Do you want a top-grade trolling motor in 2023? Look out for these two trustworthy brands. As far as trustworthy companies are concerned, only a few can compete with Minn Kota and MotorGuide. These are first-line brands for excellent trolling motors. But this raises the question, Minn Kota vs Motorguide, which is better?
Both companies produce quality motors. There are only a few dissimilarities. How do you equate them? Is there one that better matches your needs? This post will walk you through the similarities and dissimilarities of both Minn Kota and MotorGuide. It will also introduce you to the brands and reveal all you need to make the right choice.
Who is the Minn Kota?
As stated earlier, Minn Kota is an electric trolling motor brand. Their headquarters is located in Fargo, North Dakota, and they produce the most unconventional trolling motors. The motors are one of the toughest and sassiest machines that every boat owner can utilize.
By utilizing the Minn trolling motor, a fishing boat (see the best fish and ski boats here) owner can benefit from advanced battery chargers. You can also reap benefits from increased wind resistance without using a physical anchor.
Who is the MotorGuide?
Just like Minn Kota, Motorguide is also a trolling motor company. Persistence is one of the essential attributes that every angler should possess. MotorGuide offers credibility through deliberate features that can keep the fishermen on the water for a long time.
For instance, the MotorGuide’s Tour Pro has one of the truest GPS anchors. This anchor will help anglers stay on the water even amidst the harshest weather conditions.
Minn Kota vs Motorguide – What’s the Difference?
The similarities and dissimilarities of Minn Kota and MotorGuide boil down to some features. So let’s compare and contrast them.
Customer Service
Customer service can come in various dimensions. We’ve divided them into three: warranty, handheld device support, and service center performance.
As far as the warranty is concerned, Minn Kota and MotorGuide offer a warranty for their products. However, it doesn’t work the same way. While customers can enjoy a two-year warranty for all Minn’s trolling motors, MotorGuide offers a warranty based on the motor model’s value. For instance, a lower-grade model may carry only one to two years warranty. But if you are opting for the high-grade ones, you can benefit from a three-year extension.
Both Minn and MotorGuide have excellent customer service centers. You can access their websites and enter your zip code to find nearby service centers.
However, in terms of customer service, Minn is a little liberal. If you encounter any issues with their products, the customer service team can send free mechanical parts to remedy the problem.
On the other hand, MotorGuide may not give you such treatment. But aside from that, the company always strives to build a good customer relationship.
Cost
In most cases, the cost of a product does not determine its value. However, it is instinctual to compare the cost to figure out the ones that match our pocket sizes. If you want a trolling motor that is a bit cheaper, the MotorGuide brand will save you a few dibs. But if you value sophisticated features over cheaper pricing, you should go for Minn Kota.
Warranty
Minn offers a warranty for all trolling motor models.
MotorGuide is selective. It offers a 1-2 years warranty for lower grade models and 2-3 years for high-grade models.
Key Features
There are a few dissimilarities. One of the most significant ones is the Spot Lock trolling motor functionality. Trolling motors from the two brands may possess spot lock and auto-pilot to sail through fishing spots. Despite that, Minn Kota has the more advanced Spot Lock technology.
For instance, Minn Kota’s power trim features offer excellent performance in weeds. In this case, the trolling motor can rear or lower in hollow spots. It can also manage noise better than MotorGuide, which seems to notify you of its presence every step of the way.
Minn Kota also has excellent imaging capacities. By utilizing their trolling motors, you can enjoy a clear image under your boat.
Minn Kota vs Motorguide – Top Picks
Minn Kota and Motorguide both offer some of the best trolling motors on the market today. Here’s a few of our favorites. We also reviewed each of these in depth in our best spot lock trolling motors article.
Final Thoughts – Which is Better Motorguide or Minn Kota?
It’s impossible to have two similar brands even in the same ecosystem. Typically, some aspects of their design and functionality will differ. Although Minn Kota and MotorGuide are on equal footing in terms of quality, they are still better than one another in some aspects.
In our opinion, Minn Kota takes the lead overall. The benefits range from excellent imaging, to better noise control, to comparable pricing and more.