RZ2 surf ballast questions

[BatCity]

We are looking at a new RZ2 and would like opinions on the ballast set up. The custom rear sacks are a definite but, I am wondering about the front ballast. The boats we are looking at all have the surf ballast set up and I've heard from some that the pro ballast is not necessary in the front of the RZ2 because they don't need as much weight as the Z1 or Z3 to make a great wave. I appreciate any advice as this will be our first experience with a Tige.

[Ewok]

The pro ballast in the bow takes away storage space. I have standard ballast in my boat and it makes a nice wave but if it's just 3 people on the boat I also fill up a 150 and put it on the bow seat on the surf side. Usually I have enough people to move around and get that little extra bit of bow weight. I value storage in those places above the extra ballast but that's just me.

[boardman74]

I would say the pro is a must if you are going to run a lot of weight in the back. Otherwise you are going to have to lay a sac on the seat like Ewok said, or always have people in the bow.

[Duncan]

I retrofitted our 2009 RZ2 to have a bag on each side rather than the U shaped single bag. I like being able to have more weight on the surf side bow, which I think makes a difference. But you do lose some storage. I actually gained the front/center area when I removed the U-shaped sack -- I love this space for the anchor.

[Coop]

I retrofitted our 2009 RZ2 to have a bag on each side rather than the U shaped single bag. I like being able to have more weight on the surf side bow, which I think makes a difference. But you do lose some storage. I actually gained the front/center area when I removed the U-shaped sack -- I love this space for the anchor.

How big are your new sacs? I think the stock surf is one 400# u-shaped sac, and the stock pro has two 400# sacs.

[chpthril]

in the Ve/RZ2 hull, im a firm believer that front ballast is not a must for a great wake. With the right amount of rear ballast, that hull will produce a sweet wake and more or less bow weight will allow you to fine tune it to your personal preference.

You will want more then the available 600 lbs on the surf side.

[Duncan]

How big are your new sacs? I think the stock surf is one 400# u-shaped sac, and the stock pro has two 400# sacs.

I did the retrofit a few seasons ago (easy given that there were already fill/drain pumps plumbed for each side). The pair of sacks are 400# -- they probably fill to 300 where they are placed.

[Vicseek]

I have the stock u-shaped sac up front however I went to Walmart and bought four 25lb plates from the weight lifting section. I chained them together and hooked them to the protruding eye bolt via the access panel in the bow. They actually sit right over the eye bolt above the ballast bag.
So basically I have an extra 100lbs at the tip of the boat without sacrificing space. The weights lay flat and the bag still fills up to "near" it's 400lb max.
Also if you set your default ballast system to Pro you can simply fill one side of the u-shaped sac using only the pump on that side. I get the boat leaning before I do that and stop filling it when I think she's starting to fill the other side. I'm with Ewok, I have the Enzo sac as well so any other space I can use for gear is a must.

[myers]

I have a 2013 RZ2 that has the Pro Ballast system, and would say it is a Must. Now it rarely ever happens, but i think i have had just my wife on the boat twice an the wake was great for surfing. This will not happen that often, but if you ever see that happening you better go Pro. Otherwise if you know you will always have people on the boat go with Surf.

[wakemitch]

There is no bow storage in the current RZ or Z series boats, regardless of ballast.
You are going to want the pro ballast.

[Timmy!]

I have been surfing my RZ2 without bow weight for 7 years. My old RZ2 doesn't seem to be that great with bow weight.

[Duncan]

I have been surfing my RZ2 without bow weight for 7 years. My old RZ2 doesn't seem to be that great with bow weight.

Wow! Really? IF I do without bow weight in my 2009 RZ2, the pocket is incredibly short.

[Timmy!]

If I run bow weight, it seems to collapse the wave, loses push and doesn't gain any pocket length. I don't know why, just works the way it works and I am happy!

[Carter13]

Curious if you guys are running any ballast on the non surf side? I did on my previous boats and it seemed to lengthen the pocket.

[Timmy!]

I do. I fill up the long arm portion on the opposite side, just below where the extension goes up into the vertical part of the locker.