I still use the Vex. The owners manual for my HDS warns about using it in really cold. Not a problem this year but hate to have something happen to it. I do love seeing perch in 40 ft. of water on the HDS but I also have no problem with the Vex. I have a Lowrance digital flasher (dont remember #) but I like the vex better. Maybe just need to buy another HDS just for ice.. yea, that should go over like a fart in church...
Operating temp of HDS 5*F to 130*F (taken from my manual).. Not a problem this year hey... Someone told me they messed theirs up by letting it freeze.. Guess it freaked me out..