GEAR
PRODUCT REVIEW
MINN KOTA ULTREX 112
Bass anglers sometimes refer to a really sweet fishing spot as“ the juice” and a hot new lure as“ the bomb.” it’ ll be interesting to see what type of nickname gets pinned on the Minn Kota Ultrex once it finds its way into the hands of the masses. based on my experience with the workhorse thus far i think it’ s the most responsive cable-steer trolling motor ever mounted to the deck of a bass boat. it is also by far the smartest. i’ m calling it a big-time“ game changer.” in fact, not owning one could be a builtin handicap that automatically puts you a step or two behind those who do if you fish tournaments.
By Matt Williams
first Impressions the Ultrex is a hybrid that shares a mix of design features found in its popular predecessor, the supertough Fortrex cable-steer motor, and the company’ s high-tech lineup of electricsteer bow units with i-pilot. the mounting bracket, motor housing, bow-guard housing and aluminum mono arm are virtually identical to those of the Fortrex. the head, shaft, wiring harness and foot pedal, along with a wireless remote, incorporate Minn Kota’ s i-pilot technology. it’ s worth noting that i- pilot is a GpS system completely enclosed inside the motor, which accepts commands from the foot pedal and wireless remote without the need of a fish finder. A heading sensor pairs with the motor via bluetooth to help the trolling motor find its way around out there.
on the Water the Ultrex is cablesteered and operates with the same heel-toe steering that bass anglers are used to, but it varies from the Fortrex cable system due to Minn Kota’ s new power Steering feature. A built-in electric motor activates whenever the pedal moves up or down underfoot, creating a signature whine and a unique“ feel” when steering. i found it to be so responsive that i could actually steer with my hand on the pedal with no torque. the end result is better control and less foot and leg fatigue. tournament anglers will also love the motor’ s ability to spin and turn 390 degrees. this allows you to get out of tight spots quickly and easily without having to redirect the foot pedal midway through the maneuver.
Another thing i like about the power Steering feature is that it locks in place whenever you take your foot off the pedal, allowing for a steady course when fishing down a straightaway or looking for bedding fish along the bank under continuous power. this Steering Lock feature automatically disengages the moment the pedal moves up or down under your foot.
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fLWfISHInG. com I may-june 2017