vex vs. show down. New guy looking for guidance

[togueking]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to the site...so first of all hello. I've watched video clips of both the vexilar and show down fish finders. I've never had either. To me, it seems like the show down is very simple to use. Has anyone on here had the opportunity to try both models?? Some feedback would be appreciated, as I am trying to make a decision on which to buy. If you go to showdownfishfinder.com you can see clips and info. if you're not familiar. Vexilar is www.vexilar.com. Thanks in advance.

[cdc]

If you ask me I'd go with the Lowrance x67c.
 Just as good as the vex but you can use it in your boat in the open water.
http://www.cabelas.com/spod-1/0022428.shtml
 Welcome to the shanty

[togueking]

Thanks cdc. Thanks for the input. I'll check it out. I don't have a boat right now, so I'm just looking for something for ice fishing. Have you tried both the Lowrance x67c and the vex? Thanks.

[livinbass]

If you ask me I'd go with the Lowrance x67c.
 Just as good as the vex but you can use it in your boat in the open water.
http://www.cabelas.com/spod-1/0022428.shtml
 Welcome to the shanty

ive used my vex in my boat

[Icefish_master]

Thanks cdc. Thanks for the input. I'll check it out. I don't have a boat right now, so I'm just looking for something for ice fishing. Have you tried both the Lowrance x67c and the vex? Thanks.

go with a vex or a marcum flasher, you wont be disappointed.

[ICEMAN-73]

I have never used a vex, but I have a showdown and am very pleased with it. Simple to use and I can see the smallest jigs I own with it. Whatever you buy it will help allot.

[BrookieMeister]

Hey welcome to IS-Maine.

I can't speak for the vex, but i did purchase a showdown for this season on the ice.  Easy to use right out of the box, display is very easy to read, compact design with a carrying case, and many other features.  With a small split shot 4" above a small shiner, the display showed two distinct lines -- it's sensitive.  You can watch the fish coming up from the bottom and then WHAM!  Fish on baby!!!

I've used it the last five outings and i'm impressed.  To me, it was worth the money.

[livinbass]

i think they will all work depends on your budget

[togueking]

I have never used a vex, but I have a showdown and am very pleased with it. Simple to use and I can see the smallest jigs I own with it. Whatever you buy it will help allot.

Hey iceman,

I appreciate your feedback on the showdown finder. Is it easy to tell the difference between a bait fish and a good size fish? Have you had any annoying malfunctions with it? How long did it take you to learn all the functions and become proficient with it? Thank you kindly.

Togueking

[togueking]

Hey Brookie,

I appreciate your feedback on the showdown finder. Is it easy to tell the difference between a bait fish and a good size fish? Have you had any annoying malfunctions with it? How long did it take you to learn all the functions and become proficient with it? Thank you kindly.

Togueking

[wickedgoodatv]

There is an echo....

[togueking]

wickedgoodatv,

What do you mean exactly by there is an echo?? Thanks

[Mainehazmt]

get what you can afford   the showdown is pretty good as I have seen   but Ive got my vex  so that what I use

[Doug D]

I just got a vex and love it. You can buy a different tranducer so you can use it in the summer. I think anything that will let you see what is going on under the ice is a big advantage.

[Maineiac Jim]

I have the Hi-Speed (transom mount) transducer for my Vexilar, but seldom use it. It's much easier to simply set the Iceducer on the bottom of the boat. If you keep it in a little puddle of water (no problem in my boat) it works fine shooting right through the hull.

[PIE]

Vex, you get what you pay for. i Just got an fl-18 and its the first flasher i have ever used, it took me 2 minutes to get it down. very easy to use and works very well, high quality, hand made, and from what i have heard there customer support is excellent. I have not used the showdown so i can not comment on that

[Danny Boy]

I went with the Vex FL-18 too.  The deciding factor for me was the Low Power Mode.  My understanding is that the Showdown normally operates at 1000 watts of power.  The Vexilar normally operates at 400 watts.  With the LP Mode I can cut the power down to 200 watts in shallow water.  I can't prove this, but my BS is that the fish have a negative reaction to the higher powered units.  I fish alot of shallow water so this was important to me.

[buddah]

Judging by your screen name I'm guessing you do a lot of touge fishing.If thats the case i'd go with the showdown so I had that 1000 watts for deep water.I bet that machine marks just as good in 200' feet of water as it does in 20'.