Marcum LX-5 Review

[LoneWolf]

Marcum  LX-5  Review


The reason I’m giving this review so late is to make it as honest as possible. I’ve seen so many reviews … personal or by other sites …. which seemed questionable simply because the units were only out for a short period of time and/or had limited use. 
I’ll start off by stating I had contacted Marcum directly about a rumor which I myself had heard many times …. Marcum is Zercom. The second rumor was that Marcum is a new company and see where they’ll be in a year or two.
I was told Marcum isn’t affiliated with the old Zercom company period. Marcum has been around over twenty years and designed the Polar Vision in 1995 for StrileMaster. Marcum products are  designed, manufactured and tested in the USA.
I purchased my LX-5 in December and have now  been able to use it on approximately two dozen hard water trips averaging 8-12 hrs a trip ( it was a bad ice season). I’ve also been able to use it one time on open water prior to this write up. I also owned and used a Vexilar FL-18 for several years until I sold it after using the LX-5. (I’ve included some pics at the end).

I’m sure most of you know all the specifics about the LX-5 but I will go over them briefly.
The newest Marcum unit has three separate LED bulbs ( yellow, green and red ) to show an objects density. By utilizing separate bulbs the display is crisp and bright without color blending. There is less “blending and blobbing” of colors.
The unit has an adjustable zoom that can be used anywhere in the water column. I found this invaluable when finding suspended schools or fishing on bottom. This feature brngs target separation down to ¾ of an inch.
The LX-5 offers twelve levels of  signal interference rejection. I experienced no interference that could not be eliminated.
The unit comes standard with a dual beam transducer and reads to a depth of 160'. For shallower applications the 20 degree is usually preferred and for deeper applications the 8 degree.
Another outstanding feature is the SuperFine Line. You can use the full screen mode to bring target separation within ¾ of an inch without the need for split screen zoom. I found using this feature invaluable when trying to differentiate if it’s one fish or two or more tightly schooled.
Now for the power issue. The LX-5 has 2,000 watts of peak to peak power. In my opinion power doesn’t mean a lot unless the power broadcaster and receiver are tuned or in time. I was delighted to see this unit was timed perfectly. There is no need for low power mode etc. in shallow, weedy areas. Also no need for extreme gain adjustments. Another thing I noticed in "deep water" was the FL-18 had a delay between jigging and display .. usually beyond 60'. I didn't notice any delay with the Marcum.
The charging system is a nice feature also. The Digital Charging System is a three stage charger. It starts with a bulk rate charge, goes to an absorbtion charge and then a trickle charge. The LCD display shows remaining charge in increments of ten percent. I found the display to be more accurate after several uses and charges. Also the display will give about a ten-twenty percent LESS reading while out on the ice which is normal due to the cold temps. Once it warmed up in the house it gave a ten-twenty percent higher reading. Battery draw on the LX-5 is between 350 and 400 mA which should give 16-20 hrs of use.
Another nice feature which might come in handy to a first time flasher user is the built in simulator. This will give you an idea of how the bottom, fish and jigging a lure should appear on the display.
I’ve heard people talk about transducer loudness and it spooking fish. I must say the transducer is louder then the competitors but I used the unit in 5-10 fow and caught perch, gills and lake trout. I noticed no problem.
I’ve also heard the Marcum unit itself is quieter and it is. I’d say 30-40 % quieter then the competitions.
Overall I’d say Marcum has the edge over the competition in features and modern technology. Their unit also comes with the better charging unit, a nice carrying case, etc. which are accessaries on other units. I liked the unit so much I sold my FL-18 and I think that says a lot.

Tight lines !






     
   

[wyojoe]

Have you used it in deep water? How deep and how did it perform in deep water?

[LoneWolf]

The deepest water I've used it in thus far has been 100 feet on Schroon Lake, NY. It performed without a flaw. Seeing a tight school of smelt 38 feet down and being able to zoom in on the school to see if there are any lakers mixed in is great. On my last unit part of the school of smelt would blend together into a red "blob" giving the appearance of a larger fish. Also zooming in on the bottom in 100 fow and seeing bottom hugging lake trout is a blast. It's even better when you can coax one up to your lure ! 

[billditrite]

great review lonewolf. ive been waiting to hear some feedback on this unit . i have the lx-3 and love it. got my eye on an lx-5 for next year and the boy can have the lx-3 to himself.

[C.C.]

Good review LW. I was waiting for them to go on sale this spring and pick one up but they don't seem to be marking them down. I guess I'll wait till next winter and get one then.
      Jim

[LoneWolf]

I don't think you will see much of a sale on the LX-5 anytime soon. It's still a new unit and will probably hold its price for a while. When a newer unit is in the workings or available you'll usually see the price come down. These are just my observations and I may be wrong. 

[JerryofWNY]

Good review. I've had my FL-18 for several years now and it suits my needs just fine. Picked it up before the Marcum units came out. Good to see there is something that will give the Vexilar a run for the money. Competition like this only helps the consumer.

[LoneWolf]

I was very happy with mine as well but the LX-5 is just remarkable.
You're right that competition is beneficial to us all !  I wouldn't be surprised if Vex introduces something new next season. 

[Lobes]

I was very happy with mine as well but the LX-5 is just remarkable.
You're right that competition is beneficial to us all !  I wouldn't be surprised if Vex introduces something new next season. 

I would be surprised if Vexilar has anything new (Okay folks at Vexilar - Here's your challange!!). They seem to be happy with what they have. I know that helps keep costs down but their prices don't reflect them taking advantage of mass producing unchanged models. Marcum on the other hand, has ran with the wind in seeing the needs of the fishermen and keeps pushing ahead with improved features, and quality. I love my Vexilar FL8-SLT but they are about to be eaten up by the competition.
My hat's off to the folks at Marcum.

Great review LW!

 

[LoneWolf]

I would be surprised if Vexilar has anything new (Okay folks at Vexilar - Here's your challange!!). They seem to be happy with what they have. I know that helps keep costs down but their prices don't reflect them taking advantage of mass producing unchanged models. Marcum on the other hand, has ran with the wind in seeing the needs of the fishermen and keeps pushing ahead with improved features, and quality. I love my Vexilar FL8-SLT but they are about to be eaten up by the competition.
My hat's off to the folks at Marcum.

Great review LW!

 

I couldn't agree more. They welcome our input for designing equipment to meet our needs. I believe Marcum is innovative and offers fishermen what we need or want ... not what they are willing to offer.

[fishnfool]

Rumors are that Vexilar will be releasing a new model this year called the FL-20. No info on the features yet but I would hope they try to keep up with the Marcum's.

[Swede]

Im reading up on all of them before I make a big purchase next season. Been lurking on threads like this to gather as much information as possible. This thread has steared me towards the Marcum. Have to wait and see what Vex comes up with. If I am going to spend a lot of money on one. It might as well be the best available.

[Swede]

Just consider depth when buying one of these units folks.  Don't make the mistake of buying one and then finding out you can't see bottom in 170fow when you're jigging lake trout which doesn't apply to a lot of people but it's a consideration for some.  I'm not sure of the MAX depth range with the Marcum but for the fishing we do here it won't work because it doesn't go deep enough where the FL-18 does the job from 200' to 2' and is a more versatile unit when combined with the dual beam tranducer that allows you to switch cone angles from 9 to 19 degree in one nice package.  Good review Lone Wolf and how deep does that LX-5 read?  I though maybe 120'

I'm getting pulled in different directions on deciding on which. But their is plenty of time for me to consider what. Thing is, I have to decide on pure research and reading and reviews like this one from LoneWolf. I cant hold them in my hands and look them over, sadly,  As their is none here in Sweden- that I know of. Till I get mine   So, interference is not an issue really. I do want versatility and good cone angle. And the best of all the other stuff that I have yet to learn about them. I appreciate the reviews from actual experience with them. Thats what I am counting on.

[LoneWolf]

Good point slipbob ! The Marcum will read to 160'. I believe the Vex is good to 200' and a special order to read 300'  ... I believe they call it the deep water model.
The Marcum also comes standard with the 8 deg and 20 deg dual beam transducer ... an option with Vexilar.
They are both good units but I believe Marcum has the edge and Vexilar will now have to do some improvements.

Another thing I noticed in "deep water" was the FL-18 had a delay between jigging and display .. usually beyond 60'. I didn't notice any delay with the Marcum. ( I'll add this to my review)

[LoneWolf]

No ... even in regular mode on the FL-18 I noticed the delay. I could mark a fish  80' down in 100 fow. When active jigging there was a delay on the display. Granted it was only 1/2 second or so but it was interesting. I noticed this two seasons ago and while fishing with Jig-a-Whopper ... he has the FL-18 as well  .... he had the same delay.
As you said in deep water zoom mode I noticed it as well.


On another note I was a Vex fan but not a fanatic. When something better comes along I go with it. It really gets me thinking when people will defend one brand over another ... is it because they own it or truly believe it's better ?
I would venture to say if Vex comes out with a new unit that is similar to Marcums you will here how great and innovative they are.  Hopefully they will if only to keep the innovations coming !

[piscesman]

     LoneWolf,
What model number did you buy?? I've been thinking of getting a portable to take with me in both waters. It would be better than lugging my old unit around all the time. Also , what's the price range and where would you buy one. Thanks.
      Kim 

[LoneWolf]

I purchased the LX-5 ... Marcums newest model and it goes for $479.00. I first checked with Fish307 but they didn't have it. I ended up ordering it from the Fishing Pro Store which offers free shipping. I also ordered the high speed transducer kit to get the free shipping at the same time. 

http://www.fishingprostore.com/

[piscesman]

Checked the site. Nice write-up for the units. I noticed they were out of stock for 2 of their models. Must be a HOT ticket right now. Thanks for the reply....
      Kim

[adipose]

Oh lonewolf Im just wondering what kind of dollar you get for that ghost writting job.....JUST JOKING!
Nice to see someone doing a non biased write up after hearing VEX..VEX..VEX all of the time.At least up here in Canada.Actually where im from i see very little fishermen/women using any type of flasher.thanks

[LoneWolf]

Oh lonewolf Im just wondering what kind of dollar you get for that ghost writting job.....JUST JOKING!
Nice to see someone doing a non biased write up after hearing VEX..VEX..VEX all of the time.At least up here in Canada.Actually where im from i see very little fishermen/women using any type of flasher.thanks

You're welcome Kim !

I wish I was getting paid ... from anybody !! 
I purchased my FL-18 several years ago, I purchased my LX-5 this past season and I purchased the wolfram jigs this past season. I think once someone has the chance to use a flasher they will see a big difference in how they fish and catch fish.
I've been using flashers for over twenty five years now. My first was the old Lowrance Fish-Lo-K-Tor aka the Green Box (circa late 70's). My second was an old Hondex .... predecessor to Vexilar. The third was the Zercom Clearwater Classic ... the first LCD flasher designed. My fourth was the Vex FL-18. And now as you've read I have the Marcum LX-5.
They've all contributed to how I fish, my understanding of subsurface activity as well as subsurface structure, fish reaction to my jigging and my catch rate. This not only goes for hardwater fishing but open water as well.
I was just fortunate enough to have both to do a comparison and possibly help others with their decision.

[adipose]

yes lonewolf..you did a side by side comparison but did you have the equivalent product,model,price or was one model better and had more options that the other......that is the question of the day here.How many models of flashers does Mercum and Vex have anyway,also?

[LoneWolf]

My intention was to give my review of the LX-5 to help members but I guess it ended up going into a comparison.
 
I purchased and used Marcums top of the line ... the LX-5.
I had and used Vexilars top of the line ..... The FL-18 Ultra Pack.

The price of the FL-18 Ultra Pack w/ dual beam transducer is $499.00 and that's without the soft case.
The price of the LX-5 , which comes with the dual beam trans standard and soft case is $479.00 .

Obviously one unit is going to have different options than the other. The FL-18 has bottom zoom and the LX-5 has adjustable zoom. One unit has more power , etc., etc. .
 
I think you should re-read this review and do some research of your own. 
You can go to either manufacturers website and find out a wealth of info. 

[grumpymoe]

I still like to watch my livies do the jitterbug when a fish gets near.....perhaps Marcum could provide me with a demo to change my mind....Grump

[TGF]

Ahhh yes the jitterbug. That was sweet man, real sweet. Kind of reminded me of my first date when I tried to show her my livie. But thats another story
In BC we can't use livies. I will be checking into the Marcum. I have a vex FL-18 now. Thanks for posting reviews guys.

[iceman10]

Fished Devils lake & had to use FL-18 with the guide service my wife & myself used, we were in portable shanty side by side & could not get the interference to stop so we could both could use the VEXES at the same ! I shut mine off so she could fish. Wife said they can have their Junk she is keeping her LX-3 !!!!!! With my LX-5 we can fish side by side using both units at the same time! MARCUM !!!!!!!!

[Michigander]

Vex Forever - Flat Screen and 12% larger display / bright-dim switch for select fit / perfect match of componants is what matters .... whatever works for you, but 

[Bean]

Gander, what are you talking about? You're still running an 8. 

[trapperdirk]

Gander, what are you talking about? You're still running an 8. 

Yeah exactly what I heard too Bean . ROTFLMAO  Good too see you again you ol dog Michigander . What happened to that sharp memory though or did you loose your goose . LMAO

                                      TD

[IceholeFisherman]

Picked Up my LX 5 yesterday at Cabelas in Dundee MI. Super impressed with the workmanship. Now I have to sneak out of the house when the "old lady" isn't lookin and try it out!

I called last week to the Dundee store and they had 1 (THATS O-N-E)  LX 5 left in stock. Lots of Vex's,LX 1's, LX 3's, and VXR's in stock though. I put it on hold and picked it up yesterday. As of Saturday all thats left is the display model. When I went to customer service to pick it up, they couldn't find it. Stood there at the counter while they looked for it for 45 minutes to an hour with a real sad look on my face. Long story short, the sweetheart (and really cute) young lady behind the counter worked her pretty little tail off and finally found it. On top of that they gave me a 10% discount for having to wait for it.
NOW THATS CUSTOMER SERVICE! GOOD JOB CABELAS!

For all that want the LX 5 there will be more in sometime in October. There are other retailers on the Marcum website that have them but the LX 5 is apparently selling really well at Cabelas

Look out Vexilar.....Here comes Marcum 

[The Darkness]

Picked Up my LX 5 yesterday at Cabelas in Dundee MI. Super impressed with the workmanship. Now I have to sneak out of the house when the "old lady" isn't lookin and try it out!

You're gonna' love it!