Author Topic: Vexilar owners and users ONLY (Read 12685 times)

Iceassin · « **on:** Dec 31, 2019, 04:40 AM »

It has been brought to my attention that "several old timers" have cashed in their Vexilars this year because they have "crapped out" on them after 5-7 years of use/ownership. My first FL-8 was 12 years old and still going strong when I sold it. What say you fellow Vex owners...boom or bust?

Old Goat · « **Reply #1 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 05:02 AM »

That's why I responded to it. The bus station oops the BS

George_B · « **Reply #2 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 05:04 AM »

FL-18 14 seasons as a quick guess

filetandrelease · « **Reply #3 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 05:04 AM »

I don’t own a vex anymore , I owned an 8 and a 18deep bought both reconditioned , the 8 sold it to a bud , it was still running at 20years , my 18deep when I sold it was 12 years young , still running far as I know ,
No complaints here ,

DR.SPECKLER · « **Reply #4 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 05:18 AM »

Ive had every unit they make except the fl12.not one problem and the ones i sold are still on the ice today and are still on the original batteries even.

icebucketjohn · « **Reply #5 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 05:32 AM »

My FL8 is over 20yrs old. Still runnin'

Chute82 · « **Reply #6 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 05:40 AM »

My fl8 is over 20 yrs and still works great...

ice4066 · « **Reply #7 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 06:23 AM »

i had an 8 sold it to my brother still working good for about 20yrs had an 18 buddy has that now still fine and ive had a 20 for awhile now ,not one issue with any accept a battery or 2

Iceassin · « **Reply #8 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 06:43 AM »

Quick update:

8 owners.
17 years average operation.
Still running...All Breakdowns...0
5-7 year cashed in...0

iceman260 · « **Reply #9 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 06:57 AM »

My fl-18 still running fine after 15 years. No breakdowns or issues.

Iceassin · « **Reply #10 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 07:02 AM »

Quote from: iceman260 on Dec 31, 2019, 06:57 AM

My fl-18 still running fine after 15 years. No breakdowns or issues.

Good to know. Just cashed in my 8...for the 18. Be here in a couple days.

Huntindave · « **Reply #11 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 07:15 AM »

FL8 and then FL18 has worked for many years. Replaced one transducer. Clean backside of the lens and polish the contact rings every few (3 or 4) years.

Rugburn · « **Reply #12 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 07:21 AM »

FL-20 here, 10 years old, running strong...

DR.SPECKLER · « **Reply #13 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 07:41 AM »

I will add that i have bought numerous vexilars at garage sales that were over 20 years old.dust them off and put a battery in and they work flawlessly.my oldest unit that i know is still in the field that i sold to my bro in law is 19 years old and hes using the original battery still!!My fl20 was 10 years,fl18,11 years,fl22 at 3 years and my flx28 at 5.not one problem and im vexilar for life.all thats needed for icefishing.jmo

mcflyfisher · « **Reply #14 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 07:45 AM »

My fl8se went in for a motor replacement at about 18 years. I am satisfied that it could go another 18 years.

dcmod25 · « **Reply #15 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 08:35 AM »

fl12 over 20 years old and still going strong, not a single issue. just replaced battery a few times over the years because of loosing run time on them. never once has been in for repair

cajuntony · « **Reply #16 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 09:11 AM »

I have an fl8 pro pack love it because it fits in a 5 gal bucket had dat one for 15 plus yrs... got a fl8 genz pack last year cuz I want ta customize it a bit love them both

Dtinsf · « **Reply #17 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 09:12 AM »

I bought an fl18 in 2003 and sold it to upgrade to a fl22 tribeam in 2012. Fl18 worked great, but I wanted the best at the time so I bought the fl22. The fl22 had problems with the tribeam transducer. I could only see my jig on the 8 degree setting for years. I spoke with vexilar on 12-20-19 and was advised they would replace it for free. Went to the vexilar manufacturer on 12-23-19 in shakopee, mn and was told they would not stand behind the transducer anymore. They sold me a 12 degree remanufactured transducer for $65 + tax. They did say the original transducer had the hairline cracking problems they were known for. I was a little upset since the previous business day they told me they would replace it at their cost. I think the service manager felt bad about it since he threw in a hat, towel, and hook remover. I think he knew he was making a bad decision and is hoping I keep my mouth shut. All in all I still support vexilar and continue to use their products, but I've lost a lot of faith in them. DT

aacosta · « **Reply #18 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 09:17 AM »

Fl18 roughly 10 or 12 years, only issue was the tribeam which was replaced for free

ship of fools · « **Reply #19 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 09:22 AM »

I bought a used 18 off of eBay for $273 about 15 years ago and used it for about 8 years then sold it for $275 when I bought an 18 with a tri beam ducer for $200. I think the guy may have been trying to put one over on me because the ducer was bad but that was the one that Vexilar replaced for free so I got a brand new one. I sold that one a couple of years ago for $275 as well when I bought an almost brand new one FL20 on a 90 degree day in July for $200. I swapped out the transducer and now have an almost new FL20 with a tri beam transducer.

I never had a bit of trouble with any of them and even the old batteries never died.

It's hard to beat them for reliability and longevity

.

Dave R · « **Reply #20 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 10:01 AM »

My FL8SE is ten years old and still going strong. The only thing that I had to replace was the battery. And that was my own fault for forgetting to disconnect it and not charging it as required.

ice dawg · « **Reply #21 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 10:25 AM »

Bought an FL18 when they came on the market and it is still going strong. I bought a used Micronar FL8 in about 1980 and my son is still using it. The Micronar was fairly old when I paid $45 for it.

Unclegillhunter · « **Reply #22 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 11:28 AM »

FL 8 sold years ago saw the guy on the ice last season still running strong. FL 18 5 years? Replaced the battery this season, battery fine upgraded to a lithium. Looked at the FLX models when they first came out and decided that my 18 was doing everything I needed!
Keep it safe! JDL

Agronomist_at_IA · « **Reply #23 on:** Dec 31, 2019, 02:46 PM »

4 vexilars

FL20
FL22
FL18
FLX28

First one I bought FL20 50th anneversery addition. So it's 10years old.
Never had any issues with them, except for the original tribeam that cracked.

tswoboda · « **Reply #24 on:** Jan 01, 2020, 03:53 PM »

Quote from: dcmod25 on Dec 31, 2019, 08:35 AM

fl12 over 20 years old and still going strong, not a single issue. just replaced battery a few times over the years because of loosing run time on them. never once has been in for repair

That's impressive being that Fl-12's didn't come out until 2006... nice fish story! Real credible guy here...

Iceassin · « **Reply #25 on:** Jan 01, 2020, 04:03 PM »

Quote from: tswoboda on Jan 01, 2020, 03:53 PM

That's impressive being that Fl-12's didn't come out until 2006... nice fish story! Real credible guy here...

Ouch. Well, there is the + or - factor that "could" apply. 😉

filetandrelease · « **Reply #26 on:** Jan 01, 2020, 04:19 PM »

Still makes it 12-13 years in service 😉

Iceassin · « **Reply #27 on:** Jan 01, 2020, 04:20 PM »

Quote from: filetandrelease on Jan 01, 2020, 04:19 PM

Still makes it 12-13 years in service 😉

Good point FR.😁

shaved ice · « **Reply #28 on:** Jan 01, 2020, 04:52 PM »

my fl8 is over 20 yrs , with no problems, nock on wood !!

Iceassin · « **Reply #29 on:** Jan 01, 2020, 05:12 PM »

Well, not one post from anyone who has ever had major issues with a Vexilar. They are simple, durable, dependable and...wait for it...THE BEST D**N LOCATOR ON THE PLANET!!! 😜🤣

News:

Author Topic: Vexilar owners and users ONLY (Read 12685 times)

Chute82