Need a new flasher this year. My Zercom is finally losing it. (10 years aint bad!)
Looking for some pros and cons on the new SHOWDOWN flasher. The price is right but do you get what you pay for?

Thanks!
Dodger

SHOWDOWN=P.O.O.P.

Compared to what???

I think you will see a signifcant increase from the Zercom you are currently using. The showdown is a nice starter flasher, especially to someone who might not be accustomed to using a flasher in the past (vertical display).

Will it outperform a 4 or 5 hundred dollar flasher? Of course not, but it is hardly a waste of money either.

Personally, if I was limited to a strict budget, I would opt for the Marcum VX-1 especially if you can find one on the older (non pro) versions.

If your going to fish with someone else go with the Hummingbird. No interference problems with other units and works great. Excellent bottom separation.

I agree with Detro...The VX-1 is way better.

Dtro, you said compared to what.....the name of this post is Showdown vs. Marcum and Vexilar. I am just saying I will take the Pepsi Challenge with ANY Vexilar, or Marcum compared to the Showdown. A guy I know had one of those last year fishing in my portable and he got a neck-ache from peeking at my FL-18. Like I always say "To each their own"...but if we are trying to advise a guy, lets keep him in the right direction...which is the VX-1 at minimum.

Fair enough

So to keep it apples/apples it should probably be compared to a

Marcum VX-1
Vexilar FL8
HB Ice 35

I think Dodger should get a top of the the line HB Ice-55

That way we can look to him to provide us some feedback on these new units

Never used one, and there was a lot of early talk when they were announced - but I am suprised we have heard so little from users early experiences with them on the ice. Maybe it is just because the Vex & Marcum guys are the only ones willing to risk some of the thin ice out there

I would look for a VX-1 or an fl-8.

I seem to be having problems picking up small baits with my ICE-45. I don't know if it's normal or not, but I can't pick up size 10 Ratso's in 12 ft. of water without maxing out the gain. I'm not sure I'm happy with it yet.

Red_Squall, have you had any problems with the gain like some of the other posters out there? Im thinking about picking one up and want to see if this is true with all the humminbird's.

as for the posting, i would have to go with a fl-8, i just got rid of mine but nothing wrong with them. totally worth the money.

I picked up the Ice45 this weekend. I hope it's worth the money. Never had any problems what so ever with my vex, so I hope this is just as good or better like they say it is...

Just wanted to upgrade to something differant, we see what happens.....

fl 8 ......

VX-1 or a Fl-8. My vote is for the VX-1 though. MarCum makes units.

Mozy, I can't imagine that if is working correctly if you have to turn your gain max to see a small jig. I have/had both marcums and vex's and normally you have to only turn up the gain a couple notches at most (if at all), especially at the depth your at. Only time I had a problem similar to your is when the ducer went bad on the Marcum. I would beat the rush and call Hummingbird support and/or return/exchange your unit for another.