Z1 vs RZR

[Markmemsc]

Hi Folks

Trying to decide between a 2016 RZR and Z1. Both with Taps 3 and Surf XL ballasts. Both with the Raptor 400. And both similarly equipped.

We're all round skiers. Slalom, Wakeboard, Surf (more recent). I can't pull the Z1 with my truck, so want to make sure I'm not just buying more weight if I go to the Z1 (and make friends with bigger truck owners).

If you have an RZR or a Z1, would really appreciate if you could please rate them from 1 to 5 (5 best) for:

- Slalom
- Wakeboard
- Surf

Any other comments would be most appreciated (general handling, cruise, etc).

If you have experience with both boats, a comparison would be ideal.

Thanks very much.

(very soon to be) Tige Owner.

Markmemsc

[Germaine Marine]

Hi Folks

Trying to decide between a 2016 RZR and Z1. Both with Taps 3 and Surf XL ballasts. Both with the Raptor 400. And both similarly equipped.

We're all round skiers. Slalom, Wakeboard, Surf (more recent). I can't pull the Z1 with my truck, so want to make sure I'm not just buying more weight if I go to the Z1 (and make friends with bigger truck owners).

If you have an RZR or a Z1, would really appreciate if you could please rate them from 1 to 5 (5 best) for:

- Slalom
- Wakeboard
- Surf

Any other comments would be most appreciated (general handling, cruise, etc).

If you have experience with both boats, a comparison would be ideal.

Thanks very much.

(very soon to be) Tige Owner.

Markmemsc

Well ill lend you my opinion since no one has chimed in...

I have been on an RZr and my cousin bought a 15 z1 last year... To me its Z1 just from a performance perspective in relation to surfing and wakeboarding....

I think that the RZR will quite possibly be a better ski machine... but thats me merely tossing out an opinion given I have not been on a ski behind either.

I think there is a difference but I dont know if its big enough to buy a new pickup... just my .02

[Markmemsc]

Thank you Elevated.

For Wakesurfing = Do you notice big differences between your cousin's Z1 and your RZR in terms of wake shape and push. Or are these subtle differences? Are the boats running Taps 2 or 3?

Thanks again!

[Z3CO23]

I think alot of owners who own Z1's or RZR's with the Taps 3 is just getting experience with them now as we speak so I'm not sure there will be alot of input on it to be honest.

I am a former RZR owner (a 2011). If we are talking about year models that were prior to taps 3, the Z1 hands down throws a better surf wake..... I'm not sure if the sentiment carries over to boats now equipped with taps 3.

The RZR Surf XL ballast is 1600 lbs from the factory and the Z1 Surf XL is 2600 lbs from the factory so naturally you have bigger imprint from the z1 vs the rzr. You can always upgrade the rear bags in the rzr but there not much more room for ballast up front.

I think alot of people would suggest you demo both. Have your dealer load em up and see which one you like.

[Germaine Marine]

Mark my cousin bought a z1 and my buddy is the one who owns a RZR. We personally own a new z3. As z3co32 said, I think regardless of boat people are still trying to dial in anything with a tap3 system. At first it was well..... the boats should surf the same maybe a little less but have side to side adjustability. I think what everyone is realizing now is that the system is legit but that its taken a complete reset of testing time to get them dialed in.

For example we have a 16 z3 (dads) and its taken us hours to get it right, and now I am a believer. I ordered a new 16 that is on its way from texas as we speak and up to about a month ago I was sold on going back to avx. Not anymore. Its the real deal.

Back to your question

The Rzr was only running taps and the z1 was running avx. Like z3 said above hands down the z1 with the older systems. Taps3? Not so sure, its a game changer.....

Logically I would say the z1 is still going to put a better wave out if you are talking about surfing regardless of taps3 or not, but I think if you are trying to get something that skis etc then the RZR might be your choice...

[Iwndr]

Hi Folks

Trying to decide between a 2016 RZR and Z1. Both with Taps 3 and Surf XL ballasts. Both with the Raptor 400. And both similarly equipped.

We're all round skiers. Slalom, Wakeboard, Surf (more recent). I can't pull the Z1 with my truck, so want to make sure I'm not just buying more weight if I go to the Z1 (and make friends with bigger truck owners).

If you have an RZR or a Z1, would really appreciate if you could please rate them from 1 to 5 (5 best) for:

- Slalom
- Wakeboard
- Surf

Any other comments would be most appreciated (general handling, cruise, etc).

If you have experience with both boats, a comparison would be ideal.

Thanks very much.

(very soon to be) Tige Owner.

Markmemsc

How big is your crew?

[bsreid]

The RZR will be great all around, coming from a experience with a r20 (same hull). The z1 will most likely have a much greater surf wave.

When the r20/RZR gets up with a taps all down, it actually has a decently small size of wake. Not really into wakeboarding so can't tell you about that, but it looks decent.

Unless you really want the extra room, which is a lot between the two, I would rgo with the RZR in your situation. But go water test them both and do everything you would normally do and find the winner.

Congrats on the soon to be new boat!

[tommy1005]

What kind of truck do you have that 400 pounds makes a difference in which boat you buy?

[tigeZ16]

We bought our Z1 a couple months ago and like you we have been skiers and wakeboarding for a while now and recently in the last couple years started surfing. We've had the boat out 3 times now and we're still playing with the taps3 settings to get it fined tuned but hands down we love our new boat. We've never been in a RZR to compare but you can't go wrong with the Z1. Maybe you can demo both boats to help with your decision. Either way good luck and welcome to the Tige family.

[Markmemsc]

Thanks for all the posts folks.

We are a family of 5 but often have friends and family over for extended visits at the lake. Often have 8 to 12 hanging on the dock wanting to climb aboard. More when our 3 kids have friends.

But it's not all about the visitors- I want to make sure the boat is one my kids can grow with. All 3 are active and growing into wake boarding. Bit of skiing. And just learning to surf. They're all super keen and athletic.

The truck is a Honda Pilot with a 4,500 lbs cap. The RZR is already pushing its limit at 3,800 lbs dry weight. But I have friends that have offered to help tow the boat once or twice a year for service and storage. So shouldn't let that drive the decision. It's definitely an influence though.

Priority is wake for surfing. As long as we can slalom ski as weekend warriors, I'll be happy.

I'm going to visit the dealer agin later this week. But won't be able to ski / surf behind the boats so looking for help.

Thanks again!

Mark



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[Iwndr]

Thanks for all the posts folks.

We are a family of 5 but often have friends and family over for extended visits at the lake. Often have 8 to 12 hanging on the dock wanting to climb aboard. More when our 3 kids have friends.

But it's not all about the visitors- I want to make sure the boat is one my kids can grow with. All 3 are active and growing into wake boarding. Bit of skiing. And just learning to surf. They're all super keen and athletic.

The truck is a Honda Pilot with a 4,500 lbs cap. The RZR is already pushing its limit at 3,800 lbs dry weight. But I have friends that have offered to help tow the boat once or twice a year for service and storage. So shouldn't let that drive the decision. It's definitely an influence though.

Priority is wake for surfing. As long as we can slalom ski as weekend warriors, I'll be happy.

I'm going to visit the dealer agin later this week. But won't be able to ski / surf behind the boats so looking for help.

Thanks again!

Mark



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If your crew is that big and it is primarily a surf boat go Z1 and don't look back!

[PaceWithGrace]

The truck is a Honda Pilot with a 4,500 lbs cap. The RZR is already pushing its limit at 3,800 lbs dry weight. But I have friends that have offered to help tow the boat once or twice a year for service and storage. So shouldn't let that drive the decision. It's definitely an influence though.

With tower, 2 batteries, 38 gallons of fuel, and a tandem axle trailer, I think my little R20 is 5500 lbs on the road.

On another note, you're going to want as few people in the boat, and obviously the ballast empty, when you slalom

[sandm]

having owned a 20ft and now a 22ft, I would buy the 21ft and not look back. for surfing, my experience has been that the 22-23ft boats surf better than a 20ft so the closer you get to that the better you will be long term.

[Markmemsc]

Thanks again. I guess I'm a bit of a fossil still keen on slalom from time to time. Definitely leaning Z1 for the wake and the extra room. Hopefully will be able to flatten out the wake with a light load and taps.

I'll have to barter a tow in exchange for a day on the lake behind the boat! Based on what I've seen and heard - the tow driver will have the better end of that deal!

Mark


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[whiteflash watersports]

Our RZR is 5900 lbs. with a full tank of gas. We have dual batteries, alpha z tower, two rev 8's and the samson wake/surf racks. I would not feel comfortable towing with that pilot. It is very good for skiing. At slalom speeds the wake is very small. The wakeboard wake can be really pumped up and is nice and clean around 23-25 mph for advanced riders and is nice and clean and can be made mellow around 18-19mph. We added the surf flap since it is a 2012 so prior to avx, taps 3 etc. We love the wave can also be made to be short and steep and long and mellow.

Never been in a Z1 buit we have never wanted extra space. We always have 5-6 people aboard.