Trolling plates

[Scoot]

Who can tell me what about trolling plates? I'm thinking about putting one on a 70 horse outboard. I know you can do a lot with drift socks, but I'm thinking with my particular set up that I might be better off using a trolling plate and moving forward rather than getting splash guards and still getting wet and probably still moving too fast.
Are there particular brands or styles that are more or less effective? Anything I should be aware of before I get one?
Is a 70 horse outboard enough to bend one if I forget it down?
Scoot

[Valv]

Scoot, I have a plate on my 135hp old Merc.
They really do the job, boat slows down to almost barely moving, to the point I have to give more throttle.
Mine popped out some times, when I forgot, but if it doesn't, you'll notice right away, and you have a small string you can pull to unlock it manually..
I got mine at Cabelas sale last year, but I am not sure which brand (I have to look at the boat, and I'll let you know).

[Scoot]

Thanks for the reply Valv. I don't know what you mean when you say "popped out". Is it one of the plates that automatically spring up if you give it throttle? I've seen a couple of these- they are spring loaded and will spring back if you hit the throttle so the plate doesn't get bent... is that what you are referring to?
If that is what you're referring to would recommend one of them over a regular, non-spring loaded plate?
Scoot