Marcum Store Returns

[NorthWoodsGuy]

Well, I was at the local Gander Mountain tonight looking for some thermals and I hear the clerk telling a customer that the Marcums are returned 10-1 over the Vexs.

So here I sit with my new LX-5 that hasn't even seen the ice (water) yet wondering if I made the wrong decision. Being a previous FL-8 owner, it was a long, thought-out decision whether or not to make the 'Marcum-Switch'. On paper, it looked to be the the most bang-for-the-buck, but then again I had no problems with FL-8.

Can some of you experienced Marcum owners tell me you've had no problems so I can get my warm fuzzy back again?

I'm going to LOW next week and the last thing I want is wondering in the back of my mind if my LX-5 is going to crash.

[Note from admin: We just talked with Mike "Cold Front" Kurre from Gander Mountain. He has heard no such thing about MarCum. He stated he and Gander are pleased with MarCum.

It's always best to go to the source to get the facts.]

[ThinIce2006]

Can't help you much, I"m sticking with my fl-8.Pop always told me "If it ain't broke don't fix it. The 8 works great!

[harvey lee]

I just bought mine and have only used it 4 times and I love it. From the majority of the people that I know that have had one and used it alot in the last year or two they have been very happy. I do know a few that had minor problems and they said that Marcum's C.S. was very good and fast.

From the people that I have talked to including some shop owners I have not heard a report like that. Yes,as with any product there have been a few issues and thats when you find out good the C.S.is.

I would take your new LX5 and go fishing and enjoy it.

[Borch]

Here you go. I've had my lx-5 for a year now and it's performed flawlessly. I'm guessing the clerk was refering to two years ago when Marcum had a bad batch of transducers. Yes there were a lot of returns then. Personally I've not heard of any issues recently.

[nluchau]

You'll be fine I'm sure. I use a vex though and love it.

[Duluthian]

I made the switch from a Vex to the LX-5 at the ice show last year. Works great and I won’t be going back to any thing else. I have not head of the LX-5 having very many problems. People may be taking them back because it takes a little time to learn all the features.. One of the best purchases I have made. When you fishing partner spends more time looking at your LX-5 then theirs you’ll know you made the right decision.

[Kylersk]

I had to send my Marcum in for repair, and from what I gathered, along with quite a few others. I believe there was a batch of bad Transducers or something. Anyways, they fixed it, did the true color upgrade and returned it back in a very timely fashion. Granted, I had to suffer with the buggy unit during the fishing season, because I didnt want to be without it for a week, so I returned it after the ice season. I havnt been able to try the repaired unit yet, but I hope to soon.

[newoodhntr]

Going on 3rd year with LX-3 no problems. Sent in for the upgrade after last season and can't wait to try it out.

[red bricks]

I personally have had problems with their products. LX-3 and their camera. They have always corrected the problem

[Jim43]

Geez, and here I just bought a LX-2 this afternoon and have

yet to get a chance to test it out, charging up the battery

I hope it works as described in the manual. Oh well,hope to

give it test tomorrow in our mini heatwave. Hope it doesn`t

mess up the ice to much.

[LMITOUT]

Been using my LX-5 with no issues and I can only assume the problems were with that bad run of transducers. I must have been lucky because mine works flawless and couldn't fish without it. Nice unit.

The thing to remember is that IF you have a problem they will stand behind their product. I wouldn't trade mine for a second.

[Bill Dance]

I am sure the sales man was just pushing vex because that is what he runs. the marcum is a good unit and anybody would be happy with it. Also they don't even have close to that many problems. It just like with any electronics they can go bad from time to time.

[Bob Horn]

That story comes up every year. And for some reason, if I recall right, it's a sales clerk. The clerks most of the time are going to sell what they like or what they know. I have been in stores and listened to the clerks only to go over and give good info to the customers and they buy on the spot most of the time. The customer just wants the best for there hard earned money, can't blame they there. And no i don't have any issue with my LX-3,LX-5,or 560.

[FZ]

I did get both my LX-3 and VS560 fixed on a timely manner. Actually, they sent me a new transducer and a new camera head.

[augernaut]

This is something that goes back to the first year the LX-3 came out - they had a bad batch of transducers. Marcum replaced them all free of charge. Remember, when the FL-18 came out, they all had software bugs and needed to be sent in for repair. Also, take this into consideration: Gander Mountain is a sponsor of a major "Team" of ice fishing people and tournaments. Other companies are also part of this team - do the math. Finally - when was the last time you heard a big-box store employee actually give accurate information? Hate to say it, but in general they tend to be very poorly informed on the products they sell.

[Kylersk]

Quote:

---

Gander Mountain is a sponsor of a major "Team" of ice fishing people and tournaments. Other companies are also part of this team - do the math.

---

Sponsorship is going to HIGHLY influence any company or persons opinion. I mean, just look which company 'sponsors' this site.

[LMITOUT]

I wouldn't have sold my tried and true SL-8 if I didn't think it was a superior locator. I was very attached to my old blue-box and thought nothing could replace it....boy was I wrong. I would probably have the other unit if it wasn't for this site. The other locator has long been since sold and I'm really loving how the Marcum is working and now can't think of of a better flasher.

There is nothing wrong with either unit, but after having both I prefer the MarCum.

[NorthWoodsGuy]

That's what I love about this site; quick, open discussion.

Thanks all. I'm sure I'm going to love my LX-5; just hearing the clerk talk tonight made me a little nervous-in-the-service.

Thanks again and good luck to everyone this season!

[CNY Tim]

I have been visiting my local Gander that has been selling out of MarCum's as fast they come in, there problem is with corporate as far as how many they are allowed to order from the manufacturer. I don't know if this is a shelf space issue or because Ganders sponsor the Trap Attacks, don't really know. I can tell you that the end cap is full of Vexes. I talked to a guy that got a new FL-18 this past spring with a 12 deg. trans for $125. I guess it's better to sell em at a loss than pay the restocking fees...

[iffwalleyes]

I have been running a Marcum for the last 4 years and have only had problems once it was my transducer and within 2 days after contacting Marcum customer service I was up and running again. Great customer service and awesome units. I love my LX-5 and I really like my LX-3 when I was running that unit.

[MASON38]

Switched from the FL-8's to the LX-5 this fall, had it out on open water and no problems whatso ever. Was really impressed with all the features available.

[stork]

No worries here I have the LX-3 bought it last year used it with no problems. I sent it in for the upgrade and asked Marcum if they had a longer transducer cord that they offered he said all of the units that they sell now have the 8ft cord on them. I got the rest of the info from him and he said that they would swap it out for no charge when I get my upgrade. When I got it back I was very happy they did what they said I am very pleased with the way they operate and recommend them to all of my buddies that are looking for flashers.

[alwaysfishin]

My gain knob just fell off, so I sent them an email and about twenty minutes later had a reply asking for my address so they could get it in the mail this afternoon yet. Great customer service if you ask me!!

[knoppers]

I had one of the marcums with the bad transducer. I contacted them, and they sent me a new ducer asap. I am very impressed with this unit, I use it year round, as it also sits on the bow of my boat. if I bought a new unit, I would not hesitate on bying another marcum.

[webos]

How do I get the upgrade? How much is it? I have the LX3 it is 2 yrs old.