electronics

[howard]

I am slowly figuring things out here. I just joined the forum to ask for comparison opinions for Marcum's LX 3 vs Vexilar FL 18. I need to purchase one soon and would like to here from people who are currently using one or the other. Thanks.

[CrappieJohn]

Welcome aboard! Good to have a new name here, as always! Vex or Marcum? Both are good units, but lets see if this will help.

The Lx3 can "lock" or "zoom" in on a specific set of depth references anywhere within the water column, the vex-nada. This means you can take a serious close look at fish suspended at fifeteen to twenty feet down in 38 feet of water with the lx whereas with the vex you can only zoom the bottom 6'. The Marc has almost twice the wattage which equates to a cleaner target defintion and seperation. The Marc also is cleaner with the colors in direct sunlight and needs no shade where the vex has problems with it in some of their models.

There are other little things that seperate the two, but to be really fair to yourself, find an owner of each and do a little sit down on the ice with them.

Speaking purely for myself, I like the ease of operation, the padded security of the unit while in transport and the rapid set-up. For me , hands down, it is the Marcum.

[howard]

CrappieTom, Thanks for the reply - I had just read someones review of the power differences between the 2 and believe Marcum's electronics should be solid in construction as well. There was a question from a new Marcum user who was concerned about battery life. Any comments?'

Howard

[Northlander]

I get just as much battery life with my LX-3 as I did with my FL-8 and 18. The smart charger is great too. The digital readout is dumby proof. Thats big for me.

[IceFever]

I bought my Marcum a couple of months after they came out and after reading the numerous reveiws or lx3 vs vex posts here what won me over,besides what crappietom and northlander stated,was the interference rejection seemed to be better on the LX3.Any inerference I do get(if any) is easily cleared up. That adjustable zoom is just awesome to

Like Tom said though,try to find a user of each and compare for yourself.Many people will be willing to show you theirs and how it works.

I did have a battery problem once a little after i got it,But Marcum sent me a new one right away.Both companies have excellent customer service also.Which is a plus no matter what youre buying.

[CrappieJohn]

Ice Fever, Welcome to fishingminnesota.com! Always nice to have another name to look for and more info tossed around.

Howard....It seems that other Marcum owners have found some commonality with the meter issue and have not experienced any problems. I would suspect that these meters are simply installed to give a very general idea of the charge in the battery. I would not let this become an issue for making a decision to not purchase a Marcum.

And yes, I forgot to mention the superior noise rejection found in the Marcum units. I have fished with persons using the FL18 and have seen instances where the noise rejection on them could not clean up the screen well enough to be accurate.

I still maintain that you should actually witness the two units in operation if you are having any doubts. They both cost about the same, they are both nice units....but my personal preference is to the Marcum for the advantages I have noted. Having the ability to lock on a specific block of water anywhere withing the column , though, is one fantastic asset.

[IceFever]

Thanks for the welcome Tom!Glad I found this place,I've learned alot in my few days reading all the posts.All the info you could ever want is here!Great site.I like to help out when I can,so you will probly see more of me

[Poutmaster]

I picked up a new XL3 at the ice show. I've used it 3 times so far for a total of about 8 hours. Still reads 100% charged, just as it did out of the box.

[Poutmaster]

Welcome to the forum howard!

[CNY Tim]

Welcome Howard!

[ivegottabite]

welcome howard!

you'll find all the info you need here for just about anything, these guys here are great!