I am actively considering the purchase of a wireless TM.  The Minn Kotas and Motorguides both look impressive, but the MG seems to be able to do the same job for about $300 less than a comparable MK.  Opinions would be very much appreciated.

BTW, I have read the reviews on the BPS web site and am aware that the nose cone on the MG seems to be a weak point.  Anyone have an update on that issue?

The foot control is a b* to get use to and gets really frustrating. Also you always need to remember to stow button or else it ruins the motor. I like them but nothing goes through grass like a Minn Kota.

I like my W45.  I have had it for 2 years.  The foot control is stored away and only use two keyfobs.  When fighting a good fish the other guy can take over boat control.  Also, for walleye fishing, no one has to be up on the casting deck.  For strictly bass fishing where you want precise foot control, without visual checking the direction the head is pointing, the cable steers still acell.

I have a wireless Minn Kota Powerdrive Autopilot and I really like my trolling motor. The foot control will take some getting used to but you probably had to get used to the cable steer the first time you tried to use it. I don't really notice any of the problems some of the other people on board have said about the wireless motors. They both have their pros and cons. I like my wireless motor becuase because of the foot pedal and no cables. I always hated having to readjust the foot pedal on cable drive systems and then the cable would make the foot pedal off balance it was a pain.

Mike, if you haven't done so already, I'd strongly suggest that you test drive any power drive motor from either manufacturer for a day before purchasing.

The biggest issue of any user changing from a cable drive to electronic power drive are the head turning speeds. The head turning speeds drops as the TM speed is increased since the motor is drawing the bulk of the current from the single source.

This becomes most noticeable if you were to hang a lure up in shallow water and have wind and wave action making your journey into that shallow water to retrieve the lure an adventure. The problem is also evident if you're fishing waters that have obstructions just under the water that you can't see until you're almost on top of them. Both of these situations require speed to move the boat out of the way of the obstructions but also the ability to turn at a pretty high rate of speed.

From my own experience, the power drives don't perform both tasks at the same time well which is why so many will advise you to stay with cable drive despite some of the operational features of the power drives that make them attractive.

A TM is a pretty big investment.  I found the PD unacceptable in less than a year from purchasing and wound up living with it until the TM literally bounced off the boat.  You'll also find PD motors difficult to sell and you'll get less for them used should you decide later that the motor just isn't working for you.  

what i dont like about them is theres no "feel" for where and how the trolling motor is going to send you when you step on the go button. on a cable motor you always know without looking where youre going by the pitch of the peddle.