Little help here would greatly be appreciated. I am torn between the above flashers. Since I am not able to compare these side by side or use one and then the other I need some opinions on why or why not I should buy one of these units. I now our website is a sponsor of marcum but set all of that aside and let me here from all sides. I don’t want to spend 500 dollars on a unit I will be disappointed with.
Thanks in advance Josh
love my LX-5’s, played with a freinds 55 the other day and wasnt to impressed. He does own both and prefers the LX but forgot to charge it so had the bird along that day.
I recommend going somewhere where you can compare them. they all are good units,some have unique features,personal preferences may be the deciding factor.
Disappointment is something that will happen if you feel buyer’s remorse. Of course if the product fails, it’s gonna make anyone dissappointed too. Then again not being able to use a tool to it’s potential will also bring about dissappointment. I guess all I’m trying to say is, if you’re trying to avoid dissappointment, don’t use that as your purchasing motive.
I feel that the LX5’s best feature is SFL. The Ice55 is six color pallette.
What is the SFL?
Super fine line(sfl), instead of a fatter jig and fish mark you get a thin line. I like to use it when there are a ton of fish stacked in one area and in weeds. Combined with the NBT you can really zoom in on certain fish. With the target separation being 3/4″ you can really see the moods of separate fish. I’m partial to my LX-5 because its the only one I’ve ever owned. I’m sure you will get a ton responces and some quality opinions. Good luck and you wont be disappointed with the Marcum. Dan
Any flasher will help one become a better jigger. Zoom is the next step in improving your jigging skills. However that SFL(fuper fine line) feature on the LX5 basically can make you become an even better jigger. It’s like the next level above plain zoom. JMHO.
i was torn between these two units as of yesterday but got out on the ice with a couple buddies today and they both own one of the other, and for me its gonna be the 55 hands down that thing was amazing!
didnt like the small screen on th LX5 compared to the bird. also didnt like the interference we were using an otter cabin and had a FL8, ice55, and lx5 in the same house and the only guy having problems with interference was the LX5 user!
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I just purchased a Ice-55 this fall. Got it for a good price plus the $55 rebate put at a price of $320.00 for the unit…..hoping to get out next weekend to try it out… 
I have never had a problem getting rid of interference and I fish with a vex next to me allot. Now my partners 20 at times has issues and his 12 before that was almost unusable with my LX.
Same thing here. My LX5 never has any interefence issues with a Vex nearby. If I am fishing with someone thats using and FL12 or FL8, they are going to have interference issues next to my LX5, but its never on my end.
The only time I had interference issues was when I was at 10% battery life left. 
I never have used a Marcum. I have a 55 and a Vex for the wife. I bought the 55 for the digital depth, big screen, and the option to change the flasher color(I being color blind). The one thing I feel is the 55 is a little slow on the display. I feel the fish hit before it shows it at the jig. Has anyone ever had this happen?
Any flasher you buy will be a HUGH help. Good luck with your choice.
Quote:
I bought the 55 for the digital depth, big screen, and the option to change the flasher color(I being color blind).
X2
the 6 color setting is a big plus imo.
The one thing I feel is the 55 is a little slow on the display. I feel the fish hit before it shows it at the jig. Has anyone ever had this happen?
I have not,Its just as fast as my FL18 ,and I think faster when you use the six color setting.adjust the gain so bait is a week blue color and as soon as a fish comes close the colors start changing.
I strongly recommend the LX-5 with the interference reduction, and 3/4″ target seperation, on top of the adjustable zoom, by far the best unit out there!
Good Luck,
Tanner Wildes
I have not had any interference with my lx-5, messed with my buddies’ fl-8 though. I had the exact debate last year. I went to a place and had the side by side, and I personally like the features better on the lx-5. The both have the advantages and its all personal preference. I like the zoom feature much more on the Marcum, which was my big reason for purchasing that one.
I have and LX5 – would not trade it for the world – I fish with my cousin quite a bit that also has and LX5 – we are within 3 feet of each other, and no problems at all… but it does screw up those who are close and using a Vex.
I love my 55. Wouldn’t change from it.
Any ice down there in Charles City yet?
Yes we have some ice but not a lot of places to fish. I think I live in the worst town in Iowa to be close to any good fishing without have to drive 100+ miles to get there. River is now freezing up as well, I crossed it a couple times this weekend during shotgun season for deer. All interstate ponds and private have been good to go for the last 2 weeks or so.
Hands down LX5. I have an older FL8 I started with and still like it. I’ve used buddies Hummingbirds and they are decent machines. None are going to hinder you, it’s all personal preference.
That being said, IMO, you just don’t get the features you get with an LX5 on any other unit. Not sure how your buddy got interference on his but I’ve never had an issue in three years of using it. Hands down the best in the market for me is the Marcum LX5. I would buy it a 100 times over.
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