trax tech or cannon rod holder tracks?

I'm interested in anyone that can help me with their experience with either of these track style rod holder systems. I'm lucky enough to be setting up a new boat soon and am considering one of these systems. My questions include, durability, ease of installation, rod holder specific pros and cons, down-rigger plate swivel base vs. track style swivel base w/ universal mounting holes. I question the tolerances of these systems when using for great lakes fishing, do they wiggle? Do downrigger plates have movement when downrigger are attached or are they solid like mounted to gunnel? Any experience is a big help! These systems are pushing $1000.00 for tracks, downrigger plates, dipsey tubes, and vertical trees!

Roughly $100 for each holder and about $75 for a 3' track, so yeah $800 is pretty close. But the way I see it, the rod holders WILL last a lifetime and I will keep them when upgrading boats and put them on any future boat I have.

How much do you think it will cost to set up a boat with 6 rod holders with the track system. From what I am seeing it looks close to $800.00

You will be very happy with your choice of Traxstech. I run all Traxstech on my rig. I have full 4' tracks mounted on each gunnel and also a 12" track on the rear area behind my boat cleat along with another 12" track up front. The rear 12" is where I mount my riggers when I run them and ave them on Traxstech 3" swivel bases. I run multiple combinations of holders including a 3 high bird tree all traxstech on the 4' tracks. I have a net holder up front along with another set of rod holders when needed. When all is said and done this system is so flexible it is a great fishing system. I have a couple of their tool holders/cup holders I slide in the tracks between the rod holders also, they are very handy. Make sure to be diligent and back plate your mounting of the tracks that way they will be solid and you will never have any trouble with them. Here are a couple shots of my rig with various set ups.

You will be very happy with your choice of Traxstech. I run all Traxstech on my rig. I have full 4' tracks mounted on each gunnel and also a 12" track on the rear area behind my boat cleat along with another 12" track up front. The rear 12" is where I mount my riggers when I run them and ave them on Traxstech 3" swivel bases. I run multiple combinations of holders including a 3 high bird tree all traxstech on the 4' tracks. I have a net holder up front along with another set of rod holders when needed. When all is said and done this system is so flexible it is a great fishing system. I have a couple of their tool holders/cup holders I slide in the tracks between the rod holders also, they are very handy. Make sure to be diligent and back plate your mounting of the tracks that way they will be solid and you will never have any trouble with them. Here are a couple shots of my rig with various set ups.

Sea Rake, mine don't wiggle at all. My guess is you either don't have the two wing nuts tight in the track or maybe one is on the high side and one is on the low side of the grooves in the track? try loosing them up and turn it a bit then tighten back down. The nuts are designed to be in the "low" grooves. I would use ALL mounting holes for the track if possible. ALL track mounted rod holders are only as strong as you mount the track. I have one hole on a 48" track that I couldn't get a screw into and it has been fine. But I would never use it with only the ends attached.

I made my decision and went with traxstech. I purchased tracks and 6 rh-230 holders. I plan on an additional purchase of inserts for the tracks and possibly vertical trees. My last question for anyone that can respond is; do all the rod holders have that little side to side wiggle? There is absolutely no slop when it comes to the rod holder base in the track but the holder does wiggle slightly, normal? Also, can I bolt the track down on both ends and the middle and not use all holes?

I just went through this decision in the spring. After looking at Traxtech, Cannon and Berts Tackle, I decided to go with Traxtech. They were less costly than the others and did everything the others do. I liked the fact the Cannon actually swiveled, but I can say after using the Traxtech for a year now, I can swivel mine as much as I ever want to within the track. I bought 6 of the model RRH-230's, 1 net holder, 2- 48" tracks and 2 48" track inserts. They work great for walleye and salmon! Howies Tackle up in Sturgeon Bay had a great price and were fantastic to deal with, give Mike a call. Buying this quality of rod holders is an investment....but buy em once and you'll have them forever. As far as the swivel base goes, the 3" tall Traxtech swivel unit works great (a buddy has them) I still use my Cannon swivel bases mounted directly to the gunnel and have been happy with that. But If I hadn't already had them, I'd bought the Traxtech swivel base. I would not even consider installing riggers with out a swivel mount. Give Howies Tackle a call you'll be happy. Just remember, regardless of which manufacture you decide, everything is only as good or as strong as the track is! Take your time and mount the track correctly.

I have traxtech and they are as solid as whatever you mount them to. I run a GLP triple tree vertical holder, 3 Cisco rod holders and a BJ downrigger on the traxtech 4" swivel base on each side. 6' piecs of track. I talked with the factory when ordering and they made backing plates for each bolt spot on the gunnel. Can set up/strip down boat in minutes. Tracks are definitely the way to go for rigging up a boat.