Fishing on ice has never been so easier since these ice fishing flashers or sonars have arrived. They have made catching fish even on thick ice easier and quicker.
However, it is sometimes difficult to decide between Marcum M1 and Vexilar FL 8 flashers, as many debates exist.
The Vexilar FL 8 fishing flasher is cheaper and has more positive reviews than Marcum M1. The second option is comparatively expensive. But why don’t you look deeper and find those relevant differences?
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specifications | Marcum M1 Fish Finder | Vexilar Fl 8 Fish Finder |
| About | The most advanced line of flasher-sonar ever built | Highly durable, sensitive, and excellently classical-built sonar |
| Depth Ranges | Selectable Depth Ranges: 20′, 40′, 80′, 160′ | 6 depth ranges: (20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 120) |
| Display | TrueColor Patented MBC Brushless Lighting Display | 3-color Led Display |
| Durability | Less Durable | High Durable |
| Battery Life | 8 transducer cable, rechargeable 12V 7A battery | Transducer, 12V 9Ah battery |
| Target Separation | 2″ target separation | Target ID of down to 1″ |
| Rating | 3.4 | 4.8 |
| Price | Up to $329 | Up to $319 |
| Warranty | 2 Years Limited Lifetime Warranty | 1 Year limited Lifetime warranty |
Key Differences Between The Marcum M1 And Vexilar Fl 8 Sonar Systems
- About The Brand
Before you go any further, let’s help you know a little about each fishing flasher.
When you are talking about the Marcum M1, you are looking at one of the most advanced lines of flasher sonars ever built.
It comes with a dazzling bring and crisper display. The flasher ensures a commercial-grade flasher with all the does and don’ts of fishing in one place.
On the other hand, Vexilar focuses on its build quality which is sure to be of supreme level.
It can stand up for years and has excellent features that make fishing easier, even on that thick ice.
Have it with an advanced battery capability and a universal transducer holder system that works just fine.
Also Read: Differences Between Furuno And Garmin Fish Finders.
- Depth Ranges
I am afraid to tell you that Marcum M1 gives less number of selectable depth ranges. When using Marcum on thick ice, you can only choose from 20, 40, 80, or 160 zoomings.
On the other hand, Vexilar Fl 8 makes it easier for you to select more ranges. It comes with 6 depth range selection options that include 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, and 120. However, it may not go as deep as the Marcum 1, up to 160.
- Display
Marcum M1 is built with an advanced display screen that shows true colors while being in the ice land. With this fish flasher on your boat, you will have the Patented MBC Brushless Lighting display.
But comparing it with the Vexilar, you will find a 3-color LED display which is also not a bad selection.
- Durability
Vexilar makes it Fl 8 fish flasher a little more durable than the Marcum 1. The heavy-duty construction, more rigid design, and compartments improvement will help you use this flasher for years.
However, Marcum M1 is not that bad in durability. Yet, it is not as durable as Vexilar when compared.
- Battery Life
Vexilar has more votes on the battery capacity because many claims it can even stand on the boat for almost a full day.
The machine comes with a 12 V 9Ah battery, which is more in comparison to the M1.
Marcum M1 comes with a 12 V 7A battery that may not provide the same working or usage time level.
But its 8-pin universal Transducer cable gives you more versatility while charging it.
- Target Separation
Both systems have different target separations that have additional functionality. Using the Marcum M1, you get two target separation options with this flasher.
But with the Vexilar Fl 8, you will have a different Target ID of down to 1 option, which is something else compared to the Marcum.
- Rating
When finding out how people like either flasher system, Vexilar has more votes with a 4.8 positive rating on basspro shop.
It means the system is being used by more people, ratted with good stars, and has more appreciation than Marcum M1.
Because Marcum comes only with a 3.4 stars rating, which is quite questionable.
- Price
For price and budget, Vexilar is cheaper as it costs up to $319 in the basspro store. On the other hand, the Marcum M1 is a little more expensive than Fl 8, with up to $329.
However, this price difference is only 10 bucks. But still, it is a reasonable difference.
- Warranty
Whenever you buy the Marcum M1 fishing flasher, you will get a limited lifetime usage warranty of up to 2 years with this product.
But that’s not the case with Vexilar because It gives you only a 1-year limited lifetime warranty.
Which Fishing Flasher Is Better For You?
Speaking with facts, I have observed Vexilar Fl 8 to be a superior flasher so far. The price is reasonable, the battery life is awesome, it has more depth ranges, and the best is its durability.
However, you can also choose Marcum M1, as it is also not a bad option to consider. The rest is up to you! But before you go, here is how you can use MarCum M1.
Also Read: Humminbird G3N Or G4N Fish Finder?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Suppose you are fishing in less than 30 feet of water; having an Fl-8 or FL-12 Vexilar will be great. But you can choose the higher options like FL-18, FL-20, and Fl-22 for other extreme fishing purposes.
You only need a transducer and a suction cup mounting bracket, and you can easily use a Vexilar on a boat.
An FL8 Vexilar may cost you around $320, which is a good amount.
The Vexilar Fish finders are made in Japan.
Final Thoughts
You are choosing between the Marcum M1 and Vexilar Fl 8 is an easy job when you know what each of these is offering. You can always go with the Vexilar fish finder because of its extreme durability and other impressive features.
Plus, the price point is also acceptable.
So, if you use any flasher, you should share your experience with me. But thanks for reading and paying attention. Have a fantastic day!
