Tyler,

I fish river systems that are big, river systems that are not, stump infested systems that have just enough room to get a boat through the channel, and stump infested rivers with easy to follow channels, tiny lakes, small lakes, mid-sized lakes, and huge lakes. I even have a very small river or two I hit for Smallies in the 1690, and the 40 PD does a great job there, too. I think it mostly boils down to personal preference.

A couple years ago Minn Kota increased the adjustment speed on the PD and APD models. The newer models really repond quickly; plenty fast enough to control the rig in current and tight quarters without the oversteer/correct  I sometimes get from the cable models. Most of the folks I have met who didn't like the APD or PD just couldn't get adjusted to the foot pad.

Don't get me wrong, I have had and liked the Maxxum models too. I get a new rig every year (sometimes two) so I get lots of chances to try new product. My favorite model was the Genesis. I had two, and both were great motors.