I've had my VX1 since they came out - it's been dunked, dang near lost through a crack, kicked, froze, dropped, and fished hard. Other than being a little noisy, it's still just as strong as ever. I've tried to kill it, but it won't die. I even use it in the summer sometimes as jigging locator on the bow.
I liked that it had the same features that the upper end Vex had for less money, but HB didn't have their 35 series out when I bought mine. For a few bucks more, the HB ICE35 has a few more features than the Marcum and HB's legendary customer service.
If I was going to buy a budget flasher, it'd be an HB ICE35, no offense to Marcum.
If I was going to spend the bank on a traditional flasher, that new Vex FLX-28 is the cats rearend.
Hows that for spreading the love around?