The Minn Kota brand has long been recognized for providing outstanding value and quality, and the Traxxis series trolling motors continue that tradition.
The Traxxis is a popular choice among customers for its simplicity of use. The Traxxis has a one-hand stow and deploy mechanism that allows you to quickly get the motor into the water to position and troll, as well as out of the water when battling a fish or starting up the gasoline engine to go to another location.
In this Minn Kota Traxxis review, you’ll discover the best features of this motor, as well as the Traxxis’s benefits and drawbacks.
Top features of the Minn Kota Traxxis trolling motor
Here’s a summary of what this active, costly trolling motor has to offer.
One-hand stowage
With one hand, you can simply deploy your trolling motor with ease. You don’t have to set down your rod to chase a fish swirl or move to the next weed bed because it’s so easy to deploy with one hand. To get rid of the motor from the water, just grab the control body and push the latch disengage with your thumb. The motor rotates over the transom while being rotated upward and toward you, moving smoothly into a horizontal posture. For transportation, the engine may be raised to ten different positions.
Steering tension control
The tension control collar can be tightened to the desired level. If you perform a lot of movement, leave the collar loose. Tighten it and enjoy hands-free trolling when you want a straight line. Between levels of tension, you’ll have the steering performance to match your comfort level and the conditions you’re experiencing on the water.
Tiller tilt and extension
The Traxxis pro is equipped with the Indicator Extension System (I.E.S) feature, which gives you more control over your trolling configuration. When standing, it tilts up to 45 degrees and returns to horizontal when sitting. The tiller extension is only six inches long, yet it improves comfort and usefulness considerably.
Depth adjusting quick-lock cam
Many trolling motors have a screw that can be loosened and adjusted, then tightened again to set the depth of the propeller. The cam opens quickly and clamps down in one fast movement for faster depth adjustments. When closed, it holds the propeller firmly in place, so slipping to a lower position shouldn’t be an issue like it could with screw-type depth adjusters.
Extended run time with Digital Maximizer
The Variable-Speed Traxxis motors are put to excellent use with this capability. The Digital Maximizer lets you regulate the amount of power supplied to the motor and hence its speed. When attempting to fish a specific location slowly, this Traxxis trolling motor function is especially useful. Set the speed appropriately, and you’ll be able to pass through the fishing zone without having to turn on or off the engine. Run times are shortened when the device is set to greater power.
Propeller options to fit fishing conditions
The Traxxis Weedless Wedge 2 has flared blades that allow it to effortlessly pass through dense vegetation. It prevents the engine from wastefully dissipating its energy by trimming weeds.
The Traxxis Power Prop delivers maximum thrust and speed, so you don’t spend time traveling to the next likely fishing spot. Note that most machines do not come with both propellers. You must select one or the other, if necessary, as well as purchasing the second separately.
Composite shaft
The Minn Kota composite shaft is lighter and more durable than comparable steel shafts. It’s also more flexible, so it’ll absorb impact if the propeller head strikes anything. Composites are free of rust, too.
Battery meter
When you close the lid, an audible beep lets you know that the power button is now on. It’s as simple as pushing a button to turn off or switch settings.
Two-year warranty
The warranty on Minn Kota’s trolling motors is comparable to that of other best-selling trolling motor brands.
Pros and Cons of the Minn Kota Traxxis Trolling Motor
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of this item. They’ll assist you evaluate other Traxxis trolling motors against those from Minn Kota, Newport Vessels, Goplus, and other top manufacturers.
Minn Kota Traxxis benefits:
- Superior to the competition, in terms of quality
- When you don’t need maximum power, the Digital Maximizer extends battery life.
- It adjusts swiftly and smoothly between forward and backward, both of which it does with ease.
- More precise control is achieved with infinite rather than graded power settings.
- Choose from 45 to 80 pounds of thrust depending on your budget, the size of your boat and the conditions you experience on the water.
Minn Kota Traxxis drawbacks:
- Customers often acquire the engine believing they will receive both propellers.
- The trolling motor is equipped with a 50-amp circuit breaker, but many experienced fishermen recommend investing in the optional 60-amp breaker to protect the engine and battery.
- When the motor shaft is fully extended and the propeller is deep in the water, one-hand raising might be difficult for some.
- The costs of repairing a motor after the warranty period may be excessive.
- It’s not recommended for saltwater because it isn’t completely waterproof (though some Minn Kota Riptide motors are).
Minn Kota Traxxis Models
Here are the models available and their options:
Model => Thrust => Volts => Shaft => Length
Traxxis 45 => 45 => 12 => 36 inches
Traxxis 55 => 55 => 12 => 36 and 42 inches
Traxxis 70 => 70 => 24 => 42 inches
Traxxis 80 => 80 => 24 => 42 inches
Conclusion
The Minn Kota Traxxis costs between $300 and $700, depending on the model you pick, with the Traxxis 55 shaft length. The Traxxis is on the higher end of the price range when compared to other trolling motors. The extra cost is offset by what many regard as superior quality and performance. If you use your trolling motor only a few times each fishing season, an inexpensive product would be more cost-effective. For people searching for a dependable workhorse motor, the Minn Kota Traxxis series trolling motors are worth the added expense.
