Flashers vs graphs

[FishReaper]

I know its not even hunting season yet but im starting to see deals on ice fishing electronics so ill ask now
This year i will finally join the electronics crown. Have it narrowed down to a few choices but want some into from the guys who have them.
for flashers im looking at a vex Fl18 or used Fl28 or a Marcum LX5I
Graphs are Lowrance Hook5 or Bird Helix 5

I like the idea of having mapping but i do have a small handheld i can use for that if need be.
Ive heard graphs have a delay that flashers dont. But ive never ice fished with a graph for i cant confirm this.
Just looking to see the pros and cons and what everyone is running

 

[Kurtr]

This is a question that has rarely been tackled on this site so i will try my best. Graph are the best.....end of discusion

 

[Captain Ahab]

Target separation is worlds better with a flasher. I have and use both. I usually jig with the Vexilar and put the graph in my bobber hole.

 

[Yoby]

Target separation is worlds better with a flasher. I have and use both. I usually jig with the Vexilar and put the graph in my BOBBER HOLE.

Sorry read this and chuckled.

 

[eyexer]

If you have the right depth finder/locator it has flasher mode in it also.

 

[FishReaper]

I have seen this. Bird seems to push it. Is it as fast and sensitive as a marcum or a vex?
Mostly will be used on eyes and panfish. But will venture out on sakakawea to see what I can pull out of the smlet clouds. The LX5i can zoom anywhere in the water column so that is nice for suspended fish

 

[Fishmission]

Flasher. instant readings. I like fine target separation but maybe that's just me. But, that's all I have ever used ice fishing. Before vexilar, had a hummingbird super 30 I bought used in the late 80's. It worked really good once I got used to it. Used it in the boat and icefishing.

 

[Joe]

I like the cheap humminbird I bought during closeout. But I'm happy just catching one keeper during ice fishing.

 

[Yoby]

For what it's worth, I have a Marcum LX6 and really like it. I can swith between graph and flash through the software. I can even run both. I like the graph to see if what I think I see on the flasher is real.

 

[johnr]

I'm a flasher guy, and also prefer using a flasher first hard water fishing

 

[Callem'In]

I have and use both. The graph is a bird 386ci (I think) and is mounted to my atv or sled depending on snow conditions. I use it for the GPS and maps when moving and trying to locate fish. When I get on fish and put up the portable, I use a flx28. The vex plays well with other flashers or graphs, but the bird only works if it is away from interference. As far as graph vs. Flasher, each have their advantages. Buy what you like best.

 

[Fisherman25]

This has been beaten to death in the past. There are advantages to both. I use a vex 28 and a bird helix 5. I love birds but if I'm going to sit and fish one spot like ice fishing I'll take the speed and target separation of a flasher every time. Yes, there is a flasher mode on the helix, but it's bloody slow and not near as crisp as the vex.

I'll put it like this for your pick...if you're OCD and stare at the flasher for hours on end like its the first naked woman you've ever seen, go with a flasher. If you just want to know there's fish around and like to remember what they looked like on the graph for 5-10 seconds after they leave use a graph.

 

[shorthairsrus]

If u know how to run a graph (unlike the majority of the vex boys) u will get all above mentioned features of both units exception being target seperation is not quite as good Eos

 

[FishSticks]

Found my FL18 several years ago on ebay and absolutely love it. Had one transducer issue and Vexilar support was outstanding, mailed the transducer and a few days later had a brand new one, no questions asked, at my doorstep. The customer service will keep me a Vexilar customer forever