That is almost an oxymoron regarding a talon as stealthy.

That is exactly my point. Once or occasionally most of the year you use your poles. He asked which one he should get? I would get the Ultrex hands down over any poles if I had to choose. The ultrex additional capabilities will be used hundreds of times every time you go out. No joke, it is like having someone run the boat for you. Point it in a direction and it goes, No need to stand on the pedal. Hook a fish, just tap spot lock and you dont have to worry about blowing into anything. Save 16 trails up to 2 miles long each and run the forward and backwards. Fishing off shore and waves are splashing over the front of the boat, move to the back to raise the front end. If I pull up to a spot I fish regularly, I kill the big motor, deploy the ultrex, pick up the remote and choose "go to". It will go to my saved spot from up to 1/4 mile away while Im pulling out rods, eating, whatever and lock on that spot. Id call it a game changer, but Yamaha already tanked that term.

Ultrex first then Talons unless you only fish shallow.

All this discussion is exactly along the lines of my thoughts lately...should i upgrade from one Pole to two or do i upgrade the trolling motor from the Maxxum to the Ultrex. I am really leaning towards the Ultrex as the biggest and most useful.
Couple questions please: Does anyone know if the Maxxum and Ultex mounting holes will line up? Also, my current setup is the stardard 24v 70#. Not counting the spot lock feature will the 80# 24v Ultex be a big upgrade to my current setup or should i rule out the 80# and only consider the Ultex 112#? Thank you for you input/options.

Just finished mounting mine, 4 holes lined up but two didn't.

Not sure about the Maxxum,but I went from a 112lb. Fortrex to a 112lb. Ultrex and everything matched up perfect!

I am going from the 80 pound Maxxum to the 80 pound Ultrex and Minnkota told me that the mounting holes would match up

If you look at you maxxum mount there are two sets of holes in the bracket. If your bolts are in the outside holes you should be good, if the are in the inside holes they might not match up.

I would def go with the Ultrex. I am fortunate enough to have both and if you told me I have to give one or the other up...without a doubt I am giving up the talons and keeping the ultrex.

Thank you all for your input. For me i believe i have made my mind up to just have the one pole and go with the Ultrex. Maybe next years upgrade will be the 2nd power pole

I fished yesterday in a pretty strong wind, having the Ultrex almost felt like cheating, we were in an area fishing around several other boats, every time one of them would hook a fish the partner had to run up and man the trolling motor while the other was taking care of fish, or some of them would get blown off their spots while tending fish, this motor is a game changer for sure.

Ultrex

If 24v is sufficient for your boat then stay with it. I had been warned to not overpower thespotlockbut found a deal that I couldn't pass up. It was too much for the boat and would over correct all day and could easily throw you from the boat. Traded for 24v and have been happy.

I opted for the Ultrex. Felt it would serve me better than the poles. Just getting started using it but so far I think I made the right decision.

Good point Mr. Milam. Can i ask the size of your boat? Reason, i have a 20' boat and want to be sure i would not be under powered with the 80# 24v Ultrex. Does the spot lock feature automatically vary it's speeds before coming on based on need, i.e. distance from locked location? Could it switch on in low one time and then possibly High the next?

But again, very good point about being thrown from boat...