The pioneer of the electrical alternative to the Power Pole's line has introduced a new product in Minn Kota Raptor. This decision by the Mankato natives has sparked controversy amongst the boating community because the Raptor mimics the hydraulic design and deployment style of Power Pole's products.
Long has Minn Kota toted the advantages of the Talon of other shallow water anchors, but now they have gone and copied their primary competition. This begs the question "Which is Minn Kota's best product?" Minn Kota Talon vs the Raptor, the great debate detailed below.
30 Second Summary: Minn Kota Talon vs Raptor
For those short on time, we have summarized our thoughts to make it easy for you. While the Raptor has made improvements in anchor sensoring compared to it's older brother the Talon, we prefer Talon as Minn Kota's best made product.
The Talon's greater range of lengths accommodates all fishing types and the vertical deployment design is more efficient than the spider-like. Vertical deployment allows for more fishable space on the back of the boat. Additionally, it offers a handy light at the top of each pole for increased visibility at night.
|
VS |
|
|---|---|---|
| Product | ||
| Overall Score | ||
| Spider-like | Deployment Style | Vertical |
| Hydraulic Pump | Motor | Electric |
| 10 or 8 ft | Lengths | 15,12,10,8 ft |
| 27.5 lbs. | Weight on Transom | 47 lbs. |
| 44 lbs. | Total Weight | 47 lbs. |
5-year warranty for all parts,
Lifetime warranty on anchor spike
|
Warranty | 5-year warranty for all parts,
Lifetime warranty on anchor spike |
Talon vs Raptor: Feature by Feature
The table above does the best job of explaining the key differences of the Minn Kota Raptor vs the Talon. Below we cover those same differences but in more detail.
Related Reading: The Minnkota Talon Vs Power Pole - Electronic vs Hydraulic Anchors
Technology
Both products utilize Minn Kota's One Boat Network, which allows the pairing of the anchors with the Hummingbird fish finder and Minn Kota trolling motors. This one-stop-shop for all the accessories on your boat makes it easy to control your boat with a single remote.
The key difference is how the two products recognize the type of water floor the anchors are embedded in. The Raptor actually senses the flooring adjusts the anchoring power accordingly to hold the boat in position. The Talon is a manual decision between standard, soft, and hard modes. 90% of the time standard will suit your needs, but we have found occasions where you need to change it up.
Of course, this is not a huge inconvenience as the first stop will usually tell you if an adjustment is needed for the whole trip. However, the Raptor's automatic sensing is definitely tally in the win column.
Deployment
A stark difference between the operation of the two anchors is their deployment style. The Raptor reaches back then extends down like a spider leg while the Talon shoots straight down with no secondary movement. The Talon is able to do this thanks to a telescopic anchor spike that unfolds as it lowers into the water.
We find the Talon's vertical deployment to be superior because it takes up less space behind the boat. Sometimes a fish just wants to be landed on the back of the boat. For those purchasing for leisurely activities like swimming, the Talon will also allow you to climb unto the boat from the rear. The Raptor blocks off all access to this portion of the boat.
Related Reading: Minn Kota Raptor vs Power Pole
Motor
To accompany the spider-like deployment, the Raptor, required a change in the mechanism to lower the spike. It uses a hydraulic pump for operation of each arm. Since the Talon doesn't have a joint, it uses an electric motor to power it.
Hydraulic pumps are messier and require routine maintenance such as fluid changes but they are lighter than their electric counterparts. Electric engines require you to bring a battery or two as a fuel source. Linking up the trolling motor to the same battery can save some efficiency however.
Related Reading: Power Pole Blade vs Pro II
Noise
We all have experiences spotting the perfect fishing nook. It is in the corner of the lake with reeds perfectly placed to conceal a monster fish. You so delicately try to creep the boat to open up the perfect cast, but the engine is just too loud. The fish spooks and you lose your next wall mount.
Long story short, fish hate noise so you want a quiet anchor. Neither of these anchors is dangerously loud so you can't really go wrong with either.
Value
Value according to us judges the "bang for your buck"of the product. It doesn't mean the cheapest, just the hammer that best fits the nail.
We believe the best value is the Minn Kota Talon, between these two options. It's just a superior design of deployment. Why use up more space than you need?
Related Reading: Power Pole Pro II vs Sportsman II