Fish Finders w/ Zoom?

[LXHunter]

Hey everyone, I'm considering upgrading from my Vexilar FL-8SE to one of the newer Vexilar or Lowrance models that has zoom capabilities. For those of you who have such models is the function worth the extra money? I generally ice fish lakes 20' or deeper. Any info. or advice you may have is greatly appreciated.

[JJ Mac]

Since you are fishing deeper water, I would say yes the zoom is worth the upgrade. The dual transducer too. I run a fl-18 ultra. I can tell you, I sure spend most of my time staring at the zoom side of the display. Many guys feel their fl-8 covers all their needs, but now that I have the zoom, I couldn't live without it. When a fish comes in, that baby really lights up, and gives excellent target separation. I don't think the fl-8 can show that area between the fishes belly and the bottom like an fl-18 can.

If you are selling your fl-8 to upgrade, now is a good time and it should have good resale value.

[TheApprentice]

I have to agree with JJ Mac. The zoom is where it's at if you are fishing deeper water. I would say if you are in 10' or less I would not bother with it, but anything over that it is a must have for me. When I am in deep water taht is usually all I stare at too. You won't be sorry if you purchase the FL-18 I can tell you that much. Like JJ said you should get great resale value for your FL-8 model especially this time of year. Good luck with whatever you decide on.

Ryan

[Cherokee]

LX:

I fish Reeds Lake alot. 30-45 feet and the specks suspend 6-15 off bottom.

I use a Marcum LX3 and can zoom throughout the entire water column ; not just the bottom six feet.

[FishTales]

LX:

I fish Reeds Lake alot. 30-45 feet and the specks suspend 6-15 off bottom.

I use a Marcum LX3 and can zoom throughout the entire water column ; not just the bottom six feet.
:yeahthat: New technology this year. I think that might be a determining factor. I have a Vex FL-18 and use it on LSC. Using the zoom on the bottom 6 ft, I can tell if a fish steals my minnow off the hook just by the change in the display.
Rich

[scottyhoover]

LX:

I fish Reeds Lake alot. 30-45 feet and the specks suspend 6-15 off bottom.

I use a Marcum LX3 and can zoom throughout the entire water column ; not just the bottom six feet.

That's one situation where that movable zoom comes in handy, been there, seen it, you're right ...they might suspend anywhere top to bottom.

You can zoom on more than the bottom 6 with a vex, but you have to go down one depth setting ....its kinda like jury riggin it, but it works. But you make a good point.

[MSUICEMAN]

LX:

I fish Reeds Lake alot. 30-45 feet and the specks suspend 6-15 off bottom.

I use a Marcum LX3 and can zoom throughout the entire water column ; not just the bottom six feet.

thats the main reason i was going to get a marcum, but ended up stumbling into a real good deal for a vex so thats what i got.

steve

[9mmruger1]

I use the zoom feature on my FL-18 all the time. It is just too cool to see such a close up of the bottom and the fish's reaction to the jig. Great benefit.