I invested in an Fl18 for this season. I use a polar vision last year, and will use it this year, mainly for depth reading before I drill. Its to my understand that LCD units are a little slower in picking up your bait,and fish, so you dont have "real time movements" noticed as on a flasher. Ive seen how the flashers worked, and preferred getting one over an aqua view. I would teach your wife to use one, most of the pro packs come with a video (which mine was missing from the box, but Vexilar is sending me one ), with Mr. Genz on it explaing how to use it, maybe have her watch it a few times. Ive heard many people say it increase there catch by double. I did well last year without a sonar, mainly because, I know my home lake well,and fish it year long, so I have a good idea where perch and other fish usally hold, but a flasher will let you know what depth there at. Also the ability for the FL-18 to pick up fish laying on the bottom is a plus for me. Seems like every walleye & Yellow perch I nailed was near the bottom.