Sallow Water Anchors

[starcraft1]

Looking for any personal info. on both the Power pole & MK. Talon in the 10' & 12' models.

PROS & CONS of operating, boat holding in rough (2' to 3') water, hydro vs. elect., ect.

I've read the hype and have been on the water with both and have my own option as far as clam water goes. My concern is the hydro vs. elect. I've heard of hydro leaks & hoses coming off on the P.P. 's and not much from the talon side except of low overhangs witch the 10' & 12' models have a foot peddle lever (extra $$ of course!)

Thanks, Bruce

[slonezp]

I have a single 8ft Talon on a 20ft boat. Never had a problem with it not holding. I have the tilt bracket installed but the top of the Talon isn't much higher than the cowl. I don't know how different the 10-12ft models are

[Smokinal]

I've been looking at them as well. I like the idea of the Talon being all electric and more "self contained" but have heard they weigh quite a bit and really change how your boat sits in the water; could effect hole shot as well.

[starcraft1]

I didn't notice any hole shot problems with 2 PP's on the back of a Z21 nitro, both 8' running a 250 pro XS nor the single 8' on the Triton 19'. I wouldn't have a problem with the 8 ' model except about 20% of the water I fish sets I the 9' to 11' range and I've caught some toads out deeper. The other 80% is from 6' down to 2'. This is push pole water only. Heavy grass with holes. Great frog, punchin' & senko water. I also checked around a little on price. Wal-Mart has Talons in the 8,10, & 12- models in 3 different colors. The jack plate bracket and foot tilt (10' & 12' only) are extra.  The 8' price is better than either Bass Pro or Cabelas by $250 to $300. Wonder about the quality?

If I remember right, the 8' was around $1,095 (sale) $1,200 something (reg. ) The 10' & 12' models they're a little more proud of at $1,500 & $1,800 plus the extra parts.

[Glenn]

I have 2 Power-Pole Blades on my boat for 3 years now.  Holeshot never changed from pre- to post-installation.  These puppies HOLD the boat.  No seriously.  I've sat in very heavy current in the middle of the Columbia (similar in strength as the Mississippi), and the boat didn't budge.  Haven't had any issues with leakage or any other problems for that matter.  If there was one thing I didn't like about them, I'll tell you when I find it.

[Scorchx1245]

I have 2 Power-Pole Blades on my boat for 3 years now. Holeshot never changed from pre- to post-installation. These puppies HOLD the boat. No seriously. I've sat in very heavy current in the middle of the Columbia (similar in strength as the Mississippi), and the boat didn't budge. Haven't had any issues with leakage or any other problems for that matter. If there was one thing I didn't like about them, I'll tell you when I find it.

when the hydraulic line springs a leak and some gets sucked in the live well intake during rough water.....enough to kill my 1 lbs I couldn't cull and lose a tourney. But I still prefer power poles. BTW I was a Co angler, on someone else's boat. The talons get in the way to bulky for my likes.

[kikstand454]

Fwiw....

My PA in law installed a powerpole on his zcommanche. Himself ( Yamaha warranty tech at the time). It worked really well. But he got rid of that boat and downsized to an 18' xpress. When it came time for a pole, he opted for the minn kota. He says he likes it much better in every way. Installation, cost, maintenance, holding power, etc.

[Montanaro]

Fwiw....

My PA in law installed a powerpole on his zcommanche. Himself ( Yamaha warranty tech at the time). It worked really well. But he got rid of that boat and downsized to an 18' xpress. When it came time for a pole, he opted for the minn kota. He says he likes it much better in every way. Installation, cost, maintenance, holding power, etc.

But can you escape a bee hive with it down or not wake a sleeping tiger?

[kikstand454]

No and no.

[Glenn]

I've had mine for 3 years, and never had any issue with leaks.  I've heard of a few people that had leaks, but in those cases it was due to poor installation, not a flaw in the equipment. I had mine installed by a professional.

[starcraft1]

Glen, one of the big problems for me is the pro installer part. The weight vs. hole shot - no problem, hieght - no problem in the water(s) i'b be using them in, useable space in back storage = ? Still can't seem to get the fluid idea out of my head. I will admitt the noise (of deplotment) might be a problem, but with the wind on the water, this might prove to be a "no problem" deal. I've talked to a few pro's who've had both and have taken them off. "They don't hold in a rough (high) wind area.To me this is'nt a problem do to the fact that the waters I tournament fish has no use for them, but my "fun" fishing hole has all the use in the world.

The pro's & cons of both seem to be valid, but I'm going the way of the Talon.

Reason(s) 1. Price, 2. installion - Talon, My partner and I can install our selves. 3. Where I'll be using them most has thick (I mean THICK) grass mats and (in my thinking) the straight deployment of the Talon will work better(?) than the extending - I guess that's what it's called? - action of the Power Pole(s).

I'd like to thank all who have put their 2 cents in on this, it has helped in a couple of ways. 1. It made me get off my duff and really look into the subject more and "WOW! they're both real proud of their product in the $$$ way!" (my wife saying this) 2. I now know that one of my retirement checks is going to tied up for a few months to pay for "another one of my toys" again my wife,  I'm going with the Talon model in the 12'. I'll let everyone know how I feel after I get them installed.

Thanks again, Bruce

[Glenn]

Bruce,

Just to clarify (not trying to change your mind), but I've had great success holding in strong winds....and difficulty too.  It has to do with the bottom.  A hard, rocky bottom is more difficult to hold onto in strong winds.  Both PP and Talons will have problems holding on hard bottom in strong winds.  Just wanted to level-set your expectations.

 

As for thick matted vegetation, again, no issues there with my PP. Although I usually don't need to deploy the poles if I'm in the heavy stuff because the mats tend to do a fine job of holding the boat anyway.  The bigger issue is just getting in and out of those areas with the trolling motor!  LOL!

 

[Smokinal]

It's a big decision that's not easily changed so it's good you did your homework and made your own decision based on your needs.

[Gotfishyfingers?]

Power poles dominate the tournament circuits, hands down. Just take a look at the elites or flw tour pros boats. Only a handful of them have a talon, compared to PP's. Theres a reason why and no, not cause of being sponsored by PP. lol

[IntroC]

Power poles dominate the tournament circuits, hands down. Just take a look at the elites or flw tour pros boats. Only a handful of them have a talon, compared to PP's. Theres a reason why and no, not cause of being sponsored by PP. lol

Are you sure about that last sentance?

[dcmclassic]

I have twin 8ft PP Blades on my boat and I love them. Probably the single best thing I've done for my boat. They do great holding the boat, but I wouldn't say that they will actually hold in 7ft plus. My next boat will have Talons just so I can compare the two.