Vexilar or MarCum?

[Deegan]

I have an old Vexilar FL-8, and think it's time to upgrade to a new "flasher" for ice fishing. I had thought about getting a Vexilar FL-18 or 20, but have been hearing a lot of good things about the new MarCum Lx-3 or 5. Anyone use one of these, and can you give an opinion as to which one to get?

[vex_guy]

Vexilar is the only way to go. Customer service is outstanding. Great product, time proven. The FL20 is a fishing machine....but can you afford it? Big bucks last I checked. The FL18 is a great unit, and has come down a lot in price. Good luck.

[skeeter]

Vexilar, is the only way to go! IMHO Skeeter

Use the WALLEYE CENTRAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY "Skeeters Stuff" under marine supplies (boat cleaning supplies), it really does work.

http://www.walleyecentral.com/wcdirectory/yellowresult.php?goal=Detail&ckey=29&primaryField=description&category=Boat%2FMari

[CI_Guy]

I was surprised how long it took for a Vexilar vs Marcum post to get started.
I own a Vex FL8 but have used an LX-1 and an LX-3 with the true color. Both companies make a good product and stand behind them.
One thing to consider is interferance rejection and what brand your fishing partners use. Have a freind with a Marcum LX-1 the rest of us have Vexilars. There are times we can't block out the interference from his Marcum but he has no trouble blocking the Vexes.

[mr sunfish]

the vexilar fl 18 or 20 if you need zoom, the fl 12 is a great flasher for the money marcum lx 1 are a steal for 249.00 with 50 rebate till end of dec, it has zoom of 5 ft on 20 and 40ft scale 10ft zoom on 80ft and 120ft the lx 5 is a great machine also any were in scale zoom 5ft or 10ft window super fine line with dual transducer beem this is a panfishes worst nightmare, bottom line they are both great units i like vexilars new flat screen you can view it at any angle. also aqua view has a new vpg graph vertical pixel graph, they are a neat finder for 229.00 gone fishing mr sunfish:grd:

[Private Eyes]

Vexilar... all the way Ive been using Vex since 1990

[Avisitor]

Yes and some folks are still using their Zebco reel from 1980 I'd bet! Vexilar works okay but the Marcum flashers have it all over the Vexilar products. The Lowrance ice machines do all things that the mechanical flasher do only better, and on top of that they do things the mechanical flashers just can't do.

The truth is out there.

[Flasher Comparison]

The technical specs have proven that MarCum has outperformed the Vexilar in sonar capabilities.

MarCum Technologies LX5 VS: Vexilar FL20

Receiver sensitivity :

Receiver sensitivity is the measurement of a sonar receiver’s ability to detect an input signal. This measurement tells just how small of a return signal the unit is able to pick up and display. The LX5’s receiver is more sensitive.

Measurement:

LX5- 24uV
FL20- 40uV

Receiver Gain:

Receiver gain is a measurement of the total system gain or amplification. Typically the more gain a receiver has the smaller signal it will be able to detect.
The LX5 receiver has more gain.

Measurement:

LX5- 89.77db
FL20- 70.89db

Receiver distortion:

Receiver distortion is a measurement of the sonar receiver to filter, amplify, detect, and display a return signal. A receiver with less distortion will give a more accurate display. The LX5 has less distortion.

Measurement:
LX5- less than 1%
FL20- more than 40%

Transmitter power:

Transmit power is a measurement of the output power into the transducer. This is usually defined in Watts peak to peak or Watts RMS. In the sonar world more power means a better return signal with less noise and less filtering. The LX5 has more power.

Measurement:

LX5- more than 2000 Wp-p or 300 Wrms
FL20- more than 400 Wp-p or 50Wrms

Conclusions: The LX5 surpasses the FL20 in every sonar measurement that was made. With these measurements it becomes clear that the LX5 is a superior product in respect to its receiver/transmitter design. These measurements were made on off the shelf units using an industry standard tester.
What this means to the ice fisherman is that with the LX5 you will get a clearer, less distorted picture of what’s below the transducer. We at MarCum believe that these measurements reflect what LX5 users have been seeing on the ice. The MarCum Technologies LX5 is truly the best and this can be backed up and verified by scientific measurements.

Vexilar has a great tradition and a lot of people own them. However I believe the momentum is in MarCum's favor. There are a lot of guys switching from Vexilar to MarCum but I have never heard of anyone switching from MarCum to Vexilar. All I used to fish with was a vexilar, I too have made the switch and can tell you that the clarity, QUIETNESS!!!, and Target separation is way better than any vexialr I had. Before you say which one is better, try both of them. Opinions are fine and I respect that 100%. But saying vexilar is better just because you have used one for 20 year means nothing to me. Hyundai has only been around for a few years but has close to the same ratings as the Lexus line. New technology and better engineering goes along way. The new 20 is very confusing to look at and really did not improve from the FL-18. No power increase, they did nothing to fix the noise of the motor, they added an extra filter for interference which only caused more distortion but will help with interference, the y did add an extra zoom window which now allows you to zoom in on the bottom 6 or bottom 12 feet.(something they said you didnt need last year and was useless on the MarCums because the fish are always on the bottom, hmmm.....) and still no good battery charger like that of the Digital charging system on the MarCums. Before you go out and spend your hard earned money on a tool, compare the feature benefits of the two companies and remember MarCum is made in the USA. Vexilar is a Japanese Company that imports stuff in under the Vexilar name. I believe everything is still made by the original manufacturers, Hondex. Ask yourself if you want a computer that is 25 years old or something that is running on today's technology. MarCum's engineers are top notch and they will continue to stay ahead of the game.

Either way, they both will do the job but one is better that the other.

Now, Go FISH!

[hunterguy31]

This past year I picked up a Lowrance 334C for the boat and just picked up the ice fishing kit for it last night - I have used a vexilar in the past but needed to upgrade. The kit cost $150 and seemed like a try if it works. I can't wait to try it out. The gps will be great for Mille Lacs. Just another idea to think about.

[Fish For Fun]

I have been a Vex fan for years and have a FL-8 which works great for me. My friend bought a Marcum LX-5 last year and all I can say is WOW, color is super clear and bright, separation is amazing, has the zoom to any level in the water column. It's not cheap but as they say you get what you pay for. Now I have not seen the new Vexilars so I cannot say which is better the new Vex or the Marcum, but the Marcum LX-5 is head and shoulders above the FL-8 & FL-18.

I think we would still only have the FL-8 and FL-18 if it wasn't for Marcum giving Vexilar a kick in the pants to get them going. You cannot go wrong with any of them, they all work well, it's just the added bells and whistles that makes them different as far as functionality.

[rbach]

This year I switched from Vexilar to Marcum after getting a chance to demo one last year. The package and specs of the Marcum are much better. Either one will help you catch more fish though.

Also saw a LMS-334 in action - their seemed to be a little delay in the signal compared to the flashers. Pretty neat unit though. Not sure how it did for interference around other flashers.

[Reels]

I have both in my store and to be honest with you guys, I don't think one will catch more fish over a season than another. They are both pretty kick butt units. While one might have a slight edge here, the other has an edge somewhere else.

I sell more vexilars than Marcums, but I think that is just a popularity thing.


<{{}}><

[EJ]

Hunterguy,

You'll love it. There is no delay and you can can make adjustments to eliminate any interference with other units near you. Use the graph to get the most info. I use a 102C from the boat for hardwater.

EJ

[Jimk]

I've used them both, before I purchased my Lx3. Then last year had it upgraded to the Tc version. Marcum is the way to go. If you are considering buying a flasher then find someone or some where you can use them both. The result will be clear.

JK

[overdalimit ul]

I have a Vexlar FL-8 and my Uncle has a Marcum. I have used both and to tell the truth, if I can use his Marcum I will. If he is using it, well it is a toss up as to whether I fish blind or use the Vexlar. In my opinion the Marcum works well and the Vexlar just sorta works.
overdalimit

[hunterguy31]

Do you get rid of the interference by adjusting the sensitivity? I can't wait for hard water to get out and play with it. It's going to be a great unit for Mille Lacs! Not too much longer - it's 18 now and a low of 0 tonight!

[EJ]

>Do you get rid of the interference by adjusting the
>sensitivity? I can't wait for hard water to get out and play
>with it. It's going to be a great unit for Mille Lacs! Not
>too much longer - it's 18 now and a low of 0 tonight!

If I remember correctly; Turn the auto-sensitivity off and use manual sensitivity, somewhere in between 70 and 90 depending on depth. I run surface clarity on high. And most critical is using the noise rejection feature (I forget what it was actually called) and turn that up as high as it will go if fishing with other's. You'll fine tune it to get the best performance. I fish in over 30' with various flashers nearby and have no problems.

EJ

[mr sunfish]

i used to own a lx 3 the transducer went bad under warranty that was 4 years ago after many calls and emails i never got a response from them the store i got it from let me trade it for a fl18 i still have not heard from marcum, poor customer service, at vexilar you talk to a live person and get instant results for warranty work. marcum might be better on paper but what if crashes under warranty. dont take a chance vexilar has the best service in the industry and the fl 20 and fl 12 can be viewed at any angle,

[JeffCe]

I own a vex fl-8 and only use it for walleye fishing. Personally I never had a problem reading it and it is very plain to see if a fish comes into view. I dont really think it matters whatever statistics you compare with as far as sensitivity ect. unless you are fishing in 100 fow for smelt. Both are good units but I know first hand on the service markum provides. It stinks. If you dont care about service, get whatever one you can get cheaper. If you do care about service get a vex. Either one is better then fishing blind thats no question.

[Catman59]

Its pretty unfair to compare an FL-8 to an LX-3 or LX-5 Marcum. The FL-8 is an awesome unit , but come on guys , lets be reasonable here !!!!

Go FL-18. The originator , not the imitator..........

[Vex]

I use an 8, have since I lost my first one 10 yrs. ago in a boating accident. Before the Vex 8's came out, I used a Sitex and before that, I used a Hondex, all the techs about the same. NEVER, had to have a Vex serviced. I'm sure Marcum does the job. I see many on the ice, but they don't make the fish bite any faster and I do as well with the 8. My Vex has never been in the shop when it should've be on the ice.

[JeffCe]

My vex also has never been in the shop but my markum camera has and it took 4 months to get it back.

[Seedtree]

I haven't used the Marcum. Had a Vex FL-18 for years now with no problems. Also use it on my boat during the softwater season. Mounted on the bow trolling motor it is outstanding with the auto zoom/bottom lock feature to pick up those bottom-hugging eyes.

Tight Lines.

[Slushy Ice Hole]

I picked up an LX-5 last season and am very pleased with it. I put it on the bow of my boat this spring and it works well there. The only drawback I've found with it so far is the large 'ducer size - you have to pluck it out of the hole for each fish or put it in its own designated hole to begin with. I really like the zoom and dual beam features for water over 40'. This unit replaced an old grey scale Clearwater classic by Zercom that I used for about 15 years.

Happy fishing all - Slushy

[Wahoo]

I have been around both Vex's and Marcums and in my eyes its a no brainer..The Marcums RULE!!!!..Try one and you will see the CLEAR difference!!!.And the quiet difference~and the color difference.Plus they are SO much easier on the eyes..No comparison~~(I actually can't see how they can still sell the Vex's)..I tried em' both and I now own an LX3tc....Get more bang for your $$$$~~Buy Marcum!!!...Plus made in the USA matters to me!!!!!!.......Len...

[reelman1]

I can't see why anybody wouldbuy either a Marcum or a Velxar with the nicer Lowrance LCD units out there. Anybody who says there is a delay with one of these have never used one or is just plain lying! You can split the screen so that you don't have to constantly stare at the screen. There are more colors to determine fish and structure. Plus you canuse it for open water fishing.

[B THOMAS UL]

EJ,

I also have a 102c, how do you like it on the ice??? I have a Vex FL18 and love it but people have told me if I try the 102 through the ice I wont use a flasher again....trying to figure out why they say that? Id think there is a bit of delay on the graph---on the flasher its real time.

Thanks
brian

[EJ]

Brian,

There is absolutely no delay. There are several reasons I prefer it over my flasher. I always run in graph mode. I can see the record of what has happened over the past 20 seconds. This enables you to see your small jig and how the fish are reacting to your movements of that jig. It is easier to process that information if you can see that record rather than just a snapshot like you get with the flasher. It is easier to see multiple fish and how they are moving as individuals. If you look away for a few seconds you can still look back and see if a fish has moved in or is moving away. It is easier to pick up bottom hugging winter walleyes (most are here) by referencing any change in the bottom to your past record. It is also much easier on eye strain than staring at a flasher. You will appreciate it after a few hours. While most of these things can be seen on a flasher, they are easier to see and interpret on a graph. This translates into quicker reactions and more fish for me.

I do think flashers are better built to withstand pounding around in sleds, so you do need to treat your graph with care. This is my second season using my 102C and I have had no problems.

EJ

[B Thomas]

what do you have in the battery box, transducer etc??? I was really considering taking both out to see which I'd prefer but want to make sure the cost is worth it first.

THANKS!

[EJ]

About $140. Lowrance Ice pack with mount, battery and ducer. You don't need an arm or float, just drop the ducer down the hole.

EJ

[Roddy]

>About $140. Lowrance Ice pack with mount, battery and ducer.
>You don't need an arm or float, just drop the ducer down the
>hole.
>
>EJ

$140 sounds like a good deal for the Lowrance pack. I contacted a local Lowrance retailer and they told me the ice pack (ppl 16) retails for $170.
Last night I paid 166 at Cabela's for thier ice conversion kit.
Transducer float: 4.99
Sonar soft case: 19.99
12 volt 8amp battery: 19.99
Ice ducer: 64.99
Power cord 34.99
Female battery connectors 1.49
Sonar mounting bracket 19.99

[EJ]

Roddy,

You are right in your figures. I did not need the float or the mounting bracket. I had extra brackets and don't use a float. That saved me the difference.

EJ

[Roddy]

EJ,
How long does your battery last? I have been told the unit draws a lot of power and 6-8 hours may be the max.

[EJ]

Roddy,

Honestly, I don't know for sure. I have only ran it out once and I did not keep track of the exact hours. If I am fishing for a few days I almost always have the opportunity to charge the battery via a generator if I am spending the night on the ice or take it to where I am staying and charge it. I have used it all day many times with out any problems. All day fishing doesn't mean 12 hours of the unit turned on though. I am sure I get atleast 8 hours of run time.

EJ

[Garvin]

I have to agree with using an LCD on ice, so much misinformation about them some based on older units. Like at what temp they can be used and how they "are not real time" etc. I much more like my LCD than any flasher I have tried with only a few limitations,..my set up is fairly portables but perhaps not quite as portable as many flashers for those than run after fish.
Personally I DON"T use my color unit out on the ice. (I have a hummingbird 987c) a bit pricey to bang around on the ice.
The one I use is a Matrix 37. it has a quad beam with a 90 degree cone , I'm thinking of getting the sidefinder transducer that can "see" if I remember correctly, 120 feet to where ever you point it. I think the sidefinder would work best in winter due to lack of/less weeds.

[Kilroy (unlogged)]

I have a Marcum LX3, I love it. Last year they come out with the true color update. I sent it in I told them to give it the once over and make sure everything was working while they were going to convert it to tc, they found the transducer was not working. Needless to say, they put a new transducer on it while converting it and never charged me a dime extra. It was back in my hands on the 6th day. You can say what you want about service being bad with Marcum, but I have never had better service anywhere. When the time comes to upgrade to a new system it is going to be a Marcum at this point. Emails were within 2 hours and they were very friendly on the phone. The LX3 rocks, but I would sure like to get my hands on the LX5 sometime.

Kilroy

[Roger Benoit]

I looked at Cabelas for an Ice Ducer for my 334... they dont seen to have anything

[Roddy]

They have a kit they sell. It is 165 for everything (transducer, battery ,softpack, power cable, and moutning bracket.

[Roger Benoit]

Maybe aint as smart as I once was.. but man i've looked up and down thru cabelas and cannot find such a kit...

If you've seen it.. can you post the sku #

Thanks

[Roddy]

>Maybe aint as smart as I once was.. but man i've looked up
>and down thru cabelas and cannot find such a kit...
>
>If you've seen it.. can you post the sku #
>
>Thanks

Roger,
It's not a single kit. Rather they piece it out. I purchased mine at the Rogers location last week. The sales staff should know what pieces to get you.