Marcum handheld LX-i vs. Flasher

[bmeier]

I am wondering if folks who own flashers find that having a hand held sonar unit is sufficient or is having a handheld unit useful as well. I could see it coming in handy setting tip ups and for a quick depth check on the ATV instead of breaking out the flasher and setting it up. I was thinking of putting this on my xmas list and wanted some input.

Thanks as always!!

[Ron Anlauf]

The LXi is perfect for finding structure, setting tip-ups, checking the depth, etc., and is faster than using a depth finder. But for fishing with you really should have a depth finder.

[croixeyes]

The hand held units are very nice to have in your arsenal.However,they are for locating depth only,a flasher will tell you if there are fish at that depth or suspended etc.If you can get both that would be great,but if you have to choose one or the other get a flasher.I have a related question for hand held owners,How well do they work on ice that is full of air bubbles,cloudy ice etc.Sometimes I cant get a good reading shooting thru the ice with my flasher without drilling?

[bmeier]

I just upgraded to an LX-5 and was wondering if made sense to include this in my equipment. Sounds like it might be a good idea.

[schweady]

I'm looking forward to getting the answers to some of these questions myself. I got my LX-i last spring and have - so far - only used it for shooting through the hull of a canoe in the Boundary Waters. Very handy unit for this purpose... much lighter and more compact than many other solutions when trying to trim every ounce of weight! It would stay on for several minutes at a time, continually updating depth readings, and did have a fish alarm that told you the depth of the fish, too. (Still, absolutely no replacement for a flasher, no.) Hopefully, it won't be long before I'll be able to report how effective it is through the ice!

[croixeyes]

Thanks Schweady,I didnt know that about the Marcum.That is a very nice bonus feature to have on those,I was assuming they just read depth.Now you got me thinking about getting one,dang it just never ends...

[CNY Tim]

I love my LXi and used it quite a bit last season. Get the performance pack if you do the case and belt clip are handy when checking for depth and fish. Well designed with a large digital readout. Having the LXi with my LX-5 flasher gives you more versatiliy in getting set-up to fish.

[Hotspotter]

The thing I like about the LXi is that it saves on the ducer of my LX-5. I tend to be rough with my equipment, and when shooting thru the ice to get a "mental-map" of the lake bottom, it's easy to bang that ducer on the ice surface when running from spot-to-spot. If this is the way you fish, I'd recommend picking one up to save on the ducer of whatever unit you may have.

Joel

[Dave]

Handheld units have its place and time. ON many trips, it'll save some time, too. Here's some more info that may help you make your decision.

Marcum LX-i Handheld Sonar

[Hoffer]

Hey guys - still would like to hear how everyones success is with using the handhelds through the ice?? I am picking up an LXi today. I have used my friends "Blue" model - not the marcum brand - and i was unimpressed. First, it didnt read through the ice at all - and soemtimes after we drilled holes we wouldhave to take 4 or 5 readings for it to give us a depth. Additionally, on the blue model it shows the depth toward the bottom - anbd you have to lift the thing up everytime you hit the buttom to see what the depth is - but on the marcum it looks like you can see the reading as you are shooting it down the hole - the screen is on the top - and I like that much better. I think the issue with my friends model is that it needed stronger batteries - and wsnt always picking up a signal..that is one other thing that I like about the marcum in that it has a lythium battery - not the double AA alkaline batteries. I would still like to shear if folks have success "shooting" through the ice though - cause with the blue model we never had any luck doing that - we always still had to drill...

[Bob Horn]

I use the LXi for finding the edges of structure. I have shot through 2 feet of ice with it. It doesn't replace a flasher but it does help save time and is lighter.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I have had my LX-i for a couple of years now and find it to be very handy for checking depths before having to drill holes. It make it simple to find the edges of reefs and weed edges.

I have read thru up to 2 feet of ice with it too.(Clear ice.) If the ice gets to many bubbles in it after that depth, it gets hard to get a reading.

Also wetting the ice under the LX-i really helps to get better readings.

My only problem has been with short battery life.

The lithium batteries cost around $7.95 to $12.00 depending upon where you buy them.

Cliff

[icegrogg]

If it's 1 or the other, go with the flasher.... I've had my LXi for 4yrs now and can say it's alot easer carrying 1lb.comparied to 5lbs, and works great for finding breaklines,edges,ect.shoots through the ice very well, and will pick up what ever breaks the beam and let's you know at what depth.I also found out last season that it played havoc with a fellow icejerker's fl18. all I can say, it's a GREAT tool. JIG-TWITCH-JIG SET THE HOOK!!! forgot to say I'm on the same battery that came with the unit. LOL.