Mounting a Vexilar

[Seabass77]

Well, I broke down and picked up a new FL8 last night. I figured if I couldn't find a used one, and nobody wanted to part with one on this site, they must be nice units. But, they want 35 bones for a blue box or a soft pack to carry the thing in. Does anyone have any tips for making a homemade mount for their FL8's? Is anyone looking to sell a used blue box??

[BLACKJACK]

When I bought my FL8 at Cabelas I also bought the hard, round holder that Vexilar sells. It fits perfectly in a 'short' 5-gallon size bucket, protects the unit in the back of the truck or in your sled, throw a towel over it and you have your dust/snow cover. Once you see what one looks like, it wouldn't be hard to make one out of 1/4-1/2 inch plywood and still fit it into the bucket for protection. The bucket overturned makes a handy spot to set your lantern on.

Can I ask what was the price on the FL8 nowadays vrs going for the new FL18?

Good luck! I love my FL8, if it went to heck I'd run right out and get another one!

[This message has been edited by BLACKJACK (edited 09-27-2001).]

[Dave]

I thought I saw the Vexilar Blue Bags at Fleet Farm for $19.99

[Seabass77]

BlackJack,
Good tip, more are welcome....I paid $239 at cabela's...just for the basic unit, no battery, nothin. I asked about the FL-18 and they wanted $339, for the basic unit. The only differences being more power (600 vs. 400), and the zoom function. I couldn't justify the extra $100 bucks, trust me, I tried!!

[Scoot]

I heard that they are saying that the seperation is considerably better with the 18 vs. the 8- down to a half inch. I always wonder who is doing the testing on this and I know that there is little if any accuracy control of the claims that they make- they can say just about anything they want.
I know that a lot of people went with Colorpoints because of the claim that they get .5 inch seperation. It seems a little fishy (pardon the pun) that all of a sudden Vexilar now also has a product that claims .5 inch seperation.
I'm sure the seperation is better, but I am wonder by how much. I also agree that it's not worth the money to make the upgrade- but that's just my niave opinion. I haven't tried out the unit first hand. I'm just going by the product claims made by Vexilar.
Yes, I'm a huge skeptic!!!
Just my opinion,
Scoot

[Guest]

I checked out the Pro-pack at Mills Fleet Farm, and the $399 price was for the Pro-pack only, that is the set up with everything included. The guy at Fleet said that they did not have the flasher by itself in stock just yet. One thing I did take notice of was the color of the readings on the scope were/are way brighter? than the FL-8. Almost too bright,IMHO. Maybe I'm too used to my FL-8 after all these years. I am skeptical as well of this new product after the all the going on's in the past with Zercom's 'new' products. I think I'll wait for a few others to test drive the FL-18 before I plunk down the cash.

[hunt4food]

The black round holder is the way to go I think. I use my FL-8 primarily for ice fishing. You guys are right. it fits well in a 5 gallon bucket and is therefore safe when travelling on my ATV. I spent the money on the blue bag and like it for keeping the snow off from it. It also stays clean from dirt and dust while setting in the garage all Summer. I also bought a magnification lens that snaps on the face of the FL-8. This lens serves two purposes for me. It keeps the snow from building up on the screen and it magnifies the face slightly to allow me to see it better. I feel both options were worth the money.

[Dave]

I like the lens cover also. I think it will protect the flasher face against accidental bumps also. The lens gets fogged when moving from cold to warm, but a simple wipe usually clears it out.

[MNice]

Another Vexilar tip.

I use a skippy peanut butter jar (plastic) for a home made sun blocker. I cut the bottom out, it's the perfect diameter to slip over the display, and just used good old duct tape to wrap the cylinder. The screw on top makes a nice dust cover when traveling. Forgot exactly what size jar works, but you should be able to figure that out.

[Seabass77]

I think my plan will be to take the styrofoam bucket in my sit and fish, trim it down a few inches, and then mount my vex on one of those round mounts. I should be able to fit my vex and bait in the bucket. Thanks for the suggestions guys.

[minneman]

another good sun cover is the small coffee cans,cut the other end off, spray paint black in and out and save the cover to keep the junk out w/not in use, Ive found too that it works great for scooping new minnow water,with the cap on, and holding a minow or 2 out to the tipups when in the shack,

[Guest]

Seabass and all,
There are many good ways to rig up a Vex, I have the round plastic vex mount, that works faily good, it fits perfectly in my sit'n'fish pail, I use the mag shield too, and really like it for keeping the snow off the lens, but for the most part, i use it inside my portable where it is plenty bright and easy to read, as for the vertical separation i think the unit is plenty good, my success rate has soared since i have started using it, and really i don't think any more separation would be that much more of a benefit, might as well go for video then, but that is just too much equipment and for me really more than i want to know about the underice lives of our finned friends. I would consider the blue bag for the right price. The problem i am having is that i stored one of my gell cells on it's side, and it doesn't seem to want to take a charge, will it come 'round after standing upright, or is it time for a new back up battery? anybody out there experience anything like this?