Just completed installation of a new Lowrance Ghost on my bass boat and love it. Amazing engineering and construction is evident. Smooth on the water and quite. Couldn't be happier. Great trolling motor.
Good unbiased overview. My old Minn Kota Maxximum crapped out and threw on a backup trolling motor, my old Pinpoint. I set it up to run a certain depth and it ran amazing....for about 300’. Then went goofy. Internal gears crapped out. I have Minn Kota Fortrex budget and a Ultrex tastes! The reliability of all the other top end trolling motors really concerns me as a I fish remote Canadian areas for multiple days. If the trolling motor craps out (and I don’t have a backup), it is Game Over! Just seems like the Ultra has been tested the longest. Just wish the Ultra was brushless (quieter and longer battery life) , had an illuminated direction arrow (for night fishing) and could convert to 24-36 volts (in case we upgrade or downgrade out battery count). Be well and Thank You.
Actually, the Ghost is loud. Check out a sound test on the different trolling motors and the Ghost was louder than the Ultrex. The Force was the quietest.
Just got an Ultrex. Didn't want to beta test the Garmin, didn't want a loud motor underwater with the Lowrance, and didn't want to wait for the tour pro to ever come out.
one thing you sorta hit on with the garmin that to me is a really big deal is the fact that it can hook up to everything wirelessly even the fish finder...no more having to fork out all the extra money for ethernet cables and ethernet hubs...for me that definitely sets the garmin head over heels better then the rest since all of them do everything the samehead
I remember when the lazor guided ones came out. Instantly became a got to have. Then I saw the price. Which instantly killed that idea. As a fisherman that just wants an enjoyable day on the water, the price doesn't justify it for me.
Got my sub! I’m about to pop this weekend on my first GPS anchor trolling motor! More than stoked! It’s going on a mid 2000s 18.5 Stratos with a 24V system. Really considering the Motor Guide Tour Pro with HD trans. Can’t find an Ultrex anywhere plus the Motor Guide saves me $1000 strait up.
Haha! I have to rent boats out here in So Cal... no room to put my own! That said, the boats I rent either have no trolling motor, or, the ones that do rarely work properly! The positive is; I’ve had to learn to fish angles and how to anchor... also, get sneakier by using wind and current to position myself. Kind of a lost art if you ask me... 🎣
Oh for sure. Water displacement is something those fish feel. Being able to sneak up on them if definitely key to catching some big fish. Steve Kennedy, a BASS Elite angler ran a smaller boat for several years to be more stealthy.
Will a high-thrust transom motor jack knife a 14-foot aluminum boat even if set to the slowest speed, I need the higher trust for my river fishing, but I also need a slow speed for casting and trolling in lakes I just don't want to go airborne. I will mostly be using it for bass fishing in the Columbia in Oregon with heavy current, but I do not need a trolling motor that goes faster than I need it to when set to a low setting. But once again, I need a motor that has at least 70 LB thrust for the heavy current and running tide at times without the airtime. 14 foot aluminum boat
As long as the shaft tension is not too loose where the motor will turn randomly, you should be ok. I definitely understand where you need to power on a river. I upgraded my trolling motor just for that purpose as well, although mine is a bow mount. Most transom mounts do have the shaft tension adjustment on them.
I'm getting ready to upgrade my MG X3 55/12V..I'm thinking of the Tour Pro because of the option if something goes wrong electronically you can still run it old school..of course gotta upgrade battery as well..ugh
@@SteveRogersOutdoors thanks for replying..after seeing some recalls about the anchor mode going crazy..not so sure now. Hate to drop 5K on the Power Pole Move..but it looks high quality.
@@donkukawski8609 I haven't had a lot of interaction with that one yet, but what I have heard has been quite positive. It is amazing how pricey these things have gotten in recent years.
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For sure these things are super expensive, but hopefully as technology improves they will come down in price. I just bought a 43" 4K tv for my edit suite that was only $200. Couldn't believe it. Just a few years ago that same one would have been five times that.
I'm in the market for a new trolling motor, so, thanks for the video. I have used the Ultrex and love that it is very responsive but not all at once. It speeds up slowly so it doesn't jerk or toss you off the bow. Do the others have the same feature?
The Motorguide is a true cable steer, so that one would definitely be more likely to turn too quick. I'm not 100% sure on the response time on the other two. Being that they are more similar to the Ultrex I would guess the startup is similar, but can't say for sure. It still appears that the Ultrex is the most popular at the moment but I have heard some really nice things about the Lowrance and Garmin trolling motors.
@@SteveRogersOutdoors You cannot get any concrete information from Motorguide customer support or Tackle Warehouse (where I have the order). You must contact Motor guide through Facebook messenger in order to get a response. Each time I would contact them they would give me a tentative date that they would deliver the tour pro to the retailer. Every month I would contact them and get different stories/excuses for non-delivery to retailers. I have been using motor guide trolling motors for over 40 years and have had very few problems. That is why this seems so strange. What could be the real reason for a year-long delay? They say they will not put this product out until they are confident the product is perfected. Yet they have been taking orders since Dec of 2019. My opinion is this product should not be advertised and marketed on most major retailer's sites if they cannot deliver the product in a timely manner. At what point is this considered false advertising. Very frustrating. A positive experience did come from Motor guide. After many complaints from me, they sent me a Katana propeller for my current motor guide x5 trolling motor as a complimentary gesture for waiting so long. This propeller is awesome. lots of power and very weedless. i was very impressed. neve had a prop that powerful before. With this prop I had so much power I had to buy a T-H Marine Supplies G-Force Troll Perfect Trolling Motor Control Enhancer for MotorGuide X3/X5for the shaft to control it.
Finally received my motor guide tour pro. (Jan 11th, 2021) My friends were calling the tour pro a "Unicorn" as several pictures were seen of this but no one had actually seen a real one. Two more months before I can use it (winter and frozen water here now). here is hoping the "Horn" will not fall off the "unicorn".
It sure has changed everything and if someone is going to compete on the major trails it is a must. I'm sure when I upgrade my boat I will have it. The part that worries me the most is what it may do to our fisheries, especially the smaller ones. Not just for bass, but how someone could easily find a school of crappie, etc. It will be interesting to see how game laws may or may not change as a result of it.
Thumbs down on this "review" for the issues that are not mentioned. A good review should reflect the pro's and con's of these products. So, before I spend $3,000 on a trolling motor, I will continue to try and find useable reviews from anglers who use these motors as frequently as I will.
One thing you didt cover was the weight of the units...I have seen the ultrex weight 72lbs, Lowrance at 65 and the Motorguide the claim is alot lighter than all of them...I did watch a video on bass resource that did an underwater camera on all but the ultrex and the Ghost was unreal loud compared to the others so check that out...maybe they fixed the motor now? I have read that 10lbs on the bow = about a 1mph in speed reduction on the boat so something to think about
@@SteveRogersOutdoors I haven't checked into it but have since heard that the video was from someone sponsored by Garmin.. Not saying if it was or was not accurate, just something to think about
Be sure to explore our website, www.thebassfishinglife.com/. Links to videos, articles, and products. Enjoy and have a great day!
Nice job explaining the difference in them 👍
Just completed installation of a new Lowrance Ghost on my bass boat and love it. Amazing engineering and construction is evident. Smooth on the water and quite. Couldn't be happier. Great trolling motor.
That is awesome! So great to hear that. Thank you for sharing.
Good unbiased overview.
My old Minn Kota Maxximum crapped out and threw on a backup trolling motor, my old Pinpoint.
I set it up to run a certain depth and it ran amazing....for about 300’. Then went goofy.
Internal gears crapped out.
I have Minn Kota Fortrex budget and a Ultrex tastes!
The reliability of all the other top end trolling motors really concerns me as a I fish remote Canadian areas for multiple days. If the trolling motor craps out (and I don’t have a backup), it is Game Over!
Just seems like the Ultra has been tested the longest.
Just wish the Ultra was brushless (quieter and longer battery life) , had an illuminated direction arrow (for night fishing) and could convert to 24-36 volts (in case we upgrade or downgrade out battery count).
Be well and Thank You.
Agree. I tend to lean to the Ultrex as well. It has a lot of use out there. And where you fish, like you mentioned, you want something reliable.
I have a motorguide tour pro and i love it, heavy duty build, great anchor mode, love the cable drive with power steering assist. great motor
Thank you for adding this for everyone! I appreciate it.
Actually, the Ghost is loud. Check out a sound test on the different trolling motors and the Ghost was louder than the Ultrex. The Force was the quietest.
Thank you for sharing!
Installed a Ghost and think it is the best tm I have ever used. Strong, responsive, quiet, and efficient.
Very nice! Thank you so much for commenting to help others in the buying process. These trolling motors have come so far in recent years.
Very well done video. Extremely good info and editing. Really helpful in understanding the differences between them all.
Thank you!
Just got an Ultrex. Didn't want to beta test the Garmin, didn't want a loud motor underwater with the Lowrance, and didn't want to wait for the tour pro to ever come out.
The Ultrex has a proven track record. It's a great choice. Enjoy!
one thing you sorta hit on with the garmin that to me is a really big deal is the fact that it can hook up to everything wirelessly even the fish finder...no more having to fork out all the extra money for ethernet cables and ethernet hubs...for me that definitely sets the garmin head over heels better then the rest since all of them do everything the samehead
For sure. Especially for an aftermarket setup if someone was trying to upgrade their system. Thank you for watching!
Just watched a underwater video on three motors Lawrence was by far the loudest
Thank you for sharing!
@@SteveRogersOutdoors very much louder !!!!!
Yeah it sounded like garbage. The Garmin was the best.
I remember when the lazor guided ones came out. Instantly became a got to have. Then I saw the price. Which instantly killed that idea. As a fisherman that just wants an enjoyable day on the water, the price doesn't justify it for me.
The price is a huge factor for sure.
You say that but after you fish from a boat with Spot Lock you’ll come off that $3K so fast it will burn your hand son.
Thanks on the info mate!! Very helpful in getting me in the right direction!!👍
You're welcome! Thank you for watching.
Got my sub! I’m about to pop this weekend on my first GPS anchor trolling motor! More than stoked! It’s going on a mid 2000s 18.5 Stratos with a 24V system. Really considering the Motor Guide Tour Pro with HD trans. Can’t find an Ultrex anywhere plus the Motor Guide saves me $1000 strait up.
That is very exciting!! That gps lock will be life changing. So happy for you. Enjoy and let me know how it goes.
Haha! I have to rent boats out here in So Cal... no room to put my own! That said, the boats I rent either have no trolling motor, or, the ones that do rarely work properly! The positive is; I’ve had to learn to fish angles and how to anchor... also, get sneakier by using wind and current to position myself. Kind of a lost art if you ask me... 🎣
Oh for sure. Water displacement is something those fish feel. Being able to sneak up on them if definitely key to catching some big fish. Steve Kennedy, a BASS Elite angler ran a smaller boat for several years to be more stealthy.
31k!!!!!! Awesome
Yes! Get lucky once in a while. Lol
Will a high-thrust transom motor jack knife a 14-foot aluminum boat even if set to the slowest speed, I need the higher trust for my river fishing, but I also need a slow speed for casting and trolling in lakes I just don't want to go airborne. I will mostly be using it for bass fishing in the Columbia in Oregon with heavy current, but I do not need a trolling motor that goes faster than I need it to when set to a low setting. But once again, I need a motor that has at least 70 LB thrust for the heavy current and running tide at times without the airtime.
14 foot aluminum boat
As long as the shaft tension is not too loose where the motor will turn randomly, you should be ok. I definitely understand where you need to power on a river. I upgraded my trolling motor just for that purpose as well, although mine is a bow mount. Most transom mounts do have the shaft tension adjustment on them.
I'm getting ready to upgrade my MG X3 55/12V..I'm thinking of the Tour Pro because of the option if something goes wrong electronically you can still run it old school..of course gotta upgrade battery as well..ugh
I have had several folks talk about the same thing. They like the option to go old school.
@@SteveRogersOutdoors thanks for replying..after seeing some recalls about the anchor mode going crazy..not so sure now. Hate to drop 5K on the Power Pole Move..but it looks high quality.
@@donkukawski8609 I haven't had a lot of interaction with that one yet, but what I have heard has been quite positive. It is amazing how pricey these things have gotten in recent years.
@@SteveRogersOutdoors agreed buddy. Have a great night.
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Very helpful, thank you.
I'm glad it helped! Thanks so much for watching.
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Thank you Mr Steve for clarifing this.If you have the money you can enjoy these things .
For sure these things are super expensive, but hopefully as technology improves they will come down in price. I just bought a 43" 4K tv for my edit suite that was only $200. Couldn't believe it. Just a few years ago that same one would have been five times that.
I'm in the market for a new trolling motor, so, thanks for the video. I have used the Ultrex and love that it is very responsive but not all at once. It speeds up slowly so it doesn't jerk or toss you off the bow. Do the others have the same feature?
The Motorguide is a true cable steer, so that one would definitely be more likely to turn too quick. I'm not 100% sure on the response time on the other two. Being that they are more similar to the Ultrex I would guess the startup is similar, but can't say for sure. It still appears that the Ultrex is the most popular at the moment but I have heard some really nice things about the Lowrance and Garmin trolling motors.
Still waiting for tour pro. Ordered and paid for Feb 7 2020. Recently checked. Expected to be available Jan 22 2021. Pathetic.
Wow. That is a long, long time to wait. Thank you for sharing so others can see it.
@@SteveRogersOutdoors You cannot get any concrete information from Motorguide customer support or Tackle Warehouse (where I have the order). You must contact Motor guide through Facebook messenger in order to get a response. Each time I would contact them they would give me a tentative date that they would deliver the tour pro to the retailer. Every month I would contact them and get different stories/excuses for non-delivery to retailers. I have been using motor guide trolling motors for over 40 years and have had very few problems. That is why this seems so strange. What could be the real reason for a year-long delay? They say they will not put this product out until they are confident the product is perfected. Yet they have been taking orders since Dec of 2019. My opinion is this product should not be advertised and marketed on most major retailer's sites if they cannot deliver the product in a timely manner. At what point is this considered false advertising. Very frustrating. A positive experience did come from Motor guide. After many complaints from me, they sent me a Katana propeller for my current motor guide x5 trolling motor as a complimentary gesture for waiting so long. This propeller is awesome. lots of power and very weedless. i was very impressed. neve had a prop that powerful before. With this prop I had so much power I had to buy a T-H Marine Supplies G-Force Troll Perfect Trolling Motor Control Enhancer for MotorGuide X3/X5for the shaft to control it.
@@randyjamesrobertson what an ordeal. I'm sorry you had to go through that.
Finally received my motor guide tour pro. (Jan 11th, 2021) My friends were calling the tour pro a "Unicorn" as several pictures were seen of this but no one had actually seen a real one. Two more months before I can use it (winter and frozen water here now). here is hoping the "Horn" will not fall off the "unicorn".
@@randyjamesrobertson that took a long time! Let me know how you like it when the ice gets off. Can't wait to hear.
Fish do not hear. They feel. A prop spinning is a prop spinning
Then maybe they should change the name of the stone that we use the measure their age with from “otolith” to “psycholith”
Hey Steve how do you feel about live scope
It sure has changed everything and if someone is going to compete on the major trails it is a must. I'm sure when I upgrade my boat I will have it. The part that worries me the most is what it may do to our fisheries, especially the smaller ones. Not just for bass, but how someone could easily find a school of crappie, etc. It will be interesting to see how game laws may or may not change as a result of it.
Thumbs down on this "review" for the issues that are not mentioned. A good review should reflect the pro's and con's of these products. So, before I spend $3,000 on a trolling motor, I will continue to try and find useable reviews from anglers who use these motors as frequently as I will.
The Garmin Force is actually more quiet underwater than the Ghost.
Thank you for sharing!
any breaking news on what these manufacturers are going to bring out in their next versions?
There isn't anything new that I am aware of, although Motorguide did introduce a kayak sized trolling motor at ICAST this week.
One thing you didt cover was the weight of the units...I have seen the ultrex weight 72lbs, Lowrance at 65 and the Motorguide the claim is alot lighter than all of them...I did watch a video on bass resource that did an underwater camera on all but the ultrex and the Ghost was unreal loud compared to the others so check that out...maybe they fixed the motor now? I have read that 10lbs on the bow = about a 1mph in speed reduction on the boat so something to think about
Thank you so much for sharing. Very interesting about the sound underwater. I will have to check that out.
@@SteveRogersOutdoors I haven't checked into it but have since heard that the video was from someone sponsored by Garmin.. Not saying if it was or was not accurate, just something to think about
Ultrex still wins on price.
For sure. It is a very impressive trolling motor.
@@SteveRogersOutdoors I'm a Garmin guy, but I'm not convinced enough that the $700. more is worth it.
The Motorguide is almost the exact same price as the ultrex
I priced an ultrex and it was 3100.
@@bakervinci163 Ultrex for mine (24v/45"shaft) is $2349.
Lowrance doesn’t have auto drive
How much do they cost?
Most of them are between $2,300 and $3,200 depending on the lbs thrust and shaft length.
@@SteveRogersOutdoors thanks but I’ll have to stick with my eage for now.
Trolling motor + Pedal Boat + Boston Harbor!!!
Check this pedal boat mod out 👇🏾
th-cam.com/video/7wlwyBCXecY/w-d-xo.html