Recommend a flasher...

[Schobs]

Here's the scoop, I'm in college so money is tight, but I really want a flasher. I'm hoping in the next few weeks I can find one that someone is trying to unload in order to upgrade themselves and I am looking to spend around $200, if not less. My query is this, what should I be looking for in this price range this time of year? I'm thinking a Vexilar fl-8 would be around there, but not sure what marcum and bird models are comparable. What would you guys suggest for this price range? I'm not looking to go top of the line, this will be my first so I want to stay on a budget and if I really like it I can resell and upgrade. This is not a WTB post, I'm just wondering what you all would recommend in a budget/first flasher. Thanks!

[timk]

Schobs i got a clearwater classic that i started with it is a good flasher if you want to talk about it

[Sniper07]

You could also look into buying an older Marcum LX-1 or a newer VX-1 model. Those can be had used at a fair price around your $200 mark and they're both great entry level flashers.

[shizzy]

I picked up a VX-1 pro earlier in the season on sale for $275. Good little unit

[thedeadsea]

You can definitely get a Fl-8 for around there, try the online auction site (not sure if I can say the name on here).

[Northland Sportsman]

I would look at a vex fl-8. A great starter unit and should be able to find one in your price range.

[Jethro80]

I would avoid a clearwater classic. It's junk compared to modern models. Vx1 is what I have and the only problem I have with it is my eyes start to play games with you after staring at it for several hours. The hummingbird ice 45 is a great unit for the eyes. Large display and it also gives you the option to set your zoom wherever you want.

[ASMOLEY]

There are some generic brands out there that you can pick up fairly cheap. My friend has a Hondex same thing as a deep model FL-8 works good for him.

[Sandmannd]

Got an FL-8 to start with two years ago for $150 and it's a great unit. Still have it as a backup to my LX-5

[KTapper]

Fl-8 for sure if thats your budget. I have owned every brand marcum, humminbird, and now a vexilar. I would take the vex hands down over anything else. They last forever!

[Bottle Fish]

fl-8 is my pic.

[bassphish2005]

any Vexilar....hands down winner!@

[dabaer]

i started with the fl-8, still use it. my brother just bought another one. vex is the way to go!

[TravP]

Any vex here too.

[bassphish2005]

hi Trav.....how has the fishing been?

[bogeyman1]

Hey schobs, I picked up a marcum vx-1(last years model) fairly reasonable at GM. It's been a great little unit. No interference with vex's etc. Now should be a great time to find one cheaper be it marcum or vex. Check some of the smaller ma and pa bait shops out as well as they may want to unload before spring.

good luck

[hamms-scooter]

vex fl-8 se is a great unit. easy to read and top of the line vex quality. do you fish alot of pannies or more walleyes on the bottom. Whichever this unit is goind to help you catch fish!have had mine for 3years now.

[Schobs]

Thanks for all the advice guys, I mostly fish for panfish with a jigpole and walleye and pike with tip-ups, but with a flasher I'll probably start targeting more fish with the jigpole. I'll be renting a flasher from sportsmans sleepers on LOW when I go in 12 days and 12 hours, and if I really like it I'll be in the market then.

[WallyGader]

Another vote for vexilar, reliable machines..

[FishinChad]

I suggest getting a FL-8, should find used for under 200 this time of year, BUT if you want to go even cheaper, Zercom's work, especially for your first flasher. The clearwater classic is black and white but caught me many fish, they also have a ColorPoint model which is a step up and still cheaper than a Vex. On the other hand, a flasher is best used on hard water, and that season is ending. You will want a graph depth finder in the boat for summer fishing, so if you do get one now you probably wont get much use out of it until next winter, but when that comes around you will love it!

[Drewski]

I would keep your eyes peeled for a fl-8.

[Schobs]

Yea I understand I won't get much if any use of it this season, but I plan on plenty of ice fishing next year and years after that, so I'm looking to buy one now when they're easier on the wallet.

[zamboni]

This is a great time of year to buy gear, everything is marked down. Kinda like buying a camper in wintertime, it is smart

[TravP]

hi Trav.....how has the fishing been?

I've been doing good, not excellent but... I'm still catching bull gills but there really tight lipped.

[harvey lee]

The FL8 is a great unit to start with as its a little less money like the MarCum VxI PRO.

Now if we are talking an open check book, then check out the MarCum lX5 and the Ice 55 by Hmminbird.

Vexilar gives a guy all the goobbly gook about how cheap the crystals are in the MarCum units and it will ruin the MarCum transducer in a matter of a season or two.

I cannot understand why Vexilar will sit here and say that the transducers for the MarCum units are junk when mine seems to work just fiNE After years of service. Vexilar will also state the the Birds are nothing more than junk also.

Thats ALL HOGWASH.