I have the FL8, but I don't have the handheld that will take map chips. So, I'd get the GPS. I know, doesn't help you out at all.
OK. Here is what I'm doing this winter. I'm selling my FL8(it's in the classifieds by the way ). I'm ugrading to the ICE-55 or the LX-5. I haven't decide which product I'll go with. A flasher is more important to me than the GPS. However, as soon as I scrape together enough pennies, I'm gettin the Ifinder also. That actually sounds like a great Xmas present for me.
-------------------- I was born in the 70's, grew up in 80's, made my mistakes in 90's now I'm just trying to make up for lost time.
You didn't mention anything about ice so I would go with the GPS. It would be handy in the boat---unless you have a GPS system already. Since I gave up ice fishing for open water I haven't touched my flasher!
OMG, I have both and use them both. If my FL18 didn't work, I wouldn't go fishing. If my ifinder wasn't working, no big deal. sure is nice to find a few spots you know about without drilling a bunch of unnecessary holes but not vital. The ifinder needs a chip to be really useful.
Guess I'm different due to the water I fish. Having gin clear water to fish in the winter I am allowed to sight fish down to 20'+. I use my Expedition alot more than I use my LX-5. While I have the marcum in the shack it don't see any use unless I'm fishing eyes after dark.
Its nice to have both, but if I had to chose it would be... 1. Flasher 2. IFinder You can fish without a GPS, but its hard to fish without a flasher Good Luck 690reece
imo start with the flasher. you can google maps with topo's give you a rough idea where to fish until you can get the H2Oc and LM chip. plus, if you dont know the lake that well, theres no reason that a large clump of shacks would bunch up unless theres fish there...
im with most guys on this topic.. i can forget my gps, but i will turn around to get my vex.
and if you can swing it, go with the fl-18/20.. they are def worth the upgrade.
I just started ice fishing last year. After I started using a flasher, ice fishing was a lot more fun. It will only increase the number of fish you catch exponentially! There is nothing like fishing a dead whole.
Besides you could get a cheap gps, say an etrex and an older version of hotmaps for very little money. Once you get used to it you will have a better idea of what is important to you as far as options
-------------------- $1 IN GOD WE TRUST $1 Richard
Quote: ....between getting a Lowarance iFINDER H2O or a Vexilar FL-8SE Pro Pack and you currently didnt have a GPS or a Flasher which would you pick????
I really want the H2O but it would sure be nice to have the flasher!!!!
Thanks for your input
What kind of a question is that? Next you're going to ask me which one of my children I love the most!
-------------------- Wade Kuehl - Jolly Ann Marine & Outdoors
FREE Shipping on EVERY Order!
Click on the Jolly Ann Marine Banner above to visit our website!
at this point I need both! the gps helps in so many ways, I can pinpoint cribs, points, etc... then pick them apart with the sonar... couldn't imagine being without either one now, open water or ice fishing!
Go to Ebay, hope to get a deal, and get both Or I think you gotta go with a flasher. Indispensible over deep water for them suspended fish. The "Holes" will usually tell you where or where not to go.
Electronics=If you had the choice.....
I really want the H2O but it would sure be nice to have the flasher!!!! 
). I'm ugrading to the ICE-55 or the LX-5. I haven't decide which product I'll go with. A flasher is more important to me than the GPS. However, as soon as I scrape together enough pennies, I'm gettin the Ifinder also. That actually sounds like a great Xmas present for me. 
I can fish without my gps but I can't fish without my flasher...or I guess I can fish without it but I feel a little lost 
Or I think you gotta go with a flasher. Indispensible over deep water for them suspended fish. The "Holes" will usually tell you where or where not to go. 
