Need Advice! Vexliar or MarCum

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Would like some good opinions on which model and type to get. Most of the time I am fishing in lakes, ponds, pits that are only 20feet deep. A lot of times I am fishing on ponds less then 5-10feet deep, with stained water so the camera doesn't work. However sometimes I get over to the lakes in which the water does get up to 154feet deep. Which model and type will do the best overall job for me. And what type of cone should i be looking at?

[Deitz Dittrich]

I suggest you do a seach of this page.. You will have enough reading material to keep you awake for a week.. Here is the most recent Vex-Vs-Marcum thread.

Vex-vs-marcum

[MASON38]

I've fished with Vexilar for years, the FL-8 slt and the newer se, both good dependable units. After doing a lot research and taking a good look at all the brands available, I not only decided to fish with the LX-5 this tourney season, but was so thrilled with the product that I have been fortunate enough put my name behind the product and join MarCum's pro staff.

The turning pts were the ability to lock and zoom in on any section of the water column, and the fine line separation. Instead of getting a fuzzy block representing my rig and the fish, I now have a clear picture of just how far away the fish is to the jig. Having that extra amount of clarity will definitely save me from spooking fish and eleminate a lot of the guess work invloved in flasher fishing.

[nluchau]

Not this discussion again. - This is my OPINION.

Vexilar has been around for YEARS and has never failed our ability to catch MORE fish.

I went with Vexilar last year. Couldn't be happier.

Check out the new FL20 and FL12 - I picked up the FL18 a year ago

[Gus]

I've used both FL8- FL18- LX3- and LX5.

ALL will help you catch fish. All are good units. There are small differences in features and benefits of each one. To pick out one that I think would benefit you the most would be shallow water operation. Vex either has low power mode or an S cable to reduce power. This gets rid of most clutter in your screen that show up from weeds etc. Marcum does not have this feature but really doesn't need it in my opinion. You are able to turn the gain down far enough that you can tune out most clutter. (keep in mind I said MOST clutter for both vex and marcum) You do get to the point where if you tune it all out completly you cannot see your jig or fish and this happens with both units in my experience. In a side by side comparison of fishing in weeds my LX5 flat out let me pick out fish from weed beds better than a Vex. Not saying Vex didn't do the same just that Marcum did it better. A lot of this is also just getting to know your flasher and trusting it. It is most likely telling you information weather you are interpeting it or not. That's the key if you ask me. Getting to know YOUR flasher. Personally, I've had the most trouble free operation from my Vex units but my Marcum units performed better. Not saying they break a lot but I did have one issue with a transducer but Marcum took care of me. These are just my personal obversations and I don't want to sound like a sales man for either company. At this point though I have chosen to stick with the LX5 based on its operation. I can't wait to see the FL20 in action though.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Cripes, here we go again.

Dude, they both work well. Go with the cheapest/working/used one you can get your hands on. You will be happy either way.

[love to hunt]

1/2 dozen of one 6 of the other. It really doesn't matter. The thing that really matters is your budget. Vex or Marc you will not be disappointed.

The only thing is I would get what your buddies are using to keep interfearance to a minimum.

[Jeremiah Johnson]

FYI Marcum Lx-3TCs are having a sale for $299 with free shipping.

[swags_7]

Being that you fish both shallow and deep water at times, I would look at a unit with a dual transducer. Both Marcum and vexilar sell units with dual transducers.

[LaZyDayZ]

Quote:

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1/2 dozen of one 6 of the other. It really doesn't matter. The thing that really matters is your budget. Vex or Marc you will not be disappointed.

The only thing is I would get what your buddies are using to keep interfearance to a minimum.

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Love to hunt brings up a good point.

I presently run an FL 18 and one of my sons run an FL8 the other an old color point.

The one with the color point is ready for an upgrade. On his Christmas list. I was thinking of getting an LX5 for myself and giving him my 18.

My question is, will we be able to filter out the interference between the 8, 18 and new Marcum.

We have no problems with filtering on our Vex's but his color point is a mess when near ours.

[CNY Tim]

Agronomist_at_IA - Your explanation of the situations you fish are an important factor when looking at a new locator.

That's why I can say with confidence that you should also take advantage of the units that have multiple ducers such as MarCums and Vexilars. That being said the MarCum LX-5 is is a proven product and will deal with your situations admirably and give you the most bang for your buck. Feature filled and a standard dual beam 8/20 this unit has delivered the detail in the strikezone that Vexilar cannot give. Stacked targets, weeds, tight fish to the bottom there's only one unit that can give you the utmost in detail with a user friendly adjustable and lockable zoom and a top notch I.R. system. Throw in a standard padded softback and the incredible hassle free DCS 100 fully automatic charger and you too will surely fall in love with this unit. Cheaper than Vexilar to boot!

Take it from the fishers that have owned both like myself and quite a few here. MarCum gives you the surgical precision you need in the strikezone, better and cheaper. I'm talking with a few vexilar guys right now that are anxious to join the growing list of happy LX-5 customers. The LX-5 will be the flasher of choice again this season as I believe Vexilar is pricing there FL-20 out of the market. What I love about USA MarCum is you can have it all with quality at a much better price. Good luck...