Hummingbird ICE Flasher Durability / Performance

Dhannas · #1 02-03-2020, 01:12 AM

Looking at buying a Hummingbird Flasher, specifically the 45. Want something that can perform when fishing for Lake Trout in depths of up to 150-180', but also something at a reasonable price. Wondering if anybody has used the Hummingbird Flashers (35,45,55) at these depths?

As well, read some reviews where a few guys seemed to be having some durability issues after a few years, specifically with the motors... How have everyone's ICE models held up?

Vexilar/Marcum comments welcome.

Thanks! Darren.

spoons · #2 02-03-2020, 05:54 AM

Ice 55 is a great unit. User friendly and I’m set up in a few seconds. The 55 model will work better for you in the deeper water such as Cold lake. Mine worked perfectly at 130 feet at Cold. I ended up buying 2 of these because my wife liked using it and I don’t fish without it.

58thecat · #3 02-03-2020, 06:19 AM

You can't go wrong with all three models, all are up to 200' so good enough for cold lake etc....only difference is a little bit more gadgets between the models and of course the price too.

JohninAB · #4 02-03-2020, 07:30 AM

I owned an Ice 55. Solid unit, worked very well. Did however upgrade to a Vexilar FLX-28 after seeing my buddies in operation next to my 55. Pricier unit for sure but I find the display much sharper compared to the 55 and like the zoom function of the Vexilar better for my style of fishing. Also think the Vexilar is a bit more sensitive in picking up your lure at depths. Ease of use is the same between the two and with both you can be set up and fishing in no time.

For reliability, Vexilar is by far and away the most reliable of the big 3 manufacturers.

The FLX-28 is on sale at The Fishin Hole currently at a very good price.

35 whelen · #5 02-03-2020, 07:41 AM

I have had my Ice 55 for about 6 years started with the 45 and upgraded with the 55 it just wasn't getting the depths at Cold Lake my 55 is been great no issues at all

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CNP · #6 02-03-2020, 10:04 AM

I purchased a Humminbird 45 eight years ago and I use it regularly. It has never let me down. I have used it in 200 fow at Cold Lake and had no problem detecting my bait on the bottom or my swivel ten feet up. Since I moved south I don't fish as deep. I use it a couple to three times a week from Dec to April......everyday is a Saturday for me

When I purchased it I also bought a spare battery...…...after eight years I have yet to use the spare. I have never completely discharged the battery even after 10+ hours of use in a day with the backlight on. I'm not interested in GPS and other side bar displays...…….just the good ole flasher works great for me. A guy has to treat his equipment with respect...……...take your electronics into the house, wiped clean and dried out completely...…..leaving them wet in a closed 5 gal bucket will surely shorten it's life span.

35 whelen · #7 02-03-2020, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CNP

I purchased a Humminbird 45 eight years ago and I use it regularly. It has never let me down. I have used it in 200 fow at Cold Lake and had no problem detecting my bait on the bottom or my swivel ten feet up. Since I moved south I don't fish as deep. I use it a couple to three times a week from Dec to April......everyday is a Saturday for me

When I purchased it I also bought a spare battery...…...after eight years I have yet to use the spare. I have never completely discharged the battery even after 10+ hours of use in a day with the backlight on. I'm not interested in GPS and other side bar displays...…….just the good ole flasher works great for me. A guy has to treat his equipment with respect...……...take your electronics into the house, wiped clean and dried out completely...…..leaving them wet in a closed 5 gal bucket will surely shorten it's life span.

Exactly

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Dhannas · #8 02-03-2020, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 35 whelen

I have had my Ice 55 for about 6 years started with the 45 and upgraded with the 55 it just wasn't getting the depths at Cold Lake my 55 is been great no issues at all

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Just found you weren't able to mark fish with the 45 at those depths?

Dhannas · #9 02-03-2020, 04:18 PM

Thanks guys.

Good to hear some feedback on the 45.

Wonder if anybody has tried their 35 at those depths...

35 whelen · #10 02-03-2020, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dhannas

Just found you weren't able to mark fish with the 45 at those depths?

Yeah I would just lose bottom but maybe it was the settings it was new to me anyway I upgraded right away to the 55 and been a very happy

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chucklesthe3rd · #11 02-03-2020, 04:49 PM

what about the ice helix units?

Darrenjos · #12 02-04-2020, 09:58 AM

they are the way to go if you have a boat , and can use it in summer as well...
I prefer my Marcum units

Darrenjos · #13 02-04-2020, 10:02 AM

my go to flasher..

58thecat · #14 02-04-2020, 10:02 AM

I would be leaning towards a portable unit that can be used on ice and in the boat, sonar capable, gps etc.....perhaps a garmin 010-01550-10 striker 4 fishfinder with portable kit.....I know a few who run this and luv it....oh and if you mark way points you can go directly to what was hot in the past...just another thought.

wont break the bank too....save a few bucks to get other gadgets.

Darrenjos · #15 02-04-2020, 10:04 AM

I built custom aluminum arms for most of those units, helps with more reach and eliminates the need for the bulky float..

Darrenjos · #16 02-04-2020, 10:06 AM

garmin striker 4 has a super small screen....I would not lean towards something that small

Darrenjos · #17 02-04-2020, 10:07 AM

I guess if your spoiled with an lx-7 screen...everything else looks small lol

58thecat · #18 02-04-2020, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darrenjos

garmin striker 4 has a super small screen....I would not lean towards something that small

it's not the size its how you use it......

3.5" goes a long way.

35 whelen · #19 02-04-2020, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 58thecat

it's not the size its how you use it......

3.5" goes a long way.

That's what I tell my wife

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Darrenjos · #20 02-04-2020, 10:39 AM

true true but size sure doesnt hurt

58thecat · #21 02-04-2020, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darrenjos

true true but size sure doesnt hurt

at first it does....as in your pocket book....I got to get out fishing

to the OP buy what fits your budget and the HBirds 35,45,55 are popular especially the 55....tight lines.

WildCats · #22 02-04-2020, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 35 whelen

That's what I tell my wife

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Your married???

35 whelen · #23 02-04-2020, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WildCats

Your married???

Not legally

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sns2 · #24 02-04-2020, 06:02 PM

If the pocketbook can handle the hit, buy an FLX28 and call er a night.

Darrenjos · #25 02-05-2020, 05:54 AM

yup...buy once ..cry once...

Foshizzle13 · #26 02-10-2020, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sns2

If the pocketbook can handle the hit, buy an FLX28 and call er a night.

Why not buy a fish finder that has a flasher? Like the Garmin 95sv or something? We just got one this past fall, our first marine electronic device, we always fished blind. It was exciting but not productive. This is a game changer for us, but why just get a flasher? Ie just for ice fishing when you could get a fish finder that can be used for many applications. Just curious the advantage.

sns2 · #27 02-11-2020, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foshizzle13

Why not buy a fish finder that has a flasher? Like the Garmin 95sv or something? We just got one this past fall, our first marine electronic device, we always fished blind. It was exciting but not productive. This is a game changer for us, but why just get a flasher? Ie just for ice fishing when you could get a fish finder that can be used for many applications. Just curious the advantage.

I'm a flasher not bells and whistles guy. The title also mentioned durability. Nothing comes close to a vex for that.

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58thecat · #28 02-11-2020, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sns2

I'm a flasher not bells and whistles guy. The title also mentioned durability. Nothing comes close to a vex for that.

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My buddy runs the 55....he is a clutz....tosses equipment aroumd...falls on stuff...losses stuff...and this thing keeps running and he keeps catching.

sns2 · #29 02-11-2020, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 58thecat

My buddy runs the 55....he is a clutz....tosses equipment aroumd...falls on stuff...losses stuff...and this thing keeps running and he keeps catching.

Three years back, I bought an Ice 55. Had issues first trip out. Exchanged for another one. Guess what? Same issues. Straight back to store. LOL

If you scour the ice fishing sites, you will see that Vexilar definitely has the reputation of being most reliable. They all mark fish good though.

58thecat · #30 02-12-2020, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sns2

Three years back, I bought an Ice 55. Had issues first trip out. Exchanged for another one. Guess what? Same issues. Straight back to store. LOL

If you scour the ice fishing sites, you will see that Vexilar definitely has the reputation of being most reliable. They all mark fish good though.

I guess too it comes down to the wallet.....myself I went with one that does it all from sonar to traditional screen to split screen to gps etc and it's portable so I can take it anywhere.....I like versatility kinda like a 30-06...if I had to only have one.