I've been thinking about upgrading my TM to a terrova with ipilot for its spot lock feature but I can't decide between that and a single power pole, upgrading the TM seems like it would be more universal but I have never used a TM with ipilot, does anyone have any suggestions

All comes down to what you prefer. When sight fishing, you won't want I-Pilot, it could throw mud. If you fish deep, you won't do any good with a 10" power pole in 25ft of water. It's all up to YOU.

I would never own any remote driven trolling motor. They do not handle the abuse. I mean look at the flw and elite trails. I do not see a boat with one. Now this isn't 100% for everyone. Of you think you can use it. Buy it!! I've sold tons on pontoon boats and bay boats.

That is garbage...Ive owned a Terrova and now have an Xi5. I have really enjoyed both of them and run through some fun stuff with each, still alive and kickin. I much prefer personal usage over what are the pros using...

I just like the spot lock feature obviously not ideal for shallow water but in theory it should work, I just can't afford both

Glad they have worked for you! I'm currently trying to figure out how to put my foretrex in a gator mount hahaha. Power fishing on Sam Rayburn test all of your equipment to the breaking point. Everyone has different situations.

If the anchor is what main objective I would look at the Xi5 over the Terrova. It is quicker and has 2 GPS units. It simply keeps the boat in its position faster and better

I've had both. started with a ipilot and switched to Terrova. Ipilot is great for deep off shore structure. If it is calm it has a harder time staying in the same spot. little bit of a breeze it will keep your right on it. Ipilot does not have the response from the pedal like a cable peddle. So if your are fishign shallow and need to turn around real quick or avoid a stuff you are out of luck and probably will hit it or hit bottom. If you fish shallow or tournaments i would say get a power pole.

Id rather have a Fortrex and some blades.

I ave a maxxum 80lb now and ive been happy with it but i have a smaller boat and it can be a nightmare to try and fish with the wind blowing even a little bit deep or shallow

and i will look into the Xi5 because i am running Lowrance and i really wasn't wanting to switch

I have both on my boat and I can honestly tell you that I use the trolling motor spot lock feature 10 times more than I use the twin power poles.

Now in the months of March and April it will be the reverse of that but the other 10 months of the year the trolling motor with the spot lock feature will be more useful in my opinion

You have a trolling motor already, so go for the power pole and cover the shallow water anchoring and look into a GPS Trolling motor later on if you still want it. I have a 80 lb Riptide I pilot, and it is OK. Windy days it will hold my 22' CC within 10-12 feet or so. That works for me since I usually drift for Whites and Hybrids. Calm days it is worthless and I hook the pedal up, and I miss my Fourtrexx. I'm going to change to a MG sometime in the future, they are better on spot lock, and I need more than 80 lbs thrust anyway for more speed. I see you from the same town I am, if you want to see how it works, let me know and I will let you run it some. I usually go to PK 2-3 times per month and about that much to Bridgeport.

I have two power poles and have the new I pilot ulterra and ive had the ulterra for 8 mts and it is awesome, the spot lock feature works very good, its like having poles in deep water, but like some guys say whatever works for you.

I was trying to make the same decision about a year ago. I went with the xi5. It was OK for a little bit. I ended up hating it. For me it was a nightmare running it around and through trees or like the lakes in Oklahoma with a lot of rocks when the wind is up. The foot control is really sensitive and I was always fighting the motor back and forth. I fish by myself a lot and a plus side to it was if I wanted to retie or dig in a box the anchor lock was nice, but I would have gave that up for a cable pedal. My new boat I bought I didn't even consider the xi5, went with power poles and a 112# TM. Just my 2 cents