Author Topic: FL-18 vs FLX-28  (Read 5806 times)

Offline grababrewski

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FL-18 vs FLX-28
« on: May 13, 2020, 06:22 PM »
I just picked up a used FLX-28. I've used a FL-18 forever. The FLX-28 seems louder (as in hearing the whirling noise)  Is this normal?

Offline DR.SPECKLER

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #1 on: May 13, 2020, 07:10 PM »
My flx28 is way more quiet than my fl18 or 20.the brushless motor should be nice and quiet.

Offline Unclegillhunter

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #2 on: May 14, 2020, 07:22 AM »
Don't think so.The lack of motor noise was on of the things folks were so happy about when the FLX models came out.
Keep it safe! JDL

Offline grababrewski

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2020, 07:49 AM »
Bummer, I got a smokin deal on it. I do have the option of not buying it.
It seems to work fine. Just noisy, I think the disc that spins is tilted or bent. I might just send it to Vexilar and see what it would cost to make it right.
Does anybody have any feedback on Vexilars repair department??
Thanks!

Offline DR.SPECKLER

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #4 on: May 14, 2020, 08:26 AM »
Ive never needed vexilar customer service on any of my vexilars but i know they can fix it.if you got a good deal and still be in at a good price after sending it in i would.email them as see what they can do.my flx28 is not silent when running but does not hum like the fl models do.

Offline jrjach75

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #5 on: May 14, 2020, 11:10 AM »
Mine has a whirring noise, not real loud though, and definitely not the "chattering" sound my FL18 had.

Offline hardwater diehard

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #6 on: May 14, 2020, 11:43 AM »
From Vexilar

https://www.vexilar.com/pages/tech-support

I thought the FLX-28 was silent with the new brushless design?

The brushless design does make the FLX-28 quieter than other units, however, there still is a motor spinning the light wheel at about 2500rpms.  There is slight noise variation from unit to unit.  This is normal.

also there may be a need to update the head units software ..as it may freeze up ..contact Vexilar with your serial number handy..
Give a man a fish he eats for a day .Teach a man to ice fish he has an obsession for a lifetime

Offline jrjach75

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #7 on: May 14, 2020, 01:46 PM »
They are advertising for next season all models will have a much quieter motor and brighter "sunlight readable" display, can only imagine that means they are going brushless with everything. About time.

Offline grababrewski

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #8 on: May 14, 2020, 03:42 PM »
I emailed them today. They returned my message right away. I am going to send it to them. They'll take a look at it and give me a cost for repair. I'm thinking the shaft on the motor may be slightly bent. They said a new motor is about $80. I have a FL-12 and a FL-18. This one defiantly sounds different. 
We'll see what they say.

Offline Fry Flier

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #9 on: May 14, 2020, 04:21 PM »
If you have not sent it away yet you might try a fix you have right there. My unit was a bit noisy then I put on a fresh battery, noise gone.
May your tip-up spool while your flag raises with hopes of landing the big one.

Offline hardwater diehard

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #10 on: May 15, 2020, 06:07 AM »
If you have not sent it away yet you might try a fix you have right there. My unit was a bit noisy then I put on a fresh battery, noise gone.

If you don't have access to a known good battery you can use your charger in conjunction with a battery ..this video is GREAT in general but th 1:10 mark speaks to the charger ..batteries issues can cause a ton of woes

Give a man a fish he eats for a day .Teach a man to ice fish he has an obsession for a lifetime

Offline GP

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #11 on: May 16, 2020, 12:02 PM »
They are advertising for next season all models will have a much quieter motor and brighter "sunlight readable" display, can only imagine that means they are going brushless with everything. About time.
You mean even the Fl series, such as the fl18 are going to have a brushless motor starting next year?

Offline jrjach75

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #12 on: May 17, 2020, 09:32 AM »
You mean even the Fl series, such as the fl18 are going to have a brushless motor starting next year?

According to the flyer I saw, yes. It was the features sheet for the FLX30 (FLX33?)or whatever the new version is (bb, whatever that.means), and said starting in 2020, all models will feature a "quiet motor" and display "readable outdoors in the sunlight".

I'd post the image but it's been taken down and I can't find it. Didn't have prices or anything, I think whoever posted it was just sharing for the new FLX model and it's features compared to the FLX28. I thought the info about all the FL flashers being upgraded was more interesting personally

Offline grababrewski

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #13 on: May 23, 2020, 09:53 PM »
Got my FL-28 back from Vexilar today. They found something in the transmission rubbing on the wheel. They took care of the issue.
They checked out the unit and gave it a clean bill of health. Sent it back to me. Same day turn around.
Total invoice: $0.00
VEXILAR SERVICE ROCKS!! :clap: :clap: :clap:


Offline Fry Flier

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #14 on: May 23, 2020, 10:11 PM »
That’s great, Vexilar wouldn’t do without it
May your tip-up spool while your flag raises with hopes of landing the big one.

Offline grababrewski

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #15 on: May 24, 2020, 05:16 PM »
I received a brochure from Vexilar and it had the new model in it it's a FLX30 BB. I guess the BB stands for Broad Band. It says you can tune the transducer from a 19 degree beam to an 8 degree beam.
(sorry about the sideways pic.)


Offline HWeber

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #16 on: May 24, 2020, 05:57 PM »
Glad to see they are giving customers what they want but how is their broadband different than the adjustable offerings by other brands? (they claim to be the first in that brochure)

Offline hawg

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #17 on: May 25, 2020, 06:05 PM »
I received a brochure from Vexilar and it had the new model in it it's a FLX30 BB. I guess the BB stands for Broad Band. It says you can tune the transducer from a 19 degree beam to an 8 degree beam.
(sorry about the sideways pic.)

When have we heard that before? Oh yah, Proview.

Offline hardwater diehard

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #18 on: May 28, 2020, 06:00 PM »
Not certain what the difference is between the 28 and the 30 ..gotta be something to it .



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Offline hawg

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #19 on: May 28, 2020, 09:19 PM »
 I agree, I have and will stay a Vex guy.

Offline SLAYERFISH

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #20 on: May 30, 2020, 10:30 AM »
Hey Brewski!   You still won't catch as many perch as me and my old LX-5! ;D
Love Me or Hate Me-
All Metal all the Time!

Offline grababrewski

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #21 on: May 30, 2020, 03:30 PM »
Hey Brewski!   You still won't catch as many perch as me and my old LX-5! ;D
If Z cuts your cable I will! ;D

Offline SLAYERFISH

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Re: FL-18 vs FLX-28
« Reply #22 on: May 30, 2020, 08:14 PM »
Z-Curse!  Bwahahahahaha-
Love Me or Hate Me-
All Metal all the Time!

 



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