which vexilar

  • fishinkatt
    N.E Wisconsin
    Posts: 14
    December 16, 2004 at 9:19 pm #1296765

    Hi
    I did pick up a Clam 5600 and—–

    Now I’m getting ready to purchase a vexilar– I’m asking all you fella’s that have made the change from the FL8 to the FL18 , if your think the 18 is that much better then the FL8?? Would like to hear your views , Pro and con. Is the FL18 worth the extra bucks???

    Thanks in advance.
    Dick

    John Luebker
    Posts: 694
    December 16, 2004 at 9:28 pm #332146

    ibupnort – Sorry I can’t help on the vexilar, but just wanted to say congrats on the new Clam. I am sure you will love it.

    bigcrappie
    Blaine
    Posts: 4304
    December 16, 2004 at 9:34 pm #332152

    The new FL-8SE has the new brighter display -vs- the old
    FL-8SLT but not the zoom some people like. I have a FL-18 and a FL-8SLT and like the 18 but do not use the zoom that much, other guys will say they do. If you have the extra $$$ then go for it, that way you will not be going “shoulda” If not the new FL_8SE are a great unit also.

    fishinkatt
    N.E Wisconsin
    Posts: 14
    December 16, 2004 at 9:34 pm #332154

    John — thanks for the input on the clam5600- I’m looking forward to taking mine for a “RIDE”–
    Dick

    derek_johnston
    On the water- Minnesota
    Posts: 5022
    December 16, 2004 at 10:49 pm #332172

    If you fish alot of bottom fish(walleyes,crappies,perch), you will benefit from the FL-18. If you plan on using it on your boat you will also like the bottom lock feature.

    bill_cadwell
    Rochester, Minnesota
    Posts: 12607
    December 17, 2004 at 12:32 am #332192

    Like Derek said if you fish the bottom it might be nice to have. Last winter I replaced all my ice fishing stuff too and if it wasn’t for buying a new ice house, Vexilar and all new ice fishing rods and reels [been away from it for awhile] I would have bought the FL18 Pro Pack instead of the FL/8SE Pro Pack probably. But with alot of money already spent and figuring that the FL-8SE was good enough I went that way. Haven’t used the FL8-SE yet as my back went out last winter but plan on using it this winter.
    Thanks, Bill

    MrSeaguar
    Posts: 14
    December 17, 2004 at 12:38 am #332193

    Froma finance standpoint, the 18 is less of a deal than the 8. With the difference being $300 to $400, the 18 would have to help you catch 33% more fish. Thats not going to happen. So the 8 is a better deal.

    buckshot
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 1654
    December 17, 2004 at 1:58 am #332207

    Don’t rule out the Marcum…same price as the Vex.
    Never used one myself…but I am going to.
    Rumor has it that I am getting one from the Walleye-brat for X-mas. I can’t wait!!!!
    JB

    derek_johnston
    On the water- Minnesota
    Posts: 5022
    December 17, 2004 at 2:56 am #332219

    You definatley miss alot of fish laying on or close to bottom without the zoom. The FL-18 will also hold its value better and you can’t beat the bottom lock feature.

    lebruce
    C.R. Iowa
    Posts: 60
    December 17, 2004 at 3:24 am #332223

    I have both the FL8 & FL18.When I go to buy another one I will deffently pay the extra 100. for the FL18 again.The 9-19 degree duel beam,bottom lock and zoom are well worth the extra money.

    scottsteil
    Central MN
    Posts: 3817
    December 17, 2004 at 1:46 pm #332247

    Like Buckshot said, I would check out the MarCum LX-3 before you buy a new flasher. In my opinion they out perform the FL-18 in many circumstances. You will be happy with either unit, but I encourage you to check out all the options before you buy.

    If you are looking to save some money I have my guide units for sale cheap in the For Sale section on the site.

    derek_johnston
    On the water- Minnesota
    Posts: 5022
    December 17, 2004 at 4:23 pm #332267

    Couple of the benefits of the FL-18 over other brands is power consumption and the 10 levels of interference rejection. The Fl-18 also uses a very high sensitive reciever with a low outout transmitter causing less heat which increases bushing life. The low output also creates less noise.

    lenny_jamison
    Bay City , WI
    Posts: 4001
    December 17, 2004 at 6:22 pm #332281

    I just bought a fl-18 and took it out for a test drive this morning at one of the local ponds. The improvements they have made over the standard fl-8 are unbelievable. I can see where the autozoom feature will be a tremendous asset. I cannot wait to use it for some real fishing.

    Lenny Jamison

    jphersh22
    SE Iowa
    Posts: 32
    December 18, 2004 at 5:40 pm #332411

    I’ve seen both and just bought a 18 myself. Gander Mountain in Cedar Rapids, IA had the 18 pro pack on sale for $359. I was debating between the 8 and the 18 but for $60 difference I thought I’d get the 18. I’m not sure if that was the same sale for all Gander Mountains or just our local store. I’d check. It shows they have some room to mark them down if nothign else.

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