Jump to content

  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Buying used flasher

lungdeflator

By lungdeflator
in Ice Fishing Minnesota

 Share

Recommended Posts

lungdeflator Experienced

lungdeflator

Posted
Posted

If you had to buy a used flasher which one would it be? Is there a classic Vexilar model that just seems to withstand the tests of time?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
toughguy Mentor

toughguy

Posted
Posted

My FL8 has taken a beating over the past 10 years and still works great. I have a Marcum that treat a little better that's worked just fine too. Most flashers are built well. I can't think of any that I would stay away from. I would look more into the features that you want over durability.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Northlander Grand Master

Northlander

Posted
Posted

If you like the flasher type than I would suggest a LX-5. If you want to get into the new age get a 7 or 9.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
leech~~ Grand Master

leech~~

Posted
  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
Posted

If you had to buy a used flasher which one would it be? Is there a classic Vexilar model that just seems to withstand the tests of time?

My old Vex FL-18 does the job great, easy on batteries and just wouldn't die! wink

Link to comment
Share on other sites
BoxMN Veteran

BoxMN

Posted
Posted

I like my LX5 (2 of them) but also really liked using an FL-18 when they first came out. Have had good luck with FL20 as well. Was going to trade up to LX6 or LX7 but them realized my LX5's were still doing the job perfectly, so I am waiting... not sure for what smile

Only one I would not get is FL8, due to potential for interference with other units - sometimes they can clear it out, but usually they get turned off... unfortunately.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
monstermoose78 Grand Master

monstermoose78

Posted
  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
Posted

My FL 8 was 17 years old and was still going until great until I fell on it and smashed into many pieces. That said it has been dropped down 2 sets of stairs and fell of the tailgate many times. I would buy any vexilar fl 8 or 18 with out a second thought. I got refurbished Fl 8 to replace it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
leech~~ Grand Master

leech~~

Posted
  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
Posted

My FL 8 was 17 years old and was still going until great until I fell on it and smashed into many pieces. That said it has been dropped down 2 sets of stairs and fell of the tailgate many times. I would buy any vexilar fl 8 or 18 with out a second thought. I got refurbished Fl 8 to replace it.

Wow, ouch monster. I know they can handle a lot but you should be a product tester for Vex! grin

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
monstermoose78 Grand Master

monstermoose78

Posted
  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
Posted

Wow, ouch monster. I know they can handle a lot but you should be a product tester for Vex! grin

Lol I may should just learn how to walk and hold on to it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
ClownColor Proficient

ClownColor

Posted
Posted

the blue box, fl8 had definitely withstood the test of time. GREAT unit!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
1968 Apprentice

1968

Posted
Posted

Lots of people getting the latest greatest flasher means lots of cheaper older units getting sold. Got a like new FL8se for my youngest boy for a couple hundo 2 winters ago, during the season. Now is probably the best time to buy an ice machine.

Sometimes have to play with the IR but my 8,18,and 20 all get along in my clam command post.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 5 years later...
Bella Smith Newbie

Bella Smith

Posted
Posted

I love the FL -18 because you can zoom to the bottom 6' or 12' range (my cousin has one).
And I do not remember which model you have multiple Mhz zones to choose from to get rid of interference. Meaning if another guy in the fish house has a FL-8 and the same transducer, you'll get interference. This is especially important when deep water fishing as the signal goes out in all directions, it the receiver (cone) the limits the reception to the cone angle of say 9, 12 or 15 degrees.

Another thing some of the models have it so you have 2 (9 & 15 degrees) transducer degree to choose from.

And do you want it to do double duty and be able to use it in the summer time too? That should weigh in also then. The FL22 has bottom lock and reportedly by others it is better to get through algae and air bubbles that you may encounter in the summer months.

I'd suggest going to a good fishing shop and pick their brains on the differences, and of the brands before you choose a brand and model.
Here is what I would do as I sense you are on a budget ($300). Buy a newer USED model of say the FL18 or the FL20. Check Graig's List near where you live. INSIST that you go out on a lake and test it before you buy a used one and that all the features work. Ask for the manual too.

BTW, the FL20 has the flat screen, and some say it has more definition. (I have not used one though).

Good luck.

  • Wow, ❤ 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
leech~~ Grand Master

leech~~

Posted
  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
Posted

I'm sure that we may not hear back from you, but you are right. There are some good deals on used flashers to be had.

I picked up this spotless FL-8 with a battery and charger for my grandsons that was hardly used for $100 bills even! ?

 

 

IMG_0394.JPG

  • Thumbs Up 2
  • Wow, ❤ 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      Big Kandiyohi

      By mulefarm · Posted

      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      Big Traverse Ice Free

      By LakeofthewoodsMN · Posted

      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      St Cloud Fishing Reports

      By leech~~ · Posted

      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      St Cloud Fishing Reports

      By Rick G · Posted

      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By smurfy · Posted

      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

  I accept