Let’s Dive into Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit
The Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit promises to be a seamless solution for ice fishing enthusiasts transitioning to open water. Vexilar aims to provide a quality sonar experience year-round with this kit. It offers a convenient way to utilize your flasher unit in warmer months.
For years, I’ve wrestled with clunky, jury-rigged transducer setups when moving from ice to open water fishing. I needed a reliable, easy-to-install solution to get my sonar working without damaging my boat or compromising performance. I hoped the Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit would be that solution.
Unboxing revealed a neatly packaged kit; the puck transducer felt solid and well-made, and the included hardware seemed comprehensive. The 25 feet of cable gave me ample length for routing. The gimbal bracket looked sturdy enough to handle some chop.
I considered other options, like transom-mounted transducers, but the puck style appealed to me due to its versatility. I could mount it on my trolling motor or even inside the hull for a cleaner look. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; it looked promising but the proof would be in the pudding, or rather, in the fishing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test occurred on a local lake known for its clear water and healthy population of bass and crappie. I mounted the Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer to my electric trolling motor using the provided hardware. Setup took about 30 minutes, including cable routing.
The transducer performed admirably, providing clear and accurate depth readings even in moderately choppy conditions. I could easily identify fish holding near submerged structures. The narrow 12-degree beam angle offered excellent target separation, which proved crucial in distinguishing between individual fish and schools of baitfish.
There were no immediate issues, and I was pleasantly surprised by the clarity of the sonar returns. It was a significant improvement over my previous makeshift open water setup.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit has proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my fishing gear. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the transducer or mounting hardware. The cable remains flexible and undamaged.
Cleaning is simple; a quick rinse with fresh water after each trip keeps everything in good condition. Compared to my previous attempts at open water sonar, this kit is a game-changer. Its performance and ease of use far exceed expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit
Specifications
The Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit boasts a 12-degree beam angle, offering focused sonar coverage for detailed underwater imaging. This focused beam is ideal for identifying individual fish and structures in clear water or when targeting specific areas.
Featuring a quality Barium Titanate crystal, this ensures accurate and reliable sonar transmission and reception. The choice of crystal material plays a crucial role in transducer sensitivity and overall performance.
The kit includes 25 feet of cable, providing ample length for various boat configurations. This generous cable length allows for flexible transducer placement and easy connection to your flasher unit.
An earth-grounded cable construction minimizes interference and ensures a clean sonar signal. This is crucial for obtaining accurate readings and reducing noise on your flasher display.
The Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit includes a flasher gimbal bracket and power cable, providing everything needed for a professional installation. This all-inclusive design saves time and eliminates the hassle of sourcing separate components.
Performance & Functionality
The Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit excels in providing clear and accurate sonar readings in open water conditions. Its narrow beam angle allows for precise target identification. This is especially useful for pinpointing fish near structures or in deeper water.
The kit’s strength lies in its ease of installation and reliable performance. The narrow beam can be a weakness in very shallow or weedy areas where a wider beam might provide better overall coverage. It definitely meets expectations, and even exceeds them in terms of clarity and ease of use.
Design & Ergonomics
The puck design is compact and unobtrusive. It’s easy to mount on a trolling motor or inside the hull of a fiberglass boat. The materials are durable, and the unit feels solid in hand.
The installation process is straightforward, even for someone with limited technical skills. There’s a slight learning curve in interpreting sonar readings, but that’s inherent to using any sonar system.
Durability & Maintenance
The Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit is built to withstand the rigors of regular use. The transducer housing is made of a durable plastic that resists impacts and scratches. Maintenance is minimal; a simple rinse with fresh water after each use is sufficient.
With proper care, this kit should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit comes with everything you need for basic installation: the transducer, gimbal bracket, power cable, and mounting hardware. While there aren’t specific customization options for the transducer itself, you can adjust the display settings on your Vexilar flasher unit to optimize the sonar image. The transducer is designed to work seamlessly with all Vexilar flasher models. This makes it a versatile upgrade for existing Vexilar users.
Pros and Cons of Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit
Pros
- Focused 12-degree beam angle provides excellent target separation and detailed underwater imaging. This is ideal for targeting specific areas and identifying individual fish.
- Easy to install and use, even for those with limited technical experience. It saves time and hassle compared to makeshift open water setups.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear. Anglers can rely on this kit for years of dependable service.
- Provides clear and accurate sonar readings in open water conditions, enhancing your fishing success. Anglers gain a significant advantage in locating fish and understanding underwater structures.
- Comprehensive kit includes all necessary hardware for a professional mounting job. This eliminates the need to source separate components, making it a convenient and cost-effective solution.
Cons
- Narrow beam angle may not be ideal for very shallow or weedy areas. Wider beam transducers may offer better overall coverage in such environments.
- Puck style transducer might not be suitable for all boat types or mounting preferences. Transom mount or in-hull options may be preferable for certain applications.
Who Should Buy Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit?
The Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit is perfect for ice fishing enthusiasts who want to seamlessly transition their Vexilar flasher unit to open water fishing. It’s also well-suited for anglers who prefer trolling motor-mounted transducers or those seeking a clean, in-hull installation. It’s a great choice for anyone who values precise target identification and detailed underwater imaging.
Anglers who primarily fish in very shallow or weedy environments might want to consider a transducer with a wider beam angle. Those with boats that are not compatible with puck-style transducers may need to explore transom mount or in-hull options.
A must-have accessory is a secure mounting bracket for your trolling motor or a suitable adhesive for in-hull installation. Proper cable management is also crucial to prevent damage and ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion on Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit
The Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit is a well-designed and reliable solution for open water fishing with a Vexilar flasher unit. Its focused beam angle, ease of installation, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any angler’s arsenal.
At $139.99, the price is justified by the kit’s performance, convenience, and longevity. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a hassle-free way to utilize their Vexilar unit year-round.
Don’t let the ice melt on your sonar skills! Grab the Vexilar 12-Degree Puck Transducer Summer Kit and keep reeling in those fish all season long.