After watching about a dozen of your videos, I’ve decided you’re just about as good as they get. Also the coolest beard in bass fishing. Rock on man

Love and appreciate your honesty Brian!

*I bought this model for my 14 ft Jon boat. **enjoyable.fishing** recommend love it!!! It pushes my boat with ease ( 2 men 220 each). I would highly recommend this to anyone.*

Excellent video! This is the standard I wish everyone followed! Thanks for taking the time to put this out.

Best review I've seen on the Ultrex Brian ... Straight to the point on all the relevant information ... And a great communicator!

The first 2 minutes and 30 seconds are the best very very unbiased this is what makes you better than all the rest

Excellent honest review of a product! Not a walking commercial like most fishing channel's. Well done....I wouldn't be able to handle all the noise that thing puts out, .....like the more stealth approach. Keep up the great work!

Thank you! I have the Minn Kota Maxxis @70lb 24v System currently but the dealership did change out the shaft to 52" for me UNDER WARRANTY due to the fact that there have been so many complaints about cavitation with the 45" shaft and my boat. What a huge difference!! I really appreciate your vlog! Id like to upgrade to the ULTREX someday, really like the Spot Loc feature!! Thanks again! WISHING you all the best for your 2019 FLW SEASON!

Good job Brian......CONGRATS on your recent FLW win at Seminole!

Highly valuable content for the average weekend warrior/club tournament guy. Great reviews of products. Thanks man!

Thanks for giving us an unbiased look at the Ultrex. Met you at Norman last year and have been a fan ever since. Keep up the great work and keep giving us the videos.

Thanks for the info that is some good stuff. I've always wanted to know about the minn kota ultrex.

I appreciate your honesty talking about both the negatives and positives of this trolling motor.

Brian, it isn't a Neutral button but a North heading button. When you turn the motor on continuous and his that button, it will take you in the direction you have the trolling motor pointed and will not deviate. Whatever degree you put that at it will auto adjust to keep you on that heading until you stop it.

Thanks for the honest review Brian! I've noticed the same things you pointed out while fishing with a friend. We were fishing in windy rainy conditions, wind slacked off for a bit and my buddy reeled down to set the hook and spot lock moved boat 6ft!!! Needless to say he missed the fish, glad wasnt a tournament, he said it's happened in one before. Noisy unit too!

i absolutely love my ultrex. it’s amazing to be able to stop and flip into docks. and to be able to stop on top of brush piles

I appreciate the honesty I am going back to fortrex this week more bells and whistles more problems mine is going to the shop again for the third time

Just now got to watch this vid and I thank you for an honest eval on the Ultrex. Just put on a new Maxxum this spring. I'm old and hard headed. Think I will continue to stick with the cable steer and use marker buoys. It works for me so ....??? Glad you like this one but I will stay 'old school'. Gearing up for crank bait season here on Table Rock ... Can hardly wait. Thanks for another great video.

Nice review - Thank You !!! Glad to see no issues with Lowrance graphs .

We use an Ulterra 80 on our 20" pontoon and it is invaluable to us. We've used it 2 summers of fishing in rivers and lakes and its been flawless. It will spot lock our pontoon in 2.5 mph current without issue. I would buy another in a heartbeat.

The N on the bottom right part of the foot pedal is a heading button, you hit it and will keep you on the heading for how long you want, weather it’s a grass line or a drop offs. I use it on grass lines. Good video!

I run the Ulterra and I absolutely love it. Spot Lock is a game changer and the many other features such as being able to do way points and routes makes life easier and gives me more time to fish. I can even move my 24 foot boat at nearly 4 miles an hour on the trolling motor alone.

I don't hear good, so a little noise don't bother me in the least. I love my ultrex. Best money I have spent on Bass fishing. Thanks for the great review.

I like that you're honest about need vs want with it. It's a great product I'm sure, but for us weekend guy's it's not a truly needed thing.

Excellent informative video that helped me decide to go with the Ghost over the Ultrex. Although it would be nice to save some money, the head movement/noise when in anchor lock mode made the decision easy. Thanks for a great vid...

Good break down and honest opinion! Thanks for some really good points!

Thank you for the honest review. 😊👍

Alright, I have not watched the video yet, but as someone with the Ultrex, it is 100% worth the money. I find myself using it constantly. Spotlock, going in a straight line if I want to retie and move 100 yards or so while a do something else, following contours, it is amazing. I will say that spotlock does not work well in canyons or on a dead calm day. Canyons block the signal and with no current or wind to push the boat in a general direction it ends up in the worlds slowest shoving match. Slightly drifting one way, then the other. Still a great purchase. With that said, I think Brian will agree. Take you bets.

Great review B-man!

Great video Brian. I have been considering the Ultrex for a while now, but the noise is a killer IMHO. I had an old Powerdrive with a Copilot back in the day, and once I went from that to a Fortrex, the silence was golden. I'd absolutely love the spot lock, but I think I'm gonna stick with my Fortrex a while longer. Keep the videos coming!

Great video B-Lat!!!!

Dude - thanks for your frank review! Subscribed!!

Good stuff B Lat!!! 💯

Excellent review thank you for your sincere honesty , there are so many guys on KZfaq they’re only there to sell the product and to bend the knee to the manufactures

I'm not a tournament fisherman but I love my Ultrex. I think you did a very fair review, especially on the calm wind spot lock, it works itself to death. I took it to the river last week and really found out where it comes in the most handy. I locked and fished an area, kick it off and float down to another area and worked several islands like this and put fish in the boat.

I would love to see you do an honest review on the Garmin Force,Lowrance Ghost and Minn Kota Ultrex. The underwater noise is what I would love to hear.

Love the review. Probably never will have one. Cost is a bit prohibitive but review was interesting and informative.

Just subscribed to your bro. I watch scott's channel and if been watching you grow. Proud of you dude.....

Who put thumbs down? Excellent review and honest opinion.

Honest opinion.. Thank You So Much Fantastic video 👍👍

Glad I found this. Great job as I am currently going back and forth between the Ultrex and the Terrova. My boat is smaller than yours with only a 90 horse engine so I think I would be ok with the 80lbs of thrust. I really appreciate your honesty and keeping it simple for guys like me.

I resisted to retire my Maxxum for a long time because it still functioned perfectly, but finally pulled the trigger on an Ultrex. After one weekend I'm already calling it a game changer and worth every penny. The biggest fear was the noise above water heard by all the KZfaq videos. After one day on the water I don't even hear it now. Also note that if you're trying to be quiet just move your foot slowly in either direction and the sound of the assist motor is super quiet. It's only when you push in a direction fast that the motor ramps up in speed and increased sound.

Really helpful information as I'm in the discovery mode considering a motor upgrade. You touched on some really great points, one I hadn't been told, and that's the gradual engagement of the motor. I fish mostly local reservoirs here on the west coast, my regular only 20 minutes to the launch ramp from home and it most ALWAYS has a 15+ mph stiff and gusting wind blowing from 10a.m. on till evening. My 17' Lowe Aluminum w 75hp Etec bass boat is heavily influenced because it's lighter than a similar fiberglass rig. My old Motor Guide, which has been flawless, just barely keeps up with the wind and the highest setting just creeps me forward. Problem is, if you actuate it on high setting and it's turned to left or right, it could easily pitch you out of the boat because the bow is light and reacts quickly to input. The gradual on feature is a great feature I would love to have. SpotLock is just an absolute NO BRAINER for all the same reasons and then some. It's what draws me to Ultrex in the first place. As for noise, definitely a hindrance. I will mention that Matt over on Tactical Bassin' has made the comment that when they do their underwater filming, the sound is not bleeding through under the surface, he attributes that to the mechanism being well above the water line. I don't know if that's solid proof it's not effecting the fishery your sitting on top of but maybe? For my need, a $2500, 24v unit is the one I want. That's a hell of a lot of coin to throw down on a boat with an overall value of "maybe" three times that amount? That said, I could see this motor investment keeping into this boat for a long, long time because it really would settle pretty much all the issues that would force me into a conventional fiberglass rig for a lot more money. It's all about boat control for consistent success on the water. I think this will get me there! Thanks again for the pointers. Very helpful!

Good video. My biggest concern is the durability,- with the Fortrex Iv'e hit hard stumps and the break away spring saves the day. You don't have that system with this- smashing a 1,500 pound boat into a petrified stump can be brutal and break almost anything. MY partner has a new Ultrex on his boat so I've been able to compare. Spot lock is super. This will actually cause less battery use than holding with a standard motor because you won't be attentive enough to stay on spot- you will have to make long corrections that eat more power that constant steer/motor control. When you catch a fish you likely drift far off course and have to make a long correction rather than minor power to hold the spot. I'm very impressed with the operation and am willing to change due to the control advantages. I agree- the absolute most annoyance is the constant motor gear whine in movement. Most of the noise is up top but I have to believe a lot of that noice gets transferred into the water. What effect this has on the fish on any given day? Who knows.

I just bought the Ultera, can't wait to try.

Have this motor in 24/80. its loud and don't always stay locked. had it 2 months and worked one once, But I like it and as a guide and youtube need it, FLC Dennis.

Thanks for the quality review.

I personally think it helps me catch more fish because when I’m fishing offshore especially brush piles you don’t have to worry about get blown off a spot if I need to do something like change baits are grab a fish I don’t have to worry about loosing that exact spot I was fishing

Good in depth review. Thanks

Thought the Ultrex was cable drive still?? Also in my book being able to stay on your spot without having to fight the trolling motor DOES equal more fish!!

Blat thanks for all you do. How do I get set up with your guide service? That’s a definite birthday present.

The N button is not nutral! It's the heading sensor button. It keeps the boat in a straight line by it self, even in windy conditions.

Yes iz worth the money love mine soo much man... Keep up the vids man

I like the size of the Striker for kayak use. It gives me all the info I need without taking up much space. It doesn't need a giant battery either - also saving weight and space. Is recommend it.

I'd like to have one but I'm not going to run out and drop 2k on it. I do a lot of vertical fishing in the winter so that would be a great help then but other than that Ehh.

B Lat.. Still feel the same on the ultrex after heavy use? Different feel as far as the "finesse" of controlling the pedal to limit noise? Set up with current and wind before hitting spot lock?

Love my old tricks 112 lb thrust 36 volt love it will never go back

Thank You great review

The best and most honest review that I've seen so far. I've had Minn Kota BBQ spit steer motors before, and hated them. I hate the noise as well, but the Ultrex appears to be much faster. I've owned MG and MK cable steer motors and loved them. This appears to be instantly responsive combination of both. I fish off shore deep water smallies most of the time and I am having a heck of a time holding my position with a Fortrex. I have a 'new to me' boat coming, and Ultrex it is. Thanks, Brian!

BLat, do you have a video on "BATTERIES" for your boat? If not, would you be willing to do one? Wet Cell, AGM, Lithium....

Super video! Thanks!!

Really nice review! Thank you-fantastic!!!

So in cases where there is no wind or current wouldn’t not using the trolling motor be wiser? I feel it wont hunt so much in a current.

It is so worth it! The noise is minimal and all the benefits outweigh that. You can remove that transducer cable if you just open up the head. It has another twist pin connector and you can undo it so it doesnr hang there flopping around.

Good articulate speaker telling it like he sees it.

You should look into kipawa props for the ultrex .....it's an upgrade from the stock prop.... More power less power used ...

Thanks for the video B!! I have an Ultrex but would like to note: the noise it makes is up top and out of the water not transferring to below bow. It just takes lil time to adjust, it did for me. Just keep it in your mind the noise is not translating no more than the Fortrex i used to have. But just know though, i kept my Fortrex as a backup and it fits the same mount with fast change out. Also, the more wind and current, the better it works. No wind it searches for a gps point to get a heading. My thoughts anyway...

I am not looking Ultrex. I have an issue with my back and I am looking at the Ulterra with that auto launch and retrieve. I believe it might give me a few years on the water before my back is completely shot. Have you had any experience with the Ulterra

Yeah the ultrex is awesome but I'm only 20 and my haswing for 500 bucks has spot lock, and can follow set way points, has foot and remote control as well. Obviously not as strong or precise as the ultrex but I honestly love it

I just bought a 2018 z18 nitro. It came with the 80 pound thrust maxxum minn kota and am debating on the ultrex. Great video, is there any cheaper minnkota that has the dpot lock.?

Great video. Brian, I met you at Buck's Island seminar with Gene Jensen about a month ago. Greatly appreciate you taking the time to visit Alabama and doing these videos. Again, thanks.

I know you glad you got rid of that one no more noisy trolling motor for you.

I’ve seen the guys at Tactical Bassin run it while filming underwater with fish present and they don’t seem to hear it. Or hear it anymore than they hear regular belt driven motors. They think the noise is up top and doesn’t transmit down the shaft. However, as loud as that sucker is I’m not sure I’m buying it. 😁

Is it a neutral button or N for Navigation? My Terrova has a navigation feature and I use it a ton. I'm saving for the Ultrex.

Point the Motor where you want to go. Hit the North button “N” and then hit the jog button underneath the 4 indicator lights. Set the speed to your liking. Will keep you moving forward in the direction of your choice

I LIKE THE WAY YOU THINK BROTHER

That's a review! Not a bunch of lies. I was considering an Ultrex because of the noise of my xi5 motorguide. Unfortunately ultrex is not the solution

Great info B.Lat. I recently did some research to see the differences in Minn Kota trolling motors and this vid is spot on. Two questions thought, does the Fortrex have the anchor/spot lock feature? And is that feature, on either motor, good enough to replace power poles. I wouldn't mind spending a few extra $$ on a trolling motor if it kept me from having to buy power poles too. Thanks B.Lat.

Hi, does anyone know if the Ultrex is designed to be used in Saltwater also or is it meant just for freshwater use. Thanks, Tony

Great video Brian! Which batteries do you run on your new Ultrex?

Thank u just ordered one

We fish a bunch of tidal rivers with heavy current. That spot lock in the current on the main river is money.

Hey B Lat. What’s your position on Flw and MLF . By the way I love your content. I am a fellow landscaper also can you give me a shot out. Team Perfectcts

Amen on the battery

the N button on the ultrex is for lock so if you wanna go in a straight line for forever press the N button then the constant on button.

Are you going to MLF? Also are you sponsored by Lowrance?

Great review that the average angler a lot THANKS

Spot lock + buttons on hand held remote. Will move you 5 degrees left/right/up/down while on spot lock. Click the button twice and will move you 10 degrees and so on. Buttons on remote are the two arrows and + -

How can you go out in public with a beard looking that good? Those whiskers are on point!!!

Clearly, you have not sold out to Minn Kota corporation. Love your honesty and so rare to hear from the pros. Please don't sell your soul.

Always ran a motorguide troller, next years boat I was thinking of changing up. Question for everyone - Is there a feature to maintain your boat say in 6 or 8 foot of water? Or is that just a waypoint from the depth finder?

Hey B Lat, is that weighed prop nut worth getting?

Good informative video. Thx for sharing. Signed New Subscriber 👊👍👏

I really want to hear how loud this is in person. Been really wanting to upgrade but whats whats holding me back

wrong about it not helping you catch more fish , by locking on a spot , its less distraction, less fatique, and thus your more focused on fishing instead of holding your foot on pedal, but otherwise, i love your unbiased review, and not sounding like a sponsor robot!, also the newest trolling motor is much more quiet, and it stays headed in direction you last pointed automatically, without having to hit spot lock.

Nice one B Latt which transducer you running under it ?

As an design engineer, I think minn Kota should add a hot foot option to the foot pedal.

Awesome

Just curious why you went with Minn Kota over the Lowrance trolling motor that would have integration?

Are power poles obsolete with the ultrex?