Garmin Force Long Term Review

Justin and Josh discuss the pros and cons of the Garmin Force after two years of running it through its paces.

[viking_fisherman]

Thanks for this review. I’ve just been made aware of this unit through my research into other Garmin electronics. I was “probably” going to upgrade to this motor, but now that you’ve addressed the major concerns I had about investing so much money in such a new offering, it’s a definite. I really appreciated the honesty on the history of your experiences over the last couple years. Shows me you’re not just trying to sell this thing with overblown hype. I’ll have to see what else you two have produced. I’ll probably learn something else useful.

[lukebirdsong]

I've had other garmin products throughout my life. And I can say without hesitation....their customer service is beyond amazing.

[rhatter]

Will you be doing a video like this for the ghost?

[Michaelpruis]

My force was one of the first runs... pre ordered it as soon as it was announced! I've had one foot pedal go out, which a replacement was overnighted to me and otherwise it's been great!

[Crawford]

Thanks for the review been waiting for them to get all the kinks out before I buy!

[nbkndjd]

Hi. Excellent review. I also bought very early in the process. First kink was spot lock went out and would only turn 360’s. Garmin sent me a new one. Then the latching system failed and spring system failed. They sent me another one. Then they sent a third one and I had to fish and went with the Ghost. The power of the Force second to none, the software and ability to control and blue tooth system with no wires was awesome. I probably gave up too soon but I was off the water so much I gave up. I have two tourney fishing boats and now have two Ghosts. The force is a little, quieter, faster has better remote and no wires.

Overall I like the Force better, but I live the two Ghosts with zero issues.

Garmin customer service was great!

[charliecfh]

Nice video! I've had my Garmin Force for a year and a half now, and overall I think it's great. Things I would change would be the layout of the buttons on the foot pedal, the sensitivity of the foot pedal when turning, and the prop. Last year I hit a rock and took a huge chunk out of the prop, so I replaced it with the MK prop and it's been good ever since.

[ronniekotler]

I have only placed a small order with your Company but I certainly tell everyone about about Russel Marine Products. You have some awesome informative videos. Thank you.

[timkasten]

I bought the Garmin force 50" for my boat and it is amazing in so many ways i love it and would buy again... Super powerful, quiet, and i love it integrated with my 2 93 uhd fish finder's... I troll alot for walleye and love creating a route on my couch and then using it on the lake

[allusrnameswrtakn]

My foot pedal failed and had to be replaced. The replacement experience was awesome. Luckily while on the water I could still Control the Force with my Echomap Ultra. I also had connectivity issues with my graph but a simple reset resolves that issue. Bought all my Garmin equipment from RMP!

[lbhunter]

I bought the Echomap 126 sv based solely on my previous experiences with Garmin products and service...I'm adding the Kraken as part of the renovation of my boat because of the inter-operability. Looking forward to the coming spring!

[muskylounge]

If I am running all garmin electronics 8600 series what do I lose by using ulterra versus ghost. I really like the self deploy / stow via remote. It would be nice to control mapping or direction of ghost from helm.

[morganboyd]

Going on my 3rd year with mine. I'm on my second motor, replaced fast by Garmin, second foot pedal, replaced quickly by Garmin, and I love it. The motor itself had a loose collar (tightening nut) and wouldn't stay calibrated some days. Some other small things and Garmin said enough was enough and sent me a new motor, no mount as I didn't need one. The foot pedal just failed one day, had to use the remote, but it's all good with the new one. Extremely powerful and lasts a long long time. It's also nearly silent and that alone is better than any other I've used. Learning to upgrade the software is kind of a pain, but not too bad and glad they keep making it better. I'd buy another for sure but would hope it has a little light on the arrow for early morning fishing.

[michaeldoll]

When will they come out with a longer shaft!!!! Yes I have a Ranger 622 and am running a 57”. It works for the most part but has to be all the way down

[flipper]

Can this trolling motor operate half deployed, as sometimes a person gets too shallow?

[MarkH]

Excellent video!! I agree with everything you say, I’ve had the force for a year and a half and I put it through hell and back. I’ve ripped off two Skaggs destroyed two propellers ripped off the head, and was able to take it apart and put it back together all by myself without a repair shop. Super powerful motor anchor “gain on low” remote super responsive anger lock great as well! They sent me the latch kit as well which fixed that problem great review Justin, Eye of the Tiger!

[thorgren]

I’m excited for the Garmin force on my boat.

I’ve ran the minnkota stuff for years. And they might have experience but there a cheap ass unit to. Everyone I’ve ever owned has had needed a lot of love and often. Brushes are a yearly thing, milfoil tears them up and the motor case is always finding a new way to leak, the plastic doesn’t do particularly well in the sun and so on.

I don’t expect the Garmin to be this amazing unit. But I’m assuming it’s gotta be of better quality than the minnkota anything and it makes sense considering the Garmin graphs.

Also no more brush changes sounds great.

[cclawman]

OMG if Garmin would bring out a 62-65" shaft they would OWN the walleye market. All of that power and awesome handheld with a long shaft WOW that would be a killer!!

[FishcastAngling]

I bought a force last summer. I use my gear pretty hard in big water. It’s not perfect but I haven’t had any major complaints/issues and I’d buy it again for sure. The main issue I had originally was the guardian mode would often shut off the motor when the trolling motor would pop out of large waves but they addressed that now so it’s a non issue. Anchor lock is a smidge hit and miss on how good it is IMO but I found when I adjusted the anchor gain throughout the day (higher with stronger winds and lower with calm winds) it definitely seems to perform better. Garmin definitely needs to add a longer shaft option to the market. With previous brand trolling motors I owned before I had the force, it seemed like I’d run into an issue every year that would cause me downtime not to mention screws etc would always be coming loose it seemed.

[phillamoore]

Interesting. I've got an opportunity to get a couple Echomap sonars that Bass Pro is having an insane sale on. But, it obviously requires me to get the Force. I've heard Garmin's customer service is outstanding, which is great, but I have no desire to be having any issues. This motor isn't cheap. It's criminal that these motors don't integrate with the top fish finders. I would like to think that, as of this comment, Gamin has fixed whatever durability issues are going on with it, because I will be saving close to 3K by going with Garmin, during this sale.