Upgrading Ultrex from I Pilot to Link

[Bandersnatch]

I'm considering upgrading my ultrex from an I Pilot to an I pilot link for the tune of $800. This would be matched up with my two helix 10 g2ns. Does anybody have an opinion on how much they use their link system vs just the standard spot like a North modes? Do you use it to get close to way points without going over them ? Do you use it for contours on mapping? Is it worth upgrading? 

[FryDog62]

I really do use mine often enough that I couldn’t go back to fishing without it.  I don’t rely on the Link features all the time but the extra functionality is really worth it at times.  

 

Just this past week, a friend of mine and I were in a tournament on a lake we really didn’t know and due to weather, really had a hard time locating fish.  We experimented at several different depths - so used follow the contour to try several different depths inside the weedline, outside, etc.  Eventually did find them... and most importantly could stay at/near that depth the rest of the day and scratch out enough fish to weigh when many others didn’t.

 

I also use “Go To” for waypoint fishing, for instance where we’ve marked several deepish rock piles located in the same general vicinity that hold Smallmouth.  The fish are either on the piles or traveling in between.  I will drop shot each waypoint as well as the areas between that have broken rock.  If they’re not there, hit Go-To the next waypoint and keep moving through high percentage areas.  Works fantastic.  

 

All this and the best part is the hands-free nature which allows me to really spend time searching and fishing while not constantly checking my graph and adjusting direction of the trolling motor.  Add in Spot-Lock and I really think this is one of the best overall inventions in the electronics game in the last decade.  

 

So I guess it depends on how you fish and if you’d use the Link technology... but if you fish similar to the above, I think it’s worth every penny.  

[Jig Man]

I did the same thing with my Ulterra.  Some of the best fishing money that I have ever spent.

 

i would do it again in a heartbeat.

[Bandersnatch]

1 hour ago, FryDog62 said:

I really do use mine often enough that I couldn’t go back to fishing without it.  I don’t rely on the Link features all the time but the extra functionality is really worth it at times.  

 

Just this past week, a friend of mine and I were in a tournament on a lake we really didn’t know and due to weather, really had a hard time locating fish.  We experimented at several different depths - so used follow the contour to try several different depths inside the weedline, outside, etc.  Eventually did find them... and most importantly could stay at/near that depth the rest of the day and scratch out enough fish to weigh when many others didn’t.

 

I also use “Go To” for waypoint fishing, for instance where we’ve marked several deepish rock piles located in the same general vicinity that hold Smallmouth.  The fish are either on the piles or traveling in between.  I will drop shot each waypoint as well as the areas between that have broken rock.  If they’re not there, hit Go-To the next waypoint and keep moving through high percentage areas.  Works fantastic.  

 

All this and the best part is the hands-free nature which allows me to really spend time searching and fishing while not constantly checking my graph and adjusting direction of the trolling motor.  Add in Spot-Lock and I really think this is one of the best overall inventions in the electronics game in the last decade.  

 

So I guess it depends on how you fish and if you’d use the Link technology... but if you fish similar to the above, I think it’s worth every penny.  

Thank you!

[Tennessee Boy]

I love I-Pilot link on my Ultrex.  I don’t think I would I spend the money to upgrade an existing motor.  You can do most of the things you need to do with i-pilot.  Personally,  I would save my $800 for the next great thing that’s always coming.