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