depth where 9 degree transducer is better than 19?

[jphersh22]

I'm sure this has been answered somewhere/sometime in the forum but I've done a search and haven't found it. Can anyone tell me an approximate depth where the 9 degree transducer is needed over the 19 degree? I'm selling my trusty old Eagle Silent Thirty II and going to finally get a Vexilar. Unless I get real fortunate on selling my old unit on hsolist I'll be getting the FL8 and not the 18. I'm wondering if I should spend the extra $40 for the dual beam 9/19 transducer. I generally fish ponds and less than 18' of water, but I'm wondering if I'll kick myself later if I do go to a lake and want to fish over deeper water and wish I had the 9 degree. Any help for a Vexilar newbie?

[Bob Horn]

The 9 degree probably won`t be a factor at 18 feet. I owned the Fl-8 dual beam and loved it but last year I switched to the Marcum LX-3 and it was the best move I could have done. The target seperation is better, the adjustable zoom is awesome, and most of the lake that I fish are less than 50 feet so I didn`t need the dual beam. If your fishing 60+ feet than I think it would make a difference. If you can swing it try the Marcium or if you know someone or ask someone on the forums in your area to give you a demonstration.

[andy j]

JP,

a dual cone angle tranducer can be very useful in many situations, The 19 is obviously better for shallow and 9 better for deeper water, but there are times when a 19 can be to wide, If you fish quick dropping breaks, you will most often not be able to mark the bottom right below you, instead you will be marking the bottom were ever the far side of the cone angle hit bottom first. This could leave you with a dead area that you can't see on the flasher. The flaser might mark the bottom at 12 feet, but in reality you might be in 15 of water and if you are walleye fishing, not being able to mark the bottom 2-5 feet below you is not a good thing, especially if they are not willing to chase or come up in the water column. A 9 degree will stay narrower, which is better in this situation. I hope this made sense, I wish I could draw a picture, It is easier to visualize. I don't think you can get a Marcum with a dual cone angle but if so they make a good unit also. Go Hawkeyes! AJ

[ScottO]

I usually switch to the 9 degree in about 40-50 ft of water or so. I have used the 9 degree all the way down to 180 ft with the FL8 and FL18 with good results. If you fish less than 50, stick with the 19 degree. I actually have a dual beam, and a 12 degree so I always have the right transducer angle!!

ScottO

[Ed Carlson]

The 12 will be the most common found in any new package these days. It is a good option as it falls in the middle of the spectrum. If you opt for the FL-8 SE new you are likely to get the 12.

A duel beam is a very handy upgrade for fishing rapidly changing structure, rivers, or deep water. If you can go for it now do so, if not, consider it latter. The 12 will serve you well.

[andy j]

Ed, I believe that all the FL-8 come standard with 19 degree tranducers and the FL-18 come standard with the 12 degree. unless they changed it this year.

[Ed Carlson]

Might be? I am preaty sure the price is the same if you ask for the 12.

It may depend on if you order direct or not too?