Help finding a vexlar

[JeffBoz]

I finally convinced my dad into getting a vexlar, but we dont just want to go to Gander and pay 4 something for one. I also am debating on which one to get. I don't want to get the FL 8 and then start regretting it. I need some help on which one to get and also if anyone spots any really good deals or knows someone who wants to sell one. O ya and if there are any accescesories that are a must have, becuase i have no clue :) . Thanx a bunch.

-Jeff-

[wally-eye]

Not sure if their price is any cheaper than anyone else but I was at Jays Sporting Goods in Clare yesterday. They literally have a 20 foot display case full of any kind of vex and vex attachment you could ever want or need.

I purchased a FL18 Ultra Pack with the dual transducer, 9 and 19 degrees. $479.00. Which is within $5. of anyone else I could find that HAD them in stock.

After looking at all of them and the hookups etc. I went with the ultra pack. There is NOTHING you have to hook up on this one. With a charged battery you literally turn the switch on and drop the probe. All the others you have to plug in wires, unplug wire etc. NOTHING wrong with that but I figured I was spending 400 something so might as well spend 40 more and get the top of the line. Its got a carrying handle and the whole works fits in a 5 gallon bucket to stay safe.....................

Its charging right now and will be put to use tomorrow.

Jays is a BAD place. Literally could spend days in there. If they ain't got it no one has it..........

[gomer]

any vexlar is better than no flasher at all...

even with an fl8 you will not regret the purchase.

[jpollman]

I've looked around a lot at Vex's. They're pretty much the same price anywhere you look. Even the "new in box" ones on ebay go for about retail. There aren't many deals out there even post season the prices stay right up there. They've got a good product and they know it.

[jpollman]

I stand corrected, I just looked and I found an FL-18 Ultra Pak on ebay new in box with a Buy It Now price for $399.99 and $15 shipping. So you can save a few bucks if you're willing to go the ebay route. $415 for an FL18 Ultra Pack is a pretty good price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=36152&item=7130716092&rd=1

I'd like to have one but I just haven't had any interest in ice fishing this season. Maybe one day I'll bite the bullet and get one. I'm pretty sure that if I do decide to keep on ice fishing, I'll get one.

[fishing addict]

I,bought a FL8se, yesterday at Vern's,in Woodbury(near Lake Odessa),for $279.00.It came ice ready with a 19degree self leveling transducer and a plastic carrying case that will fit on a 5 gal. bucket.Total with tax was $296.00.
I,had shopped around some,and found $340.00 to be the going price most everywhere.I,saw that one and had to have it.

[stampman]

I had a ice buddy who bought the FL8. I bought the FL18 9-19 degree. My buddy fish with my FL18 and he says to me he wish he had spent the extra money for the FL18. He like the zoom feature. Just something to think about. It's like building a gararge 24 ft. by 18ft. then you wish you made it 24ft. by 24ft. cause you need more room.

[fishing addict]

Vern's had the FL18's also for $379.00 I think,but don't remember for sure.They are located on the corner of M-43 & M-66.

[slayer]

Try Thorne Bros. Like Wally -Eye says prices are about the same but with thorne you pay no shipping and no sales tax my FL8 SE ULTRA PACK is on the way be here tomm. :D give them a look. good luck

[Houghton laker]

I got my fl-18 with dual transducer from thorne bros. also...All I can say about Vexilar AND thorne bros. is they are both top notch companies!!

[JeffBoz]

thanks for the help

[Cherokee]

www.reedssports.com (http://www.reedssports.com)

Stop out on Reeds Lake sometime and check out my Marcum LX3...you'll like it when you see it.

[Cherokee]

JeffBoz - Forgot to put in a plug for the USA...Marcum is made in the United States of America!!! You owe it to yourselves to check the LX-3 out....

[tommy-n]

I have 3 vexilars, the fl18 is somewhat over rated, not much difference between them, anyone would be better than none. I grab the fl-8 just as often as the fl18

[Houghton laker]

Unless you are going to be using it to walleye fish I would tend to agree with Tommy-n ! for perch and gills the fl-18 isn't really needed at all but it helps for eyes when they stay close to the bottom...helps pick them out!!

[tommy-n]

Yep, you nailed it HL

[JeffBoz]

I really only fish for panfish through the ice...except for the occasional tip-up outing... I really want the vex to help find the suspended specs and ciscoes and obviously to see if there are fish in the hole.. so would the FL8 be my best bet??????Thanx
-Jeff-

[callie]

I would go with the FL18 because it has the capabilty of showing /zooming in on the bottom 6 foot. Believe me it is a great feature that you will use often.

[tommy-n]

Jeffboz, If you don't mind spending the 400 bucks get the fl18, if you want to spend 279 get the fl8 I promise you will be happy with either one, period. I have been using a vexilar for 12 years or more, most people on here have had theirs only a short time, funny their all experts already though. I fish 3-4 days a week all winter every winter and like I said you can't go wrong with either one.

[JeffBoz]

Thanx Tommy you sound like you know what you are talking about. I guess I will just have to see what I can get the best deal on.

-Jeff-

[Houghton laker]

same here tommy!! I had the original Hondex fl-8 !! And I still have the Original white fish trap the dave genz made out of his garage!! It was made with a plywood base and 2x2 runners!! It is still in good condition!! I would not part with that for the world!!