Active target with ultrex vs fortrex

[benny44]

Hey everyone,

 

 I just purchased all of the gear and screens for active target but my old fortrex is done and needs to be replaced. 

In a perfect world I'd like the ultrex but the price tag has me questioning if I should just get another fortrex.  

I was told by a friend that I "need" the ultrex for active target, and I will swear if I get the fortrex, but I have my doubts and can't see why the fortrex (for half the cost) wouldn't work well. 

Thoughts?

[Tennessee Boy]

I don’t understanding why your friend believes that you need an Ultrex for active target. I have an Ultrex and MEGA Live. Initially, I mounted Live on the Ultrex, but it was annoying. I paid for features like Target Lock and Autopilot on my trolling motor but I couldn't use them and Mega Live simultaneously. I solved this problem by adding Target Lock last fall and mounting the MEGA Live transducer to it.

 

Another issue with trolling motors such as the Ultrex that rely on a motor instead of a cable for steering is that they limit how quickly you can steer. This is also true for Target Lock, which is controlled by a motor. While not a significant problem, there are times when I would like to steer faster.  For example, tracking an individual fish in open water requires constant turning to keep up with the fish's position. Although I don't pursue individual fish often, I wish my Live transducer was on a cable steer motor when I do.

 

The Ultrex is a great trolling motor but is not ideal as a Live imaging mount.

[Cbump]

3 hours ago, Tennessee Boy said:

The Ultrex is a great trolling motor but is not ideal as a Live imaging mount.

works for me and everyone I know just fine. 
Fortrex works fine too. 

[GaryH]

4 hours ago, benny44 said:

Hey everyone,

 

 I just purchased all of the gear and screens for active target but my old fortrex is done and needs to be replaced. 

In a perfect world I'd like the ultrex but the price tag has me questioning if I should just get another fortrex.  

I was told by a friend that I "need" the ultrex for active target, and I will swear if I get the fortrex, but I have my doubts and can't see why the fortrex (for half the cost) wouldn't work well. 

Thoughts?

Your fine using a Fortrex

[Tennessee Boy]

22 minutes ago, Cbump said:

works for me and everyone I know just fine. 
Fortrex works fine too. 

It certainly works fine on the Ultrex as long as you don’t use the Ultrex features that you paid extra for.

[Cbump]

1 hour ago, Tennessee Boy said:

It certainly works fine on the Ultrex as long as you don’t use the Ultrex features that you paid extra for.

like spot lock? I use It with Livescope. I see what I want to throw It, orient myself to It, hit spot lock, throw at target. 
 

I don’t HAVE to see what I’m casting at 100% of the time. 
 

btw I use spot lock way more to just find structure I like rather than find and watch individual fish take my bait. Although that’s pretty cool too

[Tennessee Boy]

11 minutes ago, Cbump said:

like spot lock? I use It with Livescope. I see what I want to throw It, orient myself to It, hit spot lock, throw at target. 
 

I don’t HAVE to see what I’m casting at 100% of the time. 
 

btw I use spot lock way more to just find structure I like rather than find and watch individual fish take my bait. Although that’s pretty cool too

That’s pretty much what I did before I got Target Lock.  It’s nice to use both at the same time.

[WIGuide]

Your active target will work with either trolling motor. If your friend is serious about thinking the AT won't work with a Fortrex he doesn't know what he's talking about.