VexilarTransducers

[rocky]

I have had the FL-8 for years and am looking to upgrade to the either the Vexilar FL-18 or FL-20. I noticed you have the option for a 9,12 or 19 degree transducer. Which is the most common? I primarily fish walleyes Dec and Jan and then sunfish late ice. However, taking a look at the previous post Vex vs.Marcum, I may take a look at Marcum to.

[Dan Brelje]

I think the transducer depends on the depth of water you plan on fishing the most. As the degree of the ducer goes up the larger the water column will be that you are viewing. If you have a 19 degree ducer it will be way to much for deep water, but a 9 degree ducer will not let you view very much water in the shallows.

IMO, if you have the funds, i would go w/ the dual. If not, the 12 makes a good compromise.

[Jim Hudson]

Rocky

Vexilar has a nice explanation on their HSOforum about transducers.. if you get some time to snoop through their HSOforum, check it out...

But overall, the 12 degree ducer will be your run of the mill, allowing you to fish almost all conditions. Well you can fish all conditions, but the others just help out in some situations.

I prefer a dual beam... One because I fish a variety of waters including some real deep stuff. The 19 degree is great for fishing 1 to 50 FOW and the 9 degree is great for 50 and above along with if your are fishing in dense weeds in shallow water and if you are fishing on a steep break. A lower beam will decrease the amount of dead zone on these breaks and is key to marking fish there. Also, in shallow weeds, the tighter cone angle will allow the flasher to read less, which can be benefical to catching fish.

But again, the 12 degree will work here as well, just not as well.

[rocky]

The FL-8 I currently have is about 8 years old. What degree were the Vexilars transducers typically back then,12 degree??

[kslipsinker]

Most of the FL-8 Vex's came with 19 degree transducers. They still do.