I currently use a FL 18 and am looking to upgrade units. I mainly fish shallow backwaters(1-10ft.) but also fish lakes in (1-40ft.) I am wondering if their is difference in models or brands that can make this upgrade irresistable.
I have the same senerio, but I own a fl-12, I think next year I’m goimg to a marcum Lx-7(upgrade a little). I like the concept of a 10 foot scale 
Joe is on the right track there. 
The fl-18 is a good unit but (without starting a war here )If you take a look at the flasher mentioned or the 5 or 6 you will see exactly what is worth upgrading with your own eyes. Good luck
i really like the “V” brand for ease of carrying it fits nicely in a bucket so i can walk in lite.I am not sure about the “M” brand and if it fits a 5 gal. pail.( not sure if I can say brand names.)
Honestly if it were me I would run your 18 until it dies. You have to ask yourself if changing or upgrading units will put more fish on the ice, I would say no. However if you have to have the latest and greatest and have an extra $600 bucks laying around go for the upgrade.
That is very true, You will probably be using the 18 for the next 20 yrs then cause they just don’t die. This post is going well with no names 
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i really like the “V” brand for ease of carrying it fits nicely in a bucket so i can walk in lite.I am not sure about the “M” brand and if it fits a 5 gal. pail.( not sure if I can say brand names.)
M’s will fit in a bucket if you put them on their side. They fit very snug actually.
For an upgrade, maybe look at a lx-6 or 7. I’d really like to have a 6, but got some other upgrading to do first before I get to the flasher.
MARCUM
VEXILAR
There. The cats out of the bag. 
If you’re wanting to update this season, I’d say hold off. Not really worth investing another $600 into a unit only to be used for another month or so unless you’re taking the unit onto the boat.
But if you got the $600 laying around and feel like you want to spoil yourself a bit then the 6 and 7 will do the $600 tag justice. A flawless unit once dialed in.
I am planning on holding off but just trying to get some input. One of the main concerns is my 18 has the LP mode and when I fish those shallow areas I have to turn the gain up to see the super light jigs I am fishing. Mostly the purest. Was wondering if maybe one of the units could maybe help with the better lure identification without picking up the weeds or particles in the water.
No need for a lp mode with the M, gain zeros out so lp not needed and they work great in shallow weedy waters….
If theres any boat shows coming around your area I’d buy from there…I got my LX5 for 399 and a buddy I know got a LX6 for 500…
This is definitely the time to buy. With the season coming to a close soon everything is on sale at bargain prices.
Going with a Marcum such as an LX5, 6, 7 etc gives you features such as dual transducer, better target separation, adjustable zoom, IR, super fine line detail and more color palettes in 6/7. With the 6, 7 units it goes even further giving graph and open water modes, water temp, dynamic zoom etc. With so many features you’ll wonder why you didnt upgrade earlier. Of course keep that old flasher as a back up unit or for a buddy that comes along on the ride.
Plus you dont have to hang your transducer below the ice line like some other brand flashers, in most case just hanging it a few inches below water. This way you dont get tangled up with fish when pulling up the hole.
Marcums will never or rarely ever show you surface clutter, allowing you to distinguish fish roaming right below the ice or in shallow conditions. No need for a low power mode.
And if your worrying about the learning curve dont be. If you can operate a remote controller and navigate a TV menu you can operate an LX6 or 7 flasher. There’s never been a better time to start seeing “RED!”
I had a FL-18 for one year then switched to the LX-5 the next. They both do well but if you get a chance to see one of the M’s your considering in action (Most guys will be glad to show off there M’s on the ice) and have the extra cash I am sure you will see the difference and then be able to make your own choice. 
One advantage mentioned was have the ducer just under the water is so nice with marcum. Also if you go with the 6 or 7 you get target adjust which means you can choose the size of the display you want for your jig and not change the other information if I under stand that right. So purist is no issue and neither is shallow water. I have fished 6 ft of water with brush and no issues at all seeing fish in the limbs. Same with weeds you can see them hanging out down by the stocks… seeing red yet?
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MARCUM
VEXILAR
There. The cats out of the bag.
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