fl-12 and fl-18

[STORE500]

Was wondering if it is worth the money to have the fl-18 and is the fl-12 just an fl-8 with a flat screen. Does anyone out there have the fl-12 and what do you think. Thanks in advance for your replies.

[HUNTFISH69]

The Fl-12 is worth it because of not only the flat screen but it has a 9/19 degree ice ducer that covers a wider area when fishing in shallow water.

[fishinJohn]

I have the fl-12 and only have the 12 degree cone angle ducer. You had to pay extra for the switchable. I wish I had the zoom feature so I would hold out for the fl-20. The unit I have is nice though and the display is tops. On a sunny day when you are moving around with sun glasses you can still tell the colors apart and see them well.

[magnum mike]

IMO the best bang for the buck is hte FL-18. The FL-20 is nice but not woth the extra $. The split screen is almost like cheating.

[BIG DS]

The FL-18 is well worth the extra $$. Especially if you fish 'eyes. The zoom is great. The Marcum lx-3tc has an adjustable zoom for around the same money. It can be a 5 or 10 foot zoom window and you can put it anywhere in the water column instead of just the bottom 6 feet like the FL-18. Just some food for thought.

[CSP88]

Quote:

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Was wondering if it is worth the money to have the fl-18 and is the fl-12 just an fl-8 with a flat screen. Does anyone out there have the fl-12 and what do you think. Thanks in advance for your replies.

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That's really up to you whether it's worth it or not....will the FL-18 or FL-20 catch you more fish than the FL-8SE or FL-12.....possibly. Will your fishing success improve with the less expensive models compared to no flasher...you bet. I have a FL-12 as a backup unit when my kids go or I take along someone who does not have a flasher. The main three differences between the FL-12 and the FL-8SE are:

1. Larger flat screen for easier viewing

2. Improved interference rejection

3. Built in Low Power mode

If I was deciding between the FL-8SE and FL-12 I would vote for the FL-12 for the reasons I listed above.

Good luck on your decision.

Chad

[computerboy]

I personally wouldn't consider buying a flasher for hard water that didn't have a zoom feature on it. You'd be surprised at how much you miss, particularly if you target bottom relating fish. That would rule out the FL-8 and FL-12. The Marcum LX-5 and Vexilar FL-20 both have zoom capability, but are pushing well over $500 with tax.

If I were in your shoes, I would consider a Marcum LX-3 or Vexilar FL-18. If those are out of your price range I would consider waiting until you can afford one, or buy one used. A used FL-18 Ultra Pack can be had for $350 or less, an LX-3 for $300 or less.

Good luck!

[BIG DS]

Just remembered, if you wanted machine with zoom and would like to keep the cost down, the Marcum VX-1 would be worth looking into. It comes in about the same price as a FL-8 and has a zoom feature!!

[olski]

OK this should intrest a few of you. The Marcum LX2 is VERY compairable to the FL18 and here is the HOLY dump part. This weekend at Cabela's $229.00 better hury though.