Minn Kota Talon

[gar-tracker]

Iv been looking at this new anchor system(for lack of a better description), most of the search's Iv conducted come up with guys saying how much better the Power Pole is, problem being is that most of those guys have Power Poles, in my 52 years of dealing with Bass fisherman Iv learned that they all have the fastest boat and best equipment, until they buy a new one then that becomes the best. Also PP has been out for a long time making it hard to find any experience good or bad with the Talon.

After some research Iv learned that Talons are a substantial amount cheaper, and are easier to install. Room is a big issue on my boat, I have 5 battery's, trim tab pump, along with oil tank and airator in an already small back compartment. No hydrolics would be a lot better.

Iv fished on boats with the PP its a great product, without referring to any of the videos put out and removed, has anyone had or know of any negative experience with the Talons?

[flyboy]

Iv been looking at this new anchor system(for lack of a better description), most of the search's Iv conducted come up with guys saying how much better the Power Pole is, problem being is that most of those guys have Power Poles, in my 52 years of dealing with Bass fisherman Iv learned that they all have the fastest boat and best equipment, until they buy a new one then that becomes the best. Also PP has been out for a long time making it hard to find any experience good or bad with the Talon.

After some research Iv learned that Talons are a substantial amount cheaper, and are easier to install. Room is a big issue on my boat, I have 5 battery's, trim tab pump, along with oil tank and airator in an already small back compartment. No hydrolics would be a lot better.

Iv fished on boats with the PP its a great product, without referring to any of the videos put out and removed, has anyone had or know of any negative experience with the Talons?

I have a Power Pole on my current boat which I just traded on a new boat. I opted for the Talon based on space and the lack of a hydraulic reservoir. I was at my dealer, Sonnys Marine, the other day and they were installing dual Talons on a FX 21 like the new boat I am getting. If you don not have a hydraulic jack plate the Talons bolt directly to the sides of the manual jack plate--the motor won't have to come off for installation; it will with the Power Pole. Overall the installation of the Talons is much cleaner--the only dislike I have for the Talon is the fixed position of the unit. When I had someone fishing the rear of my old boat I would partially deploy the Power Pole and it would be out of the way for casting; can't do that with the Talon. Most things are trade offs. This decision is like that. A few weeks ago I asked the same questions on the forum and some guys sent links to videos on the power pole. I can't remember the name of the thread, but it can't be more than three or four pages deep on this forum. The videos made me decide to go with a Power Pole again and then the other day when I was pulling the trigger on my trade I saw the Talon being installed.

Good luck with your choice. I don't think you can go wrong either way.

[Glenn]

We put our boat in the garage, and opted for the PowerPole because you can lower them in order to fit in the garage (so it won't hit the top). You can't do that with the Talon.

[gar-tracker]

Flyboy, does the Talon have an emergency disengage?

I was wondering if it got stuck down due to a blown fuse or other issue could you get it up to get in?

Glenn I could were that would be an issue, however it doesn't effect my situation. In some online searches I read were the Talon extends about a 1/2 inch above the cowling, it was on the internet so it must be true

[flyboy]

Flyboy, does the Talon have an emergency disengage?

I was wondering if it got stuck down due to a blown fuse or other issue could you get it up to get in?

Glenn I could were that would be an issue, however it doesn't effect my situation. In some online searches I read were the Talon extends about a 1/2 inch above the cowling, it was on the internet so it must be true

I need to check on the loss of power issue. I know the Talon only uses a motor so that is a must know. I Garage my boat also and on a FX 21 on the Skeeter trailer the clearance is 83". I have 86" clearance and I have to lower my Power Pole a little to clear or it will touch.

[flyboy]

I need to check on the loss of power issue. I know the Talon only uses a motor so that is a must know. I Garage my boat also and on a FX 21 on the Skeeter trailer the clearance is 83". I have 86" clearance and I have to lower my Power Pole a little to clear or it will touch.

GarTracker

I went to the Talon web site and I was unable to figure out if there is a provision in the event of power failure. I noticed it said that the unit has a quick adjustment that allows for total removal of the unit if necessary--it would be difficult on the water I think. I also sent a message to Minn Kota and asked the question. I'll let you know if I hear from them.

[gar-tracker]

GarTracker

I went to the Talon web site and I was unable to figure out if there is a provision in the event of power failure. I noticed it said that the unit has a quick adjustment that allows for total removal of the unit if necessary--it would be difficult on the water I think. I also sent a message to Minn Kota and asked the question. I'll let you know if I hear from them.

Thanks a lot, I appreciate.

That would be an issue wouldn't you think?

I saw that quick release bracket and wondered the same thing.

[win222]

There is a 1/2" bolt on the top of the Talon, you need to carry the wrench with you, and just crank the bolt to raise the Talon if you lose power or it breaks. Also my Talon barely sticks up above the motor, and there is over a foot of clearance to make it into my garage, I have a standard 8' door, not sure what height doors the guys have that are having problems.

[flyboy]

There is a 1/2" bolt on the top of the Talon, you need to carry the wrench with you, and just crank the bolt to raise the Talon if you lose power or it breaks. Also my Talon barely sticks up above the motor, and there is over a foot of clearance to make it into my garage, I have a standard 8' door, not sure what height doors the guys have that are having problems.

WIN222

Thanks for the info on the manual retraction. Sounds like that is info you can't get from online sources. I have 8'3" doors on my garage which I purposely built to accomodate my boat with the Power Pole. The Talon is going to provide more clearance than the Power Pole.

Hey GarTracker

Looks like WIN answered both of our questions.

[atrocity123]

WIN222

Thanks for the info on the manual retraction. Sounds like that is info you can't get from online sources. I have 8'3" doors on my garage which I purposely built to accomodate my boat with the Power Pole. The Talon is going to provide more clearance than the Power Pole.

Hey GarTracker

Looks like WIN answered both of our questions.

yes, the talon has the quick disconnect + the 1/2" socket feature. My personal boat has a power pole pro series, while my tournament partner's boat has the talon, so I have logged numerous hours with both. I love both but I favor the pp over the talon. The talon is much cheaper and has more features but that thing scares the crap out of me with all the noises it makes trying to anchor but has never failed. The talon is quicker when deploying but the pp actually grabs quicker. The pp has been proven and the talon is the new kid on the block, but time will only tell.

[salmicropterus]

The only negative I have heard is that the ease of installation of the Talon has also made it more susceptible to theft. I'm going through the same decision process