SENTINAL or PRODIGY

[Drewhenry]

Two of my friends whose opinion I value are steering me toward Tekonsha Sentinal. I have read a bunch about Prodigy but (am new to towing) are not sure if it is a better product. Any suggestions ?

 

[Matt400]

Any suggestions ?

Yes. . take a look at Brakesmart first before you decide.

 

[klaybus]

Brake Controllers....Which one?

I just recently went with the Prodigy & IMHO it's awesome! I was running the Voyager & the the difference between the two is like night & day! I can't speak about the other however. I can say I am one happy camper with my new Prodigy.



Clay

 

[Neibe]

Prodigy hands down. I talked my Dad into putting one in his F-350 and he loves it I got one as well.

 

[GerryDrake]

Had a Sentinel. . improved to the Voyager. . then really improved to the Prodigy

 

[SSage]

The Prodigy is the best of the type up to four axles. By far the best plug and play brake controller. The BrakeSmart seems to be the best option I know of if you can install or pay for the install. There is also the Jordan Ultra.



http://www.brakesmart.net/brakesmart.htm

http://www.jordanbrake.com/



Proportional based controllers:



"Are connected directly to the tow vehicles braking system in various manners. For example, the Jordan Ultima 2020 uses a cable system connected to the tow vehicle’s brake pedal for direct input as to how much brake pedal force is being applied. Another brand, the Brakesmart, taps into the tow vehicle’s hydraulic brake line to determine the braking pressure being applied to the tow vehicle. Both units then send the appropriate voltage to the trailer brakes. The only problem I see with the Jordan is on vehicles with adjustable pedals for different drivers (like my Suburban). When you change drivers, you may need to readjust the controller to “fit” the driver. The only problem I see with the Brakesmart is that it requires more technical and automotive knowledge to install (tapping into the vehicle’s hydraulic system). "

 

[Top Cop]

I just Installed a new Prodigy and love it ,I'm sure if you go with the prodigy you will be very pleased. .















Duane HInkley

Fl





01 Cummings , QC, 2300 Miles, stock at present time , but will be installing a Edge EZ shortly, 355 RE have on order new gages with (3) and using a 3 instrument pillar with tweeter...

 

[CTLindsey]

I have the Prodigy and it keeps my 16K 5th wheel from being an anchor or from pushing me to my Death. I had some other type of controller that came with the truck and it was scary. Prodigy works real smooth

 

[RustyJC]

The only problem I see with the Jordan is on vehicles with adjustable pedals for different drivers (like my Suburban). When you change drivers, you may need to readjust the controller to “fit” the driver.

The Jordan is available with a mounting kit for vehicles with adjustable pedals. No controller adjustment is required when the pedals are moved.



The Brakesmart and Jordan proportional controllers are head and shoulders above ramped time-based and inertial controllers such as the Sentinel and Prodigy - and, yes, I've used all 3 types.



Rusty

 

[RJOL]

This type of question is like asking about oil. There are many different types of controllers and their effectiveness varies. If you are going to have someone else install it, and money is not an issue, maybe the brakesmart or jordon are better. However... If you're looking for a reasonably priced controller, that can be installed in minutes, is self leveling, can be moved from one vehicle to another by just unplugging it, and is more than adequate for most towing applications, you can't go wrong with the prodigy. . JMHO...

 

[FCecelin]

prodigy works well for me , But I think the Brake Smart would be better . What will work for your wallet ??

 

[GFrance]

. The only problem I see with the Brakesmart is that it requires more technical and automotive knowledge to install (tapping into the vehicle’s hydraulic system). "

The brakesmart controller took me 1 hour to install & I'm no mechanic. I've never used the Jorden, but the voyager I had was not the smoothest cont. I love the brakesmart it brakes smooth just like my semi truck.

 

[Loren]

I had the Sentinel and it was so nice with the new (to us) Airstream that I didn't want to switch. But I had promised it to my son-in-law to go with the Holiday Rambler the kids were buying from us, so I spent the money and bought a BrakeSmart.



Best thing I ever did.



Yes the Sentinel is good. So is the Prodigy. The BrakeSmart is the best there is. Buy one and in five years you'll have forgotten that it was really expensive, but you'll still have the best brake controller there is.



Loren

 

[SRadke]

Had a Sentinel, upgraded to a Prodigy with the new truck. No regrets.



-Scott

 

[Schicken bone]

prodigy is what i have, had it before the brakesmart come out. truck and trailer weigh 23000#. it works GREAT. everyone says the brakesmart is better but i have no comparison.

 

[Froadin]

The Prodigy has to be just about the best 'bang for the buck' controller out there. $95 ish range.

Brakesmart is obviously better, but most people won't see that much of an improvement with their limited towing to justify the cost difference.

 

[RustyJC]

The Jordan, a truly proportional controller whose performance is probably second only to the Brakesmart, is available for $98. 99 HERE. You might even find it for less - that's just the first vendor that came up on a Google search.



Rusty

 

[Froadin]

Nice, they dropped in price since I last checked.

Of course the prodigy still has to be about the EASIEST to install. Doesn't make it the best though.

 

[KBennett]

I have the Prodigy. I bought it based on the advice of the other TDR members based on me pulling 8K max. This is my first brake controller and I am really happy with it.

 

[GAmes]

I like my Prodigy a lot but it may be for sale soon. According to my transport company newsletter Cedar Creek is now manufacturing trailers with electro-hydraulic actuators and they are not compatible. :{



Is there a source for Brakesmart other than the manufacturer??i. e. , one that costs less?