In heavy wind I use the heading lock and tap it as needed.

My question is, could I use the less expensive remote that doesn't have all the features as a back up or for my partner to use. They're about $60 on Amazon VS $120 for the fancy one.

aha! Thanks for the tip!

I think you will like the Xi5 better because it is quieter motor than the Terrova from what I have seen. I haven't run a Terrova but have been in the boat when one was running and in my opinion the Xi5 is quieter. I am not die hard on brand like some and have a Foretrex before this one. I would look at a used Ultrex as I have a feeling some of those may be available with all the new ones coming out. Graph interface is not that big of a deal for most in my opinion. Rather have a remote. One thing I can say about buying an Xi5 is it made me more of a point/spot fisherman vs. beating the bank due to the foot pedal. I have heard of some that can make the foot pedal work but like many others I rarely use it.

it's definitely something you have to get used to...the only thing I can say is to go out om someone else's boat and ask them to let you control it with the remote for a while. I'm rarely on high speed having to make quick adjustments...I turn it on in low, adjust as necessary right and left, bump up or down the speed when necessary and turn right or left as necessary...same action as with your foot...but with your hand...and it's hanging around your neck. It'd be more difficult to use in the midst of the buckbrush at Rayburn than fishing docks on Conroe on a windy day but that's also when I use spot lock in between to fish.

for the Xi5 with Pinpoint GPS, there IS only one remote available.

This is interesting... do you think if you were having to go into skinny water to sight fish or just get in the dirt, this would be an issue with the foot pedal? Is it just an adjustment deal??

To me it is just no tactile feedback. I can use it but have found while fishing if I don't concentrate on the foot pedal I will look down and the motor is spinning around. Like others I have learned to use the handheld and only occasionally use the foot primarily when I have a heading set and just want to adjust the heading by lightly tapping on the foot pedal. I have however read where others use the foot pedal like any trolling motor but I haven't been able to adjust mine or get used to it to replicate a wire steered motor.

Motor Guides new Tour Pro looks like the best of all worlds. True cable steer, with all the spot lock features. https://youtu.be/xk3m2bdaARY

I have the XI5 ...80 lb ..24 V ..60" shaft..had it for 2 years and luv it . I use the remote all of the time

that's awesome...and it says universally compatible with other sonar too...that's a game changer! Now they just need a saltwater version

I have a Terrova and use both the remote and the foot pedal. The remote is best when I am spot fishing or fishing vertically. When I am working a grass line or the bank I find it easier to control the boat with the foot pedal.

At first the foot pedal was very frustrating but then I found if I keep the motor running at a low speed and the autopilot on and make adjustments while letting the device do most of the work it is even possible to work through heavy brush effectively. I very seldom use the rocker pedal and instead make minor adjustments by tapping the directional paddles at the back of the pedal. Just pick a lane and point the motor at it, even in windy conditions you will only need to make occasional adjustments. I find myself instinctively tapping the paddles to keep the boat from colliding with the cover. And that is on my Tracker Pro Guide V175 which catches a lot of wind.

Following a bank or grassline it’s possible to fish for several minutes sometimes without touching the controls.

I’m sure you could employ the same method with the Xi5. I fish with someone who runs one and it does the job.

I have a terrova. I hated the foot control pedal at first, now i couldnt go back to cable steer type controls.

My feet stay flat all day, no aukward positions that used to kill my back on a windy day. I rarely use the remote as i prefer to have my hands on my rod n reel.

You will more than likely be happy with either purchase.

Thank you for the info...yeah, my back and legs get pretty soar after a full day fighting the TM.