Adaptable to both 24v or 36v battery configurations, the Minn Kota Ultrex Quest provides versatile rigging options and over 4mph of trolling speed when paired with a 36v power source on our product reviewers' fully loaded Ranger Z20. Overall, the motor is very quiet even on higher power settings, and we experienced no prop vibration or interference with image quality using the down, side, and live sonar transducers. The button layout on the foot pedal is the same as previous models, and the steering is buttery-smooth, but still felt a bit jumpy after coming to a stop or when making fine adjustments. Our reviewer also mentioned how the lack of a visible indicator arrow on the power head made it more difficult to line up a live sonar cast when the motor was pointed outside of a forward position.

By eliminating the mechanical aspects of a traditional motor, brushless motor technology delivers quiet, powerful, and long-lasting power with less sonar interference. The Spot-Lock anchor feature feels more accurate than previous models, producing less noise and motor sounds as it keeps the boat on your waypoint more accurately with updated hardware and software algorithms. Equipped with a Humminbird MEGA Down and MEGA Side Imaging transducer built into the lower unit, there’s no longer a need to zip-tie wires to the shaft of the motor with a loop of slack unless you also plan to use forward-facing sonar. Lastly, the clasp height adjustment was viewed as a nice addition for those who make frequent transitions from shallow to deep water.

Our lead product reviewer has been using an Ultrex since they first came out and was immediately impressed by the updated mount, noting how the past Ultrex had plastic side plates that took a beating and cracked over time. Throughout the 8-month trial, our reviewers put the Ultrex Quest to the test by running it into rocks, tearing up grass beds, and running miles of bank to get a true test of resilience and run it through the gauntlet of tough regular use. Despite looking similar to the original, the enhanced motor is more robust, extremely rigid, and includes a lift-assist feature that can be programmed to collapse with the prop facing either direction – a handy addition for those running multiple screens at the bow.

The power coil coming out of the head of the motor is durable and solidly connected, as the material is improved to ensure it won't crack or require tons of zip ties to be properly held in place over time. After removing the prop, we also noticed how the prop shaft seal is set into the head of the motor which reduces the amount of fishing line or debris from getting wrapped around the prop shaft during use, avoiding the risk of breaking the seal.

Purchasing a trolling motor is a substantial investment for any bass angler, as it is probably the most expensive piece of equipment on a bass boat, and arguably the most important when it comes to having success on the water. With a huge improvement in power harness durability, an extremely quiet brushless motor design, and advanced spot lock features, the Minn Kota Ultrex Quest certainly checks all the boxes. Available at an MSRP of $3999.99 for the standard 45” shaft, this trolling motor is priced competitively versus similar offerings on the market making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to upgrade their trolling motor. Although there's a slight increase in price from the original, you’re buying a motor that’s built to perform at the highest levels of competition with a programmable foot pedal, reinforced motor mount, and advanced GPS functionality that justifies the spend for any aspiring tournament angler.

Designed to plug and play with Humminbird electronics, the Minn Kota Ultrex Quest DI/SI connects seamlessly with fish finders and Minn Kota shallow water anchors to unlock your full fishing potential with the power of the One-Boat Network. When connected, the Ultrex provides endless ways to maneuver with advanced autopilot, ‘go-to’ navigation, and a range of modes that allow you to focus more on fishing instead of boat control. The One-Boat network turns your boat into a self-driving fishing machine and allows you to toggle Spot-Lock on and off as you’re reading sonar returns and marine maps on your Humminbird fish finder at the bow or console.

For our small lakes here on the Central Coast of California, the all-new ‘Dodge’ mode and improved ‘Follow’ mode have fewer applications due to our local familiarity, but these were seen as a huge advantage when exploring a new body of water. The new ‘Drift’ mode maintains your desired speed and path like a drift sock which provides interesting opportunities to fish long stretches of water, allowing you to work with heavy winds instead of combating them. With dedicated Spot-Lock buttons included on the foot pedal, the all-new wireless remote, micro remote, and the One-Boat Network App’s digital remote, the Ultrex Quest provides a wealth of utility when it comes to efficient boat positioning.

The Minn Kota Ultrex Quest MEGA DI/SI trolling motor represents a quantum leap for the Ultrex series with the introduction of a quiet brushless motor design, a durable power harness, and seamless integration with modern electronics. After installing the Ultrex Quest in September of 2023, we can verify this motor provides advanced tools to combat windy conditions and more opportunities to catch fish as you spend less time focusing on boat positioning. With highly accurate spot lock GPS positioning and endless ways to navigate when connected to the One Boat Network, the Ultrex re-enters the conversation as one of the best trolling motors for bass fishing currently available on the market.

While our reviewer's high expectations were ultimately exceeded, we believe the next big integration is to incorporate live sonar and 360 Imaging transducers directly into the motor, so they don’t have to be externally mounted to the motor shaft. Not only would this prevent damage while fishing, but it would also eliminate the frustration of constantly removing vegetation and debris from the transducer when fishing shallow, grass-choked fisheries like the California Delta. If you’re a tournament junkie or dedicated weekend warrior who’s running Humminbird electronics and looking to upgrade, the Minn Kota Ultrex Quest MEGA DI/SI Trolling Motor brings the workhorse legacy of Ultrex and maximum control to your fishing experience.