fl-8 or fl-18

[dzag23]

Hello everyone-

I have only posted a few times before so , again hello to all. I plan on getting a vexilar before the season gets under way and was looking for some advice from those of you who use one. I was debating over the fl-8 and the fl-18. is the 18 really worth the price or should i get the 8. If the 18 is worth it what makes it that good. also, do you get alot of use out of it and has it put more fish in the freezer. Thanks for any info and good luck this season.:)
--Dave

[TrailFndr]

These questions were answered in the past few weeks on the board. Check out this thread for info that shouldhelp you decide...

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=80071

[ih772]

The short answer is yes it's worth the extra cost. I've haven't really heard any guys say they wish they would have saved the extra money and bought the fl-8. Get the dual angle transducer too. I've been using my FL-18 for three years now and I would never go back to fishing without it. The autozoom rocks when trying for fish that hug the bottom like walleye in the Sag river and deeper water...etc. This question has been asked many times before on here so I'm sure with a little searching you could find more info. If you have any specific questions I'll be glad to help as much as I can.

[Banditto]

bottom zoom=FL18 (not available on FL8)

[dzag23]

Thanks for the links and the info guys. It has been very helpful. I am going to do a bit more research however i am willing to bet that i will have the fl-18 before first ice.:) Thanks again.

--Dave

[tommy-n]

After using both of them, I personally think the biggest thing with both of them is the color difference between the new and old ones, the speed is also faster. I fish 3-4 days a week and spend alot of time using them. I don't see a huge difference betwwen the fl-8 and the fl-18. I do however see a huge difference between the new and older units. I personally don't think the fl-18 is worth another 100 bucks. I have 3 now and if I buy another one it will probally be another fl-8se Just my opinion :)

[Banditto]

And the fact that the 18 has bottom zoom, and the 8 doesn't. Having a flasher without bottom zoom is like fishing without a hook.

[hardwaterfan]

"do you get alot of use out of it and has it put more fish in the freezer"

YES and YES, you wont want to fish without it.....welcome to your new addiction. ;)

[tommy-n]

Hey banditto, I'll be more than glad to show you what little bit the bottom zoom feature helps I'll bring one of my fl-8 or fl-8se and you bring your fl-18 just let me know when and where.

[Banditto]

Too bad you live too far away. I am always up to the 6-pack challenge. No really though, maybe one of these weekends I can make it down your way. You can show me the secret shiver-on-the-river locals.

[koby]

if youre fishing deep water, like 20' or more, you will want the FL-18...the zoom feature really shines in deep water because you will be able to tell exactly where your bait is in relation to the bottom and if any fish approaches

without the zoom, youll have a decent idea of where the bait is, but not exact

ive used my FL-18 to pull perch and crappie out of 35' or more, and without that zoom, i probably wouldnt have

spend the money

get the 18