I just bought an LX-3tc and I can NOT believe I used to fish without a flasher unit. I can't tell you anything about any other units (I am sure they are probably good), but I absolutely love my LX-3! I makes fishing infinitely more fun and productive with a lot less "down time." Since I have owned it (less than 2 weeks) I have caught different species of fish that I have never caught before in my life (and I am 58) and I have caught fish that I never would have known were around if I didn't have my Marcum. I have heard a lot of guys on here say that they wouldn't go fishing without their flasher (which ever brand), and now I can say the same thing. By all means, buy something and do it now. You will not be sorry!
Mike