Was browsing and noticed that the Lowrance Recon and other brushless trolling motors seem to double the price. I have had only ones with brushes, but haven’t ever had to change any. Are there other significant benefits? Are they that much quieter? That more efficient? Not looking to buy. Just curious.
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Are brushless trolling motors that much better?
- Thread starter FuzzyGrub
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Can only reference my brushless experience in my R/C cars. When compared to brushed motors, the brushless motors are far more efficient, less heat buildup and use less power to gain more rpm ( power).. Brushless motors are more costly to make due to the electronics needed to control the speed. No electrician here by any means...but from my experiences, the brushless motors are a much better bang for you buck !! Enough to make the expense worth while ??? Only you can decide that...
MrGiggles
Well-known member
~10% more battery life. I thought it was more, but apparently not. PWM brushed motors are pretty efficient. Brushless motors have less rotating mass, better for quickly ramping up speed or instant torque, doesn't mean much in the world of trolling motors though.
As far as noise, I'd say it's a wash. My buddy has a Force, it's definitely quiet, but not silent.
Doesn't seem at all worth it to me, my $500 Ipilot Terrova from 2009 is still working like a champ. No way could I justify $3500 on a trolling motor. Certainly seems like we've reached the point of diminishing returns with some of this new tech. You'll spend as much on electronics as you do the whole boat, outboard, and trailer.
As far as noise, I'd say it's a wash. My buddy has a Force, it's definitely quiet, but not silent.
Doesn't seem at all worth it to me, my $500 Ipilot Terrova from 2009 is still working like a champ. No way could I justify $3500 on a trolling motor. Certainly seems like we've reached the point of diminishing returns with some of this new tech. You'll spend as much on electronics as you do the whole boat, outboard, and trailer.
I did a little seaching on the difference between the motor types. Brushless has about 10-15% better efficiency (as MG said above), less electrical noise, and less acoustic noise. The brushless motor itself, should cost less than a brushed one, once production levels match. ie less components. The electronics are an adder, but not at what the costs are showing on the trolling motors. It shouldn't be more than the PWM circuitry on brushed motors. On the MK website, take a Terrova, and add the Quest option (brushless motor), and price jumps up $1600! $3.5K - 5K for these brushless trolling motors!
