I'm getting closer knowing what I am looking for on a small longtail. I still want some clarification on which is considered better all around (in mud/ weeds and in open water) GEAR DRIVE or GEAR REDUCTION. Any insight on what works better is much appreciated.

Check with buttbuddy guys

longtails are usually direct drive not gear reduced.

Paul- im guessing you mean mudbuddy..im sure they will tell me gear reduction is better

Gateway- Orion and mudbuddy both have the gear reduction that's why i want to know what people consider better instead of the company just promoting their product.

If i were shopping for a longtail, i wouldnt have anything other than a Go Devil. Surface drive would be another story. It doesnt get any more durable than a Go Devil when it comes to longtails. Not many people have the MB gear reduced longtail, not sure about the Orion.

I thought I had it all figured out when shopping for a longtail. Then I got pointed towards backwaterinc's SWOMP motors. Check em out before you pull the trigger. Picked up a SWOMP 23 a little over a month ago and it is awesome. Very burly frame and some great dudes to deal with. Very glad I went with them over all the others.

Go with godevil. You can't beat them when it comes to longtails.. just stay away from those cheap Thailand sps longtails

I agree with Honky Kong. BackH20 has a very good product in their longtail line. Like many, I started with a GD (1989) because that was the only mud motor in town. I had three of them and they served me well, albeit I had to changeout the bearings/seals, had more grease loss, than my present 2004 MB 27 HP LT. Too bad MB stopped making them. GD was good but for the past nine years, my MB LT has been one durable and reliable motor. Original bearings. Very little grease loss and lots less greasing altogether. I use mine throughout the year, not just duck season. The jury is still out on the SLT, though that has a lot of promise, even if MB drops the ball on that- I am glad Backh20 has refined and improved the LT format. I fully understand the advantages of the SD in most situations- excepting mine- shallow water/hard bottom/relatively short runs. I wish I knew more about the mini longtails and the gear reduction on a couple of those models. Neutral and more speed/torque would be very welcome for sure. The only possible drawback to the SLT gear reduction is it utilizes a larger prop, which means you need the water depth, and the clutch is not yet field proven for longevity. One new feature which is welcome is the hex hub propeller, which should mean easier on/off for the prop which can be a real PITA on these threaded shaft conventional LT types. In any case, like is often stated here, ask the dealer for a test drive- most are willing, after all, it is a big expense so it is worth the trial.

I'm narrowing down to the stump jumper or PPD wood duck for models with gear drive, but had been looking at the Orion 6.5. I'm putting this on a Four rivers layout Refuge Runner so weight can't be too much only 80 max. I've seen the backwater swomp 10 hp and its very well built from what I can tell and I have only heard good things about their customer service. I looked at the 6.5 swomp, but its 95 pounds.

I'm leaning towards just gear drive and if that's where I end up I'm probably looking at getting the PPK Wood duck unless I can be convinced otherwise

BACKH20 2 Thumbs up!!

I think I was the 2nd or 3rd guy on here to get a Back Water. I took a bit of a chance because I had never ran one or even seen one in person. All I had run for years were Go-Devils and one Mud Buddy. I absolutely 100% could not be any more satisfied with the product and the customer service.

Back H2O all the way.