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IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: Fishdinner02 on Nov 19, 2020, 06:28 AM
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Hey guys looking to buy a new flasher any brands or models you suggest over another. I do mostly pan and walleye fishing under 40 feet. I don't mind spending the money on a good quality unit but I don't want to go overkill with bells and whistles I don't really need.
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Vexilar units are nice:
https://www.vexilar.com/
Reconditioned units carry a two year warranty : https://store.vexilar.com/products/reconditioned-products.html?_ga=2.60457518.26272414.1605789817-1197230098.1605789817
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Vexilar fl18 will get it done and built to last.no bells or whistles..just a fish,depth locating workhorse.
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I can't recall seeing a round sounder on a boat in the last 50 years. I say get a portable version of an open water unit. Vexilars don't have mapping or GPS capabilities. Modern graphs can put out a round display if that's what you want or need.
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I can't recall seeing a round sounder on a boat in the last 50 years. I say get a portable version of an open water unit. Vexilars don't have mapping or GPS capabilities. Modern graphs can put out a round display if that's what you want or need.
well considering this is a icefishing forum,op mentioned flasher and no need for bells and whistles,no mention of fishing from boat..my recommendation stands.lol
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Vexilar fl18 will get it done and built to last.no bells or whistles..just a fish,depth locating workhorse.
X2
Vexilar FL18 is the work horse of the Vexilar line up ..it tried,true battle tested unit ...EZPZ to use ..get the 12 deg transducer and you will be able to fish the range of depths you mentioned and then some. will last for decades ..best investment you can make ..I have had mine since 2003 . Has Low Power Mode: shallow weedy areas ...6ft Bottom Zoom: great for bottom hugging fish i.e. perch and walleye
(https://i.postimg.cc/PNJgBrwq/mic-drop.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PNJgBrwq)
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Better get out the popcorn, this is going to be a looooong one.
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X3 on fl-18 gets the job done and bullet proof. Had mine for a long time no issues.
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But Vexilars are sooooooo LOUD!!!! ;)
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But Vexilars are sooooooo LOUD!!!! ;)
Not once you get old and deaf. Just remove the hearing aids.
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But Vexilars are sooooooo LOUD!!!! ;)
Has anyone tried a new one? It sounds like they updated all the models to brushless, curious if it made a big difference or not on the FL8s or FL18s.
From their catalog:
Effective in 2020, All Vexilar Flashers are being produced using Vexilar’s proprietary brushless data transfer technology to deliver a
sunlight-readable display and less noise.
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I like my Helix 9. Little big and heavy but the flasher and graph on the same screen is awesome. Also having access to a depth chart and GPS makes an open water unit superior to a flasher. Although I still have my ICE55 and admit sometimes simple is good.
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Effective in 2020, All Vexilar Flashers are being produced using Vexilar’s proprietary brushless data transfer technology to deliver a
sunlight-readable display and less noise.
interesting!!!
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Not once you get old and deaf. Just remove the hearing aids.
It covers up the tinnitus! ;D
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Fishdinner - you mentioned that you fish panfish and walleye, and under 40 ft. Walleye are typically on the bottom, and panfish can be anywhere in the water column. You said flasher, so I would suggest either the Vexilar FL18 or the Marcum M3. The Vex has the bottom lock and the Marcum has the adjustable zoom. You really can't go wrong with either of these.
If you want to buy a used unit - check out the FB Marketplace, there are a tons for sale, but they can come with issues. Checkout the vendor sites for reconditioned units - nothing wrong with these - they have been checked over by their service techs. Otherwise, hit up a store and put your hands on them and see what unit you like best.
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Vex FLX 20, mine is quiet as a church mouse. I regularly fish beyond the depths mentioned, nice unit.
Dual zoom at 6 and 12 feet, I like the DD option.
FLX pro pack last year brand new $470 on sale. I see a fl 18 at $399 online.
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Vex FLX 20, mine is quiet as a church mouse. I regularly fish beyond the depths mentioned, nice unit.
Dual zoom at 6 and 12 feet, I like the DD option.
FLX pro pack last year brand new $470 on sale. I see a fl 18 at $399 online.
2nd the flx 20 ,got one last year and love it
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Wow! people suggest a Vexilar. Who would have thunk it. Not gonna talk bad about the Vexilars, lots of guys use them and have for years. I personally went a different direction and got the Garmin Panotix Ps22. Its not the fancy livescope one but it does all I ever want. I wanted the Bells and Whistles and it has them. GPS, Lake Contour Maps and well the Panoptix is one of the best sonars out there. Fish in 20' of water with most sonars and you are seeing a tiny little area like a 6' diameter circle on the bottom. True the Vexilars do a good job of seperating the fish from the bottom but only in a tiny window. the area that I can see with my Panoptix is huge in comparison and seeing the fish over 10' away to the side come in for your bait gives you more time to work the fish. Then you want to talk about finding fish, nothing compares. Put the ducer to the side and scan out 100', depending on depth, rotate around and find the fish walk to where you are pointed and drill on top of fish. Is it more than most need, yes. Is it heavy, Yes. Is it expensive, Yes. Is it better, well that is a matter of opinion, in many ways yes it is better. Each to their own.
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VEXILAR FLX-20
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Vexilar FL 20 or FLX 20
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But Vexilars are sooooooo LOUD!!!! ;)
HUH 😉
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If you are going to spend near $500 then you should think about the LX7, or MX7 form Marcum, they blow away any Vex. I had a FL8 and fl20, and sold both once I went digital, no comparison. Duel beam, Verticle, graphing, and traditional round, and zoom, watch all 3 at once if you want. Much better fish/lure seperation, little or no interference. The cheaper FL8 and FL12 are horrible in shallow water, even with the cord that you need to buy. Vex is a solid entry level flasher for the beginners but you will want digital flasher before to long. The new MX7 has everything the LX7 gas plus GPS on top of all that! Marcum is also by far the best customer service!
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Hey guys looking to buy a new flasher any brands or models you suggest over another. I do mostly pan and walleye fishing under 40 feet. I don't mind spending the money on a good quality unit but I don't want to go overkill with bells and whistles I don't really need.
If your looking for a flasher unit, I would stay away from vexilar simply because they do not have multi beam transducers unless you want to drop $750 on the fl30bb. For the money on the flasher side humming bird and marcum other you dual beam transducers on solid units for Far less then vexilar. The Hummingbird 35 is a good dual beam entry level that can be bought new for $250 at times.
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Amazon has the Marcum M-1 for $299.00, and the M-3 for $349.00. You won’t be disappointed with either unit.
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I've had my Humminbird Ice-55 for 3 years now and can't say enough good things about it. Just got a Helix 7 for my kayak that I will be converting to an ice unit as well.
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I have owned a Vexilar for over 25 years. Can't speak on any other brands 'cause I haven't used any. No need to. I have been happy with these. They indicate depth and locate fish. That's all I need. You can get a refurbished FL-8 for $269 (which I bought with no issues) or an FL-18 (this does have the bottom zoom) for $349. Both come with a 2 year warranty on the unit...1 year on the battery.
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Wow! people suggest a Vexilar. Who would have thunk it. Not gonna talk bad about the Vexilars, lots of guys use them and have for years. I personally went a different direction and got the Garmin Panotix Ps22. Its not the fancy livescope one but it does all I ever want. I wanted the Bells and Whistles and it has them. GPS, Lake Contour Maps and well the Panoptix is one of the best sonars out there. Fish in 20' of water with most sonars and you are seeing a tiny little area like a 6' diameter circle on the bottom. True the Vexilars do a good job of seperating the fish from the bottom but only in a tiny window. the area that I can see with my Panoptix is huge in comparison and seeing the fish over 10' away to the side come in for your bait gives you more time to work the fish. Then you want to talk about finding fish, nothing compares. Put the ducer to the side and scan out 100', depending on depth, rotate around and find the fish walk to where you are pointed and drill on top of fish. Is it more than most need, yes. Is it heavy, Yes. Is it expensive, Yes. Is it better, well that is a matter of opinion, in many ways yes it is better. Each to their own.
What did that cost? I can’t see spending $2k but I think that would include the livescope? I don’t see much point in upgrading unless i get the advantages you mentioned and if it’s possible for under $1,000 i might do it
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I use a FL-18 and a Helix ice 5 gps g2. both are great. Several folks have mentioned refurbished units. Many times a all a refurbished unit is a brand new unit that for what ever reason gets returned to the store, and then the manufacturer. Nothing wrong with the unit to begin with. So if you go that route you should have no concerns.
Keep it safe! JDL
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Vex = Quality, it works when you turn it on year after year. I had another brand and worked as well as the Vex FLX 20 for a year or two. It then
went to the shop every winter mid season an finally gave it away to a techy friend. I am not plunking down $2000 for the latest an greatest, heavy,
fish finder. I like to hole hope. Bird makes nice unit the one on my boat is still fine 10 years in. Search the reviews - one brand if you want your unit at the shop
half of every season don't say you we were not warned. My brothers new unit I warned him was returned first season. Junk
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What did that cost? I can’t see spending $2k but I think that would include the livescope? I don’t see much point in upgrading unless i get the advantages you mentioned and if it’s possible for under $1,000 i might do it
I got an offseason deal and paid just about 1280$ Normally about 1800.
I know its a bunch of money but oh well I have it now and love it. I looked at the Livescope that came out after I already bought mine. Its cool but does not have a regular puck ducer to hole hop with. Even though mine is heavy it is not so bad that I can't hole hop with it, and do, and or if I don't have maps for lake and am checking depth. Now with the Panoptix on its pole its a bit more to hole hop with.
I looked hard and long at the Vexilars and used a buddies but am happy I went the route I did. Whatever you get use it and learn to use it to its fullest and it should reward you with more fish, Hopefully.
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Vex = Quality, it works when you turn it on year after year.
^^^ this. Marcum, not so much....
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Know all about the brand that spends lots of time in a repair shop.lol
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(https://i.postimg.cc/B8v7N4CD/859-B0-DDE-5576-4-C78-A8-F6-CD882-E822-ABD.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/B8v7N4CD)
If you apply for an amazon card and get accepted you’d get $60 off for a $239 price. Has dual beam and zoom
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I’ve owned vex and are good units , this marcum 5 is an outstanding deal and they work great
(https://i.postimg.cc/F76QVLRK/81-DFED6-C-4193-468-F-914-B-A9500104-C2-C1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F76QVLRK)
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Check out the Marcum site. They have the M5 with the old SLA battery for $357. You get some really nice features that are not found with other brands in that price range. Dual beam cone, 3/4" target separation, adjustable zoom lock to name a few. Can always upgrade to a lithium battery later down the road.
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As a testament to Marcum reliability...in addition to my current M-5, I still have my old VXR by Marcum, and sold by Cabelas as a “backup,” that still works as new! Makes a lot more noise then the digital M-5, but sometimes it’s just nice to hear that clicking from a 14+ year old flasher! I stand by Marcum quality and customer service.
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As a testament to Marcum reliability...in addition to my current M-5, I still have my old VXR by Marcum, and sold by Cabelas as a “backup,” that still works as new! Makes a lot more noise then the digital M-5, but sometimes it’s just nice to hear that clicking from a 14+ year old flasher! I stand by Marcum quality and customer service.
LMAO........I find myself using my FL20 more then the FLX28 just because I like to hear the spin......that and I got so use the the FL20 face because it was my 1st flasher that it just feels wrong looking at an FL18, FL22HD, or FLX28 face.......looks like I'm not the only one.
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that M5 deal is a hell of a deal.
I'm contemplating picking one up. i have absolutely no need for it. i have 2 flashers and panoptix already.
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As a testament to Marcum reliability...in addition to my current M-5, I still have my old VXR by Marcum, and sold by Cabelas as a “backup,” that still works as new! Makes a lot more noise then the digital M-5, but sometimes it’s just nice to hear that clicking from a 14+ year old flasher! I stand by Marcum quality and customer service.
the rapala years were not good for marcum. they put out some junk. but pre and post is just dynamite .
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What did that cost? I can’t see spending $2k but I think that would include the livescope? I don’t see much point in upgrading unless i get the advantages you mentioned and if it’s possible for under $1,000 i might do it
Hey John...1800 for the ps22 with a 7" sv73 plus head unit. You can grab my unit for 1500. My new unit for this season is a 9" livescope package...2700 bucks....I was thinking about doing a uhd10" and doing my own bundle but I can settle for a pre-built bundle and 9" head unit.
I still own my flx28 and use it occasionally in open water jigging lakers.
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Has anyone tried a new one? It sounds like they updated all the models to brushless, curious if it made a big difference or not on the FL8s or FL18s.
From their catalog:
Effective in 2020, All Vexilar Flashers are being produced using Vexilar’s proprietary brushless data transfer technology to deliver a
sunlight-readable display and less noise.
Just to update:
So, a buddy found a new FL8 in a pawn shop of all places last week. Was out on the ice with him this last weekend and I can confirm, it is much quieter. No clicking or chatter like the old ones, it sounds just like my FLX 28, just a little hum or whirring sound.
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I've had the Humminbird ice 35 for a good 10 years. No issues at all, good flasher. This year, I got an additional Marcum m1 for friends and customers that come along. Also a good unit.
Here's what I found when comparing both side by side.
I much prefer the large flat humminbird display. The marcum is a lot smaller and tends to catch drifting snow with the vizer.
Noise level is higher with the marcum.
If you are placing flasher on ice next to the hole, the marcum's arm/stopper system to keep transducer in place is better than the foam float system used by the humminbird.
If you are fishing using the unit from inside a sled as I often do, the humminbird is all I can use, as marcum arm system wont work for that at all.
The marcum transducer can shoot through thicker ice than the humminbird. Very convenient for clear ice less than 7-8 inches thick, where you don't need to drill uselessly, nor remove ducer from hole to fight fish.
The gain on the marcum is way more sensitive than humminbird. I find it almost too sensitive.
I don't use the zoom features at all, both units have one.
The Marcum also comes with it's carrying case, unlike the humminbird, where you need to purchase separately.
Lastly, I've used an old Vex 8 before, didn't have much time with it, but did not like the small display, and it wasn't nearly as bright as marcum or humminbird.
Hope this helps.
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I've used the Hummingbird ice 55 for a number of years and wouldn't fish without it. In fact, I left it at home one day and drove 1/2 hour back home to get it. They are a bit pricey at $500. However, my wife and I picked up an Ice 45 for our son for Christmas and got it for around $350. He loved it. The only difference between the two units is one color band. If I were in the market for a new flasher I would go with the Hummingbird Ice 45, just my two cents.
X2 i have the 55 i love it my buddy uses a vex he loves it at this point its all about price point both units you will not be disappointed in.
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I gotta agree with the FL 18. It gives you the extra edge.
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Vexilar =durability that will last many years.pick a model that suits you,after all we are just pulling fish thru a hole in the ice.
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I've had a HumminBird Ice 35, Marcum M1, Vex Fl-8 and now an FL-18 (with ProView). None failed and all got the job done. If it's your first flasher or just want to give it a try buy the cheapest one. They all have pretty good resale if you want to upgrade. I ended up sticking with the FL-18 because of auto-zoom and because I like the Vexilar transducer options. I switched to a ProView(9 degree) and it makes a difference when fishing the bottom. I've fished beside a right buddy of mine who has a Ice 35 and have been able to pick up bottom hugging fish (wider Humminbird ducer can't see true bottom). I also like the fact the Vexilar have been made in the same plant for decades and they've had time to work out the kinks. I've really punished my 18 and it keeps kicking.
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As a Marcum guy, I'd agree with the Vexilar fanboys on the FL18. Bottom zoom is an absolutely necessary feature so the FL12 won't cut it. In summarizing everyone's comments, I have to agree. Vexilar quality seems to be superior, they are rock solid and run forever. If you want the bells and whistles, Marcum offers that. I ran a FL20 for years, loved the thing but the digital screen on the LX7 was too much to pass up so I made the switch last year.
Vexilar guys bash Marcum for unnecessary features, just more things to break. Some people like those features, like myself. If you try to claim a brand new digital unit is going to last as long as a 10 year old FL-8, you're just kidding yourself.
Marcum guys bash vexilar for being the same unit they always were. If it's not broke don't fix it.
I'll also agree that the humminbird 35 is an awesome unit. I bought it this year as a backup while waiting for my MX7 to show up. If it has bottom zoom I would put it above the FL18, bottom zoom is irreplaceable.
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I would suggest the cheapest model Marcum. I think now it’s the M-1. No bells and whistles, has bottom zoom, SILENT,
Shallow water to deep perfect no buttons, adjustments or cords to change, standard medium wide transducer, and excellent interference eliminator. Don’t realize you need that until you do.
You said no bells and whistles, this has just the right bells that anyone needs and no whistles. And very affordable without compromise.
Most of the vexilar users saying theirs last for years and years have been using an OLD flasher. I like new but personally don’t care for the digital.
They all get the job done, none are bad, but I’d go with the cheapest or cheaper model Marcums.
My MX-5 I bought when first came out I realized I wasted money when my sister got her cheapest Marcum a few years later. Then my nephew recently. I never used the bells an whistles. The fine separation was nice, I could tell when my waxie was stripped from my jig. This took too long, I’m going fishing now.
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I stand by vexilar. Have had mine for 6 years or so and haven’t had any issues....knock on wood. I have an FL-20 which is on the higher end but even the cheaper ones function just as well. The one feature I would look for is the bottom zoom. Mine will zoom in on the bottom 6’ or 12’. It works well in deeper water when you’re targeting the panfish that like to hug the bottom.
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I've been running a Vexilar FL8SE for the past 10 years. Everyone that I have fished with are Vexilar users. I have nothing against other brands because I am not familiar with them. If I were to upgrade it would be an FL 18.
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I stand by vexilar. Have had mine for 6 years or so and haven’t had any issues....knock on wood. I have an FL-20 which is on the higher end but even the cheaper ones function just as well. The one feature I would look for is the bottom zoom. Mine will zoom in on the bottom 6’ or 12’. It works well in deeper water when you’re targeting the panfish that like to hug the bottom.
Yup. SILENT!!
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I switched to a ProView(9 degree) and it makes a difference when fishing the bottom. I've fished beside a right buddy of mine who has a Ice 35 and have been able to pick up bottom hugging fish (wider Humminbird ducer can't see true bottom).
All your buddy needed to do was switch from the wide beam to the narrow beam. The 35 is a dual beam. It use to be comparable to an FL 18 when vexilar had the dual beam. Now it's actually a unit with more options then the FL18 and can do more.
It is sad Vexilar was a bunch of pricks and took away the multi beam transducers.....now what customers to drop $800 on a BB30 to have a multi beam transducer. I see Marcum is starting to do the same.
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Vex FL18. Just the right bells and whistles for just about any ice fisherman. Solid work horse. Reliability and simplicity. Too much hype and over complicated options in other brands imo.....that now includes the new vex 30bb too :-\
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I just upgraded to a flx 12 from a fl8-slt. I really don't need the zoom, I just wanted better viewing while outside especially on the bow of the boat. Had my fl8 around 20 years, put it on craigslist for $175 and had 0 trouble selling. FLX 12 shipped to door from reeds, $299. Its awesome!!
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I have newer FL18 and it's got everything I need.
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Buy the most expensive one so you can look down on everyone else. It's the only way.
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Theres a downside to having panoptix and livescope.my peasant a$$ with my cheap vexilar is immediately looking for you guys using them.i know they are on fish.lol
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Theres a downside to having panoptix and livescope.my peasant a$$ with my cheap vexilar is immediately looking for you guys using them.i know they are on fish.lol
Thats why I hide with mine in the flip or hub so you don't see me catching all the fish n come camp on my doorstep. The other downside is the damn thing is heavy beast.
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Theres a downside to having panoptix and livescope.my peasant a$$ with my cheap vexilar is immediately looking for you guys using them.i know they are on fish.lol
Hahaha I'd just invite you over to fish with me. The benefit is you can have three people jigging no problem. My gf and daughter absolutely loved my ps22 unit. (Which I have an ice bundle for if anyone needs one)
I took it for a maiden voyage last night. I can't say the livescope offers much of a different experience than the ps22 but have yet to take it to 100 fow for lakers.