So I am looking to upgrade my ice fishing setup. I currently use a Helix 5 in ice mode, not happy with how it doesn't pickup the lure or battery useage. I am looking at Fl8, Fl12 or a Fl18... I've used the Fl8 in the the past, but I'm looking for Pros/Cons.... Thanks

If those are the only options the 18 wins hands down the bottom lo k feature is so important to me. I have a 22 and an old 8 as a spare will have my new 30 this week.

If I were looking I would get the 12 or 20. That way you get the updated display. I know it is not much but looking at it all day it is a lot nicer. Either way, you will be happy.

From the Old and Dusty corner...........

I upgraded to a Vex FL8 that is all that I really need. (Imma hack lol)

I do have my Hummingbird Silent 60 with the two lantern battery ice rig as a back up. (I told ya it was dusty here)

Pay for how you play!!

Keith

Out of the options you said the fl18 for sure

Quote:


Marcum has their M5 on sale 375.00. That is a steal. I have my first LX5 for 12 years no and not a problem.........Kirk

FL18 is dope! I would recommend staying away from the 8 or the 12. If you fish with a lot people that has the top models like Panoptix, Fl28, Marcum LX7/LX9, you'll get a ton of distortion/interference.

I only say so because I started from the FL8, upgraded to the 12, then upgraded to the FLX28. FL18 is your best options hands down. Plus, most of the time you can probably find a FL18 for a good price on craigslist or FB marketplace. Heck, I have FL18 Genz Pack just sitting in my basement if you wanted to trade the humminbird. I'm looking use the humminbird on my boat.

The 18 would be my choice.
You get what you pay for.

I got the vex 18 about 7-8 years ago (old fart, could be off on the time) and once a 16 year old showed me how to use it I love it. Wished I got out more but when I do it does the trick. Depth/ battery life add on and it’s all I needed.

the 12 has a larger screen and the 18 has bottom zoom. I'd almost prefer the 12 as the zoom on the 18 isn't really that great.

But yeah the M5 for treefitty and change is a really hard deal to pass up.