CNY Tim...?

[eyepatrol]

Last night I logged onto Cabela's HSOforum to purchase my new Marcum LX-3tc. However, the "boss" came by and after some "lengthy" discussion, I ended up ordering the Cabela's Marcum VXR unit. I was able to read on Cabela's HSOforum what some of the differences are between the VXR and the LX-3tc, but I was wondering if you could provide more insight as to what the differences are. For example, I know the 3tc provides 1500 watts peak-to-peak power, has the multi-level zoom feature and can take readings through good clear ice as long as you have some water on the ice. Whereas the VXR has 600 watts peak-to-peak, zooms in on the bottom 5 feet, etc.

Can the VXR read through the ice too? What differences will I see in graphing fish, my lure (such as a crappie or bluegill lure), sharpness, bottom structure/content and other things? Will there be a difference in how well the VXR can be read in bright sunlight as compared to the 3tc?

Just want to know how the VXR differs from the 3tc and how this would/could affect my fishing experience? Also, is the IR on the VXR the same as any of the Marcum models, or is that different too?

thanks much!

bc

[CNY Tim]

Can the VXR read through the ice too?

Yes you can use a plumber's torch or water bottle and make sure the ice under the transducer is flat for good coupling. Milky ice with trapped air bubbles is tough on any unit.

What differences will I see in graphing fish, my lure (such as a crappie or bluegill lure), sharpness, bottom structure/content and other things?

I have not received my VXR yet and will have to see if there are any subtle differences. I would venture to say it's target I.D. is 2.15 in non-zoom same as LX models.

Will there be a difference in how well the VXR can be read in bright sunlight as compared to the 3tc?

Again when I have it I will be able run it and see for myself.

Just want to know how the VXR differs from the 3tc and how this would/could affect my fishing experience?

The 3TC and the new true color system is hot! A matter of fact I just got one of my LX-3's back from MarCum with the upgrade and it's the best $49 I ever spent. I will never fish blended again! I am pretty sure the VXR is a blended display but the switch from orange to green is definitly more distinct than the orange on the older LX's. The definition in the medium signal has been achieved in "True Color" by MarCum. That was one of my quirks about the blended on the original LX-3's for me it was hard to pick out that subtle orange medium signal but not with the individual 3 bulb LED's on the new models. It's an awakening!

I feel if you like the 5' zoom, and most of lakes that you fish if they are in that bottom window it's fine. If your a zoom junkie like me the 10' is the way to go and here's why... It frustrated me on occasion to have zoom and not be able to utilize it. MarCum's 10" window allowed me to blow up that entire area in 1" target I.D. critical to refining presentations on negative fish and even when there not negative and your just slinging it was sweet in "high definition" to see that whole scenario play out in the 10' window.

The LX-3TC has the patented adjustable zoom window and I have been in love with that 10' window from the get go. Like I have said before there have been times when 5' or 6' window is not enough. I like the 10' because you can see the whole pursuit to attack in 1" target seperation. The ten feet has been a God sent for me. The new LX3TC also comes standard with 12 I.R. channels like the LX-5. Both the LX-3 and VXR come standard with the 20 deg. transducer however the VXR system is like the float bobberstop system and the LX models have the fixed swing arm that I like better. The floating ducer will do the job as well I just like the swing arm better because it stay's tighter to the unit.

Also, is the IR on the VXR the same as any of the Marcum models, or is that different too?

I would imagine on the VXR the I.R. is similar to MarCum's earlier models 6 stage I.R.

I think the VXR will be a fine addition and the introductory price is right. Good luck with your unit!

[eyepatrol]

Thanks for the info. I was really looking forward to getting the LX-3tc, but that just didn't work out. I'm sure I'll like the VXR though as I don't even have a locator. Perhaps next year I'll be able to upgrade.

Thanks again.

bc