Love or regret power poles/talons?

[clemsondds]

Looking at possibly getting a set of pp. quoted around $5k for everything. Just trying to talk myself into it. What has been your experience? Any tips? Thanks 

[A-Jay]

 

A-Jay

[clemsondds]

Well that’s one for Talons. I have read a few people having issues with talons...that’s why i was leaning more towards powerpole...sounds like pp customer service is really good. Just trying to get any more thoughts 

[Way north bass guy]

I’ve had a 12’ talon for about 3 years now, and it’s been great. Never any issues with it ever, and it’s helped me catch extra fish that I know I wouldn’t have caught if I’d had to rely on my trolling motor only. It’s great to just quietly sit in one spot and thoroughly fish a small weedbed, dock or other small area without the tm constantly running, especially in super shallow water. Also works great for solo launching when there isn’t a dock at the ramp. Even if your just stopping to retie or have a snack, it’s great for that as well. 

[clemsondds]

Do you feel like talons have less things that could go wrong?  I think they are about the same price right? 

[Hoosierman]

I have 2 12' Talons because in my tracker I didn't have room for the hydraulic units for Power Poles.

 

The price varies depending on the pieces you have to buy to get them mounted and the the tilt brackets are around $180 each. 

 

I really like the built in lights, great for early mornings and late nights.

[Dirtyeggroll]

$5k ??? What is everything? Is that including installation? If so that’s still too much.

 

I know where you can get 8’ PowerPole blades for $3500 shipped and the lower tier version of the poles for less, obviously. I am sure you can find Talons for much cheaper too.

 

There are advantages and disadvantages of each.

 

I went with powerpoles on my boat and would not change a thing. I love them.

10 hours ago, clemsondds said:

Do you feel like talons have less things that could go wrong?  I think they are about the same price right? 

They both have about the same number of things that can go wrong.

[clemsondds]

1 hour ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

$5k ??? What is everything? Is that including installation? If so that’s still too much.

 

I know where you can get 8’ PowerPole blades for $3500 shipped and the lower tier version of the poles for less, obviously. I am sure you can find Talons for much cheaper too.

 

There are advantages and disadvantages of each.

 

I went with powerpoles on my boat and would not change a thing. I love them.

They both have about the same number of things that can go wrong.

Oh really? That included two 8’ pp’s and the motor mount plates and install. Is that not a decent price?  

[jbsoonerfan]

Hydraulics or no hydraulics, that would be the determining factor if I were deciding. 

[Jig Man]

I had them put on my boat when I bought it new.  I didn’t use them very often because I don’t normally fish that shallow.  Once I got a trolling motor with spot lock they were useless so I sold them.  Now there is more room in the bilge area and I am hauling 84# less around with me.

[Michigander]

I didn't have enough money for shallow water anchors and a GPS anchor last year so I had to choose and picked the GPS anchor trolling motor. After about forty days of fishing, there were only two days that I wished I had the shallow water anchors instead. That being said, I would have used both almost every time. 

 

One of the days was when I was in crazy thick weeds with the wind blowing and the TM just wasn't up to it and the other was when I was in strong current with a powerful wind going the opposite direction, the TM would just totally freak out every time I jogged it.

[Hoosierman]

Don't go for the 8' ones, it's only $200 more per for the 12' Talons.

 

Sometimes even 12' Talons aren't enough.

 

I like the stability that they produce when deployed.

 

Feels like the back of the boat is almost being jacked out of the water.

 

 

 

 

[clemsondds]

Ok thanks.  Man it's a tough decision, but I've had way too many recommend going with pp just for the sake of customer service and repair.  I spoke with a dealer today who sells both;  he said he has a friend who is a minn kota service center and there are always a ton sitting around needing repair.  But, I know there are several out there who swear by the talons.  But in general, seems like percentagewise...people with pp's seem to be more satisfied and have less trouble. Now to just try to find a good deal on a couple. 

[FordsnFishin]

I've heard good things on PP customer service. 

 

A guy in my club last year forgot they were up while going under a bridge. Busted them to hell. Next week parts were delivered to his door free of charge.