Garmin Force Reviews

I am seeking reviews of the Garmin Force trolling motor. I currently have a Minnkota Terrova and have thought about moving to something else down the road. Just trying to see if my thoughts are worth pursuing.

I like everything I see about it. I know they had latch issues on the earlier production runs, but that's been fixed. I saw a YT video from 2019 of a quick review and there was some delay in the foot pedal and the response of the motor when turning. I am wondering if that has been tweaked. My previous boats had cable drive trolling motors, so I would want a similar experience.

So, my question is about the foot pedal response. Is there much of a delay when the pedal is tilted? Is there any other concerns that people have experienced?

I have all Humminbird stuff on the boat then added the livescope. Figured I would explore options on the trolling motor too. The Terrova is a good motor, but there are times I wish I had a foot pedal. I don't have room for a permanent cable mount like the Ultrex, so the wireless pedal looks very attractive.

Any other thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Sent from my SM-G991U using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

How do you fish? What kind of boat?

I have a Force and love it. But make no mistake it is NOT a cable steer. You can adjust the pedal resistance to stiffen it up. The delay is not an Issue for me. I would go with whatever networks to your side imaging at the console! I can't stress how nice it is to mark a pile and drop the trolling motor and push a button while it takes you to the pile.

Been fishing brush piles with the livescope lately. Got it about 3 months ago. Been spot locking and casting to the brush. Got a 20' alumacraft center console. The Terrova can over compensate to aggressively at times even with the "boat scale" all the way down. My bird units are linked to the Terrova already, but as I replace them I could transition over. Again, this is down the road stuff, just trying to get a idea of what to be working towards.

In the past I have pulled jigs and a small amount of tight lining. I would fish more blow downs if I had better control of the boat, that remote just doesn't cut it compared to a cable steer for that.

You agree there is a delay, but how long is it? Half second? 2 seconds? I assume the position of the motor is still predictable as it is with a cable.

Thanks!

Sent from my SM-G991U using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

The delay is so minimal that a half second is probably right. But the speed of the pedal is variable unlike using a remote or terrova pedal which is basically one speed.

I fish a lot of standing timber and stalk single crappie so I need the pedal. Most every issue from the force has been fixed as you noted.

That's perfect! I am wanting to do the single fish stalking too. Variable speed foot pedal is perfect. No way the Terrova and me will get along for it. I appreciate your input.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app