Vexilar or ????

[fishon68]

This is my 1st year ice fishing and picked up a 2yr old voyager and a 1yr old jiffy legend now I need a fish finder, I here about vexilars but also read about others,what opinions do you guys have and if vexilar, which one other than fl-20(to much $$$ right now. any info would be great. Thanks

[FISHINGURU]

i own a fl-18 and love it...works like a champ.

[ICE_TEAM_DREAMER]

Well there are alot of reasons people buy what they buy. Alot of it depends on what u fish and how deep u fish in my opinion. Also, you have to factor in the cash factor. I have an FL-18. I fish mostly for walleyes and crappies. In my opinion if you fish for these its basically a must. I know there are those that feel differently but I LOVE the ability to just see the bottom 6 feet with the bottom lock feature. My best friend has a FL-8 and constantly says he wishes he had an 18. I have never used a marcum or anything else but there alot of guys on here who have nothing but good things to say about them. My vexilar has had only one minor problem (switch broke) and their customer service is great, very fast turn around. My suggestion is to find a deal on an 18 either new or check around on the internet or check your local bait shops. My 10 cents worth

[SnipeZilla]

I just purchased a factory reconditioned Fl-12 off the vexilar HSOforum for $300. ($50 off new) it has a couple small scratches on the display but other than that it works perfectly. Everything is brand new on it (battery, cables, transducer....i think) and still comes with a 2 year warranty. Vexilar's customer service is outstanding and i think the vexilar is awesome. I hear good things about Marcum, so bascially it comes down to how much you want to pay. You can get the base modle Marcum for less than any other flasher, and it'll get the job done for you if you're just starting. But you also cant go wrong with a vexilar--after all, Dave Genz himself uses a vexilar. Go to the websites of the manufacturers and get the info you need--thats my best advice.

[wishing for walleyes]

I wouldnt leave home without my Fl-18.The az mode zooming in on the bottom 6 foot of the lake is great.

[EyeSkater]

Because this is your first go-around with icefishing sonar, my advice is go with less money and use it to buy a strong basic model finder. FL8, FL18, Marcum, Lowrance...you will be amazed at what they show you. None of these units are way better than another. Focus on the basics and learn your craft well. Some day you'll upgrade and appreciate that knowledge.

My personal recommendation is a Vexilar FL-8 Genz or Pro Pack for a first unit. They are tough and dependable. Resale on them is good too. hsolist always has several good units to consider.

'Eye-Skater

[SP180]

I just bought a Marcum LX2 from cabelas for 229. They had the price 2 weeks ago. If you ask they might honor that price now. I went with the Marcum since Vex seems to be the most popular, but the have not done much in the past 5 years to update there equipment. Are they both good? Yes. Find one that you can afford and you should be fine. Do you really need the FL20 or LX5? not unless you are living on the lake. FL8 and LX1 are probably to basic and you will grow out of them quickly. You can have all the expensive equipment you want, but if you do not have the bait in the water, who cares.

[DTro]

I guess it comes down to your budget. At this point, I don't know enough about Vexilars to recommend a particular one, but ANY flasher is going to be better than none at all.

To me, it's one of the most important items you can carry.

If you can get the Marcum LX2 for 229 as stated before, that's a great deal.

I started with a VX-1, and really liked it. In fact I would still have it, but was able to upgrade to an LX5 this year. These flashers hold their value pretty good, so even if you start with an FL8 or VX-1 you can sell it to upgrade in the future.

Another one to take a look at is the Showdown. I've seen mixed reviews on the Showdown, so the jury is still out I guess, but something else to look at.

[Bob Horn]

I would buy a flasher for ice fishing. I don't believe in any of the units trying to mimic a flasher. I started with vex FL-8 dual beam than went to the Marcum LX-3. I now own 3 LX-3's and two LX-5's. I won my first Marcum at a Iceleaders get together a few years back and fell in love with them. You can't go wrong with either but I think you can see my choice.

[Scott K]

I have the Vex fl-18, if you fish for walleyes, I would go with something with bottom zoom! I love my Vex, great customer service, if you ever had a problem. Im not knocking a Marcum, never owned one. My first flasher was the fl-18, and I have never seen a reason to change from it. Like was said, it will be the biggest benifit to you catching more fish, other then a shelter to keep you out there!

[PerchJerker]

I've owned both Vexs and Marcums, both are great units and you won't go wrong with either. The unit I have now is the top-of-the-line unit with features like a dual-beam transducer and adjustable zoom. I don't use those features too often, and for years I fished with models that didn't have those kinds of advanced features. If you have the money or desire to have features like that, then by all means get them. But you certainly don't need them and any quality flasher like a Vex or Marcum will get you most of the way there. The post that said to get your flasher and spend time learning it and how to use it was right on the money --- this will do much more for you than a more expensive unit which you don't know how to use.

Personally, I like the short and compact Marcum soft packs better than the bigger, taller Vexs, but that's just personal opinion. In terms of function they are both outstanding. Good luck, I hope this helps.

[Chode2235]

I have a Lowrance Ice Machine, and love it. I would look into these if you also have a boat and are looking to have a good unit you can use all year long. They are really a great value.

But the best value out there in flashers right now, IMO, is the MarCum VX-1. These guys have the bottom 6' zoom feature of the FL-18, but can usually be had for around half the money. A buddy of mine has one, they are durable and efficient flashers. Also they can be had for around 200 bones. Probably less. I think they are the best value right now for flashers.

Either way, get something you like and something you can be comfortable with. Both on the ice and when the CC bill comes...

[iceman16]

i started with the LX-1 three years ago. and then as i got more into ice fishing i upgraded this year to the LX-5. but the LX-1 was great. its a great starter unit. i sold it to a friend of mine and he is just starting ice fishing and he loves it. i have used the vex and like them too but as stated before i like the softpacks of the marcum units. vex, marcums are both great you just have to find the one you like best and stick with it.

iceman

[Shack]

Quote:

---

i started with the LX-1 three years ago. and then as i got more into ice fishing i upgraded this year to the LX-5. but the LX-1 was great. its a great starter unit.

---

Now that is a jump!

I have given much thought about a new flasher this season. It seems most of the flashers are great, it just depends on which level you want to play on. Its like comparing red apples to green apples. It all comes down to how large of an apple you would like, they are the same thing. If I upgrade, it would go from this:

To this:

It comes down to the Marcom for me. I just have heard over and over how many of the good/great fisherman I know and read, moving over to this brand. Vexilar is the original in my mind, but Marcom is who everyone is going with. I was told by a local fishing guru, that no man needs anything more than the LX-3. The LX-5 will blow everyone in the house out of the water. Well, I like to blow things up

Dtro and Hanson use LX-5's, I am a good deal away from buying one. Just waiting to pull the trigger!

[Corey Bechtold]

Vexilar for me! I've tried the others and for too many reasons to list, I'd recommend the Vexilar.

Good luck,

Corey Bechtold

[Fred_Bear]

I have an FL-8 and i have nothing bad to say about it i love it. I am very bias towards vexilar its the only company i would go with... Either the FL-12 or FL-20 depending on how much money and how serious you want to get but i personally don't use the bottom zoom much i am more of a panfish guy. I would definitely recommend the 12 over the 8 though the new style is worth the extra 50 dollars.

[Shack]

Quote:

---

Vexilar for me! I've tried the others and for too many reasons to list, I'd recommend the Vexilar.

---

List them if you can Corey. A guy like my self is looking for these kind of things.

[Corey Bechtold]

I love this picture.

Good fishing,

Corey Bechtold

[harvey lee]

I own both a Marcum and a couple Vexilars. Both are good units. My FL8 was used for many years without ever having one issue. I now use a FL18 and a LX5.

[Shack]

I guess it comes down to red apples or green apples again.

I just have to get out and try both .

Then see what is what!

[harvey lee]

The adjustable zoom on the LX5 is very useful.

[slipperybob]

You don't want to hear too many good things about a flasher because pretty soon you'll think it's the machine that does the fish catching and not the person.

[DTro]

I think a lot of these "discussions" get so heated because the top competitors offer such a great product.

It would be a no brainer if one was lagging.

It's human nature for someone to "back" their purchase, especially if it works as intended without any issues.

I'm sure this will be hashed 1000 times more this winter and start all over again next.

It will never be settled once and for all......but if you REALLY want to know. The LX5 is the best

[CNY Tim]

I can't state more than if your new to ice fishing and looking for a quality product that's not going to break your wallet the VX-1 has a little of everything for a great cost, $249 with a $30 mail-in-rebate is a must have for an entry level angler for what you can get in value from this unit. Make no bones about it I fish my LX-5 predominantly but take the VX-1 on occasion with my daughter and this unit basically sell's itself. The zoom that you get and the simpleness of operation are absolutely fantastic.

[Grogan]

Ok here's my two cents. Both vex and marcum are phenomanal products. The one thing that made me go with a fl-18 is the history and durability of them. If you live in the metro or down here a bit and you do have a rare issue with a vex you can just bring it right to there shop and they will fix it in about 15 mins with marcum your looking about 30 days.