Differences in Vexilars

[thedeadsea]

I am looking at buying a Vex and am wondering if someone could give me a quick summary of the models above the FL-8 and the benefits of upgrading? I have used a FL-8 in the past and am wondering if it is worth spending additional $$ for the deluxe models as the Fl-8 certainly helped me put fish on the ice.

Thanks,

Steve

[jigging-matt]

The FL-12 is just a fancier fl-8. The FL-18 is a nice step up that allows you to zoom in on the bottom 6 feet of your water column. The Fl-20 is a fancier version of the fl-18. On the 12 and 20 you also get the newer flat screen reed out. I would at least recomend getting the fl-18. You will be very happy with it or any of the models.

[Bottle Fish]

For the money you can't beat a fl-18. Personally I don't think you really need a flat screen and I don't think the extra money is worth it. An fl-18 has the zoom feature that is a must in my opinion.

If you go to Vexilar.c o m you will get all the info you need to make a choice that suits what you are looking for, it helped in my choice I know.

[slabbin@thecabin]

The only real benefit I see in the 12 or the 20 is when it is snowing outside and you are not in the house. I have found it quite annoying to continuously blow out the screen so I can see it. Me personally I do not like the bottom zoom mainly because I don't fish walleyes very often. I have never seen the point in paying extra for the BZ but I guess everyone has their own opinion. Really it is all a matter of preference.

[jigging-matt]

I used an 8 for quite a few years. Upgraded to an 18 and wish I would have done it sooner. You wouldn't believe how often you use the BZ.

[BK19]

The only real benefit I see in the 12 or the 20 is when it is snowing outside and you are not in the house. I have found it quite annoying to continuously blow out the screen so I can see it. Me personally I do not like the bottom zoom mainly because I don't fish walleyes very often. I have never seen the point in paying extra for the BZ but I guess everyone has their own opinion. Really it is all a matter of preference.

you for sure would appreciate the night mode on the 20 it is way easy on the eyes and the bottom zoom is great for the panfish also

[thefarmer]

It all depends how you fish. Walleyes in deep water the bottom zoom is pretty nice. But if you don't need it why buy it i guess. I like the flat screen on the Fl-20 would never go back to the old style, seems easier to read.

[Flaco651]

Another difference between the FL-20 & FL-18 zooms are the 20 has AZ 6' & AZ 12' while the 18 only has the 6' zoom.

[thedeadsea]

Thanks for the responses. My primary uses would be for suspended lake trout and crappies.

Steve

[Ed Carlson]

A good cost effective package for your purposes may be a FL-12 Pro Pack with a duel beam ducer.

For most situations the FL-12 with the duel will offer you all the target separation, Target ID, flexability, and overall functionality you will ever need on the ice.

If you can justify bumping it up to the FL-20...all the better, you will gain the night/day mode, and the 6/12 duel zoom modes.

I personally would take the duel beam and LP Mode over a zoom mode on any flasher, better ID and wiser use of sonar flexibility. A zoom feature is not too critical for suspended fish in my view.

[KG243]

Just get a bird!

[CALVINIST]

I recently upgraded from an fl-8 to an fl-20. Couple hundred bucks more but very much worth it IMO. Love the flat screen because the recessed screen on the fl-8 always got filled up with snow, water, ice, etc. Also love the zoom feature in 6' and 12', and the low power setting for fishing shallow.