What if-- would you trade-- LX5 for a FL-20?

[stifler51]

i love these Ford Vs Chevy threads, ahh who cares try both decide for urself

[Eskimoman]

When I have the Marcum LX3 and my buddy has the FL20 and he's hitting his IR over and over ,then he looks at my clear screen and goes.I gotta get 1 of them.Why would I change back to Vexilar.Ever since I've switched my screen is clear as a whistle.

Here's some numbers for ya....

MarCum Technologies LX5 VS: Vexilar FL20

Receiver sensitivity :

Receiver sensitivity is the measurement of a sonar receiver’s ability to detect an input signal. This measurement tells just how small of a return signal the unit is able to pick up and display. The LX5’s receiver is more sensitive.

Measurement:

LX5- 24uV

FL20- 40uV

Receiver Gain:

Receiver gain is a measurement of the total system gain or amplification. Typically the more gain a receiver has the smaller signal it will be able to detect.

The LX5 receiver has more gain.

Measurement:

LX5- 89.77db

FL20- 70.89db

Receiver distortion:

Receiver distortion is a measurement of the sonar receiver to filter, amplify, detect, and display a return signal. A receiver with less distortion will give a more accurate display. The LX5 has less distortion.

Measurement:

LX5- less than 1%

FL20- more than 40%

Transmitter power:

Transmit power is a measurement of the output power into the transducer. This is usually defined in Watts peak to peak or Watts RMS. In the sonar world more power means a better return signal with less noise and less filtering. The LX5 has more power.

Measurement:

LX5- more than 2000 Wp-p or 300 Wrms

FL20- more than 400 Wp-p or 50Wrms

Conclusions: The LX5 surpasses the FL20 in every sonar measurement that was made. With these measurements it becomes clear that the LX5 is a superior product in respect to its receiver/transmitter design. These measurements were made on off the shelf units using an industry standard tester.

What this means to the ice fisherman is that with the LX5 you will get a clearer, less distorted picture of what’s below the transducer. We at MarCum believe that these measurements reflect what LX5 users have been seeing on the ice. The MarCum Technologies LX5 is truly the best and this can be backed up and verified by scientific measurements.

Duane Cummings

Chief Sonar Engineer

MarCum Technologies Inc.

Note: measurements were made on an EDI sonar tester.

fishing URL with a 32nd jig head size 6 hook and fathead I could see the seperation between the head and the minnow.

add that with the fact it comes standard with dual beam transducer and it has moveable zoom and superfine line. pretty much sums it all up.

o the fl-20 has a flatscreen. neeto.

Yes they are both good flashers. But since eveyone wants to compare them there you go. lx-5 is a better product.

[Drewski]

When I have the Marcum LX3 and my buddy has the FL20 and he's hitting his IR over and over ,then he looks at my clear screen and goes.I gotta get 1 of them.Why would I change back to Vexilar.Ever since I've switched my screen is clear as a whistle.

Here's some numbers for ya....

MarCum Technologies LX5 VS: Vexilar FL20

Receiver sensitivity :

Receiver sensitivity is the measurement of a sonar receiver’s ability to detect an input signal. This measurement tells just how small of a return signal the unit is able to pick up and display. The LX5’s receiver is more sensitive.

Measurement:

LX5- 24uV

FL20- 40uV

Receiver Gain:

Receiver gain is a measurement of the total system gain or amplification. Typically the more gain a receiver has the smaller signal it will be able to detect.

The LX5 receiver has more gain.

Measurement:

LX5- 89.77db

FL20- 70.89db

Receiver distortion:

Receiver distortion is a measurement of the sonar receiver to filter, amplify, detect, and display a return signal. A receiver with less distortion will give a more accurate display. The LX5 has less distortion.

Measurement:

LX5- less than 1%

FL20- more than 40%

Transmitter power:

Transmit power is a measurement of the output power into the transducer. This is usually defined in Watts peak to peak or Watts RMS. In the sonar world more power means a better return signal with less noise and less filtering. The LX5 has more power.

Measurement:

LX5- more than 2000 Wp-p or 300 Wrms

FL20- more than 400 Wp-p or 50Wrms

Conclusions: The LX5 surpasses the FL20 in every sonar measurement that was made. With these measurements it becomes clear that the LX5 is a superior product in respect to its receiver/transmitter design. These measurements were made on off the shelf units using an industry standard tester.

What this means to the ice fisherman is that with the LX5 you will get a clearer, less distorted picture of what’s below the transducer. We at MarCum believe that these measurements reflect what LX5 users have been seeing on the ice. The MarCum Technologies LX5 is truly the best and this can be backed up and verified by scientific measurements.

Duane Cummings

Chief Sonar Engineer

MarCum Technologies Inc.

Note: measurements were made on an EDI sonar tester.

fishing URL with a 32nd jig head size 6 hook and fathead I could see the seperation between the head and the minnow.

I LMAO every time I see this. I've seen it before in other vex vs. marcum topics. Don't base your decision off a buch of words, the only way to find out what you'll prefer is to try out them both and do some research before you decide. Both will get the job done and help you ice more fish!

BTW, just because it has more power doesn't mean it's superior!

And I have no problem seeing lure and bait seperation with an fl-20!

In the end all it comes down to is personal preference.

[Esox_Magnum]

I fish my LX next to a FL-20 alot and there is a difference, and the edge goes to the LX. The FL20 owner will even admit it.

[The Donk]

I heard all these sweet things about the LX-5 and my dad was in the market for a flasher last year, I talked him into going Marcum. I feel bad as the unit is weird... the depth it shows is like 4 feet shallower than my Vex 18, and he has to constantly turn the gain up or down to see the jig/bottom relation.

Bottom line, Vexilar has been the easiest to use most dependable flasher on the market for years and no amount of mumbo jumbo will tell me (or my depressed dad) anything else. So whomever it was a few posts before me that wants to trade that 20 for a VX-5, I know an interested party.

[mr_pike_71]

Hi everyone- I started this thread and would like to put an end to this debate. I would like to thank everybody for their input on this topic. I have not fished with the FL-20 and I do have the LX-5. Both units are excellent units--better than fishing without a flasher. There were alot of excellent points--but when all is said and done, "confidence" in what you are using is what matters the most. This includes rods, reels, line, lures, augers and "flashers." I have confidence in my Marcum, I have not had any problems with it-- it was brought in November 2007-- Again-- thanks to everyone-- Chevy-- Ford, Marcum-- Vexilar, just buy American. later---

[zamboni]

Keep the MarCum. I know when my dad and I fish when he turns on his Vex. I might be outside getting stuff still together, but I can hear that thing a mile away. Gives me a headache after listening to it awhile.

I like the more crisp colors on my MarCum as well. MarCum doesn't make a lens magnifier for their units. Know why? They don't need to, there is alot better color definition on them.

These are reasons why I wouldn't. What you need to do is go out and try out the Vex, if you like it better, do the trade. Who brought it up- you or the other guy?

[Bulldoggr]

I heard all these sweet things about the LX-5 and my dad was in the market for a flasher last year, I talked him into going Marcum. I feel bad as the unit is weird... the depth it shows is like 4 feet shallower than my Vex 18, and he has to constantly turn the gain up or down to see the jig/bottom relation.

Bottom line, Vexilar has been the easiest to use most dependable flasher on the market for years and no amount of mumbo jumbo will tell me (or my depressed dad) anything else. So whomever it was a few posts before me that wants to trade that 20 for a VX-5, I know an interested party.

Horse Hockey, if I ever smelt it................

If there truely was anything wrong with the LX-5 send it back and have them look at it. i guess it is possible there is a fluke bad one. But Marcum will take care of it.

Perhaps your Vex is off by 4 feet, maybe you have to much cord in the water. I dunno. But anyone that has ever been side by Side with any Vex and a LX-5 is Lieing to them selfs if they think the Vex is better.

Something said for loyality though. I'll give you that. But If you base your opinions of fact and Not emotion, the facts will clearly show the LX5 is the Better Unit.

[Ed Carlson]

Well..I'm feel'n a bit shattered here...I guess I have been lieing to myself for...Oh..lets see...25 years now...So I as an old dog and new tricks tend to confuse me I guess I'll just remain delusional and continue using my Vex's and continue fooling myself into thinking I'm catching fish consistently on a flasher that fills my needs.

I do appreciate the intervention efforts...but.."I'm Good"..Thanks anyway.

FYI: As far as would I trade..You bet-ch-ya...I did try the Marcums and quickly switched back to the FL-20's. Better performance, reliability, flexibility of use, and customer support services has proven them the best fit for me.

[stumper]

I prefer driving my old truck with 20 yr old technology ,I dont care that the new ones are 10 times better. But ,when it comes to fishing, I will keep my LX 5 .I have used them all side by side.There is NO comparison. When Im marking fish stacked 10 ft deep in 20 foot of water with my 20 and its showing me one big glob,that same "glob" is shown as individual fish on my 5 AND I can still see my jig as I drop it down between them. I actually prefer that people stay with the vex. More fish for me.I guess I cant say how wonderful Marcums Customer support is, After over 500 days on the Ice with my Marcums, I have never had to call them.

[WingDing2]

Is there anywhere you can get the Marcum LX5 for less thn $500 Bucks?? Thats alot of money especially these days! Geeez $500 bucks!!

[stumper]

Yup, cabelas has had them on sale for a week now for 467. Ends today though. Buddy got one yesterday.

[The Donk]

Originally Posted By: The Donk

I heard all these sweet things about the LX-5 and my dad was in the market for a flasher last year, I talked him into going Marcum. I feel bad as the unit is weird... the depth it shows is like 4 feet shallower than my Vex 18, and he has to constantly turn the gain up or down to see the jig/bottom relation.

Bottom line, Vexilar has been the easiest to use most dependable flasher on the market for years and no amount of mumbo jumbo will tell me (or my depressed dad) anything else. So whomever it was a few posts before me that wants to trade that 20 for a VX-5, I know an interested party.

Horse Hockey, if I ever smelt it................

If there truely was anything wrong with the LX-5 send it back and have them look at it. i guess it is possible there is a fluke bad one. But Marcum will take care of it.

Perhaps your Vex is off by 4 feet, maybe you have to much cord in the water. I dunno. But anyone that has ever been side by Side with any Vex and a LX-5 is Lieing to them selfs if they think the Vex is better.

Something said for loyality though. I'll give you that. But If you base your opinions of fact and Not emotion, the facts will clearly show the LX5 is the Better Unit.

Hey, I just gave an opinion. I base my opinion off of which one works better for me and which one I trust. Maybe my dad's unit is screwed up, i dunno. I will have to take it in somewhere and have someone look at it.

But, the real problem with your "facts and opinions" is that you are from Nebraska... what do you know about ice fishing? Go shuck corn

[PerchJerker]

The Donk - if your dad's unit is doing what you say there is something wrong with it. What you say about having to adjust the gain is a sure give-away that something is not right. If it's still in warranty and not working right Marcum will take care of it.

[IceIceAldrich]

I've had an FL-20 for a couple of years now and used it all the time. I recently purchased an LX-5 and WOW what a difference. The LX-5 blows my Vex out of the water in clarity quietness and I paid less for my new Lx-5 at Cabela's. Sells for $549.99 but with sale of 15% off I only paid $499.75 w/ tax. I leave the Vex at home now or bring it when I take my girlfriend or a buddy.

[Big A]

LX-5 is user friendly and works well with "other" flashers...

Vex is not a good product in comparison. NOT SAYING ITS NOT A GOOD PRODUCT !.. JUST NOT A GOOD PRODUCT IN COMPARISON TO THE MARCUM.. thats all.

[spotchecker]

I wonder if all the new bird owners think this debate is good humour like I do.

[Ed Carlson]

I wonder if all the new bird owners think this debate is good humor like I do.

Tastes GREAT......Less FILLING!!

Somebody needs to write a paper on this for a dissertation some time.

"Manic Product Loyalty Syndrome"

Hi...My name is Ed...(Hi ED!)...and I surfer from MPLS.

LOL!

[Bulldoggr]

Originally Posted By: LukerNLeever

Originally Posted By: The Donk

I heard all these sweet things about the LX-5 and my dad was in the market for a flasher last year, I talked him into going Marcum. I feel bad as the unit is weird... the depth it shows is like 4 feet shallower than my Vex 18, and he has to constantly turn the gain up or down to see the jig/bottom relation.

Bottom line, Vexilar has been the easiest to use most dependable flasher on the market for years and no amount of mumbo jumbo will tell me (or my depressed dad) anything else. So whomever it was a few posts before me that wants to trade that 20 for a VX-5, I know an interested party.

Horse Hockey, if I ever smelt it................

If there truely was anything wrong with the LX-5 send it back and have them look at it. i guess it is possible there is a fluke bad one. But Marcum will take care of it.

Perhaps your Vex is off by 4 feet, maybe you have to much cord in the water. I dunno. But anyone that has ever been side by Side with any Vex and a LX-5 is Lieing to them selfs if they think the Vex is better.

Something said for loyality though. I'll give you that. But If you base your opinions of fact and Not emotion, the facts will clearly show the LX5 is the Better Unit.

Hey, I just gave an opinion. I base my opinion off of which one works better for me and which one I trust. Maybe my dad's unit is screwed up, i dunno. I will have to take it in somewhere and have someone look at it.

But, the real problem with your "facts and opinions" is that you are from Nebraska... what do you know about ice fishing? Go shuck corn

Actually I am born raised and have lived in Minnesota most of my 45 years of this great Life. I recently moved to Nebraska do to a job I took.

Also if you want more history on me. I have owned One Vexilar an FL-8 it was a good unit had it for 15 years. so yes it has stood the test of time.

Before that I owned a Hondex, it too was an FL-8.

The both worked better close the same. they both have problems working around other units, no matter what the brand name. They both started to show their targets as wider and wider lines as time went on, even after I had sent in the Vex back in and had new brushes installed in 2 years it had the same ole problem., Probably because of the heavy use I put on it.

Watched alot of flashers and graphs come out for ice fishing, from the zercom and even the Hummingbird. Nothing impressed me. The Zercom although I liked the power of the unit, I thought it was a good idea but a poor comparison to the 3 color system of the FL-8.

When Marcum ame out with their LX-3 again I was not impressed with the unit. It was not until the LX-5 came out that I turned my head. You see when I do decide to purchase something, I do 2 things, what can I get the most for my Dollar, and what are the Facts.

See even now living in Nebraska I try to get up to Minnesota Twice a Month to Ice Fish, when I can't get away I have been here on the Waters in Nebraska, and the Missouri River. Only diff. is I have to use my ATV to get out on the ice or walk, I can't drive my truck.

I try to fish for lakers, every year, and make at least one trip to LOTW and URL. Because I fish for different species here is what I have found with my FL-8 the deeper I went the more gain I had to use just to see my lure. The more gain I got the more of a problem it was even with the IR button to work with another Vex that also had a IR button on it. Was not able to zoom on the bottom, or anywhere else in the water column.

I still have my Vex. I let friends or friends kids use it when we are out. I also thought I would keep it for back up, just in case... cause nothing is perfect.

But now I can fish shallow or deep, I can target fish anywhere in the column I want. I can decide how big of an area I want to target in that zoom as well. But the best part I can see my Lure with out cranking the [PoorWordUsage] out of my gain to see my lure.

Bottom line. You are gonna do what you're gonna do. Some like to say it's the old Chevy VS Ford Arguement. I wish people would get off that, and actually using facts and performance to base their choices.

Also one sig with a vex I see is If it aint broke don't fix it. I sure am glad that mentality is not the case for alot of things. Example Manual Tranny to Automatic. Nothing wrong with a Stick but thats what came first it's not broke, but they sure have been able to improve Tranny's .

If I was to spend my money and I had to get a new Flasher again. I would be looking hard at the Hummingbird 55, and the LX-5, the last one I would go to is Vex. I would probably still go with the LX-5 due to some things I have read that have been problems with the Bird 55.

[WallyGader]

That is the longest post i have ever seen. Fl-20 has proven itself to me and alot of the people i fish with, i dont think it really matters what unit you own as long as you know how to operate one and fish you should be just fine.

[TravP]

I own an FL20, actually I bought it Friday. I switched from a marcum LX-3 for a few reasons. I will say that I believe Vexilar makes a more reliable product. Also, target seperation on bottem is better with my FL20 then with my LX-3.

[wplatehunter]

That is the longest post i have ever seen. Fl-20 has proven itself to me and alot of the people i fish with, i dont think it really matters what unit you own as long as you know how to operate one and fish you should be just fine. [/quote

Very good point.

[hovermn]

I just got back from a 5 day fishing trip with 2 other guys. One had an LX-3, an FL20, and I have an LX-5. We fished Mille Lacs, Vermillion and Burntside for the bash in all types of bottom structure and depth (up to 65')

100% of the time, I could cancel out all of, or 99% of the interference. The LX-5 got out around 75-100%. The Vex guy had a hard time seeing fish on his screen most of the time with his unit. It was so bad that I started feeling bad anytime I turned mine on.

I won't say that my 5 has been trouble free, but the support I've had from Marcum has been top notch, and I'd surely buy another flasher from them. No trading here.

Edit: I meant to say the LX3 canceled 75-100%...

[StCroixNewB]

I'll trade my Clearwater Classic for your LX-5....

[Eskimoman]

clear water classic is a fine unit. I used to have one. worked well