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IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: tca126 on Jan 24, 2018, 04:35 AM

Title: Entry level flasher
Post by: tca126 on Jan 24, 2018, 04:35 AM
I’ve been weeding through reviews and older posts about entry level flashers. I’m going to purchase one today and have around $300-$350 to spend. I am new to ice fishing and have never owned a unit. Before I make the purchase, I want to solid concrete reviews from you guys and advice on which one to go with. I fish mostly smaller ponds/lakes that are less than 30’ deep. Thanks I’m advance.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: hardwater diehard on Jan 24, 2018, 04:41 AM
https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/vexilar-fl-18-genz-pack/0000000006544?Ntt=vexilar

all you will ever need or want ...has low power for weeds/shallow water and bottom zoom for bottom hugging fish...like perch.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: UFCreel on Jan 24, 2018, 04:49 AM
x2
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: Fishwacker1 on Jan 24, 2018, 05:36 AM
X3

Bought my first flasher fl-18 back in 2001-2002 when introduced. Absolutely trouble free. Low power and zoom are great features that you will use. Doubled up in summer by placing transducer directly on the aluminum boat bottom of my fishing boat as long as I coupled it with a dab of Vaseline. It was hard to mark fish but gave me depth all the time. Replaced the battery one time in all them years.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: Iceassin on Jan 24, 2018, 05:50 AM
Vexilar Fl-8...doesn't have all the bells and whistles as other units but does the 3 most important things you need...indicates depth, structure and fish. And you can still get one for under $300 ( got my 2nd one from Reeds for $270 back in the fall).This is the only unit I have owned for over 20 years and have no regrets. Good luck no matter what you choose.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: slipperybob on Jan 24, 2018, 05:53 AM
Don't forget to come back and tell us which one you bought.  ;)
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: cwavs1982 on Jan 24, 2018, 07:26 AM
I would suggest either the Vex FL8 or the Marcum VX1.  Either one of these will work for what you fish and at the depths.  Look at the Vexilar website, they usually have reconditioned units for a good discount.  They still have all the warranty. 

You need to ask yourself if you want to include the zoom feature to look at a section of the water column.  If you don't care - then either will work for your price point.  If you do want to see either the bottom 6' or move the zoom up the column, then you are going to go to the FL18 - the VX1 has the zoom. 
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: deerefishyfishy on Jan 24, 2018, 07:35 AM
I love the Vexilar FL-18. If you have the $ to spend I would go with it over the FL-8 simply for the zoom feature where you can see the whole water column on the right and the bottom 6 feet on the left side. The low power mode is also nice for shallow water and weeds as you can eliminate a lot of the clutter and still mark the fish. Never used anything else to compare against though!!
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: tca126 on Jan 24, 2018, 07:50 AM
How important is the zoom function?
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: tca126 on Jan 24, 2018, 07:54 AM
Also do these units come with soft cases?
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: slipperybob on Jan 24, 2018, 08:00 AM
How important is the zoom function?

Not.

I own Marcum LX5 and next to never use it.  As I don't bottom fish that much.  Even when I do target bottom hugging fish, I don't require the use of it.  The LX5 has enough display clarity that when I see a flickering on bottom, I can determine that there's activity down there.

Whereas my M1 would be less likely to discern that.  There's a bottom zoom on the M1 but I don't require the use of it.

Some people do always use bottom zoom though.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: hardwater diehard on Jan 24, 2018, 08:02 AM
How important is the zoom function?

Zoom lets you see the bottom 6 fow  on a Vexilar...important for bottom hugging fish perch in particular

Also do these units come with soft cases?

Vexilars do not ... some/most Marcum units do ....Trophy Angler makes a bag for about 20 bucks
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: Hooked up on Jan 24, 2018, 08:08 AM
How important is the zoom function?
I would compare having the bottom zoom to watching your TV in your living room, to without bottom zoom sitting 40 yards away from your TV.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Jan 24, 2018, 08:37 AM
vexilar fl18.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: Bull Herbie on Jan 24, 2018, 08:37 AM
Vexilar sells reconditioned flashers. I bought a FL22 four years ago got it cheap same warranty as new. Vexilar customer service is out standing.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: slipperybob on Jan 24, 2018, 08:59 AM
I would compare having the bottom zoom to watching your TV in your living room, to without bottom zoom sitting 40 yards away from your TV.

That just made me thought of when I used to watch cable TV at neighbor's house...from outside across the street.  ;D  free cable.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: JohnnyO19 on Jan 24, 2018, 09:07 AM
I would say Fl-18 or the ice 45 would be your best bet. I think you'll be better off in the long run spending a little x-tra dough and not getting the Fl-8.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: mattthehairy on Jan 24, 2018, 09:19 AM
When I was in this position I picked up a Marcum LX3tc on clearance for $275. Before that I used a hummingbird clip on canoe fish finder thing that I attached to my sled. The marcum is a nice unit but I know people rave about the vex. I rarely fish super deep ponds and as a result don't use the zoom ever really. If you're not tied to a brand I'd check out any local spots for deals, coupons, etc and snag up anything that doesn't totally suck.

I know my Marcum is a toy compared to some of these units folks have, but it's been a good partner for me.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: bobberbill on Jan 24, 2018, 09:53 AM
Some nice Lowrance graphs/flasher combo for a couple hundred. Some seasonal end sales, too. Look at graph units. Flashers are popular, but outdated.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: Martian on Jan 24, 2018, 10:00 AM
 vexi fl-8. I have had one for about 12 years, only changed batterys, and ducer once, I bought a second one last year for a spare, but the old one just keeps running. Do a full search the prices can vary quite a bit, I think mine came from fish USA, , free shipping and all, but not for sure
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: Martian on Jan 24, 2018, 10:00 AM
 vexi fl-8. I have had one for about 12 years, only changed batterys, and ducer once, I bought a second one last year for a spare, but the old one just keeps running. Do a full search the prices can vary quite a bit, I think mine came from fish USA, , free shipping and all, but not for sure
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: shermanpup on Jan 24, 2018, 11:10 AM
Marcum M1 is $319 at the same place . Has zoom . I have an old Marcum Vx-1 600 watt that has worked great for 6 years. Paid $180.00 new
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: Papa Sly on Jan 24, 2018, 11:14 AM
Any thought to the Marcum Showdown duel beam? Pretty much gives you everything..zoom, duel beam transducer for both shallow and deep water, verticle display so more realistic.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: oleike on Jan 24, 2018, 11:15 AM
You might have to pay a little more but I would consider the Hummingbird Ice 45.  I have an Ice 55 and purchased an Ice 45 for my son.  We love them.  Lets put it this way, I would fish with a hook on a string and no rod and reel, before I'd fish without my bird!

i was fishing in a tent with a guy that had a humminbird 45 just yesterday....very noisy compared to my vexilar..he had to keep moving it around on the snow/ice to try stopping it from vibrating. I could not hear my vexilar
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: hnd on Jan 24, 2018, 12:15 PM
from a mechanical flasher standpoint you are looking at the m1, fl8, or ice 35.

all 3 of those flashers will do everything you need them to do in 80% of ice fishing applications. you just have to figure out if you fish the other 20% often enough to need the features that accomodate you.

for me those situations are drop offs where dual cone/frequency would help, shallow water less than 10' where having a true zero gain would help declutter, and fishing in 30+ feet of water where zoom is needed.

The FL8 shines in 10-20' of water. its where it works the best and is a pretty typical depth for most anglers out there. but when you are fishing shallow, you can't turn the gain down enough and the screen is very cluttered and blobby. your option is a S cable but thats not always practical taking the cable on and off. When fishing deep you have no zoom option. What you get though is a unit that you can drop off a truck and have it bounce down the highway go collect it and it will work. Another benefit is the 30' option. with the bird/marcum you are stuck with 20' or 40'. having the 30' helps when you are fishing in 18-25' of water.

The Ice 35 can accomodate most of that 20%. However, what i feel you give up is crispness/shaprness. Everything seems like its just too big. almost atari like sharpness. its dual cone/frequency mode is nice but isn't AS nice as a true transducer with 2 crystals. Its zoom aplifies the blockyness of the display. I say this unit gives you a good taste at a fully optioned unit even though those features are much better in the 45/55 models.

The M1 has the other 2 beat in sharpness. you can also dial it down to completely clear the screen which really helps it be the better unit of the 3 in shallow water. its zoom is not just a magnification of the bottom. its tech is designed to give you similar sharpness as regular mode.

You are going to catch a crap ton of fish with any of these 3 units. Just make sure you understand the features of each and determine what you need.

don't let interference deter you from anything. I've never been in a situtation where we've not been able to clear multiple units regardless of brand.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: tca126 on Jan 24, 2018, 12:22 PM
Ended up purchasing a marcum m1 at an awesome price from a retailer. Looks like at has a zoom function and reviews appear great. Looking forward to receiving the unit and testing it out. Thank you all for the assistance.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: IceholeFisherman on Jan 24, 2018, 01:12 PM
You will be satisfied. With any unit you buy (Marcum, Vex, Humminbird, etc) take care of the transducer. Don't bang them around or drop them on the ice. None of them like abuse.

Charge your battery after every use. Those are the two biggest problem areas with any flasher or sonar.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: hole_hopper454 on Jan 24, 2018, 01:56 PM
Humminbird 35 - $300
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: fishville on Jan 24, 2018, 08:37 PM
Have a Vex FL-8 can sat in happy with. Looking side by side the Macum VX-1 has more bells for the money.  If I had to buy new electronics I would go Garmin or Lowrance. I guess I'm cheap I hate all that money sitting idle 9 months a year.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: IceBalls on Jan 24, 2018, 10:07 PM
For my first flasher I bought the Vexilar FL8.....was very pleased with it for many years, but it got destroyed in hurricane Sandy back in 2012.  At that time, all the "buzz" was about these new Marcum units and I let myself be convinced that I should abandon Vex for the new kid in town.  Marcum LX7 works fine, but I do still miss my Vex !!
Since you're new to this game...don't overplay it!!  The KISS rule applies here - Keep It Simple Stupid !! You can get one hell of a deal on Facebook in either the "Ice fishing for Sale" group, or the "Fishermen's Garage Sale" group.  I've seen FL8 units there for $100 to $150, used, but in perfectly good condition.  GET A VEX...... YOU'LL NEVER BE SORRY !!!!
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: slipperybob on Jan 24, 2018, 10:53 PM
cgrtz on the M1
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: desmobob on Jan 25, 2018, 05:41 AM
Ended up purchasing a marcum m1 at an awesome price from a retailer. Looks like at has a zoom function and reviews appear great. Looking forward to receiving the unit and testing it out. Thank you all for the assistance.

Congratulations.   I bought the entry-level marcum VX-1P some years back and have never felt the need to upgrade.  It has been an excellent tool and I can't imagine how I enjoyed ice fishing without it.

Tight lines,
Bob
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: lefty2053 on Jan 25, 2018, 06:06 AM
Better hurry looks like the FL8's are just about all sold out everywhere.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: hnd on Jan 25, 2018, 06:22 AM
he's already bought one.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: lefty2053 on Jan 25, 2018, 06:32 AM

(https://s13.postimg.cc/k9pv13yhv/left_thumbs_up.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/k9pv13yhv/)
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 25, 2018, 06:51 AM
If having the ability to block out interference from others fishing near by is a bell and whistle, yes you need some bell and whistles.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: desmobob on Jan 25, 2018, 07:00 AM
If having the ability to block out interference from others fishing near by is a bell and whistle, yes you need some bell and whistles.

The Marcum has that; he's all set.  The reason I chose the entry-level Marcum when I bought my flasher is that it came with bottom zoom and eight anti-interference settings.  The Vexilar units seem to have the best reliability record but I think the entry-level Marcum offers more features for the money. 

There are choices (and we're lucky for that) that everyone needs to make when choosing a flasher.  We all hope to have made the right choice!

Tight lines,
Bob
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: GP on Jan 25, 2018, 08:26 AM
  The Vexilar units seem to have the best reliability record

This gets mentioned a lot. What makes Vexilar more reliable than Marcum? I currently own a Humminbird, so not that familiar with either brand. If I decide to upgrade to Marcum at some point in the future is reliability that much of a concern to avoid the product altogether?  Just curious as to why Marcum reliability record appears to be less than Vexilar. Been eyeing the M brushless series by Marcum. These like mighty tempting.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: Charman03 on Jan 25, 2018, 08:49 AM
I really like marcum. Most new guys are initially set on a vexilar because of marketing/advertising and that's all they ever heard. In my opinion the entry level marcums are better than the fl-8. Get the zoom and a nice soft pack and not that hideous blue genz box
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: Iceballs204 on Jan 25, 2018, 08:51 AM
Right on buddy  any flasher is better than no flasher. Good luck
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: IceholeFisherman on Jan 25, 2018, 09:03 AM
Bought my LX5 in 2006. Been flawless for me. And i use it for summer and fall perch fishing, as well as ice fishing. Some of the problems with both Vex and Marcum are user caused. Usually rough handling.... such as continuously throwing the transducer on the ice. The transducer crystals just can't take much of it.

If you do a thorough read on the Vexilar website, they have had their issues. They are man made and are not perfect.

But they are a good unit. I wont bad mouth a Vexilar just because i like Marcum. The two Vex's I have used had no issues. A lot has to do with how you take care of your equipment.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: hnd on Jan 25, 2018, 10:43 AM

This gets mentioned a lot. What makes Vexilar more reliable than Marcum? I currently own a Humminbird, so not that familiar with either brand. If I decide to upgrade to Marcum at some point in the future is reliability that much of a concern to avoid the product altogether?  Just curious as to why Marcum reliability record appears to be less than Vexilar. Been eyeing the M brushless series by Marcum. These like mighty tempting.

its 2 fold.  i think marcum's QC has gone through a rough patch the last handful of years.  THAT said, people are also comparing apples to oranges.  the LX7/6 had issues upon release but thats not necessarily bad QC, its just a new envelope pushing product (sonar guys will argue about this) and people upgraded from their mechanical flashers to an lx7 and freaked out. 
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: Chris338378 on Jan 28, 2018, 03:34 PM
Any thought to the Marcum Showdown duel beam? Pretty much gives you everything..zoom, duel beam transducer for both shallow and deep water, verticle display so more realistic.

I have one and it's super simple to use and understand.  The only problem is finding a dual beam one because they discontinued it.  If I were buying a new flasher I'd definitely buy it again.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: coldfingers on Jan 28, 2018, 03:43 PM
I have to agree with many of the above....for me starting out....I would go with Vexilar fl8. Simple and works perfectly every time. Mine is over 20 years old and still finding fish.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: NEZ on Jan 28, 2018, 08:01 PM
Marcum is an excellent graph.  I have used multiple different brands and like the Marcum the best.  I did not like my Showdown 5.6db.  Had way too many issues with reading the bottom. The guys from Marcum stated this is why the db is gone. I have an LX7 and the rest of the crew have M5, M1 and LX6.  Many of us switched from Vex and hummingbirds and we all love our Marcums. 
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: shermanpup on Feb 13, 2018, 01:51 PM
One other point . I bought a trolling motor xducer and use my old VX1 in the summer too . I is way easier to see when night fishing. Having a flasher in front helps you find weed lines immediately ,no delay like the older LCD graphs or maybe eveN the newer LCD fishfinders ?
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: PaddyO on Feb 13, 2018, 05:29 PM
MARCUM SHOWDOWN 5.6 hands down for a first unit.  Vertical read, 1/2 separation, simple, and easy to use.  No need to learn how to "read it" - it's self explanatory.  The bottom is the bottom, the top is the top.  Nothing going around in circles...  Battery life is great, compact, and light weight.  Read up on YouTube for reviews.  I omit I want to upgrade I want to a Hummingbird Ice 7 (GPS, split screens, blah, blah blah - just more crap to make it more complicated ) but the Marcum 5.6 for a first unit is hands down a winner. Had mine for 4 years, haven't touched my settings,  and it's been great.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: curtrein on Feb 13, 2018, 06:02 PM
Marcum M-1. Super quiet plus had the bottom zoom. First time out I caught fish on it.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: kpd145 on Feb 14, 2018, 01:35 PM
Any lower model vex or Marcum will be fine for you. If your fishing deep look at power output, it helps.

I have an fl12 and I am very pleased with it. Nothing fancy, no zoom, but it works.
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: Seamonkey84 on Feb 14, 2018, 01:58 PM
The OP already bought a unit
Title: Re: Entry level flasher
Post by: Freytown on Feb 14, 2018, 04:44 PM
I have to agree with many of the above....for me starting out....I would go with Vexilar fl8. Simple and works perfectly every time. Mine is over 20 years old and still finding fish.


Ditto...what he said.