The verdict is out and it is guilty! Vexilar is guilty of making its flashers easier to use. The new FL-12 and FL-20 take a huge portion of the learning curve away from flasher usage. Comparing Vexilar's new FL-12 and FL-20 was a breeze.

When I first reviewed the FL-8 and FL-18, I found myself emerged in the complexities of the flasher's screen. The FL-8's screen is made up of two bands. One band reads 0' to 20' and the other band reads 0' - 30'. There are multipliers associated with each band dependent on the flashers settings. For instance, if you wanted to read the scale from 0' to 80', you would select band A with a multiplier of four. If you wanted to read from 0' to 120', would select band B with a multiplier of four. Sound confusing? It can be until you get the hang of it. I borrowed a unit for several weeks before I finally was comfortable with using it.

While reviewing Vexilar's FL-12 and FL-20, I learned one thing; life made simple = the FL-12 and FL-20. I do not yet own a Vexilar, but I am very impressed with the new screen design. The Vexilar FL-12 & FL-20 have more scales and brighter flashers that can be viewed in full sunlight. Also, the cup that shades the FL-8's and FL-18's screen has been done away with on the FL-12 & 20. The LED's used in the new Vexilar units are strong enough to be viewed in full sunlight. The removal of the cup also does away with the annoying trouble of having to clear away the snow while fishing in stormy weather.

The Vexilar FL-20 also comes with a dimmer for its LED's. This comes in handy for those night fisherman among us. Another option the Vexilar FL-20 comes with is an auto zoom that will zoom to the bottom 6' or 12' of the water column. Think of this Vexilar as your ice pack unit for winter and trolling motor unit for summer. The new screen is design to have 50% more visibility for side viewing. Both new units are compatible with Minn-Kota's built in transducers. Do I have to say more? I'm already drooling for one.

The scales are now easier to read on the Vexilar FL-12 and FL-20 because they are color coded. Each band is has a different color that corresponds with the band selection knob. A Vexilar SL-8 can read from 0'-20', 0'-30', 0'-40', 0'-60', 0'-80', 0'-120'. The SL-12 can read from 0'-20', 0'-40', 0'-60', 0'-80', 0'-200'. You loose one selection band, but look at the ease of the scale. On the Vexilar FL-12 and FL-20, the only multiplying you do is on the 0'-200" setting, where you multiply the 0'-20' scale by ten. I like it!

Another point I like are their totally variable amplifier settings. These Vexilar flasher units matched with the right carrying case will provide years of reliable and flexible service.

I hope Santa is listening, because one of these units is going to be on my wish list.

Have fun fishing; let's all be safe. Check ice conditions prudently before venturing out on the ice!

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