Hand held?

[JigthePig]

I am looking into getting a Markum or Vexilar.  I noticed Markum had a hand held for about 200.  Anyone have any experience with it?  I only take 1 trip to SD a year, and maybe hit the Omaha lakes once or twice - so I'm having a hard time justifying a $600 unit.  Suggestions?

[JigthePig]

I also have a buddy who said he would sell me his Vexilar 18 for 300.  Not sure if that's a good price.

[jwetovick]

for no more times that you get out to fish that 18 would probably be the last one you will ever buy and its a proven flasher. Price is right.

[castalot]

A brand new fl 18 Genz pack cost about $370.  It is a great unit.  As little you fish, any price ice sonar will work great.  The brushes will eventually wear out after much use.  My fl 8 wore out after about 12 years.  As little as you say you fish, they might last you a lifetime.

[Unclegillhunter]

If your buddy wants to sell you the 18 for 300.00 take it the unit is a fine ice fishing tool! I am thinking he wants to upgrade to a 20 or 28. I have never used a hand held, so don't have an opinion on those. Started out with a fl-8 upgraded to the fl-18 both units worked great! You will be amazed!
Keep it safe! JDL

[Showdown56]

Showdown 5.6 will make you an expert out of the box.

Check the bottom shelf at the big box stores.  They are all "old" Vex users and like their carburetors better than the "fuel injection".

Showdown 2.0 is digital advanced as well but without the GREAT features of the 5.6.

[kylerprochaska]

If you only get out a couple times on the ice but fish the open water I would skip the vex and the marcum and pick up a Lowrance ice machine.  The elite 4 I picked up last year was half the price of either of those brands, works great, and you can plug in a slimmer transducer and use it in the boat!

[jthod]

The flasher may make you want to get out and go ice fishing more too!

[lunkerlooker]

I was in the same boat this fall. Usually do a trip every winter with some fishing done around home. Ended up buying a new Marcum VX1pro. Ordered online at around $280 with free shipping. It has the bottom 5' zoom just like the Vex18 for about 100 bucks cheaper and a soft case. Already been to SD with it and it performed very well sitting next to my buddies Vex20. Look into one at L&M Fleet online.

[Martinezb9]

I was in the same boat this fall. Usually do a trip every winter with some fishing done around home. Ended up buying a new Marcum VX1pro. Ordered online at around $280 with free shipping. It has the bottom 5' zoom just like the Vex18 for about 100 bucks cheaper and a soft case. Already been to SD with it and it performed very well sitting next to my buddies Vex20. Look into one at L&M Fleet online.

I second the vx1pro. Never had a problem with it and love the zoom feature