Author Topic: Vexilar Info (Read 3699 times)

mackdog75 · « **on:** Feb 05, 2009, 10:34 PM »

Hi I am kind of new to ice fishing and thinking about get a vexilar. Any thoughts or info on whats good would be great and anybody know of any deals on them anywhere? Also I have a Frabill Trekker 2 that is in perfect shape that I am looking to trade for a cabin type house. Grandpa is getting to old to be crouched down in the Trekker so i need something he can stand up in and stretch every now and then. Thanks for any info looks like a great site!!

Ketchnrelease · « **Reply #1 on:** Feb 05, 2009, 10:56 PM »

Personally, I wouldn't look at anything other than an FL-18 or FL-20, the zoom feature on these is really nice. As far as the other "stuff" (genz pack, pro pack, etc) I don't think it matters too much when it comes to fishing, just personal preference. Check out vexilar.com and click on their outlet link for reconditioned units. Folks I have talked to have had good luck with these, and you still can get their warranty if you would like. Good Luck!

mackdog75 · « **Reply #2 on:** Feb 05, 2009, 11:00 PM »

thanks for the info I will check it out!!

Neptune · « **Reply #3 on:** Feb 06, 2009, 08:19 AM »

If you don't want to spend $400+ dollars check out the Aqua-Vu Showdown

Its a great unit that has finer granularity, a better zoom feature an its straight up and down just like the water your fishing in....no color

kwil226 · « **Reply #4 on:** Feb 06, 2009, 09:33 AM »

If you really want a good machine go with the Lowrance x67c ice machine. It will work as a circular flasher (such as a vex or marcum), a vertical flasher (like the showdown), or in graph mode which is by far my favorite. If your in the market for a new flasher this is a good choice, but if its your first flasher its a no-brainer. Way easy to run, hundreds of settings for the advanced user yet can be run with very limited knowledge of the menus, color screen with different color options. You can make the screen three color (red green yellow) like the vex, or the greyscale like the Showdown. Or you can have it in 7 color mode, bottom tracking color, nightview (which is a black background with neon green and more. Plus with 40 hours of battery time and the unparalleled zoom options it seemed like an easy decision to me.

jimmerjammer · « **Reply #5 on:** Feb 06, 2009, 01:21 PM »

i have a vezilar fl-8, and it works really good, but if i could do it over, i would spend the extra 100 bucks and had gotten the models with the zoom. The question is what kind of fish will you be fishing for? if you are looking for suspended fish, then the lower models work just as well as the expensive ones, but if you are looking to find fish on bottom, the advanced units make it way easier to decifer objects on bottom. I am partial to vexilars because i had one go bad on me after 3 years, and vexilar just gave me a brand new unit. Sometimes company reputation and service are really important, and i know vexilar stands by their products. The batteries on the vexilars seem to last quite a bit longer than i thought they would to... not to sure about the other models, but it would be cool to have a thermometer throughout the water column and a gps built in

mackdog75 · « **Reply #6 on:** Feb 06, 2009, 03:11 PM »

I appreciate all the info guys!! Gave me some great ideas on what to look for.
Thanks!

fishinwithbrittanies · « **Reply #7 on:** Feb 06, 2009, 03:28 PM »

If your thinking about buying one just do it. I like the flashers as opposed to the lcd (liquid crystal display) units for two reasons. Flashers are immediate response, no delay like you would have with an lcd. Doesn't seem like it would make a real difference but I think the difference is huge. I think and i bet most people would agree that the best reason to have a finder is to read the mood of the fish. If the response of the unit is delayed at all you loose that. The second reason I would go with the flasher is I have seen some of my buddies lcd units not work when its cold. Thats a pretty big deal ice fishing. As for different types of vexis, I would go with the genz, I think its about 250 and the one I saw was super clear when I used it. I have an fl-8 or fl-18 I forget but it doesn't have the bottom lock. I have used the bottom lock ones and really I think its a 1 or $200 luxury, hardly a neccessity. About two trips out and you will know all you need to know about seeing fish on the bottom.
Hands down though if you thinking of getting one just do it. Your fish totals will increase ten fold easy. I feel naked out there without my vex now. You can see fish and drop your bait right on them or raise it up if you need too. Its an absolute necessity for kokanee I think because day to day they can be anywhere in the water column. The vexi tells you where the fish are. It tells you to stay or move, jig or sit still, keep fishing or just go home. Just get one.

steelhead666 · « **Reply #8 on:** Feb 06, 2009, 03:39 PM »

i got my 10yr old the fl20 for xmas cuz that's what he wanted very nice mach and i just bought the new hummingbird 35 cuz i just don't like the dig read out and i love my hummingbird conpared to my sons fl20 its a lot crisper with the fiber optices now he wants one so we will be selling the fl 20 at the end of this season and getting him the hummingbird 55 6 diff colors and dig read out

jigbounce · « **Reply #9 on:** Feb 06, 2009, 08:07 PM »

I have to give a second vote for the Lowrance x67c. Ive never had a problem with mine and the features you get on it for the price is just unbelievable. I use mine year round.

kwil226 · « **Reply #10 on:** Feb 06, 2009, 08:17 PM »

Quote from: fishinwithbrittanies on Feb 06, 2009, 03:28 PM

If your thinking about buying one just do it. I like the flashers as opposed to the lcd (liquid crystal display) units for two reasons. Flashers are immediate response, no delay like you would have with an lcd. Doesn't seem like it would make a real difference but I think the difference is huge. I think and i bet most people would agree that the best reason to have a finder is to read the mood of the fish. If the response of the unit is delayed at all you loose that. The second reason I would go with the flasher is I have seen some of my buddies lcd units not work when its cold. Thats a pretty big deal ice fishing. As for different types of vexis, I would go with the genz, I think its about 250 and the one I saw was super clear when I used it. I have an fl-8 or fl-18 I forget but it doesn't have the bottom lock. I have used the bottom lock ones and really I think its a 1 or $200 luxury, hardly a neccessity. About two trips out and you will know all you need to know about seeing fish on the bottom.
Hands down though if you thinking of getting one just do it. Your fish totals will increase ten fold easy. I feel naked out there without my vex now. You can see fish and drop your bait right on them or raise it up if you need too. Its an absolute necessity for kokanee I think because day to day they can be anywhere in the water column. The vexi tells you where the fish are. It tells you to stay or move, jig or sit still, keep fishing or just go home. Just get one.

The lcd screen on the Lowrance is in real time, no delay. And I used mine all day in -30 windchill.I wont be fishing in worse, as i could hardly stand that day. Everyone talks about them thinking there the lcd screens of 5 years ago. Not true. I think fishingwithbrittneys and all the doubters will want one in a few years, after they fish under one. I could be wrong, but why pay more for less? Pay one hundred dollars or more less for the machine and if you don't like it take it back and drop $150-200 more and your no less off, but i really doubt it will go anywhere except back on the ice with ya.

fishinwithbrittanies · « **Reply #11 on:** Feb 06, 2009, 08:47 PM »

First off, I am sorry I wasn't trying to offend anyone out there. This guy wants to buy a unit and Im just passing on some info. I did some research today and I would say I would look at the marcums too. The power behind them is what I think would help. I researched the Hummers to and the fiber optics would be nice as well.
Kwil....I don't know how you took that personally but sorry to step on your toes. These are just my experiences. It was just last weekend, Super Bowl Sunday on Gtown that my buddies finder froze on him, its less than a year old, with a morning temp of 7 degrees, no wind. Wouldn't work until the sun hit it and the kokanee quit bitting. All I was tying to due was help a guy make an educated decision.

kwil226 · « **Reply #12 on:** Feb 06, 2009, 10:26 PM »

No hard feelings I hope! l wasn't trying to insult. Just trying to put it out there that these are in fact a very good machine! Good fishing!

J_Edwards · « **Reply #13 on:** Feb 06, 2009, 11:29 PM »

I bought a FL-8SE Genz pack a few years ago and have loved it ever since. There are better machines out there but I have no problem fishing under mine knowing the guys next to me is a little clearer and he has zoom, that being said if I could do it over I would definitely spend a few more bucks on the 18 or 20 ... With my income at the time I have no real regrets, if money is no option if I were you I would most definitely check out the higher end models. Most of my fishing buddies have higher end marcums and they are definitely nice units and there is no reason to not check them out. I personally have no experience with the Lowrance ones.

I've got a question about the battery life, I bought my unit in early 2006 and the battery life is getting poorer. The light on the charger won't ever come on, I usually disconnect it after 12-18 hours unless I've fished it dead. Today after fishing from noon until 7 last night and from 7 am on it died around 130 this afternoon. It never got dim or anything just made constant circles, is this normal with a low battery? Anyone have charging recommendations? I've got a trip to Devils Lake next week and I don't need this problem again, kind of unsure if I should buy another battery yet or not.

budman64 · « **Reply #14 on:** Feb 07, 2009, 08:55 AM »

sounds like a simular situation i had with a vex battery. i replaced it and it has been purrin' ever since. by the way the original battery lasted 6 years.

i c · « **Reply #15 on:** Feb 07, 2009, 12:22 PM »

been on my first battery for three years and no problems,charge it after every use and runs great.at the perch tournament i used it all the first day,sent it with the team the second it didnt get used much.and then used it all the rest of sunday into the night and a little monday morning,still was working great when i turned it off,without a charge. i dont know how cold it was on canyon ferry but it was cold,-18 monday morning.vexilar fl-8

jimmerjammer · « **Reply #16 on:** Feb 07, 2009, 12:52 PM »

I've got a question about the battery life, I bought my unit in early 2006 and the battery life is getting poorer. The light on the charger won't ever come on, I usually disconnect it after 12-18 hours unless I've fished it dead. Today after fishing from noon until 7 last night and from 7 am on it died around 130 this afternoon. It never got dim or anything just made constant circles, is this normal with a low battery? Anyone have charging recommendations? I've got a trip to Devils Lake next week and I don't need this problem again, kind of unsure if I should buy another battery yet or not.

Devils Lake!!!!! you *****!!! i grew up in minot, so DL is where i fish, best perch fishing I have ever done, and walleye too, but we target them more in the summer, although you should have no trouble finding them under the ice. If you go to DL, and don't go through 6 dozen worms a day in the summer fishing for walleye, then it was a slow day!!! Those little batteries on the vexilars only have a shelf life of 2years, even car batteries don't last forever. just replace your battery they are only like 20 bucks, and everthing should go back to normal.

jimmerjammer · « **Reply #17 on:** Feb 07, 2009, 01:02 PM »

By the way, north dakota has Record ammounts of snow this year.... seriously no joke. And it has been really cold there too, around 0 or below all winter. I know most guys havn't been able to get out on the ice because all the lakes have like 4 feet or more of snow on top, and even snowmobiles were having a hard time (they sink once you stop!!!!) Not to scare you from going, but this year has been highly unusual, so really try to plan out your trip. I would give Ed's bait shop a call in Devils Lake before you go. One of my friends said they did get one of those snowblower trucks that the highway dpt uses to plow the roads out there, but the road he made drifted in that day, so everyone who went out had a hell of a time getting back. like i said, i am not trying to talk you out of it or scare you, i think everyone who likes to fish should go to devils lake, phenomanal fishing, but this year has been an exception to the last 10, just trying to make sure you know about the snow. They are saying that alot of the little lakes in north dakota might be all winter kill this year, because so much snow is on top of the ice, no sun is getting through, and therefore no oxygen. hopefully that doesn't happen.

MasterPikeSlayer · « **Reply #18 on:** Feb 07, 2009, 11:06 PM »

I just bought my first flasher two weeks ago, a Marcum VX-1 Pro. Ive had it out twice and is the coolest tool ever and worth every penny! ( only $275 new on ebay!) If you want a flasher with bottom zoom the vx-1 pro has very equal, if not better, quality than the fl-18 for about $100 bucks less. and from what i've heard Marcum's customer service is very accomodating as well. Most people will disagree with my on my vote for Marcum VX-1 Pro just because of Vexilar's track record which is very respective but Marcum is onto something in my opinion, for alot less $.

jimmerjammer · « **Reply #19 on:** Feb 08, 2009, 03:06 AM »

it is good to heat that someone is as impressed w/ another brand of flasher other than vexilar. i am particular to vexis just because that is all i have ever used. the fact that there are so many different units today by differnet manufactuers, just goes to show what a popular sport ice fishing is, and the need for sonar! thanks to all for posting their opinions, i definatley learned alot!!

mackdog75 · « **Reply #20 on:** Feb 08, 2009, 09:44 AM »

wow I got alot of great info and ideas on what to look for. I didnt even realize there was much elkse out besides vexilars. I will deffinetly check them all out before purchasing.

J_Edwards · « **Reply #21 on:** Feb 08, 2009, 09:54 AM »

I'm just going to pick up another battery today.

As for Devils Lake, we're staying at Spirit Water and they claim they are plowing roads out on the lake. I hear the snow is ridiculous this year but I'm ready to take my chances, this is my first trip and I've been dreaming about this for years. We got a guide for one day and fishing for 4, it's my Dads treat for going over to Afghanistan for a year.

montanafishingr · « **Reply #22 on:** Feb 08, 2009, 02:14 PM »

Enjoy that trip. You have earned it. And from one vet to another thanks for your service henrychinaski!

jimmerjammer · « **Reply #23 on:** Feb 08, 2009, 02:28 PM »

FYI....no alcohol at the casino!!! we learned this the hard way, if you like a few beers after fishing, be sure to get a case and sneak it in to the casino, they will not let you have booze on their property. I usually fish Creel bay in the summer for walleyes, and Black Tiger Bay in the winter for Perch. Creel is the bay straight to the north and west of the casino. If you want some really good, current fishing info, Ed's bait shop right before you cross the water to the casino is awesome and super friendly. They will even give you a map of the lake and cirle all the hotspots for you. Have fun! and be sure to bring your camera so you can post pictures of your trophies on Iceshanty.com!!!

J_Edwards · « **Reply #24 on:** Feb 08, 2009, 05:19 PM »

Thanks guys.

Unfortunately Scheels had 0 Vexilar batteries and they are taking down all their ice fishing displays, I've never understood this...anyways hopefully I can find one when I get there.

Seedtree · « **Reply #25 on:** Feb 08, 2009, 07:08 PM »

I've used my Vex battery for 6 seasons now without a problem. I think charging it periodically in the offseason is important.

Both Vexilar and Cabelas have Vex batteries. Depending on how fast you need it, there is also next day air shipping.

J_Edwards · « **Reply #26 on:** Feb 08, 2009, 07:55 PM »

I'm leaving tomorrow and I kind of counted on the Sioux City, IA Scheels carrying them since the Great Falls store has several. My vex didn't get a charge this off season at all, I'm in the military and it was in storage for 8 months.

copperjohn · « **Reply #27 on:** Feb 09, 2009, 12:43 AM »

I was just at the sheels in GF Friday and they had about 8 batteries at the bottom of the back wall. They are starting to clearence the ice stuff but I didn't see any crazy deals.

Fowl Play · « **Reply #28 on:** Feb 09, 2009, 09:18 AM »

Another place to look for batteries is at a farm/ranch supply store in the electric fence section. (Big R, Tractor Supply, Murdoch's) I'm not sure if the specs are the same, but I bought a battery for my fish TV at my local feed store/elevator, that looks just like a vex battery. The terminals are in the same place and it charges and holds a charge fine. Might be worth a look if you're desperate for a new battery.

fishinwithbrittanies · « **Reply #29 on:** Feb 09, 2009, 11:07 AM »

Some people would be happy to know I saw the lowrance unit this weekend.
Its not a bad little unit and I would say I like the options it has. It was warm when I met these guys but they say it works good in cold weather. Scan mode or flasher modes are nice options, and I think it had other stuff like temp reading. Response was good as well, better than what I was used too. Still think id rather have my vex though and its not even the nice one, its just an fl-8

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Author Topic: Vexilar Info (Read 3699 times)