I just got the lowrance elite 5 with chirp and it does work fine in flasher mode. It takes a little more to get it to the settings needed. It does have more noise on the flasher but I was able to use it and see fish with no problem. I like being able to connect it to the quad and use the gps to move around. I was fishing with the owner of your bobbers down that had the top marcum and it was very nice but a very high price tag. It really shined in the weeds we were pulling fish from.

I think any is way better than none and I wouldn't jig fish without one. I don't mind the noise to me the biggest thing I like is the simplicity of the vex and with 3 dials it was easier to adjust the settings than the multiple menus in the lowrance. I think the similiar priced Marcums are just as easy. Best thing is get out and fish with someone that has them. I will be up February 14th for 3 days if you want to see the vex or lowrance work.