I am looking at buying one of the flasher units on the market for ice fishing. I have heard that some interfere with each other and others don't. This is what I have found out so far, any help on your experiences would be insiteful, thanks in advance.
I know Marcum had a big comparison day last year but I was not able to get up there for it and had not heard the outcome.
Vexilar Fl-18 or 20 Dual cone 9 degrees & 19 degrees 400 watts peak to peak power Frequency - 200hz 275ma draw - battery time?
Hummingbird Ice-55 Dual cone 9 degrees & 19 degrees 2400 watts peak to peak Frequency - 9'deg cone is 240hz & 19' cone is 455hz 9 amp / 12 hour battery
So, from all of you very knowledgeable fisher trackers, what has been your experience with with these units? My friend is looking at a Hummingbird and has suggested because of the interference problem that I buy a different unit. What do ya think???
Here's my two cents. I have both Marcum and Vexilar units. I like them both. Battery life? I have gone a weekend 8-10 hrs a day on a charge. I have seen this question asked a minimum of 100 times and every time it goes on and on and on. At the end it will come down to personal preference and what's important to you. I wish I could have been at the test drive also. That would have been the ultimate trial. I did hear guys who used nothing but marcum, and talked them up like there was nothing else. After the test drive day it was ahhh those hummingbirds are nice units. I like to see them on the market a few years and get some in the field testing from real users then see what's said. Vex and Marcum have been on the ice more than a few years now. Little more than two cents, but I look forward to what others have to say.
I have used a Vexilar Fl-18 for a couple years and cant say anything bad about it allways did the trick for me and the battery seemed to last all day long and into the night with a few hours off well drinking a cold one or two at the bar. I now use a Marcum LX-5 and would have a hard time going back to anything else this is the caddy of flashers IMO and i get about the same out of the battery. I have seen the humminbird in action a few time's but cant give you a honest answer about those but they seem to do a good job. With my marcum i can fish next to either of the other 2 and have no interference problems but i may cause some on them with the peak power the marcum offers. Like Doug said its all a personal preference and how much you want to spend but this guy will stay with his marcum just my 2 cents wich may or may not be worth typing LOL. Either way good luck its just nice to have one out on the ice if we ever get any this year.
I asked the same Question Last year (See responses in this toppics archives).
Both flashers will do the job. I spoke with Representatives form both compaines and it really came down to personal preference. I selected a Vexilar because I also fish some shallow lakes and likes the F"L-18's Dual 9-19 degree cone.
I'm on my third year with my Marcum LX-5 and I really like it. The 8/20 degree transducer is great for finding fish and then narrowing it down to the fish right below you. This was really nice when Mille Lacs had all those small perch in it 2 winters ago. I also like the adjustable zoom. If I'm fishing suspended crappies, I can just move the zoom window up to the top of the school. I also used it on Mille Lacs when there were so many small perch but agressive perch would come up higher in the school.
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Humana Insurance Representative-Brainerd and Mille Lacs Area
Thank you for the opinions. I went to the St Paul ice fishing show and ended up purchasing the special addition Vexilar FL-20. My friend bought a Hummingbird, so I guess the test page will be opened for us when on the ice. See ya on the lake, hopefully soon.
I bought a Vexilar FL-20 Last year. I really like the dual screen view. the battery life seems a little shorter than my old FL-8 but When I'm in the house I run off the deep cell, saving the Flasher battery for mobile operations.
I did encounter one problem, I went fishing with four friends and we all have flashers. we all got interference form one guys Marcum. We tryed everything to clear our screens including turning his power to minimum. Nothing worked, the older FL-8s were totally jammed and everone elses screen looked like a fireworks display. After watching that for 2-3 hours I went to jigging by feel and a small panfish bobber!
Any Sugestions???
I also have an old FL-8 that I have a problem with and need some help.
Last weekend the flasher went form tricolor (Red Orange Green) to just Green. I still see bottom and it marks bait and fish. Is there an easy fix like a chip replacement or do I need to send it in for repair. Your help will be appriciated, Thanks
Between the Marcum and FL-20 you should be able to clear up both screens. I have an LX-5 and my brother an FL-20 and we fish together quite a bit. Keep pushing your interence rejection until it gets clear and have your buddy do the same with his Marcum. As for the FL-8s, I think the only option is to tell the guy with the Marcum to leave.
If you are just getting a "green" color on your flasher, I would try a few things. Adjust the gain, make sure the transducer is clean and below the bottom of the hole. You can also check to make sure the wires are tight and your battery is charged.
Hope some of this helps.
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Humana Insurance Representative-Brainerd and Mille Lacs Area
The problem with the FL-8 seemed to be the battery connection.
I cleaned the battery spades and the Flasher connectors with 0000 steel wool and electronic parts cleaner and the problem disappeared. The spades weren't that bad so I suspect that the female connectors were the problem. Maybe dirt and a little ice buildup???
I now have ther powerful Marcum LX-5 unit. Usually I am not in real close proximity to another sonar unit, specifically a Vexilar FL-18 or 20. That is reason I went with power of the Marcum LX-5 model and its other nice features.
Both the Vexilar and Marcum are very proven units. I am thrilled with the choice that I got from Tony Roach Guide Service on this Marcum.
Special thanks to Tony Roach and Scott Bickette for their help. Doug coached me on this also so thanks Doug.
Them FL8s need to go the way of the Lowrance paper feeds, if any of you guys remember them. They'll give interference to any unit I've ever used next to 'em.
As far as the green goes, clean the puck and increase the gain. If that doesn't work, it'll make a good doorstop for the hardhouse. (Or write and collect on the extended warranty)
-- Edited by tat2jonnie on Thursday 31st of March 2011 08:03:13 PM
. Either way good luck its just nice to have one out on the ice if we ever get any this year.
