Malibu 25 LSV vs 2016-17 RZX

[BurnMac42]

Ok dudes I'm looking for some honest opinions. I'm starting to do a little research on replacing my '17 R21 in a year or so and I've somewhat narrowed it down to these two boats. Obviously both used and I figure in a year or two they will both be down in the price range I'm willing to spend on another boat. From being on this site I know the RZX can put out and incredible wake. On the Malibu I have honestly have no clue. Like many others have siad there is no replacement for displacement which had me start looking at the 25 foot Malibu. Has anyone surfed that boat? I think I remember reading a few times that the Malibu's tend to put out a "mushier" wave. Is that true with the 25 LSV?

I trust this forum on every brand of boat over the other brand specific sites because I know you guys will give an honest opinion vs just a fanboy opinion. Any other feedback? The Makai is also in the running but I've read a couple of the threads on here from guys switching to them so I feel fairly educated on those too....

Full disclosure: I'm targeting the $70-80k range and I figure in a year or two these will start to come into that range on the used market..Also my local Tige dealer who I had a great relationship with no longer carries the brand. There is another marina somewhat nearby that picked them up but I don't have the same relationship with them as I did my original one..

[jslayde1]

I'm just curious as to why you would have narrowed it to Malibu if you have never been behind one? Dealer close?

Being transparent, in my opinion there are so many other brands that could/should be on the list. My list wouldn't have Malibu on it...(I apologize for even saying that, I can't help it)(I know Malibu sells lots of boats...….)

In that price range, I think you should give the ATX a solid look.

[sandm]

cousin might chime in here as he was in a tige years ago and still trolls on here but he had 2 'bu's and went to nautty. didn't have a lot of good things to say about the fit/finish of the last 5 years of 'bu products.
said the surf wave was good but not great. none of them were pro's so didn't need the best wave on the lake but didn't say it was stellar. did say the wakeboard wave cleaned up real nice for his young kids tho.
I think he's in a gs22 now and likes it.

[BurnMac42]

I'm just curious as to why you would have narrowed it to Malibu if you have never been behind one? Dealer close?

Being transparent, in my opinion there are so many other brands that could/should be on the list. My list wouldn't have Malibu on it...(I apologize for even saying that, I can't help it)(I know Malibu sells lots of boats...….)

In that price range, I think you should give the ATX a solid look.

Full disclosure first and foremost size. I would prefer a Tige but the ZX's won't be down in that price point in 2-3 years yet. I'll definitely check out ATX when the time comes. I only asked about the Malibu because like I mentioned, never been behind one. I know the performance aspects of most of the Tige/ATX line which is why I didn't ask about them. I know next to nothing on the Malibu and just wanted some opinions from peeps who may have surfed behind one or know someone who had.

[jslayde1]

Cool. So I think the general consensus on the Malibu wave is that it is soft - especially coming from a Tige. They can make a clean wave. I have a couple buddies that make a good looking wave ( I have ridden a couple at comps that were not clean at all, and very disappointing), but its a skimmer wave in my opinion... and soft in the back end.

The Interior seems to be hit or miss when that questions is asked. Seems they either love it or hate it....I hear that carpet is still standard... I do know most people think the Malibu's are extremely roomy - but if you look and feel the seating, you will see the 'comfort' of the seating has been replaced with 'roomy' (the seats are thin and short compared to Tige).

Again, Malibu sells a lot of boats - that's a fact. When you consider the drivablity and fuel consumption ( I know that is debatable), I just can't understand why. The wakesetter made a name for Malibu (and the wakeboarding wake is crazy good) - and I feel like they are still driving off of that reputation. (just my opinion - take that for what its worth)

[BurnMac42]

Thanks JsLayde....that seems to be the general consensus from most people on the Malibu's.

[gregs2222]

I have BU and I just got ATX22 .
I'll give more information as soon we spent some time on this boat and I'll try compare - wake ,wave , driving, quality. I know this is base cheapest model but that why I want compare $250k boat to $80k boat - if 3 times more $$$ is 3x more boat( quality ,driving and pleasure)

BTW 80K used 25LSV or Tige RZX seems to be 2012 or even 2010 - my recommendation go with new !!! better everything at ATX then 10 years old BU or Tige

[Bca1313]

I have BU and I just got ATX22 .
I'll give more information as soon we spent some time on this boat and I'll try compare - wake ,wave , driving, quality. I know this is base cheapest model but that why I want compare $250k boat to $80k boat - if 3 times more $$$ is 3x more boat( quality ,driving and pleasure)

BTW 80K used 25LSV or Tige RZX seems to be 2012 or even 2010 - my recommendation go with new !!! better everything at ATX then 10 years old BU or Tige

Any updates on this? We are looking at the ATX line.