Looking at Power Poles and Talons…

[somata]

Im seriously considering adding a shallow water anchor to my 2011 Sabre FTD, after all, its only money right? lol! Anyways Ive spent the last few days researching both the Talon and the Power Pole options. At first I was pretty set on the Talon…especially because of the form factor of the new 3 stage 8 but the more Ive looked at the Power Pole, the more I start to swing in that direction. Particularly when I compare cost between a Talon and either a Sportsman 2 or Pro Series 2..if, for example, I went with the Sportsman 2, I could get a dual set up, for not a whole lot more than the single Talon with bracket. The Sportsman 2 is also the lighter option…27lbs + bracket (say 10lbs?) putting it at around 37lbs. Thats roughly the weight of just the Talon; add in the 20lbs of the Talon bracket, and youre at 57lbs. With my 150, Im leaning toward keeping it as light as possible.So, a few questions:- How much would an 8 Power Pole ride above my motor in say, level position? (I have a “dog box” for the back of my boat in the garage, and would need to be able to clear its height for storage)- How big of an impact do you think the weight savings (over a Talon) would be on holeshot and top speed?- Everything Ive read seems to give the Sportsman 2 good reviews and PP lists it as having the quietiest motor…apart from finish and warranty, any huge reason to step up to the Pro Series?-Prices Ive tracked down:8 Talon + bracket + remotes + footswitch=$18758 Sportsman + bracket + remotes = $1245/single braced bracket or $1360/dual braced bracket8 Pro Series + bracket + remotes = $1490/single braced bracket or $1605/dual braced bracketIf I went with the Power Pole, Id likely lean toward the Sportsman 2…if I went with the single braced, Id be sorely tempted to bite the bullet and get 2 of them. Is the dual braced a must? If so, Id probably do just get one this year and another down the road.Finally, I do like that the Power Poles are made in the US…cant track down where the Talons are made…Im sure Ill have more questions as I continue thinking about this, but many thanks for any insights to get me started! 2011 Sabre FTD w/ Mercury 150 Pro XS, Power Pole Sportsman 2s, Humminbird 898 w/ 360 and 858 at bow, 898 at ConsoleFor lots of BCB love, follow me on instagram: @professorbeard

[kent7351]

Hey man, I just installed a couple of sportsman II on my puma. They perform great, and you hit the nail on the head about the considerations. Ill get you the height above my motor. My best suggestion would be to give Rich at Hydrilla gear a call. He is super knowledgeable, and will make you a good deal. Tell him Kent sent you. 844-562-7673PM me and Ill give you my phone number if you have any more questions.

[texlacat]

I have had both. Talon (single) on my previous Cougar and dual Power Poles on my current Cougar. Price is an individual thing and I understand that but if you can afford 2 then get 2…you wont regret it. A single anchor is fine but when you can put them both down and remain in the same position the whole time without spinning it makes a huge difference. As far as looks, again that is an individual thing, but the PPs are much sleeker and cleaner looking to me. Just my 2cents. Hope it helps, good luck.2017 Eyra / 250 Merc Pro XS

[MossBoss]

I have sportsman IIs on my p4. I also have the “dog box” in the back of my garage. I will try and take some pics and measurements tonight for you.

[bwp777]

I had 1-10 power pole and I really liked it. I would have liked 2 but considering the cost and the few times I would use them, it just didnt make sense to me.

[somata]

Thanks for the input so far everyone!One other question I forgot to include…I could route the hoses through the opening for the rigging tube, correct? I have the rubber sleeve that zip ties over the motor rigging plastic tubing 2011 Sabre FTD w/ Mercury 150 Pro XS, Power Pole Sportsman 2s, Humminbird 898 w/ 360 and 858 at bow, 898 at ConsoleFor lots of BCB love, follow me on instagram: @professorbeard

[Jones TrollingMotor]

I sell/install both and am an authorized service center for the Talons. As said above, its your money and ultimately your decision, but you asked for others opinions. From that standpoint I would offer my point a view compared to your concerns:- How much would an 8 Power Pole ride above my motor in say, level position? The 8 Talon is 41″ tall. If youre running a 3L outboard this means the top of the Talon could possibly be below the top of the outboard cowl. The 8 Power Pole is showing a retracted height of 55″, a little over a foot taller than the Talon. Also the weight of the Talon bracket will not go 20lbs. The sandwich bracket has a shipping weight of 21lbs — the actual bracket weighs less due to the packing.- How big of an impact do you think the weight savings (over a Talon) would be on holeshot and top speed? Youre looking at apx 40lbs for duals. You may have to adjust the jackplate and could possibly loose 1 to 2 mph.- Everything Ive read seems to give the Sportsman 2 good reviews and PP lists it as having the quietiest motor…apart from finish and warranty, any huge reason to step up to the Pro Series? If youre looking at $$$s, the Sportsman 2 is the best bang for the buck.-Prices Ive tracked down:8 Talon + bracket + remotes + footswitch=$1875 We have that price advertised at http://www.jonestrollingmotor.com/index_3.htm , also advertising dual package for $3700.008 Sportsman + bracket + remotes = $1245/single braced bracket or $1360/dual braced bracket — Dual braced bracket is only used on the 10 model, not needed on the 88 Pro Series + bracket + remotes = $1490/single braced bracket or $1605/dual braced bracketSome other side notes: On the Talon, you dont have to find room, or possibly give up storage, for the pumps and hoses. You dont have to worry about a possible hydraulic leak in the bilge area either. the Talons are removable so during the times that you do not need them, they can be removed (and restoring the speed / holeshot loss of the added weight). Both are good shallow water anchors and do what they advertise.Let me know if I can help.JohnJones Trolling Motor Services870 773 3474Motorguide/MinnKota/PowerPole/Lowrance/Humminbird

[CoosaCat.basscatowners]

Coming from someone who has one, do yourself a favor and get two. If your budget wont allow, just wait until you can afford two. My boat came with one, and after fishing out of two boats that had 2, I actually sold my Pro Series 2 and Im waiting on getting a pair of lightly used blades from a friend when his boat sells.I havent been in a boat with Talons, and they may actually be better as a single than a power pole, strictly from a geometrical standpoint. If all youre wanting is something to stop you in the wind while you re-tie or handle a fish, it may not be an issue, but flipping or setting up on a bedded fish, there far too much swing, even when the nose is pointed directly downwind. To me if I dont have any more control over the position of the bow of the boat, then it defeats the purpose of having one. Also, depending on the size of your boat, 1 may not hold it completely solid, depending on the lake bottom composition in your region. I was fishing in some strong winds recently on a point that had a pretty hard, gravely bottom, and my boat drug the spike multiple times, without any wave action. I have an Eyra, which is far from being a large boat, too.

[Jbarton81]

Get two or none. I have two 12 talons and love them. I chose talons because of their depth versus height. Will never own a boat without anchors in the future. Consider the depth you fish before you pull trigger either way. PP pros vs talons PP will be lighter, not affect hole shot or top end as much as Talons. Can put down 1/2 way while in water so there out of way of coangler. PP cons vs talons Youll lose the ability to pull them off quickly or drop them with a tilt bracket should you need to. In my opinion the talons are quieter than the pump from the PP. Hydraulic versus electric.

[RDJ703]

I will also say I had one on a Sabre. I tell everyone that asks me about them that if they cant get two dont get one.

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