New MG X5

Has anybody read about the new X5 series from MG? Here are some of the new features: New composite inner shaft (like MK), new plastic head (like MK), and new plastic foot pedal (like MK). The metal head and foot pedal were major marketing features before. Still no lift assist. Thrust reduced from 82 to 80 on one model (109 reduced to 105). The new mount will not fit the current Gator mount holes, so if you want to upgrade your present MG to newer, you have to drill your boat. Not sure these changes make much sense to me.

This topic has 9 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 5 months ago by Soopawombat.

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)

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October 25, 2015 at 12:03 am #280593

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

They are not released yet other than a few initial units.

October 25, 2015 at 2:09 am #280594

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

The main change they seem to be selling in the variable steering. Has anyone tried it and can explain what it is and why I need it?They should have just kept the Tour edition and added all the accessories to it that are available. (The red pull rope, cone prop nut, lift assist on the mount, and that rubber thing that goes where the shafts connect with a couple of belt clamps)

October 25, 2015 at 2:20 am #280595

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

The steering is very easy and from initial use it should really help turning. Granted they will have some glitches and things have a different direction than some would take, though they are trying.

October 25, 2015 at 10:33 pm #280596

Jones TrollingMotor
Participant

The variable ratio steering is simply an oval shaped cable drum. Because of this, when steering forward and making a small correction its not as extreme, however, if making a major correction, it turns the shaft quicker.JohnJones Trolling Motor Services870 773 3474Motorguide/MinnKota/PowerPole/Lowrance/Humminbird

October 27, 2015 at 4:49 pm #280597

Soopawombat
Participant

HI, I had a 2006 MG Tour 82lbs thrust. I just bought the new X5 from BassProshops. They have them now online. I just installed it last week.. Pain in the A$$ to driill new holes and put your arm in the hull to install. The mounting holes dont match up. You have to drill new holes. No big deal. I suggest you buy your own screws. Then ones provided are not good. The heads strip out easy. The major changes are foot pedal size and functionality, head design, shaft and pedal feel. I ran it this weekend at the Delta and really liked it. It looks much better and moves easy and is much quieter motor. Also quiter when pulling up and down. Id say its worth the upgrade and is the same price. as the older model. Paid 1069.00 for 80lb 45inch shaft. Only thing I did not like is the fact that it was impossible to add the GForce Red Steel Cable since the hole on the MG rope pull is so hard to access even using needle nose pliers. Easy to replace rope, just not steel one. Directional arrow on top is supposed to be lighted up when pressed. Mine does not. Not sure why. I still think it would be nice to have the easy down function that Minn Kota Fortrex has. I just dont like the Minn Kota. Too bulky and too much busy in design. Thats my 2 cents

October 27, 2015 at 5:10 pm #280598

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Will it be possible to retrofit an earlier existing unit with the variable ratio cable drum.

October 28, 2015 at 2:56 am #280599

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

we have a host of comments from anglers who have used the motor. We will try to post them once things settle down some.

October 28, 2015 at 11:26 am #280600

Macsimus
Participant

Soopawombat wrote:HI, I had a 2006 MG Tour 82lbs thrust. I just bought the new X5 from BassProshops. They have them now online. I just installed it last week.. Pain in the A$$ to driill new holes and put your arm in the hull to install. The mounting holes dont match up. You have to drill new holes. No big deal. I suggest you buy your own screws. Then ones provided are not good. The heads strip out easy. The major changes are foot pedal size and functionality, head design, shaft and pedal feel. I ran it this weekend at the Delta and really liked it. It looks much better and moves easy and is much quieter motor. Also quiter when pulling up and down. Id say its worth the upgrade and is the same price. as the older model. Paid 1069.00 for 80lb 45inch shaft. Only thing I did not like is the fact that it was impossible to add the GForce Red Steel Cable since the hole on the MG rope pull is so hard to access even using needle nose pliers. Easy to replace rope, just not steel one. Directional arrow on top is supposed to be lighted up when pressed. Mine does not. Not sure why. I still think it would be nice to have the easy down function that Minn Kota Fortrex has. I just dont like the Minn Kota. Too bulky and too much busy in design. Thats my 2 cents Good review. When you were out on the Delta, did you get a chance to try it in some heavy veg?

October 28, 2015 at 6:31 pm #280601

Soopawombat
Participant

Yes, I was able to rip thru some heavy veg at the delta. I will say I was running the 3 blade MG prop prior. The New X5 comes standared with the larger 2 blade prop. I advise to use the 2 blade prop for heavy veggies!!! It cuts thru the veg better…Much better!!
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