Coming from a cable steer, you get used to knowing where the TM is pointed based on the position of the pedal so most guys don't have to look at the direction arrow to see where they are going. With the Xi5 pedal, it is more like an 'on' switch so you need to see where it is pointed. Once you are used to it, it works just fine.

For the guys that want to pound a bank, I suggest that they create a trail and then go back to the start and tell the Xi5 to follow the trail at the speed that they set and let the tm do all the work.

Ultrex has a huge foot pedal and will not fit in the recessed well that most bass boats have so you have to cut in a larger well or just leave it on the deck. This puts a lot of stress on most guys back and you are constantly putting your foot on and off the pedal which is about 9" tall.

Like any new product, I have heard of a lot of problems with the units but I understand the MK is standing behind them and fixing them when there is a problem.

Did I mention that they cost a grand more?

Dang, Blue! If that mount sported an Ultrex during your donkey hauling test you MUST be pretty confident in it!

There are a couple minor things the XI5 does that are not cool .... rest of the time it is awesome.

#1 - in anchor mode and no wind the damn thing wont relax and enjoy not having to work .... I likes a little breeze!

#2 - after anchor and you want to manual troll, it is defaulted to off and you have to hit the go button AND the + button before it will go!

The rest of the time it is awesome!

My MK Terrova 80 is the same way..in no wind I think they will all 'wander' a little..They all like to have their nose pointed into the wind.

I apologize for hijacking this thread, but new to me, I was surfing the web last night and stumbled across a link to Motorguide's rebate. Since I have just purchased an Xi5 it peaked my interest. I followed the link and lo and behold, there is a $100 rebate for Xi5s purchased since first of year to June/July this year. This was news to me. I completed the online form. The check should be receive in 8-12 weeks.

Just thought I share this. I wasn't aware of this; maybe you are.

My Xi5 works awesome for fishing brushpiles and not having to throw out a marker and I love being able to sit at my console and tell it to go to a waypoint and lock on it while I get my gear together!!

THAT'S WHAT I WANTED TO HEAR! THANKS!

May have to purchase one myself...

You'll like it sir. When I had an Xi5 I loved mine.

I broke down and ordered another Xi5 late last and I just got notified by UPS that it will be delivered tomorrow.

Tax free, free shipping, and the cheapest price by over $300. I'll report back after it actually shows up. I was supposed to fish Fork tomorrow and my wife's alternator went out in her vehicle this evening so I won't be going. Hopefully I'll be able to install my new Xi5 after I finish the alternator.

Check out thedigitaloasis.com if you're shopping for a new trolling motor or graph.

Don't forget your rebate...

Thanks Jacob, what a great video!!!

I've had both, the Xi5 first, and now the Ultrex. I can only say that in my opinion there is no comparison. The Minn Kota Ultrex is THE BEST trolling motor that I have ever used...and I've used a bunch o them. The difference for me is in the way that you steer the motor. With the Xi5, the foot pedal might as well not be there as it's almost impossible to use. The Ultrex has the same foot pedal as the Fortrexx did, except it is electronically assisted making it as smooth as silk to use, and it fits perfectly into the foot pedal well in my new Lund Pro Bass 21. In my opinion the Ultrex is the best $2500 that you'll ever spend on your boat.