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new to the area never used a flasher but thinking of getting one> I have heard mixed reviews of both not sure which one to get. where can a guy get the best deal? would like to fish with someone who had either to get a feel for them. any info would be great.

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That is the old Ford vs Chevy question --

I like the Vex over the Marcum. My Bro-in-law had problems with his Marcum and returned it three times. He now has a vex.

Also they used to interfere with vexs but I understand that is better now.

I have seen both in action -- I have been very satisfied with my Vex. In fact I have upgraded to my third one and they all have been good.

Just my $1.25.

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Hitman hit it on the head. Its a personal preference thingy

I happen to own both. I have a Vex FL-18 Pro pack and a Marcum LX-3tc. The Vex was a gift from my wife and I bought the Marcum after seeing a friend use one. I probably will be selling both next season and getting the Marcum LX-5.

Here is my reviews. Both units work great and will help you catch more fish. I went with the Marcum unit for a few reasons. First, I found it to be much easier to read in direct sun light, a crisper and more solid display. Also, It does not make any noise compared to the Vex. Not a big deal, just the something that got on my nerves after awhile. Both units have a zoom feature that is very nice. The vex will only zoom on the bottom 6 feet while the Marcum zoom is adjustable and can cover anywhere in the water column. To be honest, I only really zoom in on the bottom 6 feet.....so there is no difference to me on this feature.

The things that I dont like about the Marcum unit are.....its shape. I like the Vex unit much more in this area as I could just slide into a five gallon pail and it was protected when I threw it into my sled and pulled it across the lake. The Marcum unit is shaped differently...and now I just put it into a backpack and haul it on my person. I guess I am sort paranoid that I am going to damage these units....a lot of money to just have bouncing around the sled.

I also dont care for the transducer arm on the Marcum. I removed it and replaced it with a Vex float. I also wish the Marcum's transducer cord was a little longer. I have found that my Marcum and Vex will interfer with one another, but both have several channels of interference reduction and I am able to clean the display with little effort.

So, you can see there is no clear answer to which is the best. It comes down to what you like the best. In my case, I went with the Marcum for the reasons above...but I still use my Vex from time to time....so there is nothing wrong with either unit. Check out the "Equipment or Ice Fishing Forums" for a ton of posts on this topic.

The prices on these units are pretty stable. Its not too often that you see any kind of Big Sale but I am sure once in awhile, if you shop around, you can save a few bucks. My advise is to check out the "For Sale" forums on this site next fall. Lots of people seem to sell theirs in order to up grade....that is what I am going to do. You probably could get a real good deal on a one or two year old unit. Good luck

Cliffy

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Wow -- That is a heck of a post.

Cliff did a great job explaining it -- Get the one you like the best.

BTW -- Did you research that during a do-go-nut break?

;\)

Just kidding My Brother.

At least I said it before the Perch did.

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Sounds to me there are more cons then pros to your post on the marcum vs the vex. Like I said I never have fished with either so I have limited experiance with the use of either one. Also can either of the units be put on a boat. And would it be useful on a boat? Thanks.

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Is there anywhere around the detroit lakes or Lake of the woods area that rents them so a guy could try them?

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Yes both can be used on a boat, when I ran Vexilars they were on my bow, now that I use a Marcum it to will be on my bow. Advantage is you get real time and accurate reading. Flashers don't lie if it shows something then somethings there.

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I just got a Lowrance x67c and this thing is great. It has a flasher dipslay as well as a graph with hyperscroll. I am really impressed with it and I would suggest checking that out. It is great to have the graph to get the history instead what is only instantly happening. The other great thing is that it can be used on my boat this summer all I have to do is get a different transducer.

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Esox, what other special accesories do you need to adapt it to a boat? If any..

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I am not sure about the DL area...but a lot of the resorts in the LOTW area rent them. I just stayed at Sportsmens Resort on LOTW last week and they rent them. I think Ballards, next door to Sportsman, also rents them. I am pretty sure they both rent the Vex units...not sure of the model. As already stated, you can mount the units on your boat for real time view of the water column....I think you just need a different transducer..etc. If you check out Vexilar's website, they have several free videos that explain their units....sorta gives you an idea of what we are talking about.

Good luck

CLiffy

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If you plan on using your flasher during the winter and on a boat I would strongly suggest going with Vexilar FL-18. The bottom lock feature on the FL-18 seperates itself from all other flashers. Like Cliffy mentioned, go to Vexilar's website and watch the videos for some great information on all of the their units.

Chad

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 Originally Posted By: Dahitman44

BTW -- Did you research that during a do-go-nut break?

;\)

Just kidding My Brother.

At least I said it before the Perch did.

Just remember Hitman...I am sure you have to drive thru my city sometime..... Just Kidding.

I have not heard much from Perch lately on the boards....both of us have gone to the Midnight shift......so we dont see much day light anymore......... \:\(\:\(

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Very good Cliffy --

One of my boys was wondering why I was laughing so hard and he saw your "picture" bouncing around -- he thought it was funny. He wondered why you are moving so much and that you are "heavy set."

"But he sure seems funny."

Kids -- gotta love them.

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LOL!! Lets me make this pefectly clear...that pic is not of me!!!....although at times I feel like he looks.

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What kind of boat? My Dad siliconed a plunger (no handle) to the bottom of an aluminum fishing boat. Anywhere the boat makes solid contact with the water will work. Cut a circle out of the top of the plunger large enough for your ice transducer. Place some water in the plunger, put in the ducer; and you're set. It will shoot thru the hull. Works great, and your ducer is somewhat protected - plus you're able to make use of the ice ducer instead of purchasing another. Cone angle may be a factor.. I have all vexilars, but a buddy of mine swears by his Marcum.

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 Originally Posted By: CSP88
If you plan on using your flasher during the winter and on a boat I would strongly suggest going with Vexilar FL-18. The bottom lock feature on the FL-18 seperates itself from all other flashers. Like Cliffy mentioned, go to Vexilar's website and watch the videos for some great information on all of the their units.

Chad

I tried that with my 18 last year and didn't see much of an improvement over my 8. We'll see how the LX5 does in a month or so when we get open water

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I like the Marcum; the biggest reasons being the adjustable zoom for suspended crappies, bright display, no noise making, and the stillness of the the screen and the marks shown on the screen. There are some things that Vex's have that may be better, but they are minor to me compared to the four above.

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I own a vexilar and like it. never used a marcum..just seen them on tv but they look nice too

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