Tested a Showdown today

[olski]

I have seen alot of guys have questions about these and we get alot at work so I thought I would give it a shot. First let me say I am a flasher guy starting with the fl8 now with a fl20, so I was alittle skeptical. I must admit I was pleasently suprised. It worked just fine, I was in 21 to 23 feet of water and using a tiny jig with waxies and with very little tinkering I could see everything just fine. I did also put the fl20 in another hole about 2-3 feet away and both screens were as clear as a bell. So I guess I would say if it came down to the showdown or a fl8 I honestly think the showdown would get the nod. Hope that helps someone.

[DARTER]

I have been reading alot about these units. Why would you recommend it over an fl8 but not the fl20? Is there some feature that the fl20 has that sets it apart besides the zoom?

[olski]

I guess to me the zoom is a pretty big deal. Target seperation etc. I guess I like the 20 because I'm used to a flasher and it has a few other options. Color is nice, being able to see the whole water collum on one side and zoom on the other etc. But I can't seem to find anybody selling the fl20 for $229.00 So for the money I think the showdown is a pretty good deal.

[Bob Horn]

Marcum has flasher models in that price range. With the three colors you can see the fishes mood. There are so many more positives to a flasher that I will never give mine up.

[Carp-fisher]

My biggest problem with the liquid crystals is that I typically leave my gear in the back of my vehicle for days at a time. My understanding is that if it got say 10 or 15 below zero--the unit would break. I don't want to have to worry about this...

[Fast Ed]

I had the old model last year and I am not sure if they were able to work thing out but I was not impressed. it first I liked it till it got real cold and then it was really slow. I also think it did not mark all the fish. I think they might be the wave of the future but for now I will stick with the marcum

[Agronomist_at_IA]

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It got real cold and then it was really slow. I also think it did not mark all the fish.

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Not being smart, but did you turn on the ice mode to warm the display when it is real cold out. Also last years model wouldn't show the top 5 foot if you had the warmer on. If you send it in to nature vision the upgrade will fix the problem.

[Fast Ed]

yes I had it on. It may work well for you but it did not for me, possibly because I am not smart enough.

[olski]

As far as the unit slowing down in the cold I did notice that but when I turned on the ice mode it didn't take long to warm back up. I think some of you guys are missing the point a little. I'm not at all saying these will replace flashers or not even for me. It seems that most the guy who have questions about them are either just startig to ice fish, or on a budget, or have problems reading a flasher. From the now two days I have with this unit on the ice I think it was OK. Sounds to me like Nature Vision did there best to improve the unit from last year.

[DARTER]

Post deleted by DARTER

[CNCMike]

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But why not get an lx-3 or fl-8. Proven technology that will work today. Not maybe.

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Um, the $100 price difference?!

I will try to do the basic math... spend $300-400 on a "proven" locater and decrease by $100-200 the amount of gifts I can buy my children for Christmas or spend 1-200 less on the "unproven" locater and make my children and myself happy.

Let me see, $100-200 divided by $4 (gallon of milk)= 25-50 gallons of milk at 2 per week in my house, that is 12-25 weeks of milk for my family. So, I can have a wife and 2 daughters get less calcium or I can use an "unproven" locater and keep the osteoporosis at bay.

Me, I'm going with The Showdown, just as soon as my "Clearwater Classic" dies on me as my budget does not allow for any other choice.

[slimmer]

I would send the wife packing and opt for a flasher.

Shhhh. Don't tell my wife I said that.

[CNCMike]

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I would send the wife packing and opt for a flasher.

Shhhh. Don't tell my wife I said that.

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Yeah, but then you're stuck paying alimony, so the flasher now costs you about $800 per month!

[DARTER]

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But why not get an lx-3 or fl-8. Proven technology that will work today. Not maybe.

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Um, the $100 price difference?!

I will try to do the basic math... spend $300-400 on a "proven" locater and decrease by $100-200 the amount of gifts I can buy my children for Christmas or spend 1-200 less on the "unproven" locater and make my children and myself happy.

Let me see, $100-200 divided by $4 (gallon of milk)= 25-50 gallons of milk at 2 per week in my house, that is 12-25 weeks of milk for my family. So, I can have a wife and 2 daughters get less calcium or I can use an "unproven" locater and keep the osteoporosis at bay.

Me, I'm going with The Showdown, just as soon as my "Clearwater Classic" dies on me as my budget does not allow for any other choice.

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LOL! Thanks for that CNC. So it has come down to feeding your family or not eh? OK you win. I'll sell you an FL-8 for $275.00 What a steal

[CNCMike]

Darter, I live in the Brainerd Area with 16 and a 7 year old daughters plus a 17 year old son I pay child support for. On the wages you make around here, you split hairs all the time. It almost always comes down to up front cost. I would love a nicer locater, a proven name and style, but to be honest, if I can spend less up front and milk that out for a long time, it is the better choice. I know in the long run it may be a better deal, based on reliability, support, etc to pay the higher cost, but the long run don't feed the kids today. Pretty tough to tell them that they are not getting those new shoes they need because daddy needed a higher priced locater.

Which is why I keep reading this topic. I am in need of a new locater, and need honest, objective opinions of the offerings so that I can make the most informed and smartest choice possible. I do not have any real disposable income that would allow me to run out and pick up a FL-8 or Marcum VX-1, let alone a FL-20 or LX-5 when there is something that could be plenty usable for substantially less up front cost.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Darter,It seems that your really jumping all over the people that feel the ShowDown or upgraded VPG unit from nature vision is a solid product. I've made my stance clear to others that I thought it was a good unit for the price and would get the job done.I also made it clear that the flashers are a good product, and have more options avalible for the angler willing to spend the money for them.

I guess I'd like to hear your review of it, and the negative and positive points. So far you've seemed to be aginst it. I'd think you have to agree that the product as some +'s and -'S. I just don't really understand why you seem to be so aginst this product to others? Did nature vision do something to you before?????

[DARTER]

I am trying to be convinced to buy into this new technology. So far it’s been tough. I'm not bashing, I'm trying to be sold. I try to be tough with some questions so that I get real answers. Sorry if I stepped on some toes. This is a great site with allot of dedicated people. Over the years is has become increasingly more difficult to get to the brass tax on new and old products without biased opinions. I do believe that you’re a Nature Vision fan because you have given honest factual posts based on field experience. Thanks for that. Hope this helps explain my point of view.

Darter

[eurolarva]

If you are commited to buy one or the other buy the Showdown. Try it for a week and if you dont like it bring it back and get a Marcum or Vex. I did this last year at cabellas. I bought the VPG and tried it on both Mille Lacs and on a local lake and I did not like it. I took it back to Cabellas and got an LX5 and I could not be happier. Sure it was 300 bucks more but I dont have to listen to anybody tell me they have a better flasher.

[jbird68]

I got the VPG last year and got the upgrade this summer. I can't say it is better because I have never used a Vex or a Marcum. I do have an old Lowrance LFP-150 Flasher. I can say the VPG is way better than the 150. It came down to price for me. The VPG was more affordable and does what it says it does. I was not at all disappointed.

[zamboni]

This is like the old Ford VS Chevy debate, you guys are going to argue about this topic forever- and guess what- you aren't going to sway the other person.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

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This is like the old Ford VS Chevy debate, you guys are going to argue about this topic forever- and guess what- you aren't going to sway the other person.

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DUH ZAMBONI EVERYONE KNOWS ITS CHEVY. LOL JUST KIDING. Couldn't agree more with your post.

[zamboni]

Actually- Ford trucks, import cars

[CNCMike]

Okay here is the deal. I am not able to afford a whole lot. So, is the Showdown better than my very used and tired Clearwater Classic? Or would I be better off trying to find someone who can repair it for me? (the clearwater seems to come and go as far as ability to see bait, bottom, fish, etc. One day it is great, the next, not at all, then it will come and go throughout the day as well)

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Mike, don't feel like you need approval from anyone on this site to buy a ShowDown over other Flashers. Many have done it, and are happy with there choice. I think after using it, you'll be very happy with the purchase. Can't remeber who posted it, but the idea of buying and trying was a great one. Like they said, if you don't like it take it back.

Zamboni was right about this being a Brand vs. Brand argument, and that nobody will agree on one thing. Hell if your worried about the ShowDown vs the traditional flashers argument, you should check out some of the arguments on VEX vs MarCum flashers. Those debats can get awfully heated.

When I first started Ice Fishing, I bought a camera and FL8se Vex. Since the group I was with was all knew to ice fishing, we hated the vex. Seemed complicated, and really didn't know for sure what the flashes were.(Didn't help when we would mark fish and couldn't get them to bite.) With the camera, you knew what was there. Camera's kicked @$$, and nobody wanted the vex. So I returned it for another camera on one of our trips. After gaining some experiance, I figured I'd pick up a flasher and give it a try again. Now after using a flasher and slowing learning what the strength of the flashes ment I see the advantages to a flasher over a camera. The VPG/ShowDown for myself was a nice cheap way to get into a flasher, and the unit was simple to learn on. Now I can use a VEX,Marcum, or other flasher types with no problem, and even like to use them.

So long story short mike, pick through all of the talk that's been posted. Then do what you feel is the best for you.

[CNCMike]

I hear ya. Personally, I hate the idea of not having my Clearwater Classic, but it is dying a rapid death. If I knew where to get it repaired I would do that, but since I can't, I am left with having to purchase a new locater. I would love either a Vex or Marcum, but can't totally afford them, so the price is very appealing on the Showdown. I am leaning toward it, but will wait a little longer for some more honest reviews to make certain. Meanwhile, I shall continue using the old Classic and frustrating myself when it fails on me!!!