These kinds of videos are really helpful to a lot of people. Nice job taking the time to do this. Must have been difficult to not fish for almost an hour and a half though.
Your Pedal drive is going to create drag, so your speed may be reduced, when using the Bixby. You should pull the Pedal drive up, to get a accurate speed from the Bixby.
Great test. Am considering a bixpy for my pdl 120. You also have the patience of a Jedi for not fishing! Hope you got some tight lines after filming. Thanks again!
I love my J2 Bixpy. I have a Limetruse yellow, Hoodoo impulse fin drive, 120. I purchased my Bixpy 2 years ago. I just purchased a spare battery this summer. I use the Vibe Gravity rudder for the Bixpy. It'll last all day on speeds 6 to 7. One battery will last all day at those settings. I did DIY a bracket behind my seat, for my battery. So I can just swap them. I keep my spare in my bow hatch. And also run a separate lithium for my electronics. At 5ft 7 153, she moves between 3 to 4 mph. That's on speed 10 to 12. Awesome motor for a kayak. It's all you need, and when you open the box, you need nothing. The Newport Vessel Nk- 180-1.8 HP electric motor gets close to 5mph, and I'm thinking of changing. Since my kayak is motor ready. But there overall the same price, not as light or versatile as the Bixpy. And lithium batteries for an electric motor, seem to be very low on stock. Very nice setup you have there. I love having the motor, with a PDL or fin drive together. If you raise your pdl Drive underway. You'll reduce the drag and probably gain close to a mph. I usually use my deck plug cassette. It helps with the drag. 😎 🌊 🎣
Hey Anthony 👋. Thanks for your comment! Sounds like you have a pretty sweet setup. I do love the Bixpy and just the ease of setup, use on the water, and stowing it away at the end of the day. Really amazing how powerful it is for the size of the motor and the battery is amazing as well for its size. I recently got an Old Town AutoPilot and plan to use both motors for saltwater fishing. The bixpy will get me from point A to B and the Minn Kota will be for fishing. Plus, it’s always good to have a back up in the ocean. Anyhow, great to hear you are thoroughly enjoying your bixpy. Cheers mate!
Thanks for the video - very useful content. I have the Bixpy on a Hobie Outback. I can get 3.6kts on full power. I usually use the motor as 'pedal assist', using 1/4 power while pdealling using the Mirage drive (so, 3 out of 12 power setting.). I noticed that after 1 hour I still had 6/6 on the battery. I haven't done a full run down of the battery yet - but I can say I have done about 2 hours on 1/4 power and then a 40 min 'dash' home on full power and still had a couple of bars on the battery. I'm very impressed with the battery life. My biggest bug-bear is if I get some seaweed in the prop then I have to haul-up on shore in order to clear it. A bit of a pain when you are in the middle of Plymouth Sound!!
I've researched and watched youtube vids... no answers. If i do a paddle assist, can lower power on motor and keep up my speed? If I keep motor at same speed and paddle assist, will i go faster and thus farther on same level of battery draw?
So, it looks like my guess is fairly accurate. This thing would absolutely fly on a bigwater/predator rudder. More weight to move, but I'd be able to pedal leisurely and get far more speed with far less effort...or I could use a pdl insert and go 100% motorized when time is not issue. I'm pretty sure 5-7mph would be very much attainable while pedaling, in the bigwater/predator.👍
It would definitely be much faster on a predator/big water. I think the speed limitation for my kayak is mainly due to my kayak hull shape. The insert would also give you a little additional speed as well. 👍
Good test! Thank you! I have the exact same setup as yours (even the colors 😅) and always wanted to know that battery life at maximum power, now I know.
Really appreciate seeing a test like this. I just discovered that such a product exists through SeaEagle inflatable kayaks and have been giving this serious consideration. Have you discovered any quirks or things that you think anyone should consider prior to purchase? And also, what are the recharge times like. Thanks again
Thanks! It’s definitely a very simple easy to use system. Depending on what type of vessel you are using, the bixpy can be good or bad. I have an extremely heavy fishing kayak so I would probably use a difference propulsion system but for SUPs or inflatable kayak, the bixpy will work fine. It usually took 4-5 hours for a full charge.
A lot of people say this but it doesn’t increase speed at all. With my 106 PDL it actually slows it down cuz more water would get into my kayak, even covering it up doesn’t make the kayak faster with the drive up. Same thing with my Slayer Max 10.
I think it depends on the kayak but I do agree. I recently did a test with the insert in and the pedals up and it did slightly go up in speed (.2+- mph) so I would say it’s negligible. I wouldn’t buy an insert if it was only in hopes of getting more speed and battery life.
Nice test of the Bixpy! I am curious about the handling with the offset mount? Any listing? I see you also have a big Garmin on the left like me. My 120 PDL already lists left with the paddle mounted and a Garmin 93SV and switchblade transducer mount (small 18ah Lifepo4 battery in the front hatch centered) I am also a bigger guy over 6ft and 255lb So that concerns me for the left rear motor mount option. I'm about to mount an NK 180 to the same spot (which was poorly designed at an angle!) I want more speed for my rivers and my own bigger lifepo4 battery. If I had more money and a trailer, I would have bought an even bigger motor! Anyway, I'm debating trying to get a plate like yours but bigger, so I can make the correct holes in it and mount the motor straight like it should be. Or just mount it offset like you did until I can get a better designed kayak (but I love my OT pedal drive) Also thinking how to lock the motor straight also as I don't think this NK 180 clamps down like the Bixpy for alignment, I have a lock pin that only locks it straight with the mount. I should have bought a Native PDL or something else with PDL and designed for a rear motor, but never thought I would want a motor (and the ridiculous registration tax that goes with it!) I would prefer to mount it on the right, but I have no desire to cut a big access hole into my 1 year old $2500+ kayak. It's so stupid they didn't provide a straight mount for a motor or powerpole, there was no need to make it offset like they did.....
Hey 👋! Thanks for your comment. There is a little listing but doesn’t seem to affect steering too much. I still prefer this way over the hull insert mount or rudder mount but definitely not perfect..
Can you lift your prop out of the water? If so, it will reduce drag considerably and increase your speed. The Bars however, is not proportional to actual power remaining. 80+ minutes max speed is very excellent for a system under 10 lbs for motor and battery. Superb system once you figure it out.
I can lift the pedal drive out of the water and did a speed test using a hull plate in another vid. The increase is speed is negligible. I think kayak hull type plays a bigger role in my case.
I was considering that option as well. I ended up going with powerpole adapter mainly bc of steering concerns on a plastic rudder. Additionally, raising the rudder might be a challenge. I liked the adapter option bc taking the motor on and off is super simple. However, I haven’t tested it out so just some guesses at this point. In theory, if it does work on the rudder with the TW, would be awesome bc it’s so simple and streamline.
Great information, I have a PDL120 and I like to troll slow for Kokanee and Trout. How does it perform at slow speeds? How slow is the first speed? and is it loud at slow speed?
Depends on so many things. Bow mount, stern mount, speed, spotlock, cost and weight. Tough to answer…. I would start with looking at an NK-180s, Torqeedo, and xi3.
We ran ours flat for the 1st time after having them for the last 6 months. Great units. It was weird as it didn't show 1 light. Went from 2 lights to off. Was yours like that?
@Wanna Fish All Day we used them on half power for around 10 kilometers and full for 6 kilometers, and we paddled at the same time. We have 2 on 2 separate kayaks, and they both did the same thing. 2 lights then off.
Hey, nice video thank you for posting. I have the motor and I use it on my PA 14. It's an insert where the mirage Drive would go. The product is just OK. for the cost of this thing it's really not justified, quite frankly a trolling motor would be a fraction of the cost and probably more powerful. My maximum speed that I get with the motor is about 4 1/2 miles per hour. the battery is new so it does last for a day out on the water. overall the major problem with the company is it's customer service, which is just terrible. I probably wouldn't buy from the company again. just thought you should know before buying this very expensive underpowered motor.
So obviously you rarely run full speed, how are you normally using it? Like half speed here and there while pedaling to go from place to place? And does it usually last the whole day? I'm seriously considering a bixpy due to how small it is. I'd like something to increase my distance I can fish and also allow me to be less tired after a full day on the water.
Yeah usually speed 7-8 (out of 12) to get to spots in conjunction with pedaling. You’ll definitely be less tired but it will depend on how long you fish and how much water you want to cover. I usually get 6 hours on the water no problem.
@Wanna Fish All Day awesome! I just ordered the new K1 motor with their larger battery so now I'm sure I'll get a nice long day out of it running it pretty good! I got the new larger battery because I am known for spending excessive time on the water haha. Last season I did several 13 hour days pedaling, even back to back so this will be a game changer for me for sure. Thanks for the help!
This is really only relevant for people using pedal kayaks... The drag caused by the pedal drive is significant, its adding so much water resistance that it is probably halving the range of the battery
Not true, at least for Bixpy. I did speed tests with the drive down vs up with a hull plate and results were nominal. Also, the runtime I was getting was in line with the manufacturer’s time. Also, in terms of speed, the drag isn’t the biggest resistance factor. It’s the kayak itself. The hull shape makes a huge difference.
Let me know when this thing is 50% off, goes 50% faster, and lasts 50% longer. I really don't understand all the positivity surrounding this product. This is ridiculously expensive for what it offers.
These kinds of videos are really helpful to a lot of people. Nice job taking the time to do this. Must have been difficult to not fish for almost an hour and a half though.
Thanks for the kind words! Always appreciate your support! 👊🏼
Your Pedal drive is going to create drag, so your speed may be reduced, when using the Bixby.
You should pull the Pedal drive up, to get a accurate speed from the Bixby.
It’s pretty negligible.
Would LOVE to see the same test with the new PP768
great review and thanks for factorings all the variables. the views are gorgeous as well, hopefully more to come!
Thanks, I cruise with mine but nice to see the battery last that long on full throttle. Great content.
Thanks for watching!
Great test. Thank you. Just received a J2 for our Razorlite 473rl.
Thanks!
Great test. Am considering a bixpy for my pdl 120. You also have the patience of a Jedi for not fishing! Hope you got some tight lines after filming. Thanks again!
Thanks Craig! 👍
Thanks, yes, it's a patience killer.
I love my J2 Bixpy. I have a Limetruse yellow, Hoodoo impulse fin drive, 120. I purchased my Bixpy 2 years ago. I just purchased a spare battery this summer. I use the Vibe Gravity rudder for the Bixpy. It'll last all day on speeds 6 to 7. One battery will last all day at those settings. I did DIY a bracket behind my seat, for my battery. So I can just swap them. I keep my spare in my bow hatch. And also run a separate lithium for my electronics. At 5ft 7 153, she moves between 3 to 4 mph. That's on speed 10 to 12. Awesome motor for a kayak. It's all you need, and when you open the box, you need nothing. The Newport Vessel Nk- 180-1.8 HP electric motor gets close to 5mph, and I'm thinking of changing. Since my kayak is motor ready. But there overall the same price, not as light or versatile as the Bixpy. And lithium batteries for an electric motor, seem to be very low on stock. Very nice setup you have there. I love having the motor, with a PDL or fin drive together. If you raise your pdl Drive underway. You'll reduce the drag and probably gain close to a mph. I usually use my deck plug cassette. It helps with the drag. 😎 🌊 🎣
Hey Anthony 👋. Thanks for your comment! Sounds like you have a pretty sweet setup. I do love the Bixpy and just the ease of setup, use on the water, and stowing it away at the end of the day. Really amazing how powerful it is for the size of the motor and the battery is amazing as well for its size. I recently got an Old Town AutoPilot and plan to use both motors for saltwater fishing. The bixpy will get me from point A to B and the Minn Kota will be for fishing. Plus, it’s always good to have a back up in the ocean. Anyhow, great to hear you are thoroughly enjoying your bixpy. Cheers mate!
what year is your impulse and does the vibe rudder slip into the factory rudder?
Thanks for the video - very useful content. I have the Bixpy on a Hobie Outback. I can get 3.6kts on full power. I usually use the motor as 'pedal assist', using 1/4 power while pdealling using the Mirage drive (so, 3 out of 12 power setting.). I noticed that after 1 hour I still had 6/6 on the battery. I haven't done a full run down of the battery yet - but I can say I have done about 2 hours on 1/4 power and then a 40 min 'dash' home on full power and still had a couple of bars on the battery. I'm very impressed with the battery life. My biggest bug-bear is if I get some seaweed in the prop then I have to haul-up on shore in order to clear it. A bit of a pain when you are in the middle of Plymouth Sound!!
Thanks for the great comments! They do make a cover that’s a little better for grass. Sometimes I’ll throw it in reverse to get some of the grass out.
I've researched and watched youtube vids... no answers. If i do a paddle assist, can lower power on motor and keep up my speed? If I keep motor at same speed and paddle assist, will i go faster and thus farther on same level of battery draw?
So, it looks like my guess is fairly accurate. This thing would absolutely fly on a bigwater/predator rudder. More weight to move, but I'd be able to pedal leisurely and get far more speed with far less effort...or I could use a pdl insert and go 100% motorized when time is not issue. I'm pretty sure 5-7mph would be very much attainable while pedaling, in the bigwater/predator.👍
It would definitely be much faster on a predator/big water. I think the speed limitation for my kayak is mainly due to my kayak hull shape. The insert would also give you a little additional speed as well. 👍
Many thanks for sharing 👍
Very much appreciated 👍 🙏
Good test! Thank you! I have the exact same setup as yours (even the colors 😅) and always wanted to know that battery life at maximum power, now I know.
Thanks for watching and the kind words!
Nice setup!
Thanks!
Pretty good considering your pedal prop is causing all that drag. lol This setup, along with the solar panel is on my wish list.
Good luck!
Panel solars would be a diy project?
Another awesome test! Thanks! I don't have the extension (yet), have to see if I need it!
Glad it was helpful!
@@WannaFishAllDay Indeed! And fish on!
LOL Dude its called trolling! thanks for the vid def helped me in choosing a motor for the oldtown 120
🤣
Thank you.
Not too shabby for 15AH 👊💪💯
Thanks!
Really appreciate seeing a test like this. I just discovered that such a product exists through SeaEagle inflatable kayaks and have been giving this serious consideration. Have you discovered any quirks or things that you think anyone should consider prior to purchase? And also, what are the recharge times like. Thanks again
Thanks! It’s definitely a very simple easy to use system. Depending on what type of vessel you are using, the bixpy can be good or bad. I have an extremely heavy fishing kayak so I would probably use a difference propulsion system but for SUPs or inflatable kayak, the bixpy will work fine. It usually took 4-5 hours for a full charge.
Loved it, makes me want to motorize my 120 pdl
Thanks buddy!!
Very helpful .thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Great video
Thanks!
We know that having the pdl up creates less drag and increases speed and would assume would also increase battery life?
Maybe but not sure if it would be a substantial difference.
A lot of people say this but it doesn’t increase speed at all. With my 106 PDL it actually slows it down cuz more water would get into my kayak, even covering it up doesn’t make the kayak faster with the drive up. Same thing with my Slayer Max 10.
I think it depends on the kayak but I do agree. I recently did a test with the insert in and the pedals up and it did slightly go up in speed (.2+- mph) so I would say it’s negligible. I wouldn’t buy an insert if it was only in hopes of getting more speed and battery life.
Nice test of the Bixpy!
I am curious about the handling with the offset mount?
Any listing? I see you also have a big Garmin on the left like me.
My 120 PDL already lists left with the paddle mounted and a Garmin 93SV and switchblade transducer mount (small 18ah Lifepo4 battery in the front hatch centered)
I am also a bigger guy over 6ft and 255lb
So that concerns me for the left rear motor mount option.
I'm about to mount an NK 180 to the same spot (which was poorly designed at an angle!)
I want more speed for my rivers and my own bigger lifepo4 battery.
If I had more money and a trailer, I would have bought an even bigger motor!
Anyway, I'm debating trying to get a plate like yours but bigger, so I can make the correct holes in it and mount the motor straight like it should be.
Or just mount it offset like you did until I can get a better designed kayak (but I love my OT pedal drive)
Also thinking how to lock the motor straight also as I don't think this NK 180 clamps down like the Bixpy for alignment, I have a lock pin that only locks it straight with the mount.
I should have bought a Native PDL or something else with PDL and designed for a rear motor, but never thought I would want a motor (and the ridiculous registration tax that goes with it!)
I would prefer to mount it on the right, but I have no desire to cut a big access hole into my 1 year old $2500+ kayak.
It's so stupid they didn't provide a straight mount for a motor or powerpole, there was no need to make it offset like they did.....
Hey 👋! Thanks for your comment. There is a little listing but doesn’t seem to affect steering too much. I still prefer this way over the hull insert mount or rudder mount but definitely not perfect..
@@WannaFishAllDaywhat don’t you like about the rudder option?
Can you lift your prop out of the water? If so, it will reduce drag considerably and increase your speed. The Bars however, is not proportional to actual power remaining. 80+ minutes max speed is very excellent for a system under 10 lbs for motor and battery. Superb system once you figure it out.
I can lift the pedal drive out of the water and did a speed test using a hull plate in another vid. The increase is speed is negligible. I think kayak hull type plays a bigger role in my case.
@@WannaFishAllDay Interesting data point. I'm surprised. Thanks for sharing this.
I was surprised too!
Great video! What size is your Garmin?
Thanks Doug! It’s the Garmin 93sv.
Great video🔥🔥 what app do you use to track your speed and distance with?
Thanks! I use the Strava app.
it looked like you get a fair amount of water coming up from around the drive ?
Not bad. Doesn’t bother me.
Contacted Bixpy, they suggest I use their Ruuder mount for the motor on my Top water 120. What is your opinion?
I was considering that option as well. I ended up going with powerpole adapter mainly bc of steering concerns on a plastic rudder. Additionally, raising the rudder might be a challenge. I liked the adapter option bc taking the motor on and off is super simple. However, I haven’t tested it out so just some guesses at this point. In theory, if it does work on the rudder with the TW, would be awesome bc it’s so simple and streamline.
@@WannaFishAllDay Thanks, your version looks great. I have to make a decision
Good luck! 👍
Great information, I have a PDL120 and I like to troll slow for Kokanee and Trout. How does it perform at slow speeds? How slow is the first speed? and is it loud at slow speed?
It’s super loud bc it’s such a small motor with a lot of torque. The lower end speeds don’t do much. I never use them.
@@WannaFishAllDay Thanks for the info
Anytime and thanks for checking out the channel!!
would you go faster if the pedal drive was up?
Didn’t make much difference
What is the best option to power an old town 106?
Depends on so many things. Bow mount, stern mount, speed, spotlock, cost and weight. Tough to answer…. I would start with looking at an NK-180s, Torqeedo, and xi3.
I usually run the motor at 8/12 so 60% in hopes to get longer than that
Smart move. I’m sure you can get at least 5-6 hours at 60%.
Do pedals keep rotation even when trolling? A bother?
They do keep spinning. Doesn’t bother me.
We ran ours flat for the 1st time after having them for the last 6 months. Great units.
It was weird as it didn't show 1 light.
Went from 2 lights to off.
Was yours like that?
Tbh, I’m not 100% sure. Was the runtime what u expected before it went out?
@Wanna Fish All Day we used them on half power for around 10 kilometers and full for 6 kilometers, and we paddled at the same time.
We have 2 on 2 separate kayaks, and they both did the same thing. 2 lights then off.
10 miles or 16 km seems about right. I usually get about the same in terms on total distance on a full charge.
Yes I'm happy with the distance and the bixpys are great.
Just thought it strange that it didn't get to 1 light 😕 .
At least now we know.
Hey, nice video thank you for posting. I have the motor and I use it on my PA 14. It's an insert where the mirage Drive would go. The product is just OK. for the cost of this thing it's really not justified, quite frankly a trolling motor would be a fraction of the cost and probably more powerful. My maximum speed that I get with the motor is about 4 1/2 miles per hour. the battery is new so it does last for a day out on the water. overall the major problem with the company is it's customer service, which is just terrible. I probably wouldn't buy from the company again. just thought you should know before buying this very expensive underpowered motor.
Thanks and I agree with you. Not a fan of the company anymore either. Horrible customer service.
What boots do you use?
Those are NRS boundary boots.
So obviously you rarely run full speed, how are you normally using it? Like half speed here and there while pedaling to go from place to place? And does it usually last the whole day? I'm seriously considering a bixpy due to how small it is. I'd like something to increase my distance I can fish and also allow me to be less tired after a full day on the water.
Yeah usually speed 7-8 (out of 12) to get to spots in conjunction with pedaling. You’ll definitely be less tired but it will depend on how long you fish and how much water you want to cover. I usually get 6 hours on the water no problem.
@Wanna Fish All Day awesome! I just ordered the new K1 motor with their larger battery so now I'm sure I'll get a nice long day out of it running it pretty good! I got the new larger battery because I am known for spending excessive time on the water haha. Last season I did several 13 hour days pedaling, even back to back so this will be a game changer for me for sure. Thanks for the help!
Seems like the pedal drive would cripple efficiently a bit. Just saying. I bet by 40% . Just a guess.
After that you must buy a new batery?
The pedal drive was causing drag on it too. It would have went longer without it.
Yeah maybe. Not sure if it would make a huge difference.
Sorry... should have said "great video." Thanks
Thank you!!
This is really only relevant for people using pedal kayaks... The drag caused by the pedal drive is significant, its adding so much water resistance that it is probably halving the range of the battery
Not true, at least for Bixpy. I did speed tests with the drive down vs up with a hull plate and results were nominal. Also, the runtime I was getting was in line with the manufacturer’s time. Also, in terms of speed, the drag isn’t the biggest resistance factor. It’s the kayak itself. The hull shape makes a huge difference.
תודה
Let me know when this thing is 50% off, goes 50% faster, and lasts 50% longer. I really don't understand all the positivity surrounding this product. This is ridiculously expensive for what it offers.
There are better options depending on what you’re looking for. Curious what setup you have…