Need your Vexilar knowledge

huntinforfish · Nov 12, 2015

I have owned an FL8 for a long time and it works great and has been bulletproof. I have the opportunity to pick up a used FL18 for a good price. I fish a decent amount during the season and target everything and all over. I like the idea of a second flasher for company in the Otter, just curious to hear your thoughts on the 18. Worth buying used or should I shell out more cash for one of the new units like a 22 or something. Are the new features worth the cash? Any input, ideas and smartass comments are welcome. I will say that i'd like to stick with Vex for obvious interference reasons but I am open minded...

Jigaman · Nov 12, 2015

how much are they asking? If you fish in water deeper than 20' do your self a favor and get the 18 (or any other model that has the zoom feature)

Captain Ahab · Nov 12, 2015

If you are used to the 8 you will be thoroughly impressed with the 18.

Jigaman · Nov 12, 2015

you can get a new basic fl18 for about $385.

MuskyManiac · Nov 12, 2015

All you need is the 18. I have a 20 and some friends have the 28. They are nice with a little bigger display, but in all reality you just need something with a bottom zoom, and the 18 does that just fine. When I pick up another flasher for my kids/wife, I'll probably go back to the 18.

DirtyMike · Nov 12, 2015

Yep the 18 is ideal. The other bells and whistles are just that. If forced to choose one, it's the 18, and I have 28.

Brian Halse · Nov 12, 2015

get the 18 and use the 8 as an anchor.

You won't miss it.

nxtgeneration · Nov 12, 2015

I went from an 8 to an 18 a few years ago and would never look back. i would like one with the large flat screen but its not necessary.

3Roosters · Nov 12, 2015

i have a 20 and love it. I have fished with a buddy who has a 18 and he likes his as well. 6 of one half dozen of another IMPO. Bottom zoom is key..as was mentioned.

GSM · Nov 12, 2015

I would probably get back to work!! Watch out if its G-Dawgs vex...
But seriously i like the 18's

Kickemup · Nov 12, 2015

I used to use an 8 them went to a 22. Bottom lock is work every penny. I'm a big fan of the flat screen also. But if a 18 came up for a good price I would still get it.

huntinforfish · Nov 12, 2015

Jigaman said:
how much are they asking? If you fish in water deeper than 20' do your self a favor and get the 18 (or any other model that has the zoom feature)

I think we are at $200 now. Supposed to be in mint condition. Co-worker of my brother is selling it and I guess he is a straight up guy. Good price? I don't know what used flashers go for...

Captain Ahab · Nov 12, 2015

That's a good price.

nxtgeneration · Nov 12, 2015

huntinforfish said:
I think we are at $200 now. Supposed to be in mint condition. Co-worker of my brother is selling it and I guess he is a straight up guy. Good price? I don't know what used flashers go for...

excellent price. i keep an eye on craigslist because i wouldn't mind picking up another and it seems $350 is the lowest i ever see.

all4eyes · Nov 12, 2015

I have 2 fl8's, haven't found anything better for the money.

lunkerslayer · Nov 12, 2015

I have a question on the new tri beam ducer does this have the 9 degree cone from a proview. The new ones don't have the red bottoms anymore. Anyone purchase the new design tri beam

bowcarp · Nov 12, 2015

really like my fl8 , but when I can upgrade the zoom feature is a must , I am curios on different opinions of tri-beam vs. pro view , have watched you tube ( confused me ) , but real world opinion would be great I am leaning to the pro view , from what I understand adjusting the gain on the pro view almost gives you the tri beam ?????? wrong or right ?

lunkerslayer · Nov 12, 2015

Do you think the lithium 10 amp battery would be good replacement if the acid one goes dead, dakota lithium is around 99$. By the way the 28 flx is by far superior to the 18 the separation on the bottom zoom has a 1/4 inch separation attached to a tri beam in 25+ feet of water is awesome for perch hugging the bottom. The 28 also give you depth through the ice, more settings for interference awesome plug in charger. Save your money buy a reconditioned 28 from vexilar still has the same warranty as new.

Fisherman25 · Nov 12, 2015

I own an 18 and a 28. They're both great. Like others have said, the bottom zoom is key. Any upgrade from a 18 is really just bells and whistles. Sure the newer ones have low power weed modes which are nice at times, but you can't go wrong with an 18, especially for
that price.

f7_2003_97x · Nov 12, 2015

I bought the 28 to replace my 18. Love them both. Wouldn't go back to the 18 but worked great. I sold my 18 on fleabay for $285.

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