Hondex Fl-8???? Same as Vexilar?

[ScottW]

I am looking at buying a flasher that looks just like a vexilar fl8 and it's called a "Hondex Fl-8", I'm told that vexilar bought out Hondex. Is this true? Either way, is this flasher as good as the vexilar fl8? In a soft pack what would you say something like this is worth? New to this hi-tec ice fishing, so any help appreciated! Happy fishing. ScottW

[Ed Carlson]

The FL-8 first was known as the Si-Tex FL-5, then as Hondex, then as Micronar, and now is known as Vexilar.

The Hondex Fl-8 is an early model of what has now evolved into the present day Vexilar FL-8 SE. If the Hondex is in solid working order it will serve you well minus all the evolved improvements/upgrades offered in todays FL-8 SE or the FL-18.

[Whopper Stopper]

I had a Si- Tex FL 8. After about a year a buddy of mine bought a FL 5 which was the same except no color.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Believe it or not my dad still has and uses his old FL5 Si-Tex, and it still works great! I myself have moved on to an LX-3. the hondex units worked fin as well.

[WallEYES]

Yep...still have the hondex and micronar and the fl-8...all working fine...I need to get the Si Tex fl5 to complete the collection.

[ChuckN]

I have a Hondex FL-8 I still use today. Absolutely indestructible since the day it was purchased (if I recall correctly) in 1989. It has been used in 4 different boats and on the ice for I bet thousands of hours.

The one thing I like about that unit, unlike Vexilar, is the alarm. When it's a dead sea you can set the alarm at a specific depth and it will sound when a fish roams into the area to jig 'em in for a bite, or reel up... and take a nap in the mean time.

I've also had a Si-Tex FL-7.

[ScottW]

How much do you think one of these Hondex's are worth used on a pro pack holder inside a vexilar softpak with a good battery? 19 degree ducer also. thanks for info. Happy fishing. ScottW

[ChuckN]

I've seen some less than 5 year old Vexilars in the pro pack with IR (interference rejection) go for $150.

[rangr]

I still have a Hondex FL-8 too. Works as good as a Vex but no IR, when your fishing with anybody else. I've had it since 1988. I like Chuck N have had it on 3 boats and countless hours on the ice. Dont use it much any more have a LX-3 now, and love it.

[Fergus Mor McErc]

I still have and regularly use my Sci-Tex FL-5 and it shows every fish my buddies FL-18 does. I have the same three colors plus the FL-5 can read in fathoms or feet and has a depth alarm. I set the depth alarm right above my bait so I know if anything comes between it and the surface without haveing to be looking at the flasher. I've never seen a need to upgrade to the FL-8 or FL-18 as the FL-5 does the same thing (minus the zoom and interference rejection) plus has the depth alarm that the others don't.