01-22-2013, 09:41 PM
Here's what I've found so far and seen. Between Marcum and Vexilar you're splitting hairs basically. They're both excellent. For your price range these are the ones you could get. Vexilar FL-8 with the genz pack via cabelas for $320. However the Marcum LX-3 is on sale for $349 right now and it will give you adjustable zoom and several interference reduction channels for blocking out other flashers near you. This is the one I currently have and I couldn't be happier with it. When researching it I would have had to go with the Vexilar FL-12 to get similar features and it's on sale for $450 right now. The other option in your price range is the Marcum Showdown digital. It is being sold by Marcum and Cabelas for $350 right now. I've heard good things about it but never seen them. I know when it came out there were concerns about its real time capabilities when it gets real cold d/t the liquid crystal display, but I have not heard much beyond speculation on it. However it is in your price range. The only other thing I think might be a decent option would be the Marcum showdown troller for $179. I have heard almost nothing about it. It seems to be a smaller version of the showdown, largely geared towards frequent moves. No idea as to how well it works. I do know the FL-8, FL-12, LX3, and LX5's I've seen have all been good flashers. Some just have more features. Personally I'd pay the extra $30 for the Marcum LX-3 that has the case, carrier, zoom capability, battery and charger (holds a charge all day), and the wider range of interference rejection. Either way, I've never heard a bad thing about either of those companies. Humminbird flashers I've heard a few negatives so you might consider that when researching those if you look at them. Avoid the fishing buddies.
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