Marcum VX 1i… good unit?

Found a used one for a couple bills, wondering if it’s worth picking up. What’s the comparable vexilar?

I would place the VX1 between the FL8 and FL18. The vx1 had a 5′ bottom zoom similar tho the 6′ bottom zoom of the fl18. The vx1 does lack some sensitivity and you have to move your lure about 2-3″ to see the vx1 show that the lure has moved. This is due to less lines of resolution used by Marcum. The vx1 is significantly brighter though.

I have 2 fl18 and a vx1 and last season I found myself using the marcum more, specifically due to brightness and not needing to grab the transducer cable and unit to move holes as the marcum does not utilize a float but a holder arm. The arm holder allows less you have to hold on to, though the vex could be rigged with a holder arm.

Just my $.02

I bought my VX-1i new 3 seasons ago for $320 and as my first and only unit so far, I love it. I wish I had the cash when rapala was discontinuing them for very cheap but……that’s how it goes. I would have bought 2 more of them.

The bottom lock (5’) is nice and is always on if I’m over more than 10’ of water. I fish primarily tungsten jigs in sizes 3-5mm and have zero issue seeing my jig. I don’t have the issue of having to move my jig 2”-3” to see it represented on the screen. Mine is very responsive to jig movement and I would say it picks up my subtle jigging accurately. It definitely doesn’t need 2”-3” to register movement. Thin spoons are a different story but that’s just how sonar works.

The screen is nice and bright and the colors are crisp. I haven’t had to use the interference rejection yet.

If the electronics are still in good working order and the ducer isn’t shot, I’d say go for it. It’s worked out well for me the last few seasons and I don’t see it stopping any time soon.

Anyone have any thoughts on using a VX1 vs a Garmin Striker 4?

I have used both the VX1 and the vex fl8. I will never buy another marcum product. The marcum was noisy, didn’t work well in shallow water, and needed almost constant adjustments to keep interference down. Marcum may give you more features, but they are nearly worthless with the issues I mentioned. My issues may not be indicative of most marcum units, but I will stick with my reliable vexilar.

Owned one for a few weeks before returning it for a Humminbird 35. The higher end Marcum units are good but IMO, Vexilar and HB have the intro market pegged. Vexilar for reliability and HB for features. I’m about 137% sure many here will disagree with my statement and I’m A-O-K with that.

I have had 2 marcum vx-1p’s for 2 1/2 years now. Got them new on sale for $200 each and I wouldn’t go back to an fl8 or the showdown they replaced. Good battery life and the zoom is a great addition. For the money I don’t think you can beat it.

You’ll be lucky if you don’t have to replace the motor. Known problem for marcum flashers, that still hasn’t been remedied as far as I know. I’ve replaced two motors so far.

Love my VX1I $200 is a great price. Never any issues

Love my VX1. Been running it for years without a single issue.

All brands/units have issues. You’ll find a lot of people that have sworn off any brand out ther (vexilar, hummingbird, marcum). You just need to find the unit with the features that fit what you like to do (bottom zoom isn’t necessary for everyone, for example).