Why I switched from the Lowrance Ghost trolling motor BACK to my old faithful Minn Kota Ultrex

This video goes in depth on why Minn Kota trolling motors have such a leg up on the competition and likely always will despite not currently offering a brushless motor. This video will explain the differences and advantages of both and why I switched back to the ultrex and sold my newer ghost.
One important addition not mentioned! The ghost and force both do amazingly well in heavy grass. The ultrex does not! I don’t fish much of that but when I do I will adjust and deal. If you fish a lot of that I totally understand preferring the ghost or force.

[@pavilionako5970]

*Great little trolling motor **enjoyable.fishing** recommend had it hooked up to my 15 foot old town canoe and it pushed it pretty good with me and my son (220 pounds each).*

[@jimmatela4789]

Uiu

[@machappyday]

Great information. I was thinking about getting the ghost even though I have the ultrex. I use the constant on with the North heading all the time. The features I like about the ghost does not out weigh Lossing that ability to change course without resetting the course. Glad I saw your video I would have been very disappointed.

[@jonreimer440]

Great and honest review which essentially comes down to user preferences. One thing I would mention is that your Lowrance graph is cable of running a custom route or one previously stored and would also have let you jog to a waypoint and anchor. I like your review. My Ghost goes on tomorrow.

[@Reelbassin]

only if you have carbons or newer can you do this and even program the buttons.

[@derrickhouse7063]

Ultrex here! I run Humminbird and the level of integration I have is unmatched. Top speed on my trolling motor doesn't matter to me because I'm not racing using it. Great video.

[@Fishfreq]

I would really like to hear some of of your Humminbird' - Ultrex integration stories Derrick, like depth or weed line contour tracking. Because of patents, those features don't exist in the Ghost nor Force, or so I'm told? Don't see many reviews of that, wondering if those are worth considering? I'm impatiently waiting for a brushless 24v-36v Minn Kota Ultrex, with zero ff interference, what the heck is taking so long???

[@machew2009]

I would have to agree I love having my solix 10s paird with my ulterra it is so so nice and the follow the contour is super nice to have especially on the smaller lakes I fish before when taking my kids out I pretty much just helped them and steered the boat now I actually get to fish while still helping them and also having paired with a humminbird unit makes it super easy to go back to a spot lock or programm a future spot lock and go to it

[@r.w.flyvideos187]

Best review I have seen so far. Just got a ghost on a new boat. Used it twice, and am not happy. Old boat had the ipilot. What you brought up is a major issue for me. Then for anyone who utilizes the hand controls as I do being a guide, there is absolutely no comparison what so ever. Minn Kota has lowrance beat by a long shot.

[@Reelbassin]

Thank you! I have an updated video coming out with further info! Minn kota patents are king but they need to go brushless

[@OutofWORKoutdoors]

good review

[@Reelbassin]

thank you!

[@rdaniel3451]

Great video, thanks...

[@erniesanders3724]

Love my Ghost. Awesome.

[@Freedomfishingtuglife]

Good information Thank you before I buy one

[@txman201]

As for one motor working at either 24 or 36 volts: You can't change it just by changing the programmed mode. The battery wiring must be connected to match the selected mode. So, if you had 3 batteries, and dropped to 24v mode, it is necessary to make a slight battery wiring change to get 24v delivered to the motor. Most don't run a single 36v battery. I run 3 100AH lithiums and will get a much longer run time on a charge due to the number of cells in 3 batteries vs. your one. If someone is on a trip and a battery fails at a bad time, they can adapt. If an owner discovers a charger bank malfunctioned, and there are only two charged batteries, a quick configuration change (with wiring as well) can save the day.

[@Reelbassin]

DUH!!! Not rocket science.

[@chrisfoley3320]

Hey man, you can adjust your unit buy loosening the 2 bolts inside your power head and turning the housing one way or the other to make it quieter and more efficient. Did mine quiet as a mouse now.

[@Reelbassin]

That’s great info thank you!

[@Jcestanley]

I see exactly what you’re saying and I can get behind what you’re saying because it works for your style and you like it but for me I don’t think it’ll be an issue because I’m going from a fortrex to the ghost but I plan to use my Lowrance charts to run routes and ledges, I’ll be able to draw routes on my chart around islands and down ledges that turn and maneuver....or run the banks in coves. Thanks for the vid!

[@Reelbassin]

for sure brother

[@Jcestanley]

@@Reelbassin I went with the ultrex 😂😂😂 decided saving 800 bucks was more appealing.

[@Reelbassin]

@@Jcestanley I feel you on that bro!

[@georgeadcock2347]

I appreciate the info. I have been waiting for Minn Kota brushless.

[@rexsaye423]

Reelbassin is your Minn Kota trolling motor equipped with the Link? If so is there a way you can use Minn Kota Follow The Contour feature with they lowrance fish finders?

[@anonymouse7074]

Finally minnkota has brushless options!

[@fishingmediterraneo1417]

Yes nice sharing my friend 🤝from italy 🇮🇹😉👊👊👊

[@Reelbassin]

Thank you my brother

[@winston67guy]

You can change course lock with the remote, and it doesn’t cut it off. Also you don’t have to be at the pedal to do it.

[@BretReidFishing]

I love the Ghost. Period.

[@Freedomfishingtuglife]

What model is that that you have Also is it 24 or 36

[@johnwilson6340]

have a carbon and getting the ghost.....appreciate what you posted but for us, the ghost is the premier trolling motor.

[@Reelbassin]

For me it wasn’t enough to spend the money on it at that time, however after a year, I actually re-ordered another ghost and am still waiting on it. The reason being the grass, how it is more quiet and the issues I’ve had with the ultrex. I plan on making an updated video soon once I get it and explaining further. Thank you for the view comment and plz subscribe!

[@fuhriousfishing]

The ghost is much quieter than the ultrex but I have not had that hurt fishing per say just have to move a little slower. A key for me was 24v being in a smaller boat and being able to upgrade to 36v in the future. I've used and love both but when it comes to reliability the ultrex fails simply because of the control board in the pedal. Go through about 1 a year in my case and have also had the bushings blow out twice and the pin in the shock almost fall out and have heard much of the same from others. However, there are many more ultrex's out there than ghosts so it could just be a numbers game with me and many others I know that face the same pedal issue. Seems as if it haunts everyone at some point or another. No issues with the ghost other than that stupid magnetic arrow that is never accurate which hinders live target, panoptix etc. As said before they are both great but if I had to rely on a trolling motor to just simply work day in and day out I'm going with the ghost. Loved the video

[@stephencarey1127]

What about speed? Any other feature differences? Mostly focused on the North heading feature.Thanks

[@Reelbassin]

I agree video was incomplete. I tried to add stuff in the description but that gets missed obviously. The speed is better slightly on the ghost and force. It also does far better in grass. Huge for some people. I should’ve added all of that but again this was why I switched. I don’t have a lot of heavy grass to get through.

[@stephencarey1127]

@@Reelbassin Im holding out as well to see what Minn Kota responds with. I will say that the Ghost and Garmin are more than a little faster. I was out with Iaconelli and he had the Ghost and blew me away side by side, and I have a 112 thrust. I saw Paul Mueller fly with the Force as well. I have to fish many electric only lakes and speed is a game changer for me.

[@Reelbassin]

@@stephencarey1127 the kipawa blade gives some extra speed to the ultrex. How often are you really running on 9 or 10? I guess a lot on electric only lakes. Gotta just get an electric outboard. 😆

[@stephencarey1127]

@@Reelbassin In the past on older motors I did have a Kipawa blade. You have to be careful because that will void the warranty. Yes i run it a lot on 9 or 10 . On electric only lakes it's a must. Makes managing your water much more difficult when it comes to making decisions.

[@dr.smallieslayer4711]

I feel the real competitor will be the new motorguide pinpoint tour pro it comes out jan.22 ... remember motor guide was first ever to get spot lock in their Salt water series .. and now it will be the first cable steer so no more foot pedal lag

[@gss041989]

Hello from Spain! Which anchor is more accurate? Ghost or Ultrex? thank you very much in advance! good video :)

[@Reelbassin]

I would say equal as long as calibrated correctly. any difference is negligible with spot lock.

[@gss041989]

@@Reelbassin thank you so much! I though that spot lock in ultrex was much better than ghost. Your comment has been very useful for me 👏🏻👏🏻

[@Reelbassin]

@@gss041989 you are welcome! Please subscribe! Thanks!

[@andrahayes6136]

If u like lowarance or minn kota . They are both good trolling motor. I have had the ghost now an I love it. Ultrex is not superior. It has faults like any products. And i can name a few changes they need to do. I have had the 80 an 112

[@Reelbassin]

Their patents are superior. Facts.

[@myrlc4623]

I guess it depends on your flavor of candy 🍬 I just love the ghost trolling motor it provides a much superior functionality than the ultrex. Is it over priced?? Yes but hey you have to pay to pay!! Great video much appreciated

[@TrapperMikeT]

Ghost all the way.

[@stevecox6104]

Ghost has programmable buttons on foot pedal to link to power pole control or set waypoint with foot. Ultrex is fine, especially if that’s what you prefer, but not superior to ghost. Is ghost worth $3000? Maybe not, but that’s a value argument vs. functionality argument.

[@Reelbassin]

That’s exactly what I said in the video and reiterated in the comments! If you don’t have carbons or newer you can’t even set the buttons! Secondly, functionality of the ultrex course up is far superior. This is a fact. Now that grease is fixing to grow, part of me wants the ghost again. 😆

[@michael476b]

I should have bought a minn kota.

[@crappieworldlivescanner1114]

I paid 1700 for ultrex with remote I don’t see another 1700 worth .And I use the north a lot and I use my pedal to change the direction and never touch the on again.

[@davidwalker6438]

I have the Ultrex on mine, and cannot wait to get rid of it. Absolutely the worst performing trolling motor I have ever owned. Steering is super slow, steering response with the remote has a serious delay, and it's completely gutless. Mine is an 80 lb 24 volt, and with a 20 mph tail wind it will barely break 1 mph on a 20 foot aluminum mod v boat (which is very light). My 12 volt 55lb Powerdrive I had on my much heavier Pontoon boat would push 1.7 mph easily with zero wind. This Ultrex is a turd. Also not a fan at all of not being able to remove the foot pedal completely. It's bulky and gets in the way, especially if you don't ever use it, like me.

[@JohnEastonFishTecCharts]

The Lowrance remote has the same problem

[@dmoneyakathatguy]

I'm pretty sure that if ur on constant on and course lock you can actually turn it with the remote without stopping it like he was talking about.. also with the electronics.

[@abneranalyn]

I have a ultrex and I use the north up alot. I have 2 carbon units. I want to sell my ultrex even though the ghose constantvand North up are not as efficient and remote is better. Compatibility with graph seems to be worth inconvienice of the north up. When I mark fish I like to set up multiple waypoints around my target I would like to be able to pull up to my spot drop my trolling motor and lineup on my spots without having to turn the boat around in all that stuff

[@Reelbassin]

that is totally understandable. I think to an extent, whatever you get used to you get more efficient with. So if you're used to the course up turning off when pedal is touched, I'm sure you can work around it. Personally thought, the benefits did not outweigh the detriments and definitely didn't justify spending the money. Everyone has to make their own decisions. Mostly I just was giving my take and trying to present the facts.

[@Reelbassin]

Very good points.

[@jenlvjim]

Why do you need to run your trolling motor to leave a cove? Just fire up the big motor and leave.

[@txman201]

You complain about button push requirements to use Course Lock. Utrex requires 4 every time you use it I believe - two to turn it on (in constant) and two to turn it off (when constant run was selected also). With Ghost, every use requires two to turn on that mode, and none to turn it off - ever - just move the pedal. On the occasion that you wish to adjust the direction you add two more presses, which gets you to the mandatory 4 to use the same mode on Ultrex. So, at the end of the day, I suspect a Ghost user has actually made fewer button presses than you do - if both are fishing the same style.

[@Reelbassin]

once course up is on, it remains on. But think whatever you want. I explained thoroughly why the I went back to ultrex and saved teh money. You can do whatever you want with the info provided.

[@txman201]

The Ghost implementation of Course Lock is actually better in my opinion. I must have a better ability to aim the direction arrow where I want to go in one try than you do. Rarely do I need to change the course, and it kicks back to manual mode simply by touching the pedal. I don't have to turn off two buttons as you do every time. So, it's all in how you perceive it. I think it's about what Lowrance believed would be more convenient, and I think they got it right. I'm an engineer, and I do not believe that this has anything at all to do with patents as boats have had autopilot technology for decades. That the thrust is from an electric motor is a moot point.

[@Reelbassin]

want to wager if there's patents mine kota has preventing the course up on ghost to function the same???? I am willing to WAGER! ARE YOU???

[@txman201]

@@Reelbassin Ghost Course Lock does exactly the same thing. Ghost heading lock does not adjust for wind or current but course lock does. Therefore course lock is an autopilot, which is not a new or novel idea. The ONLY difference is button pressing. As I stated there are actually fewer button presses with ghost than with ultrex if you can aim the trolling motor correctly to begin with.

[@Reelbassin]

@@txman201 bro wtf are you talking about?! They are not the same! Ghost turns off when you touch the pedal. Ultrex allows you to just adjust course and stays on. They are not the same no matter how many times you pretend they are.

[@txman201]

@@Reelbassin both are autopilots. One locks on until forcibly turned off. The other (Ghost) works like the vast majority of autopilots. Most autopilots automatically "kick off" the instant there is any user input. It's a safety thing to avoid the autopilot proceeding in an unsafe manner. I'm an aviation pilot as well, and this is how aircraft autopilots must operate as well. Its actually Ultrex that is the oddball.

[@Reelbassin]

@@txman201they are not the same. No matter how much you try to pretend they are. Many people don’t even use it, so I understand their perspective on this not being an issue. As stated this is my perspective and reasoning and why I put that $ in my portfolio and stuck with ultrex.

[@erichunter14]

Is that all?????

[@doughanson1707]

Haha, whew, so you like the Ultrex. That’s cool, I liked my Ultrex too. But, the Ghost is way beyond the Ultrex in so many ways. It’s really not even close. Perhaps you could explain the other “patents” that make the Ultrex superior? Because about one second of pushing foot buttons doesn’t justify crowning the Ultrex a superior product in my mind. But digital steering, brushless motor, interfacing with the “live”, creating routes, auto-stow, better deploy and stow, etc makes the Ghost a far superior product... IMHO

[@Reelbassin]

I explained a lot about the patents. And I also explained brushless obviously being better than non and how minn Kota has to come out with a brushless model. I did t talk enough about the ghost superiority in grass. I switched back because it didn’t warrant me spending all that money for what I find to still be inferior considering what I’m used to. But I hear your points and they are valid. It is definitely debatable what is better. Appreciate the discussion.

[@txman201]

@@Reelbassin no, I don't think you explained a lot about patents. In fact, you were rather vague - it's just that you think differences are due to patents on a couple of items, and I don't see it. The idea of a patent must be novel and not in common use. I've worked on them, and got my name on a couple, so I'd say I know. Many vessels have autopilots and have for decades, slaved to magnetic heading or GPS routes (in more recent decades). So, no novelty there that would qualify for a patent. I don't think the Ghost is inferior - it just isn't a carbon copy of what you are used to and stubborn about is a more realistic reason for your personal preference.

[@Reelbassin]

Stay tuned fir an updated video. Subscribe so you don’t miss it.

[@commentwars6693]

@@txman201 The simplified peddle on the ultrax is way better than the ghost peddle that's why a lot of pros are switching back including wheeler who switched back to his ultrax mid season

[@txman201]

@@commentwars6693 to each his own. I find the Ghost superior for my needs, especially with matched transducers. By the way, NONE of them have a "peddle." Peddle is a verb; you peddle a bicycle. The foot steer mechanism is a PEDAL. Did you slip English and vocabulary classes?

[@chandlerabdiel4326]

Very nice 😍💋 💝💖♥️❤️

[@shreksfishing3085]

Sorry, I not a fan of the ultrex, Love my ghost.

[@phatdonkey78]

How long is the shaft? I know it says 47 inches, but can you do me a favor. I want one but want to know if the 47 inch is long enough. Can you deploy yours and lower it all the way, then measure from the bow to the top of the motor head?

[@southerngurlfishing2561]

Or you can use the arrows on on Carbon to make modifications to course lock without it shutting off this video is a little misleading

[@Reelbassin]

I spoke to both lowrance and garmin about this and both assured me it is a patent thing and cannot be changed. So no, the video is spot on.

[@Reelbassin]

Reaching down and fiddling with my graph defeats the entire purpose dude.

[@southerngurlfishing2561]

@@Reelbassin not a dude and it's still misleading your making it sound like there's no way of controlling it without it turning off I get it you like your Minn kota 👌

[@Reelbassin]

@@southerngurlfishing2561 no I’m not. I’m stating facts.

[@dmoneyakathatguy]

Good discussion on both. I do believe that you can keep it all on and use the remote to turn as well without it shutting off. For the money they should have included the remote without it being an additional expense.

[@bigkou_916]

The ghost is garbage. My cuzn had 2 use on his his and had to be sent back to the manufacturer to have work done. Just died on third outing. And Lowrance customer service was no better than their product. California is one of the larger markets for the fishing industry. Tell me why he had to send it all the way to Washington to get it serviced. I know there's some Lowrance reps the frequent these comment section. What is going On? Is there no authorized dealer in California? Don't sell your product here if it can't be serviced here. Not to mention the 2 months it was out for repair. This was on a 2021 Ranger Z521 with full Lowrance Live package. Almost 100k boat. By the way I have an 112 Ultrex on my Ranger.

[@Reelbassin]

Wow that’s shocking to hear. Lowrance has been amazing to deal with for me. As has minn kota. Sorry you guys had those issues

[@bigkou_916]

@@Reelbassin my cuzn is a nice guy. I told him to push the issue. He put a hard earned 40k down on the boat. Let a rep from their company read this and see what they got to say. We are No Pro Angler. But we have to pay full price with everything we buy. Do you think this is how we like to spend our money, just to get the run around.

[@petejablowski2123]

Ghost is trash , it’s the only purchase I regret on my ranger

[@TodayWeFish]

Sounds like someone did not do their homework prior to buying.

[@Reelbassin]

nobody talked about this anywhere. So without running one, I had no way to really know. Just giving all the info. I have since decided to order another Ghost for quieter movements and better performance in grass. Still waiting on it for months though.