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IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: Bad0351 on Aug 06, 2018, 05:58 PM
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I wonder if you guys can help me decide on a GOOD entry level flasher I would be able to use for a few years.
I very rarely fish deeper than 40 or 50 feet for trout...Browns and rainbows.
Panfish and the rest.
Thanks for any help and advice!
Dale
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I used an Fl8 all the way up to this year. Actually had a couple of them. Ice-35 would be a good option too
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The real question is..... whats your budget? Because entry to me and entry to you are two completely different numbers.
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Between 100 and 400?? Budget
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I've used the FL-8 for over 20 years...bought my second one last year. First one was still working great when I HAD to sell it awhile back (long story). I use it for one reason...to locate fish. Although, watching them come in to the jig is nice. You can get a new one for $250 if you shop around. I,personally, cannot justify spending upwards of $1000 with all of the bells and whistles when mine still helps put fish on the ice. I still have plenty of fish in the freezer from last year. I would rather spend a "little" extra on a nice rod and quality jigs.JMHO
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I have been using the Marcum VX1P for the past 3-4 years and love it. I was replaced by the M1. retails for $349. watch for sale prices
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I’ve been using a lowrance elite 4x for the past few years. I prefer the graph over the flasher display. It has worked really well for me. The “x” models don’t have gps and made it a bit more affordable. I got mine at Cabela’s for under 300
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With that budget id get a vexilar fl18 .has every feature needed to put fish on the ice.fl8 is good too but fishing shallow you need a s cable and it has no zoom.still rock solid tho.
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I have been using the Marcum VX1P for the past 3-4 years and love it. I was replaced by the M1. retails for $349. watch for sale prices
I’ve been using the MarCum VX-1i (updated VX-1P) for the las 3-4 seasons and I also love it. I wouldn’t mind the M1. If I had around $400 for a new sonar, I’d probably get the M1 (sans shuttle) and upgrade the battery to a Dakota lithium.
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I’m very happy with the Vexilar FL-8se
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Don't be afraid of the Marcum Showdown, should be able to get ahold of one for less than $200. Pretty straight forward up is up down is down. Run almost forever on a 7ah battery.
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Do you plan to fish soft water in summer ?
Do you have a gps ??
Some pointers you can google the rest..
I know you bugget is 100 to 400 so let's think I got a x67c and a elite 4x bolth made by lowrace.. if I had to do it all agan I would look at usa made humming birds.. but every ones different.. I like my lowrace in sonar screen mode.. it works for me other like the flasher screen on the fl8.. to each their own my lowrance have the flasher screen.. but it's slow compared. To vexilar fl8 I find and it don't show past history of what the fish did or is doing.. like the sonar screen does on my finder.. by the way I only paid $99.99 eltie 4x and $170 four my x67c for my flashers .. shop around you find a good price I am useing a ice transducer with the boat flasher screen mode 4x zoom and 2 x zoom of bottom.. it's all you will ever need.. some times that fish don't like the presintation so you add more bait. Throw it back down and observe.. some times lifting above them 6 inches they follow up on the wiggle lift wiggle lift then pause as you pause.. they come to investigate and eat.. now if you wiggled and the fish dove to bottom?? was it caused by wiggle like to much wiggle etc or to much flash etc.. any how at least with the lorance you got a history of what your lookING at to help you change for your next presentation to the fish.. unlike that of a vex thing about vex is there fast faster then my lorange at picking up small movement .. as I said this before aways research before you buy either threw friends owning or friends of friends who own what your looking for make sure to use all before you buy! For many reasone I think that is best to try friends gear before you buy.. by the way get a hand held gps that you can change you batteries in in the one I got. I also have the gps mapping but any how try buggeting for bolth each has its usefulness.. i suggest the hand held gps for a lot of reasons . Don't for get to search the maps they use mske sure they cover most of your lakes you fish.. way easier then a dead phone in the middle of a blizard At night??
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With that budget id get a vexilar fl18 .has every feature needed to put fish on the ice.fl8 is good too but fishing shallow you need a s cable and it has no zoom.still rock solid tho.
I tried the s-cable Doc and it really didn't make much of a difference. Unless I was in weeds so thick (almost too thick to fish) or right on top of or next to large structures, I never have any issues with interference. Sitting next to another locator has not been much of a problem either...maybe for the guy next to me! ;D
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I think it's pretty much, which one do you like how it looks these days... ;D
I'm still partial to Marcum...I mark'um and catch'um.
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I'm thinking you would spend up to $400 but wanna stay closer to $100... yeah? Are you adverse to buying a used machine. I did, got a barely used Humminbird ice-45 and I've been using it fine for 5 years. Some time in fall the ice fishing gear will start popping up on craigslist, do some homework and then keep an eye out for stuff when it starts popping up. Marcums, Humminbirds, Vexilars, Lowrance, Garmin. Those are the names to look out for in flashers. I have a Lowrance Elite 4x Chirp that has an ice fishing setting but I don't have the transducer. There are several fishfinders that can be set up for ice fishing, some as graphs only and some with flashers. My first trip out with electronics was with an old Eagle fish id. It actually worked pretty good but weeds would blank it out and it had a hard time picking up jigs in water deeper than 20 ft and I had to adjust it at every hole. But it worked so the point is, you can go cheap and make it work or you can spend a bit more and get a bit more out of it.
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I wonder if you guys can help me decide on a GOOD entry level flasher I would be able to use for a few years.
I very rarely fish deeper than 40 or 50 feet for trout...Browns and rainbows.
Panfish and the rest.
Thanks for any help and advice!
Dale
20 buck off today total $380...the Vexilar FL18 w a 12 deg transducer is a tried and true bullet proof unit ...have had mine since 2003 ….6 ft bottom zoom and low power are options I use quite often . Good luck with your choice and purchase.
https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/vexilar-fl-18-genz-ice-pack-16vexuvxlrgp1812ffic/16vexuvxlrgp1812ffic
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I tried the s-cable Doc and it really didn't make much of a difference. Unless I was in weeds so thick (almost too thick to fish) or right on top of or next to large structures, I never have any issues with interference. Sitting next to another locator has not been much of a problem either...maybe for the guy next to me! ;D
it really shines in 8ft or less.way better display..like adding low power mode.you must be getting older and dont notice the big blobby screen!!lol just kiddin man!
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https://www.overtons.com/product/details?i=219596
use code august20 for 20% off
The Vexilar FL18 and the Marcum M1 are very comparable units and great entry flashers ...Marcum added feature of the soft case is very nice but I am a Vexilar guy .
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In my opinion you cant go wrong with a Vexilar or a Marcum. One thing I would shoot for is at least get one with the bottom zoom, that's within your budget. Zoom is a great feature no matter what species you target.
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You can get a used FL18 for around $250 - $300.
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Lots of good suggestions here. May I also suggest. You will find a lot of people who love their flashers and a lot who prefer the sonar screen. If you have not used one before with both options, I would suggest thinking about it. Buy a Vex or lower end Marcum you have just a flasher. While both are great, you are limited. If you choose a flasher I would recommend one with dual beam and zoom. Also look for noise rejection features. Good luck with your choice.
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Don't be afraid of the Marcum Showdown, should be able to get ahold of one for less than $200. Pretty straight forward up is up down is down. Run almost forever on a 7ah battery.
X2 on this. I have been using 2 of them for about 5 years now and they are stupid easy.
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This would be at the top end of your budget, but you can get a stellar deal on a Helix 7 and you can trade the open water ducer for an ice ducer for $36. Find a cheap box (or make one) and get a 12v battery and you would be set with a high end unit for under $400.
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it really shines in 8ft or less.way better display..like adding low power mode.you must be getting older and dont notice the big blobby screen!!lol just kiddin man!
I ain't kiddin'...I am getting older☹🤣
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YOU CAN'T GO WRONG with a VEXILAR FL8. You can probably pick one up cheap on E-Bay to see if you like a "bare-bones" no-frills unit. I'm betting you will love it !!! Vexilar units are almost "bomb-proof"and easy to use without reading a 100 page manual. Turn it on, place ice ducer in hole and find fish !!!
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I wonder if you guys can help me decide on a GOOD entry level flasher I would be able to use for a few years.
I very rarely fish deeper than 40 or 50 feet for trout...Browns and rainbows.
Panfish and the rest.
Thanks for any help and advice!
Dale
Do not get an FL8. While they work great one MAJOR thing is missing. BOTTOM ZOOM. Any flasher without bottom zoom is not worth owning IMO. Any flasher with a zoom/bottom zoom is fine.
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:thumbsup:
YOU CAN'T GO WRONG with a VEXILAR FL8. You can probably pick one up cheap on E-Bay to see if you like a "bare-bones" no-frills unit. I'm betting you will love it !!! Vexilar units are almost "bomb-proof"and easy to use without reading a 100 page manual. Turn it on, place ice ducer in hole and find fish !!!
X2... :thumbsup:
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Wow! Thank you so much everyone for the very helpful information!
Looks like I have some work to do deciding which is right for me.
Dale
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What difference does the zoom make? I don’t have a flasher but am also interested in getting n entry level unit so I don’t know anything about the zoom feature. Thanks
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What difference does the zoom make? I don’t have a flasher but am also interested in getting n entry level unit so I don’t know anything about the zoom feature. Thanks
you can zoom into the bottom 6 or 12ft in deep water to see bottom hugging fish like perch and walleyes that are a little harder to see without using zoom.sometimes panfish will be hugging the bottom so tight you wont see them without the zoom feature.any flasher/finder is a huge advantage tho.
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The deeper you go, the smaller the marks appear on your screen. If your in deeper water, it may be hard/impossible to see your jig or differentiate fish from bottom if they don’t come up at least a couple feet. When you zoom in, that part of the screen will be seen like your in shallow water.
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Does the zoom give you any big advantage if you usually fish in water 15’ or les?
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I barely use zoom in shallow water..maybe 40ft and over.also if you dont fish perch or walleyes often zoom really isnt needed.gills and crappies will be suspended alot of times.and years of use with my vexs i can see a fin flicker on the bottom pretty easy without zoom.jmo
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I agree with piersm2 about the Helix 7. You can use it in the boat also. I would like to know where to find a new Ice-ducer for $36.
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If the fish are in the bottom 5 feet I'm using zoom, unless it's only 5 ft deep ;D you see more of what's going on. if you're always fishing suspended fish I could see not having it, gotta spend a decent amount of $ to be able to zoom in on suspended fish
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Does the zoom give you any big advantage if you usually fish in water 15’ or les?
I use Marcum and I'll say that it is not required to use Zoom on the first setting of 20'. It is rare that I would fish exactly 20' bottom and to say that first 3' of blindness just below the transducer is of any use. Zoom is a handicap on that first setting. If the fish are biting anything you throw down the hole, then that's about the only advantage because you're trying to get less bites. Trying to avoid the aggressive dinks and trying to target the bigger ones that appears to be laying on the bottom.
The fish aren't actually on the bottom, but are just further away from your sonar return.
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Ok so I read all the posts and thought I would see what is available for sale for the Vexilar FL-18. I was surprised to see all the different FL-18. There was the Fish Finder, the Ice Pro, the 12 Degree, the Pro Pack II, the Genz Pack and the Genz Pack 12 Degree.
Can anyone give me a quick explanation of these different FL-18? I really don’t want to be a pain ita but this all of a sudden got very confusing for someone who is looking to get his first flasher.
Thanks to all, the info has been very useful.
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Ok so I read all the posts and thought I would see what is available for sale for the Vexilar FL-18. I was surprised to see all the different FL-18. There was the Fish Finder, the Ice Pro, the 12 Degree, the Pro Pack II, the Genz Pack and the Genz Pack 12 Degree.
Can anyone give me a quick explanation of these different FL-18? I really don’t want to be a pain ita but this all of a sudden got very confusing for someone who is looking to get his first flasher.
Thanks to all, the info has been very useful.
It took me about three years of watching, reading, and looking before I actually bought my first flasher. I did buy the Marcum LX5 in the end. I did use a lot of the features that the unit came with. As time went by, years later, I find myself using the most basic feature. Turn the unit on and go.
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I use Marcum and I'll say that it is not required to use Zoom on the first setting of 20'. It is rare that I would fish exactly 20' bottom and to say that first 3' of blindness just below the transducer is of any use. Zoom is a handicap on that first setting.
I couldn't disagree with this more. Zoom is a huge difference. The only time I don't have bottom zoom on is if I'm in 6ft or less. Zoom is never a handicap......unless u have a unit where it can't display the entire water column and bottom zoom at the same time.
A simple example I'll use is when fishing upper red lake. A lot of times a person is in 9-15 ft depths. By having the 6ft bottom zoom on one side and the full water column on the other it allows a person to pick off mud flap crappies when they come in Suspended. Yet allows a person to better detect the bottom hugging walleyes that need to be teased up over to bite. Sometimes it's a 5min deal to get them teased up.
Not all sonars have a 3ft blind spot.
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If the fish are in the bottom 5 feet I'm using zoom, unless it's only 5 ft deep ;D you see more of what's going on. if you're always fishing suspended fish I could see not having it, gotta spend a decent amount of $ to be able to zoom in on suspended fish
Not really....if a school comes it just short bus it (if your in a 40ft setting and the fish are in a 15-20 foot zone just flip it to a 20ft setting you won't have a "bottom" but you will have the fish marks zoomed in.
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Ok so I read all the posts and thought I would see what is available for sale for the Vexilar FL-18. I was surprised to see all the different FL-18. There was the Fish Finder, the Ice Pro, the 12 Degree, the Pro Pack II, the Genz Pack and the Genz Pack 12 Degree.
Can anyone give me a quick explanation of these different FL-18? I really don’t want to be a pain ita but this all of a sudden got very confusing for someone who is looking to get his first flasher.
Thanks to all, the info has been very useful.
An FL 18 is a good solid model with the options a person really needs IMO. Bottom zoom and LP mode.
An FL18 is an FL18.....it's the "head" unit.
The pack is the carrying pack that the head Unit is mounted on. Personal preference would determine which pack you want. Genz, pro pack, or ultra pack. Genz is a no thrills blue box. Pro pack and untra pack allow for accessories to be mounted on the packs.
The degree is the type of transducer u get/have with it. i think vexilar has a 9* (pro view) 12* and a 19* for single degree transducers. The chart below will show you how much of a viewing area you will get with the degree cone in the water depth.
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q1/agronomist_at_IA/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps0b4b6795.jpg)
So if you fish from depths of 5-40 ft.....or varying depths. Want do you want.....a tri beam which is a transducer with a switch that can change between a 9-12-20 degree transducer.
So....if you want a bullet proof no frills unit for cheap with the accessories a guy really "needs" I would suggest this.
Get a referbished fl18 Genz box from vexilar with whatever transducer comes with it. Then purchase a tribeam for it. Take the other transducer and sell it, or keep it for a spare incase something would happen to your main transducer.
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I couldn't disagree with this more. Zoom is a huge difference. The only time I don't have bottom zoom on is if I'm in 6ft or less. Zoom is never a handicap......unless u have a unit where it can't display the entire water column and bottom zoom at the same time.
A simple example I'll use is when fishing upper red lake. A lot of times a person is in 9-15 ft depths. By having the 6ft bottom zoom on one side and the full water column on the other it allows a person to pick off mud flap crappies when they come in Suspended. Yet allows a person to better detect the bottom hugging walleyes that need to be teased up over to bite. Sometimes it's a 5min deal to get them teased up.
Not all sonars have a 3ft blind spot.
Upper Red Lake is really a good example of a handicap for the LX5 zoom and all.
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The fl 18 is a good dependable unit , ,I had fished mine to 100’ with no issues with a 12* ice ducer , I owned my fl18 deep for 12 years before selling it , , check out vexilar website and look at the reconditioned units , 2 year warranty on the unit and 1 year on the battery , but as others have mentioned, Marcum is also a great unit ,
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Ok so I read all the posts and thought I would see what is available for sale for the Vexilar FL-18. I was surprised to see all the different FL-18. There was the Fish Finder, the Ice Pro, the 12 Degree, the Pro Pack II, the Genz Pack and the Genz Pack 12 Degree.
Can anyone give me a quick explanation of these different FL-18? I really don’t want to be a pain ita but this all of a sudden got very confusing for someone who is looking to get his first flasher.
Thanks to all, the info has been very useful.
the fl18 is a good unit but equally featured if not more features units can be had less expensively. the ice 35 and the M1 come to mind. and you just buy them. no silly option.
the fl18 has different "packs" that vary. for entry level genz is all you need.
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The convenience of the pro pack it will fit in a pail , and the 18 also comes in a deep version
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Will the ICE 35 fit in a 5 gal pail?
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Will the ICE 35 fit in a 5 gal pail?
The Humminbird units aren't bad if you get a good one. The ice 35 has the options your looking for. However do some research. I know guys were having some issues with the humminbird units. Also I know the Marcum's were having motors go out. They might have fixed them though. Not sure.
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I don't know if you have any experience with flashers or have a preference between the traditional style flasher or the graph style but the Showdown is a super simple machine to use, the top of the screen is the top of the water column and the bottom is the bottom of the water column, anything in between is either your jig or a fish. Some guys don't like it because it's not a color display but I don't mind that. I've had mine for going on four or five years, like it a lot, and haven't had any issues with it. The main reason I got it was because I never used a flasher before and found looking at a multicolored circle confusing. Yeah the multicolor display is nice but it wasn't a make or break issue for me. If you're looking to stay with the traditional style flasher I'd go with the Marcum M1 or M3 flashers. The M3 is around $450 but if you watch for deals you can get it on sale cheaper. When it comes to the different brands it's pretty much a Ford, Chevy, Dodge type of thing. I'm not a fan of Vexilars but they are good machines and work well. One of the biggest things is don't beat the crap out of the machine and it'll last you a long time.
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I have an Ice-45 and it fits in a 5gl pail. I've had the 'bird for several years and I haven't had any problems with it.
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I don't know if you have any experience with flashers or have a preference between the traditional style flasher or the graph style but the Showdown is a super simple machine to use, the top of the screen is the top of the water column and the bottom is the bottom of the water column, anything in between is either your jig or a fish. Some guys don't like it because it's not a color display but I don't mind that. I've had mine for going on four or five years, like it a lot, and haven't had any issues with it. The main reason I got it was because I never used a flasher before and found looking at a multicolored circle confusing. Yeah the multicolor display is nice but it wasn't a make or break issue for me. If you're looking to stay with the traditional style flasher I'd go with the Marcum M1 or M3 flashers. The M3 is around $450 but if you watch for deals you can get it on sale cheaper. When it comes to the different brands it's pretty much a Ford, Chevy, Dodge type of thing. I'm not a fan of Vexilars but they are good machines and work well. One of the biggest things is don't beat the crap out of the machine and it'll last you a long time.
2 guys i ice fish with both have showdowns they bought at farm and fleet on clearance 2 years ago. both are "upgrading" to flashers this year. they do do their job but they much rather prefered the color scheme of the vex/marcums they've seen.
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2 guys i ice fish with both have showdowns they bought at farm and fleet on clearance 2 years ago. both are "upgrading" to flashers this year. they do do their job but they much rather prefered the color scheme of the vex/marcums they've seen.
I bought a showdown on clearance for $99 sold it two years later for $250. Best day ever is when I sold it. The unit worked fine, but just a cheaply made, and poorly thought out unit. Here is the problems/issues I found with it.
1. In cold it needs the heater turned on to keep the unit running without lag....heater drains battery faster, but works. When it's really cold the unit slows down.
2. The plastic arm to hold the transducer breaks like a tooth pick in the cold.
3. When in zoom mode you can't see the full water column....only the zoomed area.
5. Buttons wear easy and new face plate is required.
6. No multi beam transducer
7. Blows fuses easy
8. Fits down an 8in hole.
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I bought a showdown on clearance for $99 sold it two years later for $250. Best day ever is when I sold it. The unit worked fine, but just a cheaply made, and poorly thought out unit. Here is the problems/issues I found with it.
1. In cold it needs the heater turned on to keep the unit running without lag....heater drains battery faster, but works. When it's really cold the unit slows down.
2. The plastic arm to hold the transducer breaks like a tooth pick in the cold.
3. When in zoom mode you can't see the full water column....only the zoomed area.
5. Buttons wear easy and new face plate is required.
6. No multi beam transducer
7. Blows fuses easy
8. Fits down an 8in hole.
the unit can’t slow down. There’s no motor. When I raise my jig, it shows it in REAL TIME. Upgraded to an aluminum arm. Upgraded to a bigger fuse. My showdown helps me catch fish. period
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the unit can’t slow down. There’s no motor. When I raise my jig, it shows it in REAL TIME. Upgraded to an aluminum arm. Upgraded to a bigger fuse. My showdown helps me catch fish. period
Lol....it does, can, and will. It slows down when the temp is cold. Hence why it has an internal heater that you turn on. Has nothing to do with a motor. The heater only helps so much. IMO it's an overpriced POS. You can argue all you want with me, but I owned one for 3-4yrs and got rid of it because othe unit would not show real time when in the cold. When you watch the unit and feel the bite before the lines on the dispaly are on top of each other it's pretty worthless. 90%+ of the time the heater worked good enough in it......but I expect 100% when I buy a unit. The showdown works, but it is no way comparable to a flasher for overall Preformance. It might be a step above a bobber......when the internal heater keeps the head warm enough to show real time.
I did get a $30 aluminum arm for it....got that back out of it when I sold it on eBay. Add that to the price of the slowdown and you might has well buy a real flasher that won't slowdown & will show zoom and the full water column at the same time.
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anything is better than nothing thats for sure. i just think there is better product to be had for the money. i'd rather use a 20 yr old fl8.
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anything is better than nothing thats for sure. i just think there is better product to be had for the money. i'd rather use a 20 yr old fl8.
Your correct....I was a little harsh towards the showdown. It was always just a frustrating unit for me. I did all the "upgrades" and with the last one it finally worked half @$$. The vertical display was nice, however it's not worth it when you can't have zoom and the full water display on at the same time.
I will give marcum's credit with the LX 7 and above stuff. Being able to play with the displays is nice when you can have the vertical zoom and full water column on the screen at the same time...if I remember correctly I think you can have both those and a scrolling graph too...
Did they ever get the top 3ft blind spot fixed with it?
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kind of. i just didn't think of it as too much of an issue. ice fishing 3' of water and having a flasher not work well just doesn't seem like a valid complaint to me. how often is someone fishing that shallow. even my vexilars in lp mode could barely show you anything in 3' of water. my lx5 maybe works in 2.5' tops.
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Yes and no on the LX7 update, fished a lake last year that was 3-4ft and used my LX7, and it worked, if you fished directly below the transducer, the other guys I was fishing with had a FL-18 and FLX-28 and had to do the exact same thing. The thing about fishing super shallow is your cone is tiny at that depth even at 20 degree.
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I wasn't thinking so much has fishing in 3' of water. More along the lines that your fishing a 7-8ft deep lake with 2ft of ice. So your fishing in 5ft of water......with the 3ft blind spot on top......you can only read the bottom 2ft. So if a crappie comes in suspended you can't see it. We have a few prarrie lakes like that around here.
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are you talking about not being able to mark anything within three feet of your transducer, or the clutter/interference in the top of the display. Ive had issues not being able to see the first few feet of water column since it’s always a cluttered mess.
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are you talking about not being able to mark anything within three feet of your transducer.
Bingo...
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I wasn't thinking so much has fishing in 3' of water. More along the lines that your fishing a 7-8ft deep lake with 2ft of ice. So your fishing in 5ft of water......with the 3ft blind spot on top......you can only read the bottom 2ft. So if a crappie comes in suspended you can't see it. We have a few prarrie lakes like that around here.
like i said, you've got quite a blind spot with most other products as well in that scenario if you are hanging your ducer below the ice. but in that scenario with any product with 2' of ice the answer is always to hang your ducer just below the water line.
we have a shallow canal that tops out at 5'. with a foot of ice, you've got 4' of water column. my buddy and i fish it easily with an lx6 with no issues. having not fished it with birds, i can't say but with vexilars, mechanical marcums, and the lx6/7, i can't say i see much difference even hanging it below the shallow ice.
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i catch crappies in the top 3' of the water column all the time - they'll cruise through and pin baitfish into that area just under the ice. You see marks run through, reel up and get a killer up bite
On a hb graph unit you just adjust the surface clutter setting to clear up the returns in that range if some noise is present
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Bingo...
Even with a 20 degree cone, at 3ft down its only seeing an area about 1ft in diameter. For anything to show up, it would have to be sitting directly under your hole. If they right under the ice like that, not much besides panoptix or holding your transducer sideways can pick them up. Just sight fish when it’s like that. I have to do that when fishing for brookie trout in the shallows.
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its a situation that lasts about 2 minutes, twice an hour if you're lucky - fishing backwaters so sight fishing isn't an option
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wow, you guys are making mountains outta mole hills. Whatever flasher or finder the guy gets will be better than nothing. I use my ice-45 in water that is as shallow as 5 ft give or take but as seamonkey pointed out, you aren't going to see anything until it's nose is right up on your jig. In that situation, fishing very shallow, I tend to pull my 'ducer and site fish.
As for the op's question. Get either a Humminbird ice-35, a Marcum M1 or a Vex FL-18. If you look at the Vex website, you can find reconditioned flashers at a better price (and that would be the direction that I would lean, a recon Vex-18). JMHO