Need suggestions on Vexlar purchase

Finally decided to join the high tech fishing world. Not a tech person so looking for some simple suggestions. Pretty much have decided on a Vexlar just not which one. Leaning on the 18 Genz pack. This is what I’m looking for:

Budget sensitive – best bang for the buck. Want to keep it as close to $400 as possible
Zoom – fish mainly walleye on LOTW’s so not a lot of real deep fishing. Would like to expand to some panfish or lake trout fishing in the future.
Simple – want a turn on and go. Not big into adjusting and resetting each time out.

Is the 18 a good choice?

Is it worth looking at reconditioned units from Vexlar?

Any good sources for the best prices?

Thanks,

I bought the 18 genz last year and I absolutely love it. I didn’t use the zoom much last year and was kind of upset that I paid the extra $$ for this feature until this year when I started using the zoom. I read on here somewhere that ppl use it a lot under 20ft so I gave it a shot. It’s really helpful with fish directly on the bottom for me. Plus have lp with a switch vs an s cable is definitely a plus. If you purchase this device it won’t disappoint!

Check out their website. In the past they used to have factory reconditioned units on it for a good price.

If you want the best bang for your buck, I’d look at the secondary market. My first machine was a FL-8se that I got at a pawn shop. Worked great, just sold it to my brother and upgraded to an FL-18 ProPack that I bought off the IDO classifieds. Honestly, the FL-8 was more than enough and I never felt my buddies with higher tech machines out fished me due to it. I do really like the 18 and having zoom so far too. Nice thing w/ a vex is they are nearly indestructible, so any on the secondary market or reconditioned unit should be good to go.

I know….I know you said Vexilar, but the only reason I am mentioning Marcum VX-1 is because of the first item on your list…..Budget Sensitive….

A quick Google search had me finding the cheapest Fl-18 at $429.99…Where the Marcum VX-1 is $339.99

These units are almost identical except for price. Both have bottom lock zoom, just turn on, hit zoom and fish. Marcum also comes with a soft carrying case to protect the investment as well. Yes you can find used units for much cheaper for both brands, but I would certainly look at the Marcum VX-1 as well because it is very similar to Vexilar FL-18, $100 bucks is a $100 bucks….

I think Baffin is better than Muck but Lacrosse Ice kings are good too……………… but Bunny boots!

I play a game with my self when I read titles of posts. If it says Vexilar, Thorne Bros or any other product not supported by this site I guess how many posts it will take to get around to introducing one of the brands that are…..

I usually go with 5.

I appreciate why this site his here and who runs it an why. Just a fun game I play……

For what it is worth, I have a Vexilar that still works as good as the day I bought it, about 30 years ago…..I also have an 18 i bought a couple years ago. I also have a few Hummingbirds and one Marcum. All good units. You won’t go wrong with your choice.

The FL-18 isn’t a bad unit by any means if you value the Zoom feature. The VX1-Pro as Cal said is a great unit too for the money. I used it a few years ago to finish in the top 50 at the Brainerd Jaycees Tourney.

The FL-8SE is probably all many need but its up to your own budget and preferences. At $269 Reconditioned from Vexilar its hard to beat as well.

For true bottom huggers, the LX6/LX6s and LX7 series are top notch as they see any movement on bottom. Movement in my opinion that can’t be detected on a traditional flasher because of the display type.

I will say, I like that Vexilar Head Units are all still made in Japan and are absolute tanks.

I have the fl18 and it’s all I need. Very user friendly,they are on sale now at fleetfarm I think for $369

FL-18 or LX3-tc,flip a coin.

As some have mentioned here the FL-8se will do what 80-90% of what the majority of ice anglers need. Was my first unit 15 years ago and it still does all I need to this day still. Have always been able to mark bottom, most any depth, you can tell if it’s hard or soft bottom, simple to mark your spoon or jig and never any doubt when a fish comes in.
I would suggest upgrading to a Pro Pack though, comes with bigger battery, battery indicator and a nicer carrier. Last I bought another 2nd one last year, well under $400., closer to $300.

I have a 8 and an 18 if you go with the vex go with the 18.Both units have been bullet proof.love them.The Marcum seems to be a good lower priced unit also.Looked at them but I’m loyal to the vexilar brand they havnt let me down.

mark-bruzek wrote:

Check out their website. In the past they used to have factory reconditioned units on it for a good price.

I purchased a FL 20 reconditioned a couple years ago have not had an issue and if your looking at vexilar this is the model I think is worth the upgrade to. It has the different display much cleaner than like the 18 or 8 other than does not have the sun blocker shield but I think you could get that at some point. Also has the 6 foot and 12 foot zoom. I think I paid just over $400 but that was a couple years ago so my suggestion is to go this route. you get a one year warranty from the company with purchase. Good luck…

I’m going to say that the Marcums are a better bang for your buck. I love mine but got a bad apple and it’s being made right now. I’ve had 2 over the years and I wouldn’t use a vex anymore. (I’m not endorsed by anyone, It’s just my opinion) You can get a variable zoom on a marcum for the same price as the vex with a bottom lock.

I just bought a humminbird ice 35 and a few people I ice fish with like my flasher better than their velar fl8 and 18s it costs about the same if not cheaper plus humminbird is doing a 35 dollar rebate on them and 35 on the ice 45s and 55 on the ice 55s

I have a FLX-28 and the kid has an FL-18 Both are great.

My buddy has a Bird 45 and it is also really good.

If I was buying new, I would take a hard look at the bird dollar for dollar and they tend to have discounts more often.

When I am in 20 FOW or less I tend not to use the zoom, but anything more than that I do.

As far as reliability I can’t speak to that as we have had them for 2 years. But the guy I bought the 18 from said it was 10 years old, I did have to throw a battery on it.

I have a FLX-28 and the kid has an FL-18 Both are great.

My buddy has a Bird 45 and it is also really good.

If I was buying new, I would take a hard look at the bird dollar for dollar and they tend to have discounts more often.

When I am in 20 FOW or less I tend not to use the zoom, but anything more than that I do.

As far as reliability I can’t speak to that as we have had them for 2 years. But the guy I bought the 18 from said it was 10 years old, I did have to throw a battery on it.

$400 will get u a very good unit regardless of which one. Zoom is a great feature esp for bottom hugging species.
Another thing to consider is which units will be fishing next to.
Imo, seems as though the same brands will play nicer together less interference then with other brands. However, with the more powerful and higher end units it’s not as much of a problem.
Good luck and enjoy

Thanks for the comments. I need to pull the trigger on something soon or it will be spring!