Twin Power Poles Or Talons

[BuckMaxx]

I got in a situation the other night where these would have been REALLY handy! I think I want to put a pair on my boat over the winter. I am not sure which ones are the best? Which ones would be the easiest to install on my boat. I have a 92 ranger commanche with a CMC power lift jack plate. Thanks Chris

[slonezp]

The easiest install goes to the Talon. Once mounted, it's just a matter of connecting it to the battery. The PP has pumps which need to be installed which require taking up more storage space. The Talon is bulkier and recommends flushing the unit out after each usage. For me, it takes more time dragging out the hose than actually flushing the unit. Talon has  built in wave compensation, which is an option on the PP. The PP IMO is more visually appealing. If you keep the boat in the garage, you can lower the PP to back in. The Talon requires installing a tilt bracket. The PP has a constant drain on the battery because it's always in standby mode. You would need to connect a toggle switch to shut the power off completely. The Talon only drains the battery in deployed mode.

 

I have a Talon. I purchased one to try before I got a second one. Not going to get a second one. 1 holds the boat fine, and gives me the option to use in conjunction with the TM as a pivot point, which makes my dock fishing more precise. I can pull up to a dock, deploy the unit, hit every dock piling and skip under the docks with the ability to pivot the bow, raise the unit and hit the opposite side. I have fished perpendicular to the wind blowing 25mph using the Talon and TM together. Which ever one you choose, it's going to change the way you fish.

[Glenn]

Power-Poles are the best choice for you.  They're strong, maintenance free, straightforward installation, long warranty, and they look great.  I can hold my boat in direct current in the Columbia River!

 

Check out this video for more information:   http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/power-pole-installation.html

[CxThree]

I've been researching these too.  I am leaning heavily toward the talon and found out they have a 12 ft version, in multiple colors, releasing in the fall.  I just went with a DIY version of a shallow water anchor to get me through this season until the 12 ft talon comes out.  I have a thread here in the forum about it and will be releasing some video info next week when I test it out.  That might be a short ter solution for you until you make up your mind.  I will have about $130ish into 2 of them when its all done and they will be 8ft with a 4 ft extension I can use for 12 ft total. 

[BuckMaxx]

Thank you all for the time you put into your posts. very informative!! If I opt for the power pole which model should I go with? I will be fishing a tournament on Saturday with several other boats I may have to look at them and talk to the owners may be the best option.

[Glenn]

How long is your boat?

[BuckMaxx]

18' glenn

We fish a lot of evening tournaments here. Often the weather will build over the mountains during the hot time of day. Then the afternoons we will get thunderstorms. Most of the time there is wind associated with these storms even if they are 20 miles away. For instance the other night, we fished in whitecaps to the tune of standing on the trolling motor pointed into the wind and not moving an inch. I didn't make a cast for those 20 minutes. I need something...

[slonezp]

The Sportsman II seems to be the goto PP for most guys

[Dean G.]

I love my Talon!

 

[Glenn]

Your boat should be fine with the Sportsman model.  If you want added gripping power, you can go with the Blade, but it would probably be overkill for your boat.  Either way, they hold really well because the "spread out" a bit to the sides, giving you a wider stance and holding your boat better, rather than simply straight down.

 

You can install a PP in as little as an hour if you're handy. You have the pole, pump, wires, and lines. That's all there is to it. The hydraulic fluid is made of soy, so if you accidentally spill it, it won't cause you any problems nor is it hard to clean up.

I like the Bluetooth app myself. You can easily customize the install via your smartphone without having to reach into tight spaces or mess with the equipment. Heck, you don't even have to be in the boat to do it!