Power Pole question

[IntroC]

Was thinking about installing a shallow water anchor on my boat. Its an 18 foot skeeter bass boat. I was thinking about going with the Sportsmans Series but am wondering if this is a good choice and what the benifits of moving up to the Pro Series would be? More than anything I am most concerned about a good hold. It say the Pro Series has a stronger hold but maybe the Sportmans Series would be plenty for an 18ft boat is kind of what I am wondering. Replies would be much appreciated. Thanks fellers.

[clh121787]

15 hours ago, IntroC said:

Was thinking about installing a shallow water anchor on my boat. Its an 18 foot skeeter bass boat. I was thinking about going with the Sportsmans Series but am wondering if this is a good choice and what the benifits of moving up to the Pro Series would be? More than anything I am most concerned about a good hold. It say the Pro Series has a stronger hold but maybe the Sportmans Series would be plenty for an 18ft boat is kind of what I am wondering. Replies would be much appreciated. Thanks fellers.

I'm in the same boat, literally. And am interested in a power pole. Does your boat have a jack plate?

[Glenn]

Do you fish in current, or in lakes where there are a lot of wakes during the warmer months?  Wind?

[IntroC]

I don't have a jack plate. I will be fishing in current and strong winds.

[Glenn]

Then I would get the Pro series. 

The Sportsman is designed for aluminum boats and small fiberglass boats. So you'd be "on the bubble" as far as pushing its upper limits with your boat.  Once you get into current or strong wind, then you'll want a stronger pole that will hold your boat better.

[IntroC]

Thanks for reply. I think the Pro series it will be. 

[IntroC]

Hey Glen,  I have checked into the holding powers of these two poles and from what I have been finding is the holding power is the same. In the specs it says they are both rated for a 28ft boat and 4500 lbs but the chart says the Pro series has a stronger hold while the Sportsman has a strong hold. I emailed Hydrilla Gear and they said the hold is the same and I called JL marine and when I asked this question the guy kept repeating the specs that both poles are rated for 28ft and 4500lbs, even after I informed him the chart says the Pro has a stronger hold. The guy at Hydrilla Gear said the higher price of the Pro is because of two years longer warranty and a powdercoat finish. Still a little confused whether the Pro has a stronger hold than the Sportsman. Do you know for certain if the Pro has a stronger hold than the Sportsman? I seem to be getting conflicting answers and this will be the deciding factor on which one I choose. Really not sure if $300 is worth the upgraded paint job or two year extended warranty. For the stronger hold I would definately upgrade. Thanks Glenn

[gulfcaptain]

Did you ever look at a Talon? Not knocking Power Poles, just was in the same boat as you looking for a good shallow water anchor system and went this route and got a 12ft with the laydown bracket (so I can stow it in a horizontal position when traveling or low overhangs such as the garage when storing).

[IntroC]

I actually started out with my mind set on a talon but after all the brackets that would be needed to mount on my boat the price kept climbing. A gave the power-pole a look and can get into one at a better price by a few hundred dollars. I also like the drift paddle idea, and the tilt bracket that i would need for the talon I will not need for the power pole. Going under the bridges I fish i can simply lower the power pole. I also like the torture testing of the pole that I seen on youtube. And after reading a lot reviews at this point the pole seems to be the direction i'm heading. Though not set in stone at this point.

[gulfcaptain]

Fair enough.  I went on 12ft vs 8ft for $100 difference. 4ft can be a big difference.  The quicker deploy and retraction, no hydros, electrical deployment, and a manual retraction if something happens where I don't have to get in the water to raise it up.  

[scbassin]

I have a Sportsman on a 2008 Ranger Z-21 & have never had it not hold. I fish on Santee Cooper & it does get windy.

[Glenn]

On 12/28/2015 at 7:40 AM, IntroC said:

Do you know for certain if the Pro has a stronger hold than the Sportsman?

That was my understanding, but your findings have me second-guessing myself.  I'm checking with my sources at JL Marine to confirm, but they're out on vacation this week.  I'll get back to you as soon as I hear back.

 

[IntroC]

Looking forward to hear what you find out Glen. Thanks. 

I have spent literally hours reading reviews and "power-pole vs talon" threads the last month trying to decide what would best suit my needs. The conclusion that I have came to is they really are both great products. I wouldn't hesitate buying either. Both brands had things about them I really liked and things that i disliked just a little but none would be deal breakers. For me it really came down to price. As long as I don't get a lemon which can happen to any company from time to time and from some of the stories I read there are people that have had horror stories with both units. I have no doubt I would be happy with either. 

[Glenn]

So I was mistaken.

They are made out of the same materials. The finish on the Pro series is going to hold up and look new longer than the Sportsman. The Powder Coated finish is a higher quality finish.

They are otherwise the same.

[IntroC]

Thanks Glen. I went with the Pro Series.

[IntroC]

I have another question concerning power poles. I live in ND where temps in the winter can get as low as -20 and I store my boat in cold storage during the winter. Its indoors just not heated. Would this cause problems for the hydraulic system in any way as in leaks? Thanks fellas.