What locator to get?

[The Chemist]

So as i got a Cabelas CC, I will be able to get a new locator. Currently have 2 FL-8s but want an upgrade. I basically spend the winter for Cats. Have over $500 in awards.

[Austin12345]

Are you looking for one for hardwater or openwater

[The Chemist]

Hard water only. 

[Wanderer]

For a Vex guy an FLX 28 would seem like a logical choice unless you want to change completely.  Hook it up with lithium power.

[The Chemist]

Not really set on a brand for electronics. Looking for the unit that gives the best options but not extremely expensive. 

[Wanderer]

I can’t think of an option I’d want the FLX 28 doesn’t have.  I’d like to play with the shallow water/low power setting.  
 

I’ve been using Marcum LX5’s but have witnessed 28’s in action and would strongly consider purchasing one.  Otherwise I’ll upgrade to a Marcum LX 7 when I do upgrade.  I just haven’t been big on digital flashers due earlier experiences with them. I know they’ve improved a lot though.

 

 

Edited October 31, 2020 by Wanderer

[Horseshoe_Don]

been using a marcum lx-9 for years and the chart view is awesome for cats and other species.    The lx-6 will do most of the same stuff for a cheaper price.   Would never go back to a vex ever they are so lo tech.    Nothing beats chart view.  Never use my flasher view.  There service dept is in new hope and is 4 start.   My 2 cents worth. 

 

Horseshoe Don

[The Chemist]

Don, so looking at them they have the lx-6s, lx-7l and the mx-7gps. I like the gps portion if it saves waypoints on it. 

Thoughts?

 

[Horseshoe_Don]

not familiar with the mx-7gps.   Love the lx 6,7, and 9.    Also have an rt-9 which i am selling at an auction 

[Borch]

I haven't seen the mx7 GPS in action but what I'm told is that it simply adds the charting software.  I have had the lx6 for 2 winters now and really like it.  No discernable lag like the helix units have had.  Definitely go with the lithium version as these are tough on batteries.

[Wanderer]

I have some time in with the MX7 GPS now. Soft pack but still has the lithium power.  It runs a long time between charges; like days.  I do like it and continue to learn how to use the features.  It takes a little getting used to making quick adjustments; it’s not as quick as turning a dial.  It does read real time - no lag.  And nice to have mapping and sonar in the same unit

 

[Rick G]

I know it's not the Popular choice... but a good old Vexilar will last the rest of your lives... The Helix units are slow, and the colder it is the slower they are... Marcums, well there are lots of good points with the lx series, but can you see the screen with polarized glasses? That was a deal breaker for me a few yrs back when I was looking to upgrade my fl20... I ended up with a 28, bullet proof , simple, works in any weather and it will still work like new 15 yrs down the road

Edited February 3, 2021 by Rick G

[whateverisbiting]

I've had an LX-7 for quite a while now got it the year they first came out.  When I first got it, it did not work...brought it in and they fixed it on the spot turns out they had a bad batch of an electrical component.  Been great since.  I like it quite a bit especially the charting feature and split screen with zoom on the other side to focus on the bottom.

[eyeguy 54]

Upgraded to the Flx 20 for the flatter screen. Really like the unit. I hear a couple guys not liking the auto depth on the 28. Kinda slo. But sure like the color options. 

[Rick G]

15 minutes ago, eyeguy 54 said:

Upgraded to the Flx 20 for the flatter screen. Really like the unit. I hear a couple guys not liking the auto depth on the 28. Kinda slo. But sure like the color options. 

yep, auto zoom in shallow water on the 28s and from what I'm hearing, same thing on the new 30.   say your in 9 ft of water, it jumps back and forth between the 10 and 15 ft range... I only use auto when fishing new areas to get feel for depth, otherwise I set my depth range manually

[The Chemist]

So i ended up getting the garmin striker 5 plus ice package. Will see how it works this coming weekend. For the cost $300 it seemed the best bet for now. Plus after thinking about it i didnt want to pay 600 and not have a camera.

[Rick G]

The striker 5 is a solid unit.  buddie has one, I played with it a little.  definitely like it better than the Helix 5, not near as bad of screen lag once it's cold out

[The Chemist]

Really liking it. Iced my first cat with it. So much easier to identify fish and when they are sniffing a certain rod. Now to maybe change the color scheme