I've had both and for today's technology I'll take the cable steer! But I can't wait for spot lock to catch up with cable steering or vice versa! I know it's coming and when it happens, the cable guys will love spot lock/anchoring!

Forgot to mention my Ulterra is a 112 thrust and I got it with a 60 inch shaft, in a windy day it works awesome.Just saying.

if you fish shallow go with a power pole if you fish deep go with spot lock.

I agree with both previous post, in shallow the spot lock stinks. I have to keep playing with it to keep where I want it to be... But in the deeper waters I love the heck out of it. I'm actually thinking of placing a power pole to compliment my Kota, not to mention the battery saving I'll have from less use in shallows.

I bought an xi5 to replace my Minn Kota cable steer. I loved the xi5 in deep water but, I hated it for shallow. I tried for two months to get used to the steering but, I never did. I also wasn't able to come up with a good way to mount my 360 imaging. I ended up putting the cable steer back on with the 360 and mounted.

We made a bracket to mount the xi5 on the rear of the boat. Now I have the best of both worlds.

Wow that's a great setup!!

Absolutely love the terrova, I have an ulterra coming to take its place. I fish Fork alot and do not have any complaints about being able to steer in stumps. just have to watch when it gets shallow, the ulterra will help greatly with the auto up and down, just step on the button. I have Talons and wondered how I got along without them, same with the Terrova, like socks on a rooster!! One draw back, you need 8-10 mph wind to set auto lock and have it work properly. There is about 20-25ft leeway when it is engaged. With little wind you are always over shooting your spot and it is annoying. I really like what Shaun has done, I thought about that myself. Wasn't sure how it would work in 3 footers, although I guess it doesn't matter if the water comes over the front or the back.

I have the 80 lb Xi5 with GPS linked to two Lowrance 9 inch HDS Touchscreen graphs. The Anchor lock is fantastic, even in a strong wind. I can fish off the back casting deck and still run the trolling motor with the remote. The foot pedal is really hard to get used to though. Not really great for a tournament fisherman trying to run thru stumps. But I don't fish tournaments. I do fish Lake Fork weekly though. I've had mine for probably 8 months and really like that trolling motor. Regards, Bart

Im on Terrova #3 and love the foot petal will never have a cable system again . Also have the twin power poles. its a shallow or deep question. If I had to pick I would keep the Terrova.