35 and his FL20 and we do not have to touch the IR on either unit.

[Rick G]

Seems to me the OP already knows what the best unit is, he owns a 20yr old Vexilar. Now do you think the other brand flashers will last 20yrs???

It really doesn't matter what model of Vexilar you get him, he would love it, and it will be around for many, many years to come.

[harvey lee]

The Bird's will play nice with your FL8. I have set these twqo untis together and they always work well together.

Either the 35, 45 or the 55.

My LX5 will also work well with the FL8.

As far as the target seperation, my LX5 seem's to do a tad better than my 55 but I can easily ice fish with either unit.

[aanderud]

The birds should not introduce nearly as much noise, being on a different frequency. I've seen the FL-22 and FL-28 and marcum LX-5 do to my son's FL-8. You'll have plenty of noise on the FL8 if you buy another vexilar or a marcum. However, even with that noise, it should still be usable. Even my 6 year old is able to determine what is noise and what's a fish and where his jig is.

[Big Sky]

Thanks guys. Redlineracer - we have done that for years, but now I want him to fall in love with icefishing by having his own. When either of us step out to hole hop, the other is without a unit. As we all know we can't fish without our own units. We've become spoiled.

[oleWalter]

My entry level Marcum interferes with entry level Vex's.

[Morgs]

Doesn't the new FL-8 come with the button to change frequencies like the other models? I believe it's 10 separate frequencies.

I fished my 20 year old 8 next to a new 12 last weekend and as long as my buddy was able to dial his in with no interference it was pretty darn good viewing. Maybe a green line blip here or there, but nothing crazy.

[tsande00]

My brother and I have troubles with his FL8 picking up interference from my Lx3. I hit the IR button once and my screen is crispy clear but his still picks up some interference. It's still fish-able, and he doesn't seem to mind, but it would drive me nuts.

Personally, I'd try the bird.

[Blackhawkxp]

You sound like me. I bought a LX7 when they came out. I ended up buying my son a LX5 for his birthday so i would have something to use .

[20lbSloughShark]

For about 20 years the FL-8 has had interference rejection. tsande00 had some noise because there is 10 levels of rejection. Just keep hitting the button till it is gone. I've never had interference with mine, not even in a big crowd of fisherman.

[Ifishbackwaters]

I just helped my father find his first flasher but I was also worried about what would play with my fl8. So I found him a good deal on a Ice 45 hummer. Last Sunday we got to use them together and very little problem nothing we couldn't tune out very easily.

[B-man715]

I've never had interference with mine, not even in a big crowd of fisherman.

............ I don't believe you You said you have a Vex right?

[Esox_Magnum]

My experience if theres more than 3 Vexs someone will have issues

[20lbSloughShark]

I have a Vexilar Fl-8 that I bought. I don't know how old it is, its about 15-20 years old. It doesn't matter what is next to it, there is an I.R. setting that will block it.

[Tony Mariotti]

My Dad gave me my first fl-8 as a Christmas gift in 1997....I gave it back to him in 2007: It is still on the original battery, and we have fished out of the same hole while pounding gills and crappies....two transducers down the same hole! I've had a fl-18, fl-20, fl-22 and now a flx-28 all in the same hole as the original fl-8: As long as ONLY ONE OF YOU hit the IR button and give it 10 seconds before hitting it again, you will be fine. Vexilars play well together.....

[chewy630]

Hummers work well with vexilars & digital depth is nice & screen is easier on the eyes!!!

[Big Sky]

Thanks for everyone's input. I purchased HB 35 today. I will post updates after we receive the unit to help others who may be curious. Hard to go beyond my comfort zone, but what the heck. Maybe I will learn something as a result. Merry Xmas to all.

[ppreston]

Good choice. Just like Chewy mentioned above, you will appreciate the digital depth and larger display. Note - I was fishing with an ICE 45 earlier this season, and the group I was with didn't run into any interference issues on their FL-8s and FL12s. Enjoy!