Vexilar or Zercom?

[stubby]

Looking to buy a unit for icefishing is Zercom good or Vexilar better?

[rd]

Vexilar, hands down. The same time I bought my Vexilar a friend bought a Zercom, he is kicking himself for wasting his money after seeing the Vexilar in action

[Craig]

I am curious how it is better or what your friend didn't like about the Zercom?

[Zercom]

Definately Zercom, no question about it. Vexilar is junk.

[Vexilar]

Definately Vexilar, no question about it. Zercom is junk.

[JasonMN]

we had this same thread back in December. You can see it here:
http://www.walleyecentral.com/cgi-bin/dcf/dcboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=5034&forum=generaldiscussion&archive=yes

The general consensus always seems to be that Vexilar is the better unit.

[tbomn]

"Junk" is a pretty strong description. I have not owned a Zercom but I do have an FL-8 and in my opinion it isn't junk.As a matter of fact, I like it a lot. Vexilar makes very good quality products, I use the Edge2 504 also and find it to be a fine product also. I would reserve the strong descriptions for the products that display the least of quality, and I don't feel either the Zercom or the Vexilar are junk. If you have a preferrence, state it, and leave it at that.

Good Fisnin'
TBO/MN

[woodie]

Why would one want a flasher that you can't see in the sun, makes a bunch of racket when turned on and drains a battery incredibly quick? Zercom wins hands down.

[MarbleEye's]

Hmmmm, my vexilar makes little if any noise if the temp is above about -30 to -40 outside (thats only when im in the open, and yes I have been that crazy/stupid before). How long does an average zercom batrtery last? I know ive had my vexilar on for 24+ hours without recharging it, and for 99.9% of circumstances that is plenty suitable. Not being able to see the vexilar as well in the sunlight is a drawback, but that is what either a sun hood or coffee can painted black is for. Also I belive that the colors of display on vexilar are much eaiser to read than that of zercom, which is a major drawback to the zercom. Some opinion, some fact, and I own a vexilar because of it. MarbleEye's

[jack]

vexilar, zercoms have a history of breaking in cold weather

[Mattman]

.....and can't operate with a Vexilar near by, due to interference.

[HONEST DON]

I DONT WANT TO GET MIXED UP IN THE SQUABBLE ABOUT THE TWO UNITS, JUST GIVE INFORMATION ON THE ONE THAT I PURCHASED THREE YEARS AGO. I PURCHASED A VEXILAR, PROBABLY BECAUSE ON WHAT I READ ON THE UNITS AND ADVERTISING. I WILL TELL YOU MINE HAS BEEN TROUBLE FREE AND A LOT OF FUN TO USE. MY EXAMPLE IS FROM YESTERDAY WHEN I TOOK MY OLDEST SON AND HIS FRIEND ICE FISHING. MY SON HAD USED THE UNIT A COUPLE OF TIMES BEFORE AND HE ENJOYED SHOWING HIS FIRST TIME ICE FISHING FRIEND HOW TO USE IT. IT WAS A BLAST WATCHING THEM USE THE UNIT, LOWERING A JIG, AND WATCHING A CRAPPIE MOVE TO THE JIG, AND THEN CATCHING IT. IT WAS A LOT OF FUN. MY POINT IS THAT IT IS VERY EASY TO USE AND MAKES ICE FISHING A GREAT TIME FOR KIDS AS WELL AS MYSELF. I HOPE THIS HELPS YOU OUT AND GOOD FISHING.

[scumfrog]

Interesting question. I think the old apples and oranges saying applies here. I have a Zercom and a buddy of mine has a vexilar. I used my buddies vexilar for a week or so because he thought he was having a problem with it. The problem he was having was that in shallow water( 10 feet or less) you can't turn down the gain enough to where the jig doesn't look very large.I found this to be a viable problem. I contacted zercom and they informed me that I need an s-cable which will reduce power output (18 dollars). I am still waiting for the s-cable to see if this solves the problem. In the meantime I have compared the 2 side by side. The vexilar has the nod for brightness of the unit and for it's interference rejection. The zercom has the nod for more power, a neat carrying case which keeps the cable and unit compact and safe, and price. They both make a little noise (about the same).In my oppinion they are both relatively the same in ease of operation and performance.I guess for the money, the zercom is the better all around choice. Ay any rate, hope you have a great season on the ice! Be safe!

[scumfrog]

You can operate a zercom with other units in operation nearby. The interference moves around the dial and is easily discernable from fish and lure. Good fishin!

[Eyellaw]

Zercoms are great units but I have ran into a few problems.I use the old clearwater classic. This is an awsome unit with lots of power and the battery lasts forever. But my walleye partner just bought the Color Point. He likes this unit alot. I found out the two units are not compatable. He can hardly see his jigs and bottom with my unit on. I can read mine just fine. This makes our fishing trips a little tense. This is something to consider if you fish with other people. Find out what they are using and try to get something compatable. The only other complaint is the numbers are way to small. They are hard to read unless you get a real close look. I think I'm in the market for a new flasher now myself.
Good luck
Bob

[Eye Guy]

I just bought a Zercom. Only after 1 year of asking the very same question. At first it was hands down Vexilar, thought that was all there was, according to the pros. Researching turned up the zercom, Pros, cons of both but go with the Zercom. This garbage of breaking when its cold!!! whatever, what doesn't when it used improperly. The zercom has more power, better seperation, which already paid for its-self in my eyes, and you don't have to worry about breaking a sunshield, or dragging a coffee can (painted black). As for the fish, they hope you get a vexilar. HA HA HA....


-You here more about vexilars because they sponsor more people..
-thats just my opinion and everybody has them.

[LundBOY]

I have had a vexilar and I simply love it the definition on it is great and it the definition of "hardwater" fishing if you do buy one buy the blue box for it is and extra help as the black box breaks too easy.

[vetspet(ind)]

owners of each seem to think theirs is the best...i have an el two zircom....black/white...with dials...not push buttons...reeds sporting told me not to get push buttons...they get wet and quit working....my unit has 1000 watts...vex has 400 or 600....the power difference allows somewhat better separation of objects i believe....my unit sees well in bright daylight...vex's don't..or at least didn't....i understand the older colorpoint zircoms had lots of problems....they have come out with an improved colorpoint this yr i think....vex's have the color advantage...also they have some sort of interferance deal that keeps them working when a zircom is nearby but i understand the zircs don't have as good a system to keep out the interferance you will get from a nearby vex....vex also has a floating...self-leveling transducer...vexs don't....both units are top of the line...except the older colorpoints...i would not get one of those....steve

[steve(IL)]

Zercom gets my vote. I more vexilars get sold because they are available through more outlets and do seem to sponsor more people like Davie Genz, etc. This is my second Zercom. I sold my first with my a boat. Bought my second one on sale for 1/2 what the Vexilar goes for. I've never seen Vexilar on sale. Truth is, both units will help you catch fish. I imagine they are both good. I happen to prefer the Zercom's 1000 watts of power, lower price and a secret thing the Zercom can do that the Vexilar can't.

[Backwater Eddy]

A pair of good polirized sun glass's solved that problem just fine for me.

Zercom is a good unit too, but I prefere the FL-8 SLT because it is more flexable to conditions an will tune out outside interferance.

Both units have there - & +, and fans too.

BE......><,>

[rd]

One reason is it is no longer working.