The N on the bottom right part of the foot pedal is a heading button, you hit it and will keep you on the heading for how long you want, weather it’s a grass line or a drop offs. I use it on grass lines. Good video!
@@graybass5661 Yea. Typically if you point in one direction WITH the Navigation button pressed the TM will automatically head you in that direction regardless of current or wind.
Brian, it isn't a Neutral button but a North heading button. When you turn the motor on continuous and his that button, it will take you in the direction you have the trolling motor pointed and will not deviate. Whatever degree you put that at it will auto adjust to keep you on that heading until you stop it.
I run the Ulterra and I absolutely love it. Spot Lock is a game changer and the many other features such as being able to do way points and routes makes life easier and gives me more time to fish. I can even move my 24 foot boat at nearly 4 miles an hour on the trolling motor alone.
Alright, I have not watched the video yet, but as someone with the Ultrex, it is 100% worth the money. I find myself using it constantly. Spotlock, going in a straight line if I want to retie and move 100 yards or so while a do something else, following contours, it is amazing. I will say that spotlock does not work well in canyons or on a dead calm day. Canyons block the signal and with no current or wind to push the boat in a general direction it ends up in the worlds slowest shoving match. Slightly drifting one way, then the other. Still a great purchase. With that said, I think Brian will agree. Take you bets.
Excellent honest review of a product! Not a walking commercial like most fishing channel's. Well done....I wouldn't be able to handle all the noise that thing puts out, .....like the more stealth approach. Keep up the great work!
*I bought this model for my 14 ft Jon boat. **enjoyable.fishing** recommend love it!!! It pushes my boat with ease ( 2 men 220 each). I would highly recommend this to anyone.*
We use an Ulterra 80 on our 20" pontoon and it is invaluable to us. We've used it 2 summers of fishing in rivers and lakes and its been flawless. It will spot lock our pontoon in 2.5 mph current without issue. I would buy another in a heartbeat.
Thank you! I have the Minn Kota Maxxis @70lb 24v System currently but the dealership did change out the shaft to 52" for me UNDER WARRANTY due to the fact that there have been so many complaints about cavitation with the 45" shaft and my boat. What a huge difference!! I really appreciate your vlog! Id like to upgrade to the ULTREX someday, really like the Spot Loc feature!! Thanks again! WISHING you all the best for your 2019 FLW SEASON!
Thanks for giving us an unbiased look at the Ultrex. Met you at Norman last year and have been a fan ever since. Keep up the great work and keep giving us the videos.
I would love to see you do an honest review on the Garmin Force,Lowrance Ghost and Minn Kota Ultrex. The underwater noise is what I would love to hear.
I don't hear good, so a little noise don't bother me in the least. I love my ultrex. Best money I have spent on Bass fishing. Thanks for the great review.
I resisted to retire my Maxxum for a long time because it still functioned perfectly, but finally pulled the trigger on an Ultrex. After one weekend I'm already calling it a game changer and worth every penny. The biggest fear was the noise above water heard by all the RUclips videos. After one day on the water I don't even hear it now. Also note that if you're trying to be quiet just move your foot slowly in either direction and the sound of the assist motor is super quiet. It's only when you push in a direction fast that the motor ramps up in speed and increased sound.
Thought the Ultrex was cable drive still?? Also in my book being able to stay on your spot without having to fight the trolling motor DOES equal more fish!!
Great video Brian. I have been considering the Ultrex for a while now, but the noise is a killer IMHO. I had an old Powerdrive with a Copilot back in the day, and once I went from that to a Fortrex, the silence was golden. I'd absolutely love the spot lock, but I think I'm gonna stick with my Fortrex a while longer. Keep the videos coming!
@@stevesmart9711 That is true! Just used the wrong term. It will keep the boat in a straight line to where it was pointing when you hit the button. So I don't need to check the manual I belvie you, I have the terrova on my boat 🤣
Good video. My biggest concern is the durability,- with the Fortrex Iv'e hit hard stumps and the break away spring saves the day. You don't have that system with this- smashing a 1,500 pound boat into a petrified stump can be brutal and break almost anything. MY partner has a new Ultrex on his boat so I've been able to compare. Spot lock is super. This will actually cause less battery use than holding with a standard motor because you won't be attentive enough to stay on spot- you will have to make long corrections that eat more power that constant steer/motor control. When you catch a fish you likely drift far off course and have to make a long correction rather than minor power to hold the spot. I'm very impressed with the operation and am willing to change due to the control advantages. I agree- the absolute most annoyance is the constant motor gear whine in movement. Most of the noise is up top but I have to believe a lot of that noice gets transferred into the water. What effect this has on the fish on any given day? Who knows.
I like the size of the Striker for kayak use. It gives me all the info I need without taking up much space. It doesn't need a giant battery either - also saving weight and space. Is recommend it.
Just now got to watch this vid and I thank you for an honest eval on the Ultrex. Just put on a new Maxxum this spring. I'm old and hard headed. Think I will continue to stick with the cable steer and use marker buoys. It works for me so ....??? Glad you like this one but I will stay 'old school'. Gearing up for crank bait season here on Table Rock ... Can hardly wait. Thanks for another great video.
I personally think it helps me catch more fish because when I’m fishing offshore especially brush piles you don’t have to worry about get blown off a spot if I need to do something like change baits are grab a fish I don’t have to worry about loosing that exact spot I was fishing
I'm not a tournament fisherman but I love my Ultrex. I think you did a very fair review, especially on the calm wind spot lock, it works itself to death. I took it to the river last week and really found out where it comes in the most handy. I locked and fished an area, kick it off and float down to another area and worked several islands like this and put fish in the boat.
Thanks for the honest review Brian! I've noticed the same things you pointed out while fishing with a friend. We were fishing in windy rainy conditions, wind slacked off for a bit and my buddy reeled down to set the hook and spot lock moved boat 6ft!!! Needless to say he missed the fish, glad wasnt a tournament, he said it's happened in one before. Noisy unit too!
The best and most honest review that I've seen so far. I've had Minn Kota BBQ spit steer motors before, and hated them. I hate the noise as well, but the Ultrex appears to be much faster. I've owned MG and MK cable steer motors and loved them. This appears to be instantly responsive combination of both. I fish off shore deep water smallies most of the time and I am having a heck of a time holding my position with a Fortrex. I have a 'new to me' boat coming, and Ultrex it is. Thanks, Brian!
Excellent informative video that helped me decide to go with the Ghost over the Ultrex. Although it would be nice to save some money, the head movement/noise when in anchor lock mode made the decision easy. Thanks for a great vid...
Yeah the ultrex is awesome but I'm only 20 and my haswing for 500 bucks has spot lock, and can follow set way points, has foot and remote control as well. Obviously not as strong or precise as the ultrex but I honestly love it
I’m interested in knowing….how is your Haswing doing 3 years from your original post? How often do you use it? Any issues with it? Would you buy again? I’m still running a Minn kota powerdrive 55lbs unit with remote from approximately 2002(replaced remote control unit once in 2019). I’m thinking about getting another Minn Kota but you have me intrigued.
Glad I found this. Great job as I am currently going back and forth between the Ultrex and the Terrova. My boat is smaller than yours with only a 90 horse engine so I think I would be ok with the 80lbs of thrust. I really appreciate your honesty and keeping it simple for guys like me.
@@BIG33FELLA I got the Terrova but wasn’t really happy with it. In AZ we have to use our trolling motors a lot as several lakes are trolling motor only. The Terrova ain’t bad but it didn’t hold the boat well in current or in wind. (Current on the river when I was in Wisconsin and wind in AZ). I wound up stepping up to the Garmin and went with their system based on the Bass Tanks recommendation. I only use the 2 batter on the Force but it is much more powerful, faster and quieter. And I use a lot less juice than I did with the Terrova since it has a brushless system. I do miss the spot lock on the Terrova however as it is much more accurate than the Force. With your boat if money isn’t an issue I would go with the 3 battery system on the Ultrex or the Force. I will tell you that the Ultrex is not as powerful or as quiet as the Force, but after using it in a friends boat the Spot Lock is also more accurate as Garmin on pings the GPS once every 6 seconds so sometimes you have to reset the spot lock once you are positioned which can be annoying. I also like the lighter weight of the Ultrex.
Have this motor in 24/80. its loud and don't always stay locked. had it 2 months and worked one once, But I like it and as a guide and youtube need it, FLC Dennis.
Excellent review thank you for your sincere honesty , there are so many guys on RUclips they’re only there to sell the product and to bend the knee to the manufactures
It is so worth it! The noise is minimal and all the benefits outweigh that. You can remove that transducer cable if you just open up the head. It has another twist pin connector and you can undo it so it doesnr hang there flopping around.
I’ve seen the guys at Tactical Bassin run it while filming underwater with fish present and they don’t seem to hear it. Or hear it anymore than they hear regular belt driven motors. They think the noise is up top and doesn’t transmit down the shaft. However, as loud as that sucker is I’m not sure I’m buying it. 😁
Thanks for the video B!! I have an Ultrex but would like to note: the noise it makes is up top and out of the water not transferring to below bow. It just takes lil time to adjust, it did for me. Just keep it in your mind the noise is not translating no more than the Fortrex i used to have. But just know though, i kept my Fortrex as a backup and it fits the same mount with fast change out. Also, the more wind and current, the better it works. No wind it searches for a gps point to get a heading. My thoughts anyway...
Point the Motor where you want to go. Hit the North button “N” and then hit the jog button underneath the 4 indicator lights. Set the speed to your liking. Will keep you moving forward in the direction of your choice
The button underneath the 4 indicator lights is not the "jog button". It is the constant on button for the prop. Also the "N" button is not the "North button". It is the AutoPilot button. This info can be found in the Ultrex manual.
B Lat.. Still feel the same on the ultrex after heavy use? Different feel as far as the "finesse" of controlling the pedal to limit noise? Set up with current and wind before hitting spot lock?
Spot lock + buttons on hand held remote. Will move you 5 degrees left/right/up/down while on spot lock. Click the button twice and will move you 10 degrees and so on. Buttons on remote are the two arrows and + -
wrong about it not helping you catch more fish , by locking on a spot , its less distraction, less fatique, and thus your more focused on fishing instead of holding your foot on pedal, but otherwise, i love your unbiased review, and not sounding like a sponsor robot!, also the newest trolling motor is much more quiet, and it stays headed in direction you last pointed automatically, without having to hit spot lock.
Great video. Brian, I met you at Buck's Island seminar with Gene Jensen about a month ago. Greatly appreciate you taking the time to visit Alabama and doing these videos. Again, thanks.
I am not looking Ultrex. I have an issue with my back and I am looking at the Ulterra with that auto launch and retrieve. I believe it might give me a few years on the water before my back is completely shot. Have you had any experience with the Ulterra
Great info B.Lat. I recently did some research to see the differences in Minn Kota trolling motors and this vid is spot on. Two questions thought, does the Fortrex have the anchor/spot lock feature? And is that feature, on either motor, good enough to replace power poles. I wouldn't mind spending a few extra $$ on a trolling motor if it kept me from having to buy power poles too. Thanks B.Lat.
Its not on the fortrex and it won't replace power poles. ultrex is best in wind/current especially in deep water. power poles are best for shallow fishing
I noticed you went back to a Fortrex on your new 2019 boat. I think the Ultrex mount and cable are too light weight to handle the pounding of the very heavy Ultrex. I have the Ultrex but baby it in and out of the water because it will break parts if you don’t. It can’t be yanked in and out at normal speed everyone is used to.
I just bought a 2018 z18 nitro. It came with the 80 pound thrust maxxum minn kota and am debating on the ultrex. Great video, is there any cheaper minnkota that has the dpot lock.?
Honestly one of the most useful feature, trolling a bank without needing your foot on the pedal. Additional if you use a transducer on your TM it will maintain the orientation regardless if your moving or not. $
One disadvantage to it, is that it doesn't have any type of give system or breakaway for shallow fishing. Run up on stumps or whatever and it will break the head
@@JM-tj2kl trust me, it will break or crack. I've broken mine and I know 3 other guys that have cracked or broken theirs also. Outside of that I love mine.
I am sure they can be broken, however my experince I have had mine hit pretty hard and bound up in some shallow water with no issues. But I think in general they are just as durable as the Fortrex. I loved my Fortrex as well and had zero complaints with it, but overall I have enjoyed fishing more with the ultrex. Just makes the overall experience more seemless and keeps you fishing.
I'd like to have one but I'm not going to run out and drop 2k on it. I do a lot of vertical fishing in the winter so that would be a great help then but other than that Ehh.
I absolutely love my ultrex, but your not going to get the full potential out of it without running at least one Humminbird unit to be able to use the go to and follow contour features,,and that's not a neutral button it's a north button.
Since I don't have a trolling motor, I need that kind! Anchor mode is nice. You know, objectively looking at these things, there's a real for somebody to invent a better system. I mean look at how clunky wired up sticking up in the way these things are! I see it through new eyes having never had one. Maybe a telescoping shaft and a head that is built into the boat under a slightly raised bow part to cover all that wire mess. What do I know?
Being a Motorguide fanboy, I was interested in the Xi5, especially at about $800 less for cost. It appears to be a dog in many respects. A very high percentage of owners hate the steering because it's not power assisted cable steer like the Ultrex. I had an electric steer MG years and years ago. It almost killed me and threw me out of the boat when it actuated on its own at full speed. MotorGuide jumped up to replace it immediately for safety concerns but shortly after, abandoned the entire system because it was a dog. I got rid of mine immediately after the occurrence and went MG cable steer. Even the new ones are being chided as having crappy, over sensitive steering steering, a huge problem when needing to do detailed, precise maneuvering, a PITA to deploy and recover, amongst many other things. The benefit is interconnectivity with Lowrance but that too, I've walked away from Lowrance HDS series newer Gens due to constant failures on a few boats, including my own, that I manage for offshore use. Lowrance has become very good at warranty service because they are getting tons and tons of practice! No one there knows anything, though. They walk you through a procedure manual and if that doesn't work, tear it out and send it to a third party service center that decides whether it's warranty or not but you have to BUY a new unit if you don't want a huge hole in your console for a month or so! If you have one that's flawless, consider yourself luck and stick with it. They're great when they run! I'm devoted to Garmin now for freshwater but especially offshore ocean rigs.
Always ran a motorguide troller, next years boat I was thinking of changing up. Question for everyone - Is there a feature to maintain your boat say in 6 or 8 foot of water? Or is that just a waypoint from the depth finder?
If you watch tacticalbassins video on this motor he said that after doing many underwater footages of bass he notices that underwater the sound is absolutely no different than other trolling motors. It's all above water in the head of the trolling motor. Hope this helps.
I’m so glad you made this video. I have been wanting one of these for a while now. I have a fortrex on my boat now but it’s starting to show a little wear and I think all the hype about this has made me pay closer attention to it. That was a great unbiased review of the motor. 👍 that being said I will own one when I (HAVE) to replace mine.
![FNAF vs TF2 - Episode 2 [SFM]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/z5b3V2-VLb0/mqdefault.jpg)
After watching about a dozen of your videos, I’ve decided you’re just about as good as they get. Also the coolest beard in bass fishing. Rock on man
The first 2 minutes and 30 seconds are the best very very unbiased this is what makes you better than all the rest
COOLJC313 right on bro thanks for watching
Absolutely love the un biased opinions will definitely be watching more of you sir
The N on the bottom right part of the foot pedal is a heading button, you hit it and will keep you on the heading for how long you want, weather it’s a grass line or a drop offs. I use it on grass lines. Good video!
Salt Addict so like follow the bank for example?
@@graybass5661 Yea. Typically if you point in one direction WITH the Navigation button pressed the TM will automatically head you in that direction regardless of current or wind.
Zachary Brown haha this was 6 months ago but thanks. I bought one and liked it a lot until a new boater ran into us and destroyed the boat
@@graybass5661 For real dude? That sounds horrible..
@@jeisonhansson yeah 😂 we’re still looking for a replacement boat
Brian, it isn't a Neutral button but a North heading button. When you turn the motor on continuous and his that button, it will take you in the direction you have the trolling motor pointed and will not deviate. Whatever degree you put that at it will auto adjust to keep you on that heading until you stop it.
Best review I've seen on the Ultrex Brian ... Straight to the point on all the relevant information ... And a great communicator!
Excellent video! This is the standard I wish everyone followed! Thanks for taking the time to put this out.
I run the Ulterra and I absolutely love it. Spot Lock is a game changer and the many other features such as being able to do way points and routes makes life easier and gives me more time to fish. I can even move my 24 foot boat at nearly 4 miles an hour on the trolling motor alone.
I loved my ulterra but was tired of having to deploy 360 and live on separate poles
Alright, I have not watched the video yet, but as someone with the Ultrex, it is 100% worth the money. I find myself using it constantly. Spotlock, going in a straight line if I want to retie and move 100 yards or so while a do something else, following contours, it is amazing. I will say that spotlock does not work well in canyons or on a dead calm day. Canyons block the signal and with no current or wind to push the boat in a general direction it ends up in the worlds slowest shoving match. Slightly drifting one way, then the other. Still a great purchase. With that said, I think Brian will agree. Take you bets.
i Bee Amazin it’s great for some anglers for sure!!!
Excellent honest review of a product! Not a walking commercial like most fishing channel's. Well done....I wouldn't be able to handle all the noise that thing puts out, .....like the more stealth approach.
Keep up the great work!
*I bought this model for my 14 ft Jon boat. **enjoyable.fishing** recommend love it!!! It pushes my boat with ease ( 2 men 220 each). I would highly recommend this to anyone.*
We use an Ulterra 80 on our 20" pontoon and it is invaluable to us. We've used it 2 summers of fishing in rivers and lakes and its been flawless. It will spot lock our pontoon in 2.5 mph current without issue. I would buy another in a heartbeat.
Love and appreciate your honesty Brian!
Good job Brian......CONGRATS on your recent FLW win at Seminole!
Thank you! I have the Minn Kota Maxxis @70lb 24v System currently but the dealership did change out the shaft to 52" for me UNDER WARRANTY due to the fact that there have been so many complaints about cavitation with the 45" shaft and my boat. What a huge difference!! I really appreciate your vlog! Id like to upgrade to the ULTREX someday, really like the Spot Loc feature!! Thanks again! WISHING you all the best for your 2019 FLW SEASON!
Thanks for giving us an unbiased look at the Ultrex. Met you at Norman last year and have been a fan ever since. Keep up the great work and keep giving us the videos.
I would love to see you do an honest review on the Garmin Force,Lowrance Ghost and Minn Kota Ultrex. The underwater noise is what I would love to hear.
I don't hear good, so a little noise don't bother me in the least. I love my ultrex. Best money I have spent on Bass fishing. Thanks for the great review.
I resisted to retire my Maxxum for a long time because it still functioned perfectly, but finally pulled the trigger on an Ultrex. After one weekend I'm already calling it a game changer and worth every penny. The biggest fear was the noise above water heard by all the RUclips videos. After one day on the water I don't even hear it now. Also note that if you're trying to be quiet just move your foot slowly in either direction and the sound of the assist motor is super quiet. It's only when you push in a direction fast that the motor ramps up in speed and increased sound.
Thought the Ultrex was cable drive still?? Also in my book being able to stay on your spot without having to fight the trolling motor DOES equal more fish!!
Great video Brian. I have been considering the Ultrex for a while now, but the noise is a killer IMHO. I had an old Powerdrive with a Copilot back in the day, and once I went from that to a Fortrex, the silence was golden. I'd absolutely love the spot lock, but I think I'm gonna stick with my Fortrex a while longer. Keep the videos coming!
The N button is not nutral! It's the heading sensor button. It keeps the boat in a straight line by it self, even in windy conditions.
The "N" button is not the "heading sensor button" either. It is the AutoPilot button. If you don't believe me, read the manual.
@@stevesmart9711 That is true! Just used the wrong term. It will keep the boat in a straight line to where it was pointing when you hit the button. So I don't need to check the manual I belvie you, I have the terrova on my boat 🤣
Good video. My biggest concern is the durability,- with the Fortrex Iv'e hit hard stumps and the break away spring saves the day. You don't have that system with this- smashing a 1,500 pound boat into a petrified stump can be brutal and break almost anything. MY partner has a new Ultrex on his boat so I've been able to compare. Spot lock is super. This will actually cause less battery use than holding with a standard motor because you won't be attentive enough to stay on spot- you will have to make long corrections that eat more power that constant steer/motor control. When you catch a fish you likely drift far off course and have to make a long correction rather than minor power to hold the spot. I'm very impressed with the operation and am willing to change due to the control advantages. I agree- the absolute most annoyance is the constant motor gear whine in movement. Most of the noise is up top but I have to believe a lot of that noice gets transferred into the water. What effect this has on the fish on any given day? Who knows.
i absolutely love my ultrex. it’s amazing to be able to stop and flip into docks. and to be able to stop on top of brush piles
I appreciate the honesty I am going back to fortrex this week more bells and whistles more problems mine is going to the shop again for the third time
I like the size of the Striker for kayak use. It gives me all the info I need without taking up much space. It doesn't need a giant battery either - also saving weight and space. Is recommend it.
Highly valuable content for the average weekend warrior/club tournament guy. Great reviews of products. Thanks man!
I appreciate your honesty talking about both the negatives and positives of this trolling motor.
Just now got to watch this vid and I thank you for an honest eval on the Ultrex. Just put on a new Maxxum this spring. I'm old and hard headed. Think I will continue to stick with the cable steer and use marker buoys. It works for me so ....??? Glad you like this one but I will stay 'old school'. Gearing up for crank bait season here on Table Rock ... Can hardly wait. Thanks for another great video.
Who put thumbs down? Excellent review and honest opinion.
the N button on the ultrex is for lock so if you wanna go in a straight line for forever press the N button then the constant on button.
N Navigation - keeps you headed in the direction where you point your TM head
I personally think it helps me catch more fish because when I’m fishing offshore especially brush piles you don’t have to worry about get blown off a spot if I need to do something like change baits are grab a fish I don’t have to worry about loosing that exact spot I was fishing
I'm not a tournament fisherman but I love my Ultrex. I think you did a very fair review, especially on the calm wind spot lock, it works itself to death. I took it to the river last week and really found out where it comes in the most handy. I locked and fished an area, kick it off and float down to another area and worked several islands like this and put fish in the boat.
Cherokee Lake Tennessee the advantages far our weight the disadvantages
Thanks for the honest review Brian! I've noticed the same things you pointed out while fishing with a friend. We were fishing in windy rainy conditions, wind slacked off for a bit and my buddy reeled down to set the hook and spot lock moved boat 6ft!!! Needless to say he missed the fish, glad wasnt a tournament, he said it's happened in one before. Noisy unit too!
I like that you're honest about need vs want with it. It's a great product I'm sure, but for us weekend guy's it's not a truly needed thing.
Yes I rarely use a trolling motor. I can't compensate the extra money of a ultrex. Fortrex is best in my situation. I'm a weekend guy.
The best and most honest review that I've seen so far. I've had Minn Kota BBQ spit steer motors before, and hated them. I hate the noise as well, but the Ultrex appears to be much faster. I've owned MG and MK cable steer motors and loved them. This appears to be instantly responsive combination of both. I fish off shore deep water smallies most of the time and I am having a heck of a time holding my position with a Fortrex. I have a 'new to me' boat coming, and Ultrex it is. Thanks, Brian!
Excellent informative video that helped me decide to go with the Ghost over the Ultrex. Although it would be nice to save some money, the head movement/noise when in anchor lock mode made the decision easy. Thanks for a great vid...
Yeah the ultrex is awesome but I'm only 20 and my haswing for 500 bucks has spot lock, and can follow set way points, has foot and remote control as well. Obviously not as strong or precise as the ultrex but I honestly love it
I’m interested in knowing….how is your Haswing doing 3 years from your original post? How often do you use it? Any issues with it? Would you buy again?
I’m still running a Minn kota powerdrive 55lbs unit with remote from approximately 2002(replaced remote control unit once in 2019). I’m thinking about getting another Minn Kota but you have me intrigued.
Nice review - Thank You !!!
Glad to see no issues with Lowrance graphs .
Glad I found this. Great job as I am currently going back and forth between the Ultrex and the Terrova. My boat is smaller than yours with only a 90 horse engine so I think I would be ok with the 80lbs of thrust. I really appreciate your honesty and keeping it simple for guys like me.
What did you get ultrex or terrova? And opinion on it? This is the 2 I'm looking at. Ranger Rt188
@@BIG33FELLA I got the Terrova but wasn’t really happy with it. In AZ we have to use our trolling motors a lot as several lakes are trolling motor only. The Terrova ain’t bad but it didn’t hold the boat well in current or in wind. (Current on the river when I was in Wisconsin and wind in AZ). I wound up stepping up to the Garmin and went with their system based on the Bass Tanks recommendation. I only use the 2 batter on the Force but it is much more powerful, faster and quieter. And I use a lot less juice than I did with the Terrova since it has a brushless system. I do miss the spot lock on the Terrova however as it is much more accurate than the Force. With your boat if money isn’t an issue I would go with the 3 battery system on the Ultrex or the Force. I will tell you that the Ultrex is not as powerful or as quiet as the Force, but after using it in a friends boat the Spot Lock is also more accurate as Garmin on pings the GPS once every 6 seconds so sometimes you have to reset the spot lock once you are positioned which can be annoying. I also like the lighter weight of the Ultrex.
BLat, do you have a video on "BATTERIES" for your boat? If not, would you be willing to do one? Wet Cell, AGM, Lithium....
Michael Kontes AGM. All I know is that I don’t have many issues so I don’t change
Have this motor in 24/80. its loud and don't always stay locked. had it 2 months and worked one once, But I like it and as a guide and youtube need it, FLC Dennis.
Fishing Lake Country that’s my only concern is noise. I don’t think it really matters but I just don’t care for the noise
Thanks for the info that is some good stuff. I've always wanted to know about the minn kota ultrex.
Excellent review thank you for your sincere honesty , there are so many guys on RUclips they’re only there to sell the product and to bend the knee to the manufactures
It is so worth it! The noise is minimal and all the benefits outweigh that. You can remove that transducer cable if you just open up the head. It has another twist pin connector and you can undo it so it doesnr hang there flopping around.
J M yup that’s what I said
I’ve seen the guys at Tactical Bassin run it while filming underwater with fish present and they don’t seem to hear it. Or hear it anymore than they hear regular belt driven motors. They think the noise is up top and doesn’t transmit down the shaft. However, as loud as that sucker is I’m not sure I’m buying it. 😁
That's a review! Not a bunch of lies. I was considering an Ultrex because of the noise of my xi5 motorguide. Unfortunately ultrex is not the solution
I just bought the Ultera, can't wait to try.
Thanks for the video B!! I have an Ultrex but would like to note: the noise it makes is up top and out of the water not transferring to below bow. It just takes lil time to adjust, it did for me. Just keep it in your mind the noise is not translating no more than the Fortrex i used to have. But just know though, i kept my Fortrex as a backup and it fits the same mount with fast change out. Also, the more wind and current, the better it works. No wind it searches for a gps point to get a heading. My thoughts anyway...
TheFISHIN14 it’s definitely transferring to the water . Doesn’t meant that it matters but it does
@@BrianLatimerFishing Thanks B*
Love the review. Probably never will have one. Cost is a bit prohibitive but review was interesting and informative.
I know you glad you got rid of that one no more noisy trolling motor for you.
So in cases where there is no wind or current wouldn’t not using the trolling motor be wiser? I feel it wont hunt so much in a current.
Thank you for the honest review. 😊👍
Point the Motor where you want to go. Hit the North button “N” and then hit the jog button underneath the 4 indicator lights. Set the speed to your liking. Will keep you moving forward in the direction of your choice
The button underneath the 4 indicator lights is not the "jog button". It is the constant on button for the prop. Also the "N" button is not the "North button". It is the AutoPilot button. This info can be found in the Ultrex manual.
B Lat.. Still feel the same on the ultrex after heavy use? Different feel as far as the "finesse" of controlling the pedal to limit noise? Set up with current and wind before hitting spot lock?
Good articulate speaker telling it like he sees it.
Just subscribed to your bro. I watch scott's channel and if been watching you grow. Proud of you dude.....
I NOT IF..LOL
Good break down and honest opinion! Thanks for some really good points!
Spot lock + buttons on hand held remote. Will move you 5 degrees left/right/up/down while on spot lock. Click the button twice and will move you 10 degrees and so on. Buttons on remote are the two arrows and + -
wrong about it not helping you catch more fish , by locking on a spot , its less distraction, less fatique, and thus your more focused on fishing instead of holding your foot on pedal, but otherwise, i love your unbiased review, and not sounding like a sponsor robot!, also the newest trolling motor is much more quiet, and it stays headed in direction you last pointed automatically, without having to hit spot lock.
Clearly, you have not sold out to Minn Kota corporation. Love your honesty and so rare to hear from the pros. Please don't sell your soul.
Great video. Brian, I met you at Buck's Island seminar with Gene Jensen about a month ago. Greatly appreciate you taking the time to visit Alabama and doing these videos. Again, thanks.
You should look into kipawa props for the ultrex .....it's an upgrade from the stock prop.... More power less power used ...
Dude - thanks for your frank review! Subscribed!!
Honest opinion.. Thank You So Much Fantastic video 👍👍
How can you go out in public with a beard looking that good? Those whiskers are on point!!!
I am not looking Ultrex. I have an issue with my back and I am looking at the Ulterra with that auto launch and retrieve. I believe it might give me a few years on the water before my back is completely shot. Have you had any experience with the Ulterra
Great review B-man!
Thanks for the quality review.
Blat thanks for all you do. How do I get set up with your guide service? That’s a definite birthday present.
Great info B.Lat. I recently did some research to see the differences in Minn Kota trolling motors and this vid is spot on. Two questions thought, does the Fortrex have the anchor/spot lock feature? And is that feature, on either motor, good enough to replace power poles. I wouldn't mind spending a few extra $$ on a trolling motor if it kept me from having to buy power poles too. Thanks B.Lat.
Its not on the fortrex and it won't replace power poles. ultrex is best in wind/current especially in deep water. power poles are best for shallow fishing
Power poles and spot lock is totally different you need both depending on the fishery
Great video Brian! Which batteries do you run on your new Ultrex?
Willie J. Allen Jr. interstates
Yes iz worth the money love mine soo much man... Keep up the vids man
I LIKE THE WAY YOU THINK BROTHER
would you buy this trolling motor or the new quest, i can save a little money if i buy a used one, is it worth it buying used or not
I noticed you went back to a Fortrex on your new 2019 boat. I think the Ultrex mount and cable are too light weight to handle the pounding of the very heavy Ultrex. I have the Ultrex but baby it in and out of the water because it will break parts if you don’t. It can’t be yanked in and out at normal speed everyone is used to.
As an design engineer, I think minn Kota should add a hot foot option to the foot pedal.
I just bought a 2018 z18 nitro. It came with the 80 pound thrust maxxum minn kota and am debating on the ultrex. Great video, is there any cheaper minnkota that has the dpot lock.?
Michàel Fester yes the Minnkota terrova
We fish a bunch of tidal rivers with heavy current. That spot lock in the current on the main river is money.
del crow yes it is!
That is a North Arrow. It will keep you going down a bank on a set direction.
correct
Perfect
Advanced auto pilot
Honestly one of the most useful feature, trolling a bank without needing your foot on the pedal. Additional if you use a transducer on your TM it will maintain the orientation regardless if your moving or not. $
The "N" button is not the "neutral button" nor the "north heading button" as one person replied. It is the AutoPilot button.
Great video B-Lat!!!!
One disadvantage to it, is that it doesn't have any type of give system or breakaway for shallow fishing. Run up on stumps or whatever and it will break the head
The shaft is composite it flexes. It wont break.
Great point I forgot about that!!! It will definitely break trust me!
@@JM-tj2kl trust me, it will break or crack. I've broken mine and I know 3 other guys that have cracked or broken theirs also. Outside of that I love mine.
I am sure they can be broken, however my experince I have had mine hit pretty hard and bound up in some shallow water with no issues. But I think in general they are just as durable as the Fortrex. I loved my Fortrex as well and had zero complaints with it, but overall I have enjoyed fishing more with the ultrex. Just makes the overall experience more seemless and keeps you fishing.
@@JM-tj2kl agreed
Love my old tricks 112 lb thrust 36 volt love it will never go back
Is it a neutral button or N for Navigation? My Terrova has a navigation feature and I use it a ton. I'm saving for the Ultrex.
I'd like to have one but I'm not going to run out and drop 2k on it. I do a lot of vertical fishing in the winter so that would be a great help then but other than that Ehh.
Good in depth review. Thanks
Thank You great review
I absolutely love my ultrex, but your not going to get the full potential out of it without running at least one Humminbird unit to be able to use the go to and follow contour features,,and that's not a neutral button it's a north button.
Good stuff B Lat!!! 💯
Since I don't have a trolling motor, I need that kind! Anchor mode is nice. You know, objectively looking at these things, there's a real for somebody to invent a better system. I mean look at how clunky wired up sticking up in the way these things are! I see it through new eyes having never had one. Maybe a telescoping shaft and a head that is built into the boat under a slightly raised bow part to cover all that wire mess. What do I know?
Just curious why you went with Minn Kota over the Lowrance trolling motor that would have integration?
Please post a link of such a motor.
www.motorguide.com/pinpoint-lowrance-gateway
@@josephstrattard4068
Xi5 is a beast and is ultra quiet and smooth.
Being a Motorguide fanboy, I was interested in the Xi5, especially at about $800 less for cost. It appears to be a dog in many respects. A very high percentage of owners hate the steering because it's not power assisted cable steer like the Ultrex. I had an electric steer MG years and years ago. It almost killed me and threw me out of the boat when it actuated on its own at full speed. MotorGuide jumped up to replace it immediately for safety concerns but shortly after, abandoned the entire system because it was a dog. I got rid of mine immediately after the occurrence and went MG cable steer. Even the new ones are being chided as having crappy, over sensitive steering steering, a huge problem when needing to do detailed, precise maneuvering, a PITA to deploy and recover, amongst many other things. The benefit is interconnectivity with Lowrance but that too, I've walked away from Lowrance HDS series newer Gens due to constant failures on a few boats, including my own, that I manage for offshore use. Lowrance has become very good at warranty service because they are getting tons and tons of practice! No one there knows anything, though. They walk you through a procedure manual and if that doesn't work, tear it out and send it to a third party service center that decides whether it's warranty or not but you have to BUY a new unit if you don't want a huge hole in your console for a month or so! If you have one that's flawless, consider yourself luck and stick with it. They're great when they run! I'm devoted to Garmin now for freshwater but especially offshore ocean rigs.
Nice one B Latt which transducer you running under it ?
Super video! Thanks!!
Are you going to MLF? Also are you sponsored by Lowrance?
Hey B Lat, is that weighed prop nut worth getting?
Billy Biggins yes!
Thank u just ordered one
Always ran a motorguide troller, next years boat I was thinking of changing up. Question for everyone - Is there a feature to maintain your boat say in 6 or 8 foot of water? Or is that just a waypoint from the depth finder?
As you are moving down the shoreline
Al Jackson yes but you need humminbird with lakemaster mapping and also linked
Al Jackson Actually, you don't have to have lakemaster mapping. It WILL sync to Navionics.
Yes there is if paired with the hummingbird units you can stay on a contour line
Amen on the battery
I really want to hear how loud this is in person. Been really wanting to upgrade but whats whats holding me back
If you watch tacticalbassins video on this motor he said that after doing many underwater footages of bass he notices that underwater the sound is absolutely no different than other trolling motors. It's all above water in the head of the trolling motor. Hope this helps.
@@jacobkrueger1920 thanks for the lead ill have to check it out
I’m so glad you made this video. I have been wanting one of these for a while now. I have a fortrex on my boat now but it’s starting to show a little wear and I think all the hype about this has made me pay closer attention to it. That was a great unbiased review of the motor. 👍 that being said I will own one when I (HAVE) to replace mine.