Thanks for the opinions. I am about to rig a new boat and will make a decision on which one to go with.

I havent head my Power pole a real long time but i like being able to see it deploy.. I have stuck the spike in the top of a stump in deep water a few times, Kinda tricky but it can be done

Havent seen a Talon up close yet so?

Just wanted to chime in and clear up the weight comments about the Power-Pole. Our heaviest model only weighs 19 lbs on the transom, 30.3lbs complete(pump, oil, and other components). Our Sportsman Series is most comparable to the Minn Kota Talon, it has the same anodized finish, and has a 3 yr warranty and retails for $895(6ft) and $995(8ft). All Sportsmans now come accessory ready, meaning they are foot switch and remote control ready out of the box. The Sportsman Series weighs 19lbs on the transom and 28.55lbs complete(pump, oil and other components). Please let me know if you have any further questions!

Is it really worth fighting for dudes?

haha

Good info in most of the post.

This weekend was first trip with my new Talon. The wind was calm so I didn't use it alot but it worked fine. A couple observations, first other boats can't see when the pole is down so if another boat is following you down a bank, he will run up behind you when you stop. You need brake lights. Second, the unit is quiet and if in extreme bright light like early when the sun is up but low to the horizon, you can't see the lights on the Talon. You have to check whether the Talon is deployed or not. Neither are big deals.

Good Info

My partner is running 2 Power Poles. He said he wants to go to the Talons (If they are what they are suppose to be).

Said he didn't like all the hydraulics lines and boxes taking up so much space...

For the guys who say the Power Poles don't have problems...you should have seen the Power Pole repair trailer on Lake Texoma last October for the Bass Open. Lined up!!!!

My buddy was left stranded on the lake with Byron Velvicks old Amistad Resort boat. Three motor bolts sheared off due to the power pole brackets. They had one bolt holding the motor on. They took a DQ cause they couldn't make it back. As a coanlger he wasn't too happy!

Personally I think anything can have a problem...any brand. If it has moving parts...it's going to break! Plain and simple!

I have tried staying out of this comparison but I will start clearing up facts now, starting with this quote...

The talon and power-pole are both mounted on practically the same bracket, I do prefer the side mount plates over the between the hull and plate/motor..

Things happen to boats, he needs to accept it. Welcome to being a co-angler.

Your right! I watched everyone's poles of one brand or another shutter and shake riding across Choke last Thursday in that horrible wind. All that movement can't be good!

What is funny they both spoke to Velvick on the phone while they waited on someone's dock (broken down). My buddy had a good time with it!

By the way I'm just making a non biased observation.

I promise you their poles work better than my 15lb mushroom anchor!

Talon is simpler, needs less room, and only reasonable option.

It's looking that way, I am just waiting for more reports on Talon and durability before I pull the trigger.