Vexilar fl20-22 or Humminbird 55?

[KonnorKleist]

Looking at getting another unit here and loved my old ice 45, but now looking to upgrade but not trying to spend a crazy amount and dont need the whole digital screen. Any opinions here? Don't want to get into the whole brand name debate, just looking for a little help, Thanks.

[old_school]

marcum 7

[Jarrid Houston]

Lots of questions come up when people ask these sorts of questions..  What do you fish for? How often do you fish? and of course what is your budget? are just a few of the upfront conversations go go's.  I am a die hard Vexilar dude, not just because of the reputation, but because I believe in its products.  I fish pretty rugged, and the abuse my units take would challenge any other competitors.  Not sure about other products, but I can tell you that I know facts for Vex's. 

Less than 1/10 of 1% call backs on any machine of 2 years.  This in itself should tell you that they take there products very serious and want the consumer to trust in them that they are buying the best machine on the market.  Speaking of market, vexilar created it!  Okay, back to the conversation..

I always suggest people look into the FLX series, but would rather be honest and tell you if you are not looking for the cats meow, than you may want to consider a 18, 20, or 22?  Not sure what you chase most often? 

Another variable to take in to consideration is that you can could sell your bird and think of it as a great down payment for an upgrade.

Honestly there are numerous reasons I think the even novice ice angler should use vex, but they are easy to discuss in person.  I recommend you visit an upcoming ice show and seek out a pro-staff and begin conversation.  Good luck!

-JH

[walleye44]

Marcum LX5i would be another one to look at.  Then a 20 or 22.

[Brian T]

I am a Vexilar user . Being a weekend warrior doesn't make me an expert, but I can say I have an original FL-8 from yeeeaaars ago still working like new . The Vex 22 only goes to 60 ft in 10 ft increments where the Vex 20 will read much deeper.( 20 40 80 etc) . Both units have low power mode(nice for shallow water and fishing weeds) I rarely fish past 60 fow and upgraded to Vex 22 with pro view ducer. Good choice for me. Vex 20  22  28 do not have variable zoom. The Flx 28 has lots of bells and whistles . You can also buy Vexilar (if available) reconditioned with a warranty and save some money over new. My Vex 22 came this way three seasons ago no problems

[RoosterRedneck]

I have a bird 55 and a vex fl18.  If I only had one it would be a vex as I like to pour water on the ice to,find fish without drilling holes.  My bird for some reason will not read through the ice.  But once every thing is set up or I'm in the permanent I grab the 55 every time.  I like the bigger screen and the adjustable zoom.  

[Jim Panfish Uran]

You won't beat Vexilar's customer service and reputation. I have a Bird 55 and wouldn't consider that an upgrade from a 45. I'll say this though, I'd take a 45 over a 20, and I'd take a 22 over a 45. The 22 has such a clear crisp signal and really shines in shallow water when fishing in and around the weeds. Also, try to get some feedback about the newer Helix units being used on the ice, GPS/Flasher combo's might be pretty handy. 

Oh yeah Down2Earth, my 55 reads through the ice with no problems. 

[RoosterRedneck]

Jim how do you get yours to work.  I called bird and they even sent me a new transducer.  I pour water on the ice and the vex reads with zero problems.  I have tried with mine and my dads and neither of them shoot through 15 to 20 inches of ice.  mine is however 5 years old maybe the new ones work better.  The 55 comes with a case that cost what $50?  Which to me makes the 55 a no brainier over the 45.

Edited January 13, 2016 by Down2Earth

[Jim Panfish Uran]

OK well I've never considered ice thickness into the equation. At some point the ice gets too milky to get a good signal back. I saw this as a problem with every unit I've owned, and I've owned them all at some point. 

 

You could just buy yourself a soft case for your 45, because beyond that there isn't any noteworthy advancements to call a 55 an upgrade. I've owned a 45 previously.