flashers

[llw]

I'm a newbie to ice fishing and just picked up the Marcum Showdown Troller 2.0. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles but it seems like a great value and the vertical display actually seems more intuitive to me, having never used the circular kind.

Runs on AA batteries and easily fits in my pocket. I've only used it a couple times but so far so good and for only $120 on Amazon.

[jeepdude64]

I would second the stick with velixar. I have the fl-18 and wouldn't trade it for any other. i do use the bottom zoom it makes it easier in weeds to see the fish come up. I know for erie an fl-8 would work fine.

I seen the showdown and to me for the additional money the 8 is worth it. The colors on the vex are very simple and the buttons easy to work. My wife bought me a Lowrance 5 elite ice machine and it isn't nearly as nice as my vex. i do like that i have gps on it but it will be used as a backup or for friends. i will continue to fish with my vex.

[Jawbreaker]

I have a Cabelas brand "VXR" you'd think it was a Vexilar by their name, but it's actually a Marcum. It has the zoom and I have to say I like it for when the bluegill are right on the bottom. It shows about the bottom 25% on the zoom side and still shows the entire water column on the other side. I know a lot of people with Vexilars and like someone else said, I've never heard of a problem with one. If I buy another it will be a Vexilar. Haven't had a problem with mine, but the Vexilar seems like the top of the line.

[jeepdude64]

I have the fl-18 and enjoy the bottom zoom when fishing weeds. I would second that the vex is the only one that I would get. My wife bought me a lowrance elite 5 ice machine for Xmas and it will be nice to have the gps but I will be fishing with my vex. My buddies or kids can use the elite 5. The vex is very simple to adjust and really easy to read and I have had it for 12 years without an issue.

I looked at the showdown this weekend that a guy was using and in my opinion not even close to the vex. With The colors on the vex you will learn to see fish size better and if your in weeds the vex really gives you what you need. I would put a vex right up there with auger and license...