That isn't even a fair comparison. The LX5 will hand you things that an fl8 couldn't imagine in a dream. The split beam transducer is a marvel compared to the 8' standard ducer. The adjustable bottom lock anywhere in the water column is unreal. And yes it is that big of a deal. That LX5 will run for a couple days on a battery charge while the vex will be sore after about 8 hours. The LX5 has true color lamps while the vex blends colors....you will not have the fading issues in direct sun that the vex has. The power is unequalled in the Marcum unit and that will equate to target seperation like you cannot believe.

Marcum hit the market with that LX5 and dropped a bomb that was maybe 3 years ahead of its time technologically. Every other flasher maker has had to play catch-up since. The patenets on features found in the Marcum have tied up what the others can offer. Even todays high dollar vex cannot match the LX5. Yes, they can come close, but.....