Battery life

[62&done]

I'm working with an FL 18 vex going on 5 years  It has an original battery with no issues. I'm just wondering how others have made out with similar units and whether I should be updating or perhaps just buy a new battery to have on hand

[DR.SPECKLER]

My original fl8se that i sold a bud just had the battery go bad at 10 years.I routinely get over 6+ years out of my batteries.well maintained.

[Raquettedacker]

They last till they die 2 hours into an all day trip.  Not fun…

[TheWasp74]

only had my flx-30 for a year just charged it for the first time. granted it is lithium ion, so I really can't talk. hopefully it will last me plenty of years to come. however, I have I have had to replace the battery on my Lowrance finder I converted for ice, twice now in the last 8 years as it never seems to make it.

[coast51]

Vex fl8 se battery pack has been going strong going on 9 years.

[flukeman]

I bought my fl18 in 2007, and just used the unit last night with the original battery. I was only out 2 hours, so not much of a test for this year.

[Dirtyhooker]

Take off charger and turn on tonight and see if it lasts till morning  I found my fl18 was killing battery after 8 hrs seeing I am headed in 2 weeks for a week of ice fishing I have a new lithium battery on way so I can fish 10-12 hrs without a worry

[Hardwater2]

Have fl-18 running on same battery for 7 years. I charge battery each time I use it. Unit runs all day long when fishing hard.

[Jake1]

got a clearance one from tractor supply for 7.99 couldn't resist, in case ,as my vex is on 7 years as well

[flukeman]

Take off charger and turn on tonight and see if it lasts till morning  I found my fl18 was killing battery after 8 hrs seeing I am headed in 2 weeks for a week of ice fishing I have a new lithium battery on way so I can fish 10-12 hrs without a worry

Great idea DH, I will try that this weekend.

[BUCKSKI]

I run a fl18 as well and bought two new batteries from Dakota Battery Lith. and a charger for $130ish. The other is for my son's fl 8, both have held a great charge and quick to recharge. Difference in weight is unreal.
I'm happy with the $$ I spend and time will tell how well they last. 

[Adironzach]

I ran my stock battery for 2 years then purchased a lithium to save some weight and give me a longer runtime. I dont have a Vex, im a bird man, so that screen on fully brightness really killed my battery. It still functions 5 yrs later as i keep it as my backup for other units or my green light light

[butkusbowman]

Make sure you let your battery warm up inside before charging it. It is less stress on it I'm told.

[PaddyO]

I run a fl18 as well and bought two new batteries from Dakota Battery Lith. and a charger for $130ish. The other is for my son's fl 8, both have held a great charge and quick to recharge. Difference in weight is unreal.
I'm happy with the $$ I spend and time will tell how well they last.

Dakota Batteries are great - light weight and perform.   I have 2 10AH Dakota's and love them. Buying 1 more and phase out the 5 old school anchors. 

[filetandrelease]

 I was running a 12v 10amp sla , no complaints as I could good run time but weighed as much as my graph with the lithium  , last year purchased 2 marcum brute 12v 10amp
 With two 3amp chargers for $100 , I have an older helix 5 , I charge after 3 full days
 The back light is a major battery drain
 I run mine at 5 and it’s plenty

[62&done]

Thanks guys   all good info here  As said, the original vex batterie is working fine I may go with a lithium in a year or two unless something else comes up in the near future
  Good luck all, tight lines