Looking at Vexilars

[Confused]

Hello All,

New here and pretty new to ice fishing. Currently I am in the market for a flasher and have my sights set on the Vexilar FL-12. Can anyone give me some feed back on this unit? Also, should I spend the extra $$ and go with the ultra pack or is the pro pack just fine?

Thanks,

Jason

[The General]

Just my 2 cents since you asked.  Instead of spending the extra money on the ultra pack (which I like) I would be getting an fl-18 or 20 with the zoom feature.  I have had an fl-8 and upgraded to the 18 a couple years ago.  I would never trade it back. 

[JohnWester]

welcome Jason... I'd say stick with the pro pack, you'll love the vex though.  I have the fl-18 and love it.  just my opinion.  put the extra cash towards a camera!   or like the general said, upgrade to a fl-18... the bottom zoom is the best.

[troutman]

 i am with both of the fellas  that replies already . i had a fl8  and just got the 18 ...  what a change. the btoom zoom  is the bomb!! you can actually tease the fish and watch them chase your bait.  anyway  thought i may as well support the two others . fl18  is one of the best on the market. i wouldnt trade it for anything !! good luck  and safe fishing

[Confused]

I hear you guys on the fl18 but I am on a bit of a budget. I just bought a gas auger last weekend and my wife is starting to get on me about the spending. Plus I really like the features of the newer Vexilars. I am still undecided.

Jason

[Spinach]

Have you taken a look at the Marcum flashers yet?

Being that you are on a budget, but still want as many features as possible, I would strongly suggest looking into a Marcum.

All of the Marcum flashers come with some sort of zoom feature, they are also less money.

Take a look at the Marcum VX-1:

* Bottom zoom
* IR
* 600 Watts
Plus a few other options that all flashers have.

All this for $249.99 and a $30 mail in rebate, making the final price $219.99 Compare that to the price of an equivalent Vexilar package.

Go to Marcum Techs website for pictures and more info, if you have any questions, I'll try and help. www.marcumtech.com

I have the Marcum LX5 and absolutely love the features it offers, they are more expensive thought at $479 but well worth every penny.

I would also suggset that you purchase whatever your budget will allow and get as many features as possible, once you start using a flasher, you will never want to fish without one.

Underwater cameras are also nice, but I'd put all my money into a better flasher if I had to start over again!

Whatever you decide between Marcum or Vex, you will be very happy!

[repoman]

i have a vex and ill tell ya ill never fish with out one again , but i have the fl8se pro pack and beat myself up for not spending the extra money on the fl18 for the zoom feature but next year ill be upgradeing to the 20 

[Cousin Kyle]

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/spo/532679257.html

This ad has a FL18 listed for $300.00. 

[DarterGuy]

The FL-12 is a great unit, and I have no doubt that you'll love it if that's what you go with. Others have stated it, and I'll back it up, you'll want to look at upgrading to the FL-20 if you're into walleye and perch fishing. The bottom zoon is remarkable. If you're looking at a 12 I would stick with the flat screen and go up to a 20 rather than an 18. The brighter lights, bigger viewable screen, and dimmer mode is a great new feature on these units. As for packs, the Pro Pack II is the best in my opinion. I've had them all over and back again and have settled on Genz Packs and Pro Pack II's for all of my units and my spares.

[Cousin Kyle]

Here is a Marcum from Craigslist.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/spo/533228941.html

[Confused]

Well, this morning I was talking to a friend at work about this and he has another friend that may be able to get me an FL-20 Ultra Pack for alittle more then the price of a FL-12 Pro Pack. I will find out alittle more info later tonight. I agree that having the zoom would be a nice feature. Before I talked with my friend here at work this morning, I had convinced myself that I was going to Cabela's for my lunch break and buying an FL-20. I will wait to see if my friend can get me one cheaper.

Jason

[itry]

Check out vexilar's website.  I bought a refurbished 18 from there that's still going strong after 5 years.

[thunderpout]

Just my three cents...lots of other fish in the sea...marcums are every bit as nice as vex's, I bought a zercom years back, Ive used different ones, know people who use em all, every one likes what they have, so they must all be half way decent...go for the best deal/value and ya cant go wrong.  Does a $600 flasher help you catch fish $400"s better than a $200 flasher.... Im not sure, but that $400 could get ya some milage gettin some other cool stuff!  -thunderpout

[Confused]

Lastnight I picked up a FL-20 Ultra Pack. I couldn't pass up on the deal. The guy that got it for me is very big into ice fishing and I guess he uses a Marcum but didn't say I was buying the wrong one. He said there was nothing wrong with the Vexilars. It's just personal preference. I charged it up overnight and will be going out tonight with the boys to see if it works. Thanks again for everyone's input.

Jason

[Confused]

Got out for a while this evening. The Vexilar worked great although we didn't catch much. I think we were in a bad area or something. I never even saw anything on the screen. Maybe I am doing something wrong. Although we didn't get much tonight, I now fully understand what everyone was saying about the zoom feature. I was using that tonight and can see how that would be a huge advantage. Again, big thanks for everyone's input.

On a side note, I somehow talked my wife into letting me buy a used Fish Trap Voyager. I am picking that up Sunday. It should be a big improvement over my Clam Jr I am using now.

Jason