What's the difference? The only thing that I'd seen so far was that the Ultrex foot control is a lot smoother then the Xi5 and Ultrex is still cable still also.
Thanks ahead of time guys and good fishing!

Roughly a grand!!!

After two years behind a Minn Kota Maxxum, and one trip with the XI5 I am a little biased towards the XI5 also...

If anyone�s interested in an xi5 I bought one last year will be switching to the ulterra for the foot pedal response time and my bird electronics will link. 80lb 24v 54�. Less than 10 times on the water.

I also have the LiftSaver Trolling Motor Mounts that work with the Xi5 and the MK Ulterra, Terrova and Rip Tides.

MK = Humminbird
MG Xi5 = Lowrance

I have Lowrance and changed from Terrova to Xi5 - same reason K Johnson switched the other way plus I wanted true Spot Lock, which the Xi5 provides (bear in mind, I had the older Terrova version). I didn't use the foot pedal for the Terrova and don't for the Xi5.

If you have one of the other Fish Finders, then select the one that best fits your style of fishing and budget. You'll be happy either way.

I have had both. Both are great at spot lock. Where Ultrex shines is the power steering foot pedal. It works great on timber fishing for maneuverability and bridges where spot lock fails. The remote or foot pedal in the Xi5 can't compare in my opinion.

I've never tried the MK but will admit that the foot control on the Xi5 could use some improvements. It's way too sensitive to input and difficult to control. I mainly use my handheld control but do keep the foot control on deck for when I'm in tight brush or too close to the bank while fighting a fish.

Haven't used the Xi5.
The Ultrex foot control is excellent; smooth and responsive. The spot lock is as advertised, will hold the boat within 3-5 feet. If you don't want a foot control, then Xi5 might be the way to go. I use a foot control quite a bit, especially in the spring going down the banks after spawning crappie. Keeps both hands free, and I'm not having to look at the control around my neck to find a button to push. I can keep my eyes on the line and rod tip. The Ultrex is more expensive, but after biting the bullet and getting one, best investment I've made besides SI.

I've only owned the xi5, and love it (compared to non-gps based TM's); however, the Ultrex should be a really good TM also for that.

I've had some issues with my Xi5 (gps module went out + paint blistering). MG is sending a replacement. But that concerns me that their modules didn't last but 1 yr

Regarding that LiftSaver:
Does it lock into place in the up position, or can it "bounce" back into the down position?

I'm about to purchase the Ultrex because I want the flexibility of a good foot pedal control. I am a Lowrance guy on electronics, but I've never had any desire to link my console and bow units. Heck, I may even end up with a HB 360 up front eventually.
My

xi5 was perfect for brushpiles and dock. I hated it fishing bridges or timber. Ultrex answers the problem of needing 2 trolling motors on the boat!! If you don't use a foot pedal or fish a lot of timber the xi5 will be just fine.

Why isn't an Ulterra being considered?

All this is interesting, cause I'm not having any issues with the foot control on the XI5. There was a learning curve, but I have spent a lot of time behind a foot control and no time with the hand held. For me the foot control has been easier to learn than the hand help. And I really like the jog function...Maybe its cause I stand up and fish most of the time.

No it does not. I used to have a thumb screw that locked it in the up position but the guys never used it and had me remove it. You do have to physically lift it about an inch upward to get it to move in the forward position. I have tested my unit by leaving it in the retracted position and hauling donkey across the lake while hitting every wake I could find and it never moved. So if you forget to put it down once you leave the docks and get on plane, it still will not "fall down".