Marcum LX-3 vs LX-5

[MPH]

I think I might be in the market to upgrade flashers from a FL-8 to a Marcum. Talk me into either the LX-3 or the LX-5. Is all the extras on the LX-5 worth it?

[AWH]

If you're already sold on one or the other, I would say yes, the LX 5 is worth the extra $80. I might be in the same boat in a year or two. The way I am looking at it right now is this. If I can afford to spend $400 on a new unit, why would I not spend an extra $80 for a few extra features? I haven't been able to convince myself that saving $80 is worth it for the LX-3 (not to say that the LX-3 is a bad unit in the least).

Aaron

[Jimmy from Cottage Grove]

You will read alot of posts on here about the pros and cons of Vexilar and Marcum. I was like you. I owned a fl-8 for years. Loved it!!! I then borrowed my buddies fl-18. I loved that even more. When I decided to purchase a new unit. I chose the Marcum Lx-5. I can't tell you how much I love it. I look at the screens of the Fl-8's. I don't even know how I use to be able to read them. If I were you I would spend the extra 80 bucks and get the 5 over the 3. The big difference between the two is the Lx-5 has two transducer degree options. An 8 degree, and a 20 degree. I believe the Lx-3 has just the twenty.One of the big pros is. I fish alot of portables with friends. Alot of times I get four different baits on the Marcum. And I never know if there are fish on there with all the lures. So I just hit the button, and switch to the smaller cone. Instantly problem solved. I only see my bait. I have also noticed that it helps with the interference from other units to switch to the lower degree cone. Don't get me wrong they are both great units. Yet this will be an investment you will use for ten years. I sure wouldn't want to be thinking I wish I would have spent the extra 80 and got the lx-5. If you use it for ten years. It will only be an 8 dollar per year of use difference.

[Jimmy from Cottage Grove]

Wow AWH you read my mind!!! lol. I didn't see your post until after I posted mine!!

[huntingislife]

The LX-5 is well worth it. I have the LX-5 and my fiance has the LX-3. She is kicking herself for not getting the LX-5. There is a big difference between the two in my opinion.

[slipperybob]

LX-5 also comes in true three colors

LX-3tc to get true three colors. Or do they just come true three colors now?

[hanson]

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Or do they just come true three colors now?

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Yes. The LX-3tc & LX-5 come with 3 true colors. The "old" LX-3 has the yellow/orange/red colors and is not available in the stores anymore.

The LX-5 has a few features that make it a deal maker for me. That is the Super Fine Line mode, dual-beam transducer, and I believe it has better IR (Interference Rejection).

They both have the adjustable zoom window which is the greatest thing since sliced bread IMO.

I personally have a hard time fishing a regular LX-3 anywhere near a couple LX-5s because I can't tune out the interference. The LX-5s are crystal clear though.

[ChuckN]

As an owner of an FL-8 to an LX-3 and now the LX-5, the LX-5 is definitely worth it. Like other's have mentioned, it is powerful, crystal clear target seperation, 5' and 10' adjustable zoom options and the dual cone feature definitely comes in handy! The interference rejection options really shines, and if in a situation it didn't, I switch to 8 degree and it's perfect.

[Scotty]

Unless you are out in the deep deep water for like Laketrout, do you guys really think the dual beam is a benefit to you? I know it comes standard on the LX5 but am just curious and like Vexilar gives you the choice if you want it or not.

[Jimmy from Cottage Grove]

Scott I fish red lake alot. And that is only 14 feet deep. I find myself using the 8 degree more and more. When you have it in the eight degree. It virtually makes interference a thing of the past. I don't know about you but I hate seeing more then one bait on my screen. Especially my buddy next to me in a portable. No I don't think that having two different degress is a must have. But for eighty bucks more it sure is nice!!

[hanson]

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Unless you are out in the deep deep water for like Laketrout, do you guys really think the dual beam is a benefit to you? I know it comes standard on the LX5 but am just curious and like Vexilar gives you the choice if you want it or not.

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Yes! Yes! Yes! IMO... when you fish anything deeper than 20' in a shack with other lines down, you'll want the 8 degree option. When you are fishing any kind of break (side of a hump, bottom of a drop, rockpile, etc.), you'll want the 8 degree option. Biggest problem with fishing transitioning depths is the "dead zone" on the flasher. Because of the cone angle, the depth your flasher will read is the shallowest part of the break, even though your lure may be 2-4' deeper than what your flasher shows as bottom. An 8 degree transducer will tighten this up and make the "dead zone" less of an issue.

[37MAX]

I just got the LX-5 I love it. I was thinking about getting the LX-3, Im glad I got the LX-5.

[MPH]

Picked up my LX-5 today at Thorne Bros. Thanks for the push, even though I didn't need much of a push. Can't wait to use it on Winnie next weekend.

[Jimmy from Cottage Grove]

Congratulations MPH you made the right choice. You won't regret it. Let us know how you like it!!!

[skiinglady]

I've been fishing crappies with a borrowed LX5 and the only drawback I have found is the size of the transducer puck. That thing takes up a lot of room in a 5" hole.

If anyone wants to sell me their LX3-tc so they can upgrade to the lx5, shoot me a PM.

[ice-man/vexilar-king]

FL-20!

[Jimmy from Cottage Grove]

As far as I am concerned I believe that the Fl-20 was a cheesy version of the Fl-18. The Lx-5 came out and surpassed the fl-18. And the only thing that vexilar came up for an answer was to put a flat screen on the fl-18. And raise the price. They did absolutely nothing to upgrade the processor. Don't get me wrong, I also like vexilar as a company. I had my fl-8 for years and loved it. I was kind of dissapointed when they came out with the fl-20. I expected them to respond with something better then they did.

[buzbunni]

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I personally have a hard time fishing a regular LX-3 anywhere near a couple LX-5s because I can't tune out the interference.

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That's a shame if it's true Hanson. I have the LX-3tc and of course love it. If Marcum made their premium unit not-very-compatible with the lower end units...well, pretty lame.