Has anyone used the new Hummingbird flashers ?

[beerme_71]

I want to uprade from an FL 8 to a FL 20 or Hummingbird ice 55. Has anyone used or seen the new Hummingbird flashers in action that can tell me the good and the bad? And how do I tell my wife I'm spending another $500 to catch 7" long fish?

[blueroof]

I'm a Marcum Lx5 user. I've ran an ice45 a couple times and an ice55 once. They are really nice and would be a great upgrade from an Fl8.

positives:
-the zoom mode shows a continuous water column.
-no interference around other brands
-easy and intuitive to use
-large screen
-more colors
-new product

negatives:
-the zoom only goes in 2x, would like 4x too
-the narrow and wide beam often require different gain settings to be usable IMO, extra step is a pain
-separation not the best possible
-transducer doesn't use two clocking crystals
-new product

I really enjoyed using the Hbirds. Personally I'd get an Lx5 if you want a neat flasher. If you wanted a new unit to get around the noise of the other brands, I wouldn't hesitate on getting an Hbird. If the 'economy' wasn't so sketchy, I'd' bet that both Marcum and Vexilar would have a new products for sale during the 2010 ice season considering the competition and technologies available.

[hooky]

blueroof, What do you mean by 2x or 4x zoom. Which flasher has what? Thanks

[blueroof]

blueroof, What do you mean by 2x or 4x zoom. Which flasher has what? Thanks

The Humminbirds only have one zoom setting (2x), both Marcum and Vexilar have dual range zoom that is kinda nice..

beerme_71, did you tell the wife yet??

[beerme_71]

Thanx for the Marcum lx 5 idea Blueroof. I did'nt realize they had a competing model to the fl 20. Once I figured out how to zoom in on the bottom (helps to read instructions) I loved it. I was fishing around three other Vex's and had no trouble escaping interference problems. They must be good because I had to go to 4 stores B4 I found one in stock!

As for my wife.......... :bangin:

[gary2242]

I would leave a couple of fishing boat brochures on the coffee table and don't say anything. Let her start thinking you bought a new boat and then after she starts giving you those looks and getting nasty, tell her about the $500 Hunningbord. She might actually feel a little relieved and you escape injury.

[iopner]

Why would I want a hummingbird??? when all the best tech has been before them Nothing New!
Actually prefer an x67 better than anything so far ! To me Flasher Technology is out dated!