Flasher Purchase Advice

[jrpohlman39]

I'm looking to finally get a flasher this year and I was wondering if it is worth forking over 4-$500 for a Vexilar FL-20 or to buy a used FL-18 or even something cheaper like the FL-8.

[mnhunter 3815]

save some money and get the fl-18 for 429.my buddy just got 1 at L n M supply.im thinking about going and getting myself.i have the fl8 but i want the zoom.

[MinnesotaMongo]

You know, I just picked up two Zercom Clearwater classics this year - both for around 100 bucks. They are a wonderful locator - lots of power - barely sip at the battery and do a terrific job. They aren't color and they don't have zoom - but they are still a VERY good used locator for cheap.

[jrpohlman39]

Can you see your lure on the Zercom Clearwater?

[Scott K]

I would go with the Fl-18. The fl-20 has a nice flat screen, but not really needed, for the extra $ I would say save your money and buy the fl-18. I have the 18 love it!

[spearchucker]

Y

 Originally Posted By: jrpohlman39

Can you see your lure on the Zercom Clearwater?

Yes, you can see everything that a Vexilar will show except it is greyscale instead of color. They will run for a 100+ hours on a charge and are completely silent when running. I still use one.

[MinnesotaMongo]

Yes, you can see the lure, just like the "chucker" stated. I'm not trying to get into a whizzing contest on which locator is better - just trying to point you in an economical direction.

Plus - if you call a certain fishing 'lectronics store in the TC's - they will make you a nice floating transducer - which is extremely slick.

[local_diver]

I have an FL-8 and can pick out a small teardrop with ease. It's never failed me and I only charge it a couple times a year. While there are many other features with the other FL's, I skiped the built in tackle box and battery meter as they are just bells & whistles.

[Tipup101]

I bought my fl-8 back around 2000. When the only cost $179 bucks. I bought it at Gander Mountain for $140 on sale. When I saw the price of the FL-8 now I about fell over. But I would pay that price anyday for a product that dang good. I am lost without my Vexlar.

[Panny]

I have a clearwater that I have loved for years. Did have problems picking up jig in deeper water. My son needed a depthfinder so I bought him an FL8. It picks up jigs much easier and he loves it. I decided to get a new depth finder so I bought a marcum vx1 which compares with the FL8 except it has a zoom feature. I now love it. What I like about it is it does not get bothered by other depth finders as much and it seems to have smaller bars. My son would not try it though because he loves his so much.

[BigGrassBass]

I've had an FL-8 for a few years now and love it. I go fishing all the time with a buddy of mine who has an 18 and I've got to say I'll stick with my 8 for now. Yeah, the zoom is nice but unless your in 50 feet of water or more the 8 will do just fine.

That's just my opinion. Save some money and get the FL-8.

[Team Otter]

Please keep probing for sale items to the appropriate forum; the For Sale forum.

Thank you.

[Team Otter]

jr-,

Lots of factors play into choosing the right equipment for your application. I have a Vexilar FL-20 Pro-Pack. Let me tell you why and then you can use that information for helping make a more educated decision.

Flat Screen - Can't put a price tag on that. I fish outside a lot (i.e. mobility) and I don't want to have to make time for clearing out snow, rain, etc from around my display. Without a flat screen, you need some form of protection (i.e. Mag Shield, etc) in order to keep the "cone area" of your display free of distractions.

Zoom - 6' and 12' zoom; again, can't put a price tag on this feature either. In shallow or deep water, the 6' zoom can detect even the most minor movement of fish that are really hugging the bottom. The 12' zoom is nice for that 20 - 40' range, especially for noting small changes in transition areas, etc.

Day/Night - Don't know how nice you have it until you do. Who worries about eye strain right? Well, this feature is incredible.

Interference Rejection - Fished along side 'em all. No issues; great feature.

Sensitivity - Bar none, the most accurate and defined display with the least amount of "gain" I have ever seen. It is unbelievable what you can pick-up and/or detect with this unit.

Portability - The Pro-Pack is set-up better for mobility in my opinion. I don't like how high the Ultra-Pack sits off the ice. Also, I call it my "go-to" tackle but this feature is awesome. Each unit comes with a small tackle box that locks in under the unit and can house all of your "go-to" equipment. My Pro-Pack also includes 2 rod holders, so I can have the rod I'm fishing with plus 2 more ready and willing.

Noise - Vexilar is notorious for some sporadic wheel noise, with noise level varying from unit to unit. Nothing to worry about.

Depth Readings - It's hard to see the depth readings on the display but to me, seeing the depth once I know where I'm at is not that important. I just want to know where the fish are.

In summary, the FL-20 is worth the money if you have it. If you're looking for a cheaper option, just remember, you get what you pay for. Marcum has very nice products out there too and are worth a look as well. The Marcum LX-5 would be the direct competitor to the Vexilar FL-20.

Both of these product lines are readily available at Reel Fishing and Tackle in Madison lake, MN.

[clamtrap]

T.O said it perfectlly!!!!!!!

[lindylittlejim]

I've had a FL-8, then a FL-12 and just upgraded to the FL-20 Pro Pack a couple weeks ago. If youre fishing deeper water, or if youre on top of bottom locked fish the Zoom feature on the FL-20 is a must. The flat screen on the 12 and the 20 seem huge compared to what my old FL-8 used to be. If you have the cash get the FL-20!

[Team Otter]

"Is a must"; man, I love that line.

I think we need to start a support group...

[harvey lee]

I have used the Vexilar units and they are nice. While out shopping for a new flasher, spend a little time and check them all out as there are other good name brands to choose from.

I really like the LX5. Its so easy to reduce interference when fishing close to other units with 12 different settings to use.

The Super Fine allows a user to improve the units resolutions resulting in target seperaton down to .75 inch.

Another great feature is MarCums standard dual beam transducer which is as simple as the touch of a key for adjusting.

Fully automatic 3 stage digital charging system with a LCD battery display.

2,000 watts of paek to peak power.

As far as adjustable zoom goes, how can one beat marCum

's zoom? No problem targeting to whatever level in the water column with the MarCun as one can adjust this to where they would like and not be just stuck with the bottom few feet.

I use a LX5 and it is one very good, user friendly unit.

[panfish pro]

I fished with the FL-8 for 10 plus years. It was a great unit and never failed me once. I upgraded to the FL-18 last winter and you would love this thing. The zoom is unbelievable. It picks out the smallest jigs at deep depths. It makes finding those big walleyes crawling on the bottom of the lake much easier to find!! Vexilar is a very good product and you will not be disappointed!!

[ice-man/vexilar-king]

FL-20!!!!! T.O. said it all "A MUST HAVE" i have all the units discused for my employee's to demo out so they can relay real life experiences to the customers. I have used both and prefer one over the other as well. It's a Chevy Ford thing. My budy has this, or my uncle told me to get that. My #1 favorite thing to here is i want to be differn't. What a loaded statement that is. Well I'm here to tell you we all strive to be number one and you'll never get there unless u use the best. Life is to short. When i get time on the water/ice I want every weapon available to me. From S.O.S. to a Vexilar I wan't the latest and greatest. Find what works best for you and get some time on the water. Marcum does have the least amount of intefearance i have ever seen, very clear. If Vexilar ever figures this out, look out! Just My opinion not the voice for all.

[Bigeye30"]

Yup the Fl-20 is phenomenal for marking fish and ease of use, I don't think I could fish without one know, I grew up on Vexilar and like Ice Man said it's a chevy, ford debate with Marcum. The one thing I have noticed after a year of abuse with the Fl-20 is some overall cheap product design, nothing that affects the performance but Vexilar needs to reinvent there knob design, I know have to carry a small very small allen wrench to constantly tighten the set screws that holds the dials on or else they fall off. other than that there an awesome unit. I've heard good and bad about both, but I definately will look at the overall makeup on my next flasher. The other thing I have never cared for is the noise factor that these put out, not that it's extremely loud but you do hear it in comparison to other units. Just my 2 pennies for ya

[MinnesotaMongo]

My old FL-6 used to sound like a B John Deere.....

I'm going to have to take a gander at those Vex's. Lots of money, though...

[Team Otter]

Customer service is typically good with both product lines too.