Talons vs Power Poles

Probably one of the most common debates in the fishing industry, the old "Talons vs Power Poles"...Short video describing the biggest differences between the 2, and yes, I've owned both, which is why I was comfortable making this video...I had a gentleman ask me to review my Talons so it got me thinking, why not do a video sharing my experiences with both products and talking about the biggest differences I've personally noticed...I fully understand we all have our preferences, which is perfectly normal and ok, this is just my take on the 2 after owning and using both for quite some time...hopefully this video helps people out who are trying to decide which one to get, as you'll see I DO NOT bash either product, I simply point out the biggest differences as I mentioned...thanks for watching!!!

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[rottinpeach]

I have a single talon mounted with a quick release bracket. Great feature, I can slide it off the mount in about one minute if I am going to do some trolling for Spanish or Kings and if I want to store with the trolling motor when I am not fishing. The bad part about the quick release is it does make it simpler for someone to steal.

[MinnKotaMotors]

Hey NitroZ18 Fishing - We're glad to hear that you're enjoying your Talons! Tight lines this year on the water.

[chriscasterbassmaster]

Just got my 10 footers. Last week. Love em. ❤️

[MrBooge]

I have a single 12ft talon on my 19' bay boat. it will get stuck in our soft marsh mud and have a issue retracting even when set to soft bottom. it is loud which makes it almost impossible to sneak up on a redfish while sight fishing. I have to say that mine has spent more time in the shop for repairs than i have actually used it on the water, and i go fishing usually once a week. i will say this for minn kota. Their customer service is incredible as i have not spent anything on repairs and my unit has been out of warranty for a while now. i have now switched to a power pole blade and have been using it for a few weeks now. So far everything is good but the main thing is no sound.The power pole is about half the weight of the talon. Also, i feel like if something goes wrong with the power pole I can fix it as opposed to having to leave the talon. My two cents for whatever it's worth.

[alanmunger]

I don’t have either yet and am in the process of researching both systems for my new Nitro. The talon anchors drop straight down which makes better sense to me as they aren’t in the way too much when fishing. The power poles, however, extend out a pretty good distance from the back of the boat. Doesn’t that anchor extension with the power poles cause is it not an issue? Seems they could be in the way for whoever’s fishing off the back. Thanks

[tonylou]

Thanks for an informative and unbiased review. Great job!

[isokorny-]

Also a pro for Talon is straight down deployment and the fold down brackets.

[stevefisher]

I live on Fork and have finally noticed more people going to Talons...
PS.. Minn Kota, I need some hehe

[sawyer]

I love my talons. my only complaint is how loud they are when they retract

[billcumpton]

What about putting talons on pontoon boat. I'm in a wheelchair so I need something. Thanks

[KyleChristianTexaspenmaker]

Thanks for sharing. I see boats all the time with both poles or talons which I have neither, but my thoughts have been I would rather spend the ~$3k on an Ultrex with ipilot and spotlock to upgrade from Foretrex.

[bobbyford]

I hear the talons have a issue about mud getting stuck on the pole and getting into the housing. Have you had this issue yet?

[timg]

I always thought I preferred talons. But the Team marine you tube channel made a video about this. They said they service more talon failures than they do poles. Because the Talons retract up inside the unit. They pull mud up inside it. 2nd Talons are heavier. There’s a reason why Minnkota came out with raptors. You have used Talons for a year and a half. I don’t think that’s enough time for the problems to occur . I’m sure they are nice and if they do fail. They can probably be fixed. But I’m sticking with power poles .

[grhodes]

Do I every have to worry about breaking my Talons like if they hit a hard bottom?

[Snookchaser]

If the talon needs repair it’s 4 nuts to loosen and one cable to fish out and you can drive it to repair shop in car takes about 10 min to remove from boat

[UnLikeU]

Talon has the advantage of going straight down & I love that in timber. Downside is you can't add solid Drift Paddles. Power Poles you have to be careful of what is behind you but the versatility of the Power Pole helps you control Drifting. You can add the Drift Paddles. Sure they have the pump but they are more versatile. Sorry. I have 2 boats with 8ft Power Poles on 1 and 12 Ft Talons on the other one. I can get more out my Power Poles and fish more efficient with the Spider Legs vs the Talons. I thought I loved the straight up and down from the Talon but when trying to get better at Crappie Fishing I found tons of these guys are drifting with the wind dropping drift paddles to stay on the fish more because they are going with the fish slowing their drift vs into the wind on windy days with spot lock or their trolling motor to reduce prop wash. THAT 1 FISH MATTERS WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO PRODUCE. I like them both but Power Poles are more useable than Talons depending on what you are trying to do. Bay boat or fishing boat where you only want to shallow anchor then TALONS! More boat control and wanting to maximize catching crappie & other species DRIFTING? Power Poles hands down. Your fishing style is the only correct way to choose. IMO.

[chrism]

Your video is helpful, would like to see someone do a vid with same experience in salt water use exclusively. I had a 10 Blade on my previous boat and it done fine, but it took me a couple months to make that decision and sold the boat a few months after installing the Blade so I didn't use it a lot. Just purchased a new 24' bay boat and faced with same decision for 2 anchors. I wanted a Talon on previous boat and want Talons now but leery with the salt and sand being a issue even though the boat and components get soaked with salt-away and power washed after every use. My pro's for wanting the Talons are depth, no pumps and vertical height on stern. I inshore fish but also troll and shark fish offshore, trolling and fishing off the stern of the boat really causes issues with a 10 Blade being approx. 10"-12" taller than a 12' Talon. A Talon con (at the Coast), my boat dealer said he works on and re-builds a lot of Talons, very few Power Poles. And when on the water around here, most guys have Power Poles. Hard $5500 decision to make!

[tomramey]

But can you tilt power poles forward onto your back deck?

[letsfish]

What are two things I'll never have and can't afford Alex?

[Rip_lipz]

Thanks for the video review! Great point on the linking aspect. I have an ultrex and run humminbird but have powerpoles. Might be a good reason to switch with my new boat.