I am considering getting a new flasher. My Vexilar FL-8SE works fine, however, the new flashers have many upgraded features and better seperation. I plan on keeping My old Vexilar as a back up.
My question is this, I have heard that when both Vexilar and Marcum flashers are in the same area that the Marcum flashers cause so much interference that the Vexilars are useless. The Marcum flashers produce more power and over-ride the Vexilars signals. I don't know anyone with a humminbird but imagine that the same problem may exist.
Does anyone have direct knowledge regarding flasher interference or a solution.
They are having a flasher challenge out of the Wharf this Saturday. (Noon Januay 3) Just ask where the Marcum challenge is, someone will point you in the right direction. They will have both there to test out. Go see for yourself and let us know.
I have used the MarCum flashers the past two years. This year I decided to go back to using the Vexilar flasher. I had used the Vexilar for a number of years prior to MarCum......so many that I don't recall the years!! The Vexilar and MarCum flashers compare in marking the fish. They both have models that offer a zoom feature. Thats were I found myself leaning towards the Vexilar. Each time you make a depth change with the MarCum unit you may need to reset the zoom setting. If you happen to move from a depth of water over to another depth that might be a few feet deeper you will need to make an ajustment to the zoom range. With either the Vexilar FL-18 or FL-20 you do not need to re-set anything. The Vexilar FL-20 either has a 6 ft or 12 foot setting. the FL-18 only has the 6 foot setting! This need to re-adjust the MarCum was a big issue while I was having my guide customers using the MarCum flashers. The Vexilars have not given anyone any problems with this feature!
As far as a comparison they are both good products. They both have proformed well for me! As for the interference they both have *Interference Rejection - Pressing in on the Gain knob cycles you through ten different IR setting to allow you to knock out interference from another close by depth finder.
What I would suggest is going out and trying these units before you buy! If you are ever around Hunters when I'm in the area, I would be happy to give you a demo!
Hope I gave you some help. Please let me know If I can be of more help to ya!
I personally have a marcum lx-3 and my brother in law has a vexilar fl-18. even with his interference rejection set at it highest level my marcum still gives his vexilal alot of interference when we fish together. I know that vexilar has been around for along time but I personally feel that Marcum Flashers are better. As a matter of fact I might upgrade to a Marcum LX-5TC when I do this I will consider selling my LX-3 or I may end up putting it in my boat.
I don't have any, so I will go with Humminbird..... I guess I put "alot" of stock in what Bobber has to say.... let's see.... he lives on the lake, hard water fishes probably everyday of the season.... and he gets paid for doing it !!! He has used the Vex for years, then used Marcums for years, then went back to Vex..... hmmmmmmm..... maybe he's in the know
I personally have a marcum lx-3 and my brother in law has a vexilar fl-18. even with his interference rejection set at it highest level my marcum still gives his vexilal alot of interference when we fish together. I know that vexilar has been around for along time but I personally feel that Marcum Flashers are better. As a matter of fact I might upgrade to a Marcum LX-5TC when I do this I will consider selling my LX-3 or I may end up putting it in my boat.
I HAVE FOUND THAT ITS NOT HAVING IT SET AT IT'S HIGHTEST SETTING, AS ITS MORE IMPORTANT THAT YOUR FELLOW FISHERMAN WORK WITH YOU AS GETTING EACH UNIT SET TO RUN WITH THE LEAST INTERFERENCE.
It takes both units setup properly to minimize the interferences!! I hope that makes sence............
You cant go wrong with a Marcum or Vex for ice fishing however comparing the 2 side by side I give the Marcum a slight edge.I used to run a Fl8 for years and it also was a great unit and did the job and never let me down.I now have 2 LX5s and the biggest reason for going with the Marcum it is a more compact unit and easier to tote around and comes with a nice case.I also believe Marcum is still built in the USA.
I have also heard the Marcums light up the vex when close by.
I havnt used a Bird yet but have heard a lot about them.Unfortunatly most of it was bad.
I don't have any, so I will go with Humminbird..... I guess I put "alot" of stock in what Bobber has to say.... let's see.... he lives on the lake, hard water fishes probably everyday of the season.... and he gets paid for doing it !!! He has used the Vex for years, then used Marcums for years, then went back to Vex..... hmmmmmmm..... maybe he's in the know
Everyone I've fished with who has a Vexilar has said that the next unit they buy will be a Marcum. I have not fished with or with someone who has the bird yet. Marcum is my vote.
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Luck is what happens when preperation meet opportunity.
vexilar gets my vote. i have used the marcum a time or two and like my good old fl-8. for the money vexilar is a far better product. when bob had the marcum units, i fished with him and caught my share of walleye's right next to him with my vexilar. by the way, i just fish for fun..........no sponsors to talk up
Just remember the Hummingbird is a brand new unit that has not had much test time. There are going to be at least from the reports I read and people I've talked to 2-3 years worth of problems that these units are going to have worked out of them.
A flasher is a good size investment so take your time get with people that have Vexilars and Marcums and compare them side by side. Hopefully you made it to the Marcum challenge. It all boils down to YOUR OWN personal preference I own a Vexilar and am going to say go Vex where as some one who owns a Marcum says go Marcum . Hope this helps you with YOUR decision.
I don't have any, so I will go with Humminbird..... I guess I put "alot" of stock in what Bobber has to say.... let's see.... he lives on the lake, hard water fishes probably everyday of the season.... and he gets paid for doing it !!! He has used the Vex for years, then used Marcums for years, then went back to Vex..... hmmmmmmm..... maybe he's in the know
Glen
Hmmmm.... or maybe he has a new sponsor
-- Edited by 2050Skeeter at 00:05, 2009-01-04
I am pretty sure he could pick his "sponsor"....
He choose Vex....... really makes a guy go hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.... doesn't it ???
Hmmmm....not really This may not be the case but most guys go with the sponsors that give them the best deal.So one year they are telling you a Marcum or Mercury or a Lund etc.is the best thing since sliced bread then the next year they get new sponsors then its a different story.Thats just the way this stuff works.The Pros do it all the time.So my point is do a little research and make up your own mind.It isnt that hard and a lot of it you can find on the internet.Thats what I do.When I was looking for a new Flasher I pulled up their websites and compared features and checked some sites like Cabelas etc.for price.I found almost every feature on the Marcum was as good and most better than the Vex other than having a flat screen option.Plus they are more compact and come in a nice protctive case.So thats what I went with and think it is the best bang for the buck.I still think the Vex is a good unit I used one for years and at that time they were top dog.It doesnt matter to me what Bob or Dave Genz or anyone else is using I do my own research and buy what I think is the best in my own mind.And that is all that really matters.I could also have sponsors but I found out a long time ago those deals arent exactly free and arent as good as they used to be.Sure you can get some deals on equiptment but you also have to give them some of your time in most cases.Its OK if you like that kind of thing but my time is more valuable than a deal on a fish house or locator.So my point is if your looking for a new flasher or anything else do some research and make up your own mind.The internet is a great tool for research these days and by the time I get to the store I already know what I want to buy.I need to get out fishing I am wasting to much of my time on these websites!!!!
I guess Rick asked a question, I don't believe he was looking for " do your own research " It looks like Bob choose Vex, because he doesn't have to change the depth feature on the Vex when hole hopping, compared to the Marcum, which gave some of his customers & himself fits. I agree, buy what will work for you, but I guess Rick asked a question and knowing Bobber like I do, no "sponsor" or $$$ will have him using one product over another, when he is delivering a service such as guiding. But hey, to each their own.
I've had a FL-8SE for years. I had a chance to "trial" a ICE-55 last year for a weekend and found it to be very user friendly w/ few vices. So I bought one this fall. I used it extensively last week on Mille Lacs and Pelican for the first time and was able to get 24 hrs on a single charge. I had cohorts fishing right alongside w/ both Vex's and Marcums, and never experienced any interference issues [ noise reject set right? ]. I did notice that it is easier to read in bright sunlight than the vex, gives you a digital depth, and found the movable zoom feature was pretty cool. But those about the only diferences. Unfortunately, I realized afterward that I spent alot of money on something that I really didn't need in the first place [ don't tell the wife ]. For my money though, the Vex is still king, is simple to use, and I will hold onto it.
Thanks for all the input, I do value everyone's opinion on which is the best flasher.
The only concern I had was the interference issue I have heard about from several different scources. It would appear that the issue stems from cranking up the Marcums to max power when not needing to. When I buy a new flasher I will be sure to turn both vexilar and the Marcumn at the same time. Right now the issue might just be $$$$$$.
I'm a vexilar guy. If you go to their website and look under "products", you will see "reconditioned units". Click on that and you will find units for less than retail price with an option of a two year warranty.
These are the only units I purchase and I have not had an issue with them yet. I have been told reconditioned means everything from replacing a part to the box being opened and returned!
If price is a factor, check them out! Plus, they also don't mind if you went to their store in Bloomington to ask questions and check everything out. I have stopped in there many times.
I guess I put "alot" of stock in what Bobber has to say.... let's see.... he lives on the lake, hard water fishes probably everyday of the season.... and he gets paid for doing it !!! He has used the Vex for years, then used Marcums for years, then went back to Vex..... hmmmmmmm..... maybe he's in the know
