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X5 or Terrova? #13453216 02/27/20 02:21 PM
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metalruch1 Offline OP
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I've looked through countless reviews and even a few on this forum...

I am looking to buy a new TM and the best deals are on the Motorguide X5. I am wanting a TM with the "Spot Lock" functionality. The Terrova seems like a good deal, too.

So, let me hear your thoughts and suggestions...

Just trying to get an honest assessment from the guys/gals that know best.

The Ultrex is out of my budget... but, I run Garmin...so, if I had the $$$, I would definitely go with the Force.


Last edited by metalruch1; 02/27/20 05:23 PM.

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Re: X5 Opinions? [Re: metalruch1] #13453360 02/27/20 04:05 PM
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I put an Xi5 on may BassCat last year and have been pleasantly surprised. Motor is very quiet and powerful. Spot lock/Anchor mode has been flawless. I use the heading feature when fishing down a bank or grassline and find it's like having someone run the motor for me. Where I find it to be lacking is when in thick brush I like to use a foot pedal and it's miserable. The remote gives amazing, precise maneuvering but ties up one hand, which is a PITA when trying to pitch and avoid stumps, etc. I have modded the foot pedal by shortening the springs a bit and while this does help some but it is in no way comparable to a standard cable operated foot control. As long as you aren't fishing in the thickets, I see no reason to spend twice the money for an Ultrex/ghost/etc.


Re: X5 Opinions? [Re: Cmack] #13453428 02/27/20 04:55 PM
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metalruch1 Offline OP
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Originally Posted by Cmack
I put an Xi5 on may BassCat last year and have been pleasantly surprised. Motor is very quiet and powerful. Spot lock/Anchor mode has been flawless. I use the heading feature when fishing down a bank or grassline and find it's like having someone run the motor for me. Where I find it to be lacking is when in thick brush I like to use a foot pedal and it's miserable. The remote gives amazing, precise maneuvering but ties up one hand, which is a PITA when trying to pitch and avoid stumps, etc. I have modded the foot pedal by shortening the springs a bit and while this does help some but it is in no way comparable to a standard cable operated foot control. As long as you aren't fishing in the thickets, I see no reason to spend twice the money for an Ultrex/ghost/etc.



Thanks for the reply and assessment. I do fish in the thickets quite a bit and the foot pedal is what "scares" me the most...

What pounds of thrust and shaft length do you run on that Cat? I have a Pantera Classic...


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Re: X5 Opinions? [Re: metalruch1] #13453474 02/27/20 05:34 PM
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I run an Xi5 24volt 80lb on a 19' Xpress and it is more than adequate but I know it is a lighter boat. I have spot locked and had waves crashing over the front but the boat didn't move. I love it other than the foot pedal but have become pretty proficient with the remote. I will probably upgrade to the Ghost this year because of that but the Xi5 has been great. Of the two you mentioned you will like the Xi5 better in my opinion.

Re: X5 Opinions? [Re: x19dm] #13453541 02/27/20 06:11 PM
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metalruch1 Offline OP
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Originally Posted by x19dm
I run an Xi5 24volt 80lb on a 19' Xpress and it is more than adequate but I know it is a lighter boat. I have spot locked and had waves crashing over the front but the boat didn't move. I love it other than the foot pedal but have become pretty proficient with the remote. I will probably upgrade to the Ghost this year because of that but the Xi5 has been great. Of the two you mentioned you will like the Xi5 better in my opinion.



Thanks for the reply...

Why do think I will like the Xi5 better?


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Re: X5 Opinions? [Re: metalruch1] #13453601 02/27/20 07:06 PM
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Originally Posted by metalruch1
Originally Posted by x19dm
I run an Xi5 24volt 80lb on a 19' Xpress and it is more than adequate but I know it is a lighter boat. I have spot locked and had waves crashing over the front but the boat didn't move. I love it other than the foot pedal but have become pretty proficient with the remote. I will probably upgrade to the Ghost this year because of that but the Xi5 has been great. Of the two you mentioned you will like the Xi5 better in my opinion.



Thanks for the reply...

Why do think I will like the Xi5 better?

neither the Xi5 or the Ultrex will integrate with your Garmin...so that's something to consider if you want to control your trolling motor from your graph. That being said, from what I've read, ALL wireless foot pedals suck if you're used to using a cable driven trolling motor. That being said, between the two you mentioned, Minn Kota has a fancier remote but the spot lock on the Xi5 is phenomenal. I do a lot of offshore fishing and will motor to my spot, deploy the trolling motor, drive around until I find fish and structure and the Xi5 keeps me RIGHT on my spot...even with wind and heavy current. I'm running a 24 volt 60 inch shaft model on a 21ft bay boat and it lasts all day long. Very quiet too. Once you get used to using the remote...it's easier to maneuver...I don't miss a foot pedal

Re: X5 Opinions? [Re: metalruch1] #13453603 02/27/20 07:07 PM
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dk2429 Online Content
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XI5.

WIll never own another POS Minn Kota again.


Majek 22 Extreme/225 Optimax Pro XS hauled by a 2500HD Duramax



Re: X5 Opinions? [Re: metalruch1] #13453625 02/27/20 07:31 PM
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I've had my Xi5 for over 3 years now. Foot controls sucks but in no time you learn to use the hand remote by feel alone. Only reason I even keep my foot remote on the deck is if I get a fish I can hit the spot lock switch on it or control the boat from it.

Re: X5 Opinions? [Re: dk2429] #13453628 02/27/20 07:32 PM
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Originally Posted by dk2429
XI5.

WIll never own another POS Minn Kota again.


Tell us how you really feel

Re: X5 Opinions? [Re: metalruch1] #13453633 02/27/20 07:38 PM
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Originally Posted by metalruch1
Originally Posted by Cmack
I put an Xi5 on may BassCat last year and have been pleasantly surprised. Motor is very quiet and powerful. Spot lock/Anchor mode has been flawless. I use the heading feature when fishing down a bank or grassline and find it's like having someone run the motor for me. Where I find it to be lacking is when in thick brush I like to use a foot pedal and it's miserable. The remote gives amazing, precise maneuvering but ties up one hand, which is a PITA when trying to pitch and avoid stumps, etc. I have modded the foot pedal by shortening the springs a bit and while this does help some but it is in no way comparable to a standard cable operated foot control. As long as you aren't fishing in the thickets, I see no reason to spend twice the money for an Ultrex/ghost/etc.



Thanks for the reply and assessment. I do fish in the thickets quite a bit and the foot pedal is what "scares" me the most...

What pounds of thrust and shaft length do you run on that Cat? I have a Pantera Classic...


I have the 54" shaft 80# thrust on an Eyra (old school Eyra)` Much like dk2429, I'm not a fan of Minkota either. I spent too many years dragging a boat all over Mexico where no parts are available and needed the most reliable trolling motor available. Motorguide has never let me down. Got wound up in a net on ElSalto years ago and had to disassemble a half melted microswitch in the foot pedal and rework it but was able to patch it up and fish for 10 more days.


Re: X5 Opinions? [Re: photofishin] #13453649 02/27/20 07:50 PM
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metalruch1 Offline OP
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Why do think I will like the Xi5 better?[/quote]
neither the Xi5 or the Ultrex will integrate with your Garmin...so that's something to consider if you want to control your trolling motor from your graph. That being said, from what I've read, ALL wireless foot pedals suck if you're used to using a cable driven trolling motor. That being said, between the two you mentioned, Minn Kota has a fancier remote but the spot lock on the Xi5 is phenomenal. I do a lot of offshore fishing and will motor to my spot, deploy the trolling motor, drive around until I find fish and structure and the Xi5 keeps me RIGHT on my spot...even with wind and heavy current. I'm running a 24 volt 60 inch shaft model on a 21ft bay boat and it lasts all day long. Very quiet too. Once you get used to using the remote...it's easier to maneuver...I don't miss a foot pedal[/quote]



Yes, the integration is something I am strongly considering.... but the $$$ is a huge factor.

That being said, I have done a lot "Google Machine" research and I cannot seem to find any reason to run them off the graph....unless it is to follow contours, or waypoints...etc.

The spot lock and sound (quieter than the other) is my biggest reason from going to one of the two I mentioned earlier. I appreciate the reply. Sounds like your experience with this has been stellar.

I am curious about going more with the remote... seems like that would be hard.to do.


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Re: X5 Opinions? [Re: BCBassCat] #13453650 02/27/20 07:51 PM
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metalruch1 Offline OP
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Originally Posted by BCBassCat
Originally Posted by dk2429
XI5.

WIll never own another POS Minn Kota again.


Tell us how you really feel



roflmao


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Re: X5 Opinions? [Re: Cmack] #13453651 02/27/20 07:52 PM
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I have the 54" shaft 80# thrust on an Eyra (old school Eyra)` Much like dk2429, I'm not a fan of Minkota either. I spent too many years dragging a boat all over Mexico where no parts are available and needed the most reliable trolling motor available. Motorguide has never let me down. Got wound up in a net on ElSalto years ago and had to disassemble a half melted microswitch in the foot pedal and rework it but was able to patch it up and fish for 10 more days.
[/quote]


Good to know!


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Re: X5 Opinions? [Re: tmd11111] #13453654 02/27/20 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by tmd11111
I've had my Xi5 for over 3 years now. Foot controls sucks but in no time you learn to use the hand remote by feel alone. Only reason I even keep my foot remote on the deck is if I get a fish I can hit the spot lock switch on it or control the boat from it.



You are the second one to mention the hand remote... I guess I can't see switching to this. I definitely can tell the foot pedal will take some getting used to... but to not use it 100% of the time is interesting to me.

How long did it take you to get used to this... what if you need to be on the TM a little heavy due to wind but not using spot lock? Do you just put it on the continuous mode and turn it here and there?


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Re: X5 Opinions? [Re: dk2429] #13453658 02/27/20 08:00 PM
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Originally Posted by dk2429
XI5.

WIll never own another POS Minn Kota again.

cheers


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