Now this is a common question I have had before.. Im familiar with the Vexilar units. However Ive been doing research on the Marcum's and they stand out for me! They mostly come with a wider ice ducer and have a digital battery meter readout! And weigh alot less. I was looking at the LX-3tc.
Just out or curiosity whos got a vexilar and whos got a Marcum? Is it because you like 1 or the other better or you coundt find a Marcum to compare?
I think Im going to buy a Marcum LX-3tc for my first ice fishing flasher!
For those not familiar with the Marcum flasher systems you should check out this site... Man they weigh next to nothing compared to a vexilar, Plus they include the sot carrying bag! And theyre about the same price..
http://marcumtech.com/products/productf ... ProdCat1=1
Spence
Marcum or Vexilar
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Spence Scout
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- Location: Kitchener
Marcum or Vexilar
Last edited by Spence Scout on Thu Dec 14, 2006 9:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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wolfe
- Diamond Participant
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- Location: Marietta, NY & Wolfe Lake, Ont.
I have neither, because we ice fish so few times a year it just doesn't warrant the expenditure. I am always so intrigued and amazed by the Vexilar units I've seen used. Like a little kid: attracted to the bright colors and flashing lights! 
Slushy and Bowzog (and also Topwater) have given me some little lessons. Cool stuff.
W.
Slushy and Bowzog (and also Topwater) have given me some little lessons. Cool stuff.
W.
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Wallyboss
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- Location: Carlsbad Springs
I think this question is asked every year. And it all comes down to personal preferences. You can give me 10 good reasons to buy a Marcum and I'll give you 10 good reasons to buy a Vex.
I have an Vex FL-18 now and I wouldn't change it for anything. But when i bought it if there would've been a Marcum LX5 for sale at the same price who knows.
If you go to any Icefishing Forums you will see that after every 20-25 threads this one comes up again and again.
MARCUM or VEX this thread will keep coming up for years . But next year it might be !
MARCUM or VEX or VPG. If the only pro comment that you have is that it is lighter than a VEX why not go for a VPG????????????
GM or Chevy???? Bombardier or Arctic Cat. Honda or Kawasaki.
Vanilla or Chocolate. Paper or plastic. Shiners or Mudminnows?????????
LeBarons or Paddletales???? Sorry they don't sell Marcums at LeBarons
I have an Vex FL-18 now and I wouldn't change it for anything. But when i bought it if there would've been a Marcum LX5 for sale at the same price who knows.
If you go to any Icefishing Forums you will see that after every 20-25 threads this one comes up again and again.
MARCUM or VEX this thread will keep coming up for years . But next year it might be !
MARCUM or VEX or VPG. If the only pro comment that you have is that it is lighter than a VEX why not go for a VPG????????????
GM or Chevy???? Bombardier or Arctic Cat. Honda or Kawasaki.
Vanilla or Chocolate. Paper or plastic. Shiners or Mudminnows?????????
LeBarons or Paddletales???? Sorry they don't sell Marcums at LeBarons
hi spence scout.......
it realy depend your need....
do the homework,,,,,take a look at all those ice fishing site.and get the pro and cons off them.
1-it as a bag that come wit it..free.vex almost 50$....that is one thing
2-the marcum as a movable zoom........if you want to go whitefish suspended or lakers or wathever.....
your best bet would be to come and use them,,,,,,,i am sher people that do have one,,,would show you what they can do......and after you could deside...
i am sher vexilar will bring somthing out new for next year...
one thing there all good units...........wathever the unit you will take its gone to be a good unit.......
so its a matter off what you need....and budget.
good shoping.
joco
it realy depend your need....
do the homework,,,,,take a look at all those ice fishing site.and get the pro and cons off them.
1-it as a bag that come wit it..free.vex almost 50$....that is one thing
2-the marcum as a movable zoom........if you want to go whitefish suspended or lakers or wathever.....
your best bet would be to come and use them,,,,,,,i am sher people that do have one,,,would show you what they can do......and after you could deside...
i am sher vexilar will bring somthing out new for next year...
one thing there all good units...........wathever the unit you will take its gone to be a good unit.......
so its a matter off what you need....and budget.
good shoping.
joco
I looked around and did some research before I made my desicion.......and the Marcum LX5 came out miles ahead of the rest........definitly worth the $. I use it year 'round. We're very happy with it!! 
I'm a goin' fishin', mama's goin' fishin' and my baby's goin fishin' too.
.......Taj Mahal.... "Fishin' Blues"
.......Taj Mahal.... "Fishin' Blues"
Spence, everything you need to know about either units are on the page of the link I have provided... 
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/in ... board=74.0
Also a short video about the LX-5
http://www.fishfever.com/node/202/play
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/in ... board=74.0
Also a short video about the LX-5
http://www.fishfever.com/node/202/play
Last edited by Tip-up on Fri Dec 15, 2006 9:09 am, edited 1 time in total.
Flasher Decisions
I am buying my first ice fishing sonar this year also and I have been doing a lot of research on both the Vexilar and the Marcum... I looked at the VPG also but it is too new for me to take a chance on it. I am looking forward to hearing from anyone who bought one though about how they like it.
I was almost certain sure that I would be buying a Vexilar unit before I started doing the comparison between the units. I know many people who own them and swear by them, in fact many have bought several upgrades and traded up their units when they could but stayed with the Vexilar.
Being a total newcomer to using flasher sonars I needed to understand more about them to make an informed decision. I visited several sites and read all I could about them and also read about other people's experience using them and what they had to say about one versus the other.
I was totally surprised with the results.
As Joco pointed out the movable zoom feature in the top-of-the-line Marcum LX-5 is the only flasher that allows you to view anywhere in the water from bottom to the top of the ice.
This makes total sense because unless you are fishing for bottom hugging walleye you need to know where the fish are suspending and then you want to zoom in on that depth of water. You should outfish anyone using any other flasher with a Marcum if you are targeting suspended fish. They claim to also have the ability to block out signal interference from other near-by sonars also through another patented technology and the other units didn't talk about that at all either. It makes sense too if you go out on the ice these days and look around at how close some of us fish that signals from other flashers might scramble ours. Marcum out powers the other units totally and they boast an ability to give you a clearer idea of what is going on below you because of that. They can detect things a lot better that are grouped closely up to 3/4 of an inch apart. Marcum has a better charging system because it is automatic and therefore you can't overcharge your battery. It comes equipped with a meter so you know the state of charge of the battery at all times. The fact that they also come with a nice protective carry bag also says a lot. The top of the line Marcum is the way to go for anyone thinking of doing this in a serious way and this technology won't be out-of-date for a very long time.
I did some research on the transducer types available on both types also and was amazed at the results there also. Marcum has the field covered there also in the more expensive units but again the cheaper units are more comparable and there are only slight differences. Vexilar sells a cable accessory called the "S" cable for shallow fishing. Marcum says that their units can be fished at any depths without interference and despite the rumours that the excess power they have spooks fish shallow fishing there seems to be no evidence that this is a fact.
Price is also a factor and there are many cheaper models out there... but they don't offer as many features and therefore they are mostly the same but I will point out that even the cheapest model of the Marcum boasts more power than the top-of-the-line Vexilar. So dollar for dollar I think I will be buying the Marcum and because there is so little difference in the pricing between the LX-3 and the LX-5 I want the advantage of the movable zoom feature. I had sent out emails to every supplier in the area to get a feel for prices on units and they got back to me in very little time with their best prices. Only one dealer that I know of is carrying the Marcum in the area here.
It is my hope that I will have my Marcum LX-5 in the new year and I hope that the learning curve on these items isn't too steep. Vexilar units come with an instruction CD to teach you how to adjust and read your unit. I didn't see anything like this on the Marcum although they mention that they have a demo setting that shows you what the unit should look like as a fish is attracted to your lure and then takes the bait. That is a good idea but I really like the instructional CD idea too.
Bring on the ice... I think it should be a great season once we get out there.
One final point I would like to make would be this. I have ice fished for over twenty years. I have never owned an auger, a hut, or an ice fishing sonar and have enjoyed every year and always caught fish... or at least sometimes caught fish. Now that I am a bit more older and slightly better off financially I can finally afford a few of these luxuries that promote easier and more comfortable enjoyment of this great outdoor sport we call "Ice Fishing". But I need to point out that the real joy of ice fishing is just getting out and sharing the fun with friends and family and getting off the couch during our long winters here in North America. Never once did anyone refuse to punch a hole for me when I asked. Now that I own a power drill I will not forget that. Never did I find myself really thinking that I needed a hut when I could sit on my pail bundled against the cold and when the ice was good I could bring the car out and jump in there to warm up while still watching for the flags to pop up. I have caught fish with nothing but simple experience when guys around me using all sorts of tools were getting skunked. I guess what I am trying to say is just go out there and have fun. Ask questions and try different things and do your research online and through TV shows and magazines. Ice fishing is a riot once you get the hang of it... and even in the down times... the people you will meet doing it will keep you entertained enough that you will hardly notice the cold.
I was almost certain sure that I would be buying a Vexilar unit before I started doing the comparison between the units. I know many people who own them and swear by them, in fact many have bought several upgrades and traded up their units when they could but stayed with the Vexilar.
Being a total newcomer to using flasher sonars I needed to understand more about them to make an informed decision. I visited several sites and read all I could about them and also read about other people's experience using them and what they had to say about one versus the other.
I was totally surprised with the results.
As Joco pointed out the movable zoom feature in the top-of-the-line Marcum LX-5 is the only flasher that allows you to view anywhere in the water from bottom to the top of the ice.
This makes total sense because unless you are fishing for bottom hugging walleye you need to know where the fish are suspending and then you want to zoom in on that depth of water. You should outfish anyone using any other flasher with a Marcum if you are targeting suspended fish. They claim to also have the ability to block out signal interference from other near-by sonars also through another patented technology and the other units didn't talk about that at all either. It makes sense too if you go out on the ice these days and look around at how close some of us fish that signals from other flashers might scramble ours. Marcum out powers the other units totally and they boast an ability to give you a clearer idea of what is going on below you because of that. They can detect things a lot better that are grouped closely up to 3/4 of an inch apart. Marcum has a better charging system because it is automatic and therefore you can't overcharge your battery. It comes equipped with a meter so you know the state of charge of the battery at all times. The fact that they also come with a nice protective carry bag also says a lot. The top of the line Marcum is the way to go for anyone thinking of doing this in a serious way and this technology won't be out-of-date for a very long time. I did some research on the transducer types available on both types also and was amazed at the results there also. Marcum has the field covered there also in the more expensive units but again the cheaper units are more comparable and there are only slight differences. Vexilar sells a cable accessory called the "S" cable for shallow fishing. Marcum says that their units can be fished at any depths without interference and despite the rumours that the excess power they have spooks fish shallow fishing there seems to be no evidence that this is a fact.
Price is also a factor and there are many cheaper models out there... but they don't offer as many features and therefore they are mostly the same but I will point out that even the cheapest model of the Marcum boasts more power than the top-of-the-line Vexilar. So dollar for dollar I think I will be buying the Marcum and because there is so little difference in the pricing between the LX-3 and the LX-5 I want the advantage of the movable zoom feature. I had sent out emails to every supplier in the area to get a feel for prices on units and they got back to me in very little time with their best prices. Only one dealer that I know of is carrying the Marcum in the area here.
It is my hope that I will have my Marcum LX-5 in the new year and I hope that the learning curve on these items isn't too steep. Vexilar units come with an instruction CD to teach you how to adjust and read your unit. I didn't see anything like this on the Marcum although they mention that they have a demo setting that shows you what the unit should look like as a fish is attracted to your lure and then takes the bait. That is a good idea but I really like the instructional CD idea too.
Bring on the ice... I think it should be a great season once we get out there.
One final point I would like to make would be this. I have ice fished for over twenty years. I have never owned an auger, a hut, or an ice fishing sonar and have enjoyed every year and always caught fish... or at least sometimes caught fish. Now that I am a bit more older and slightly better off financially I can finally afford a few of these luxuries that promote easier and more comfortable enjoyment of this great outdoor sport we call "Ice Fishing". But I need to point out that the real joy of ice fishing is just getting out and sharing the fun with friends and family and getting off the couch during our long winters here in North America. Never once did anyone refuse to punch a hole for me when I asked. Now that I own a power drill I will not forget that. Never did I find myself really thinking that I needed a hut when I could sit on my pail bundled against the cold and when the ice was good I could bring the car out and jump in there to warm up while still watching for the flags to pop up. I have caught fish with nothing but simple experience when guys around me using all sorts of tools were getting skunked. I guess what I am trying to say is just go out there and have fun. Ask questions and try different things and do your research online and through TV shows and magazines. Ice fishing is a riot once you get the hang of it... and even in the down times... the people you will meet doing it will keep you entertained enough that you will hardly notice the cold.
Spence Scout:
Just for your info in case your not aware of it, and have not already made up your mind up. Cabela"s has a flasher on sale made by Marcum as well as a promotion that will get you another $20 off if you order before the 22nd of Dec. Even with shipping and taxes not a bad deal.
And to Seaweed:
Great article. When I make it out onto the ice, hopefully you or Joco are in the vicinity since this will be a learning experience for me !!
xcal
Just for your info in case your not aware of it, and have not already made up your mind up. Cabela"s has a flasher on sale made by Marcum as well as a promotion that will get you another $20 off if you order before the 22nd of Dec. Even with shipping and taxes not a bad deal.
And to Seaweed:
Great article. When I make it out onto the ice, hopefully you or Joco are in the vicinity since this will be a learning experience for me !!
xcal
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fishottawa
- Participant
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Sun Dec 10, 2006 2:36 am
Fish finding
Yeah...
Here's a tip..... Don't use any.....
Takes the fun out of ice fishing, man, if all you're going for is to get fish the visit LOeb's fis freezer.....
Here's a tip..... Don't use any.....
Takes the fun out of ice fishing, man, if all you're going for is to get fish the visit LOeb's fis freezer.....
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fishottawa
- Participant
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Sun Dec 10, 2006 2:36 am
Ice fishing help
Basically,
S. Scout, you need something built for handicapped children...
This is just a general opinion formed after encountering you in your so called "work" environment.....
Don't "work" too hard.............hahahahaha.... I can't even stand up straight after that................
Peace out......Don't work too hard...........Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..............
Sorry.................
S. Scout, you need something built for handicapped children...
This is just a general opinion formed after encountering you in your so called "work" environment.....
Don't "work" too hard.............hahahahaha.... I can't even stand up straight after that................
Peace out......Don't work too hard...........Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..............
Sorry.................
Don't worry Joco....
If Bobber doesn't clean it up....the 5 year old mentality PM's I received last from "fishottawa" last night will be posted on here....then I hope Bobber outs whoever it is.....it's a member on FH that's created another name....
And they have the gumption to ask why people leave....
If Bobber doesn't clean it up....the 5 year old mentality PM's I received last from "fishottawa" last night will be posted on here....then I hope Bobber outs whoever it is.....it's a member on FH that's created another name....
And they have the gumption to ask why people leave....