Ice Fishing
Need a new flasher
I have a few flashers and just got one of the new helix 7 ice combos. Have had it out 7 or 8 times and I love it. I have always ran with a handheld gps in the winter, so the thought of putting a Lake master chip in something I’m carrying with me was a big selling feature... hopefully I’m done losing handhelds. The other one I use the most (especially on Winnebago system) is a vexilar fl12 with the ez ducer on it. Rather pricey for an add on, but for how many times I reach over to pull out a transducer, it’s been worth it. I did look into the new garmins this year, but that price is outrageous. I run humminbird on my boat so it would be a learning curve and something I could only use during the winter months. The helix is plug & play if a graph on the boat would go down. I have a buddy whose using one of the new mega image helix’s rigged up for ice fishing and have only heard good things so far.... a lot cheaper than where garmin is at.
I have a Marcum LX5 for about 7 years now, and have not had any show stoppers, but I am looking at upgrading and had thought the LX9 was going to be it. But i can get the LX7 with lithium shuttle, and purchase a aqua vu 715C and still be cheaper than the lx9! looking for help on that debate, but any one looking at the LX5 unit it is rock solid, but for a few extra $ i would go to the digital series. The LX 5 was the cats meow back then.
Just a note to anyone looking to buy a Hummingbird Ice 55, 45 or 35. There is a rebate (MC gift card) offer available. You need to go on their website before years end. Rebates are $55, 45 and 35 accordingly.
I have a marcum lv1 and a LX-3tci and other then having to warrenty my LX-3tci they have been great. Ran the lv1 for 10 years before upgrading last year, not seeing much benefit to the upgrade. I have also had chances to use the Fl20 and fl28. I just can't justify the extra cost over the marcums, but they are good units too, either brand does the job just fine. Never used a humminbird flasher, but didn't care for the humminbird lcd with flasher mode, it was just way too slow. On a side note, I did purchase a deeper pro plus wireless sonar unit. Gonna see how that works on my phone and tablet as compared to my flashers. It's a neat concept, I guess we will see just how well it works. Will post a comment on that as I get chances to play with it. Bacon
Never had any interference with any other flasher. I have a Helix 5 Ice with GPS. Hands down best I have had. Also have a Ice 45 and used a FL 8 for years. I won't ice fish without GPS/lake map again. They get you with the Micro SD card. I have a map SD cards but the Helix uses the micro..another 100 bucks..
The hummingbirds are nice but if you have one you better hope that the knobs don't break off. That's a common gripe about them simply because the cost to fix them stings big time. If it doesn't break then good for you....if it does your under $400 flasher has now jumped to costing you well over $500.
I have an LX7 and use it enough in the winter to justify the cost....but I also run it on my boat and it's a great open water unit. Split the cost between the two seasons and it was a very reasonable solution. Snagged mine for under $600 new in the box.
You might want to look around and see if you can get your hands on an LX1 or LX3. Marcum introduced a new line of flashers (M-series) which replaces the mechanical LX line. Plenty of those in inventory at places who want to get rid of them in favor of the new ones. Heck, right now you can get your hands on an LX5 for under $400.
