OK Newbie Got it narrowed down...Traxxis vs. Varimax

[JimS123]

Please see my last post. Thanks to all who replied.

This is for trolling only. A Yami 25 is the main engine.

Ok, I'll upgrade to a group 24 battery.

Now.....its between a MK Traxxis 40 (36") and a MG Varimax V40 (30").

I like the compactness of the Varimax (I don't really need the extra length) but the ergonomics (one hand tilt) of the Traxxis are a plus.

Back to reliability....I have read various posts re. problems with MG, but none with MK. There is a huge price difference....$313 vs. $179. Is the Minn Kota really worth the extra money? I like the Motorguide better, but I'll gladly pay the extra $ if it will keep me happy well into the future.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: OK Newbie Got it narrowed down...Traxxis vs. Varimax

You have to weigh all the factors and decide what's important to you. Noise was my #1 priority and both of these TM's failed for me. I think they are both even on power usage / battery efficiency. MK Traxxis is far superior to MG Varimax on the mechanical workings of the transom mount. Is it worth an extra $120 for the MK? To me it would have been. If it wasn't for the additional noise, I would have kept the Traxxis since MK did a real nice job on their improvements. (Oh yeah, I had both the Traxxis and Varimax for a few months, returned them both)

Traxxis dislikes: (besides the noise)
- none

Varimax dislikes: (besides the noise)
- push/pull, forward/reverse
- floppy tiller handle when extended
- stow/tilt button very difficult to release
- transom bracket felt wobbly
- Tension control (packing washer) was wearing after 3 months on my TM

As for the noise, most people might not notice how noisy digital motors are, but I found them to be too noisy for my fishing style. I would venture to say they are 3 times as noisy as the old speed coil motors when they are run at 1/2 speed, dead slow and full speed they are just as quite as the speed coil motors.