Z3 or RZX2

[BrewKaiser]

Been looking at boats for two weeks now. Everything from Cobalt R3Surf to Malibu LSV and MZX, Etc. My wife loves the appointments of the Cobalt but after a test drive agrees they are new to the surf game and more of a cruising boat. As a result we have landed on Tige and are deciding between Z3 or RZX2.

I like to ski bouys, used to surf and am an avid snowboarder. The wakesurf is new to me but something I see myself doing a lot of. We are a family of three with a 10 year old son. I envision 7-8 people max on outings. Days out will likely be wakesurf, wakeboard, maybe ski, and raft. So likely some extra gear.

We will likely put in at Lake Tahoe once a year so big chop is a concern.

So question is: Z3 or RZX2?

[senator851]

Been looking at boats for two weeks now. Everything from Cobalt R3Surf to Malibu LSV and MZX, Etc. My wife loves the appointments of the Cobalt but after a test drive agrees they are new to the surf game and more of a cruising boat. As a result we have landed on Tige and are deciding between Z3 or RZX2.

I like to ski bouys, used to surf and am an avid snowboarder. The wakesurf is new to me but something I see myself doing a lot of. We are a family of three with a 10 year old son. I envision 7-8 people max on outings. Days out will likely be wakesurf, wakeboard, maybe ski, and raft. So likely some extra gear.

We will likely put in at Lake Tahoe once a year so big chop is a concern.

So question is: Z3 or RZX2?

If big chop is an issue then go with the RZ2



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[Germaine Marine]

Give me a ring... 714-306-3999 I can educate on those two on our line.

But for best overal boat including a solid ski boat, it's the rzx2 hands down.

[dakota4ce]

If big chop is an issue then go with the RZ2



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Oh boy LOL.


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[Paul Middlemore]

Brew,

I was in the same dilemma as you until recently. I went with the RZX2; boat show purchase and just picked it up about five days.

Like you I did all the research I could possibly do as I was 2008 24ve owner and I love the style and performance of that boat. I went the RZX way primarily due to surfing. We have been chasing the wave for many years now and basically I got tired of a listed boat and fat sacs all over the place. For the past two years I have pulled only one wakeboarder. Once you get someone to surf everything else doesn't matter anymore. But with a Tige I know I can provide those other options if someone really wants to get pulled between 20 and 30 mph.

The RZX2 does have a small issue which others have noted previously and I can confirm it. Spray from the bow area when there is wind combined with crossing a wake. It caught us by surprise when it happened as I thought everyone else must be doing something wrong. With the boat fully weighted and a few up front it is going to happen; unfortunately the water hasn't warmed up yet and that spray kinda jolts you. We will endure that minor inconvenience if it happens again but I am a fair weather boater and when it is windy or cloudy, I am not going out anyways to surf.

But as far as everything else, the boat is a rock. Sits in the water firmly and doesn't wander even with engaging the switch (just a minor feel on the wheel). The hull changes are amazing as to how the wake is formed even with the standard ballast.

I love the look of the Z3 but I felt the RZX2 was going to give us more right off the shelf for surfing. The bow area could fit a decent sized waterbed, it became our new hangout area while stopped.

Good luck on your purchase, in either case you are going to be pleased.

[Z3 LKG]

I traded my '14 Z3 (and some coin) for a '17 RZX3. The RZX3 handles chop much better than Z3. By that, I mean it doesn't bounce you around as much. Yes, we've experienced some spray with the RZX3, but we had full ballast, 200 lbs of lead and 3 adults in the bow..... so somebody was going to get wet. The RZX is much easier to maneuver, easier to dock, turns in a tighter radius when picking up downed surfers etc.

I THINK if you were to upgrade the RZX2 to the 440 engine, you would be within spitting distance of the cost of an RZX3..... just something to consider.

Good luck and enjoy your new baby,
John

[Surf406]

RZX2 all day long if you need any info or comparisons give me a call I'd be happy to help out any way I can 4064396920

[Surf406]

I have a 440 in my RZX2 and it's a stump puller I'm happy I didn't go with the 400

[JohnnieMo]

You didn't really mention cost. I'm not sure on the cost difference between these two but I think it is sizable.

You can get an amazing wave out of the Z boats and you can save a lot of money by doing so. I would stick with the Z3 just for the financial reasons. RZX has more potential for a surf wave because it is so much bigger, but at what point is it enough?

[BrewKaiser]

Thanks for the responses everyone. Greatly appreciate the input. Seems like RZX2 with 440 (6.2L) is the winner.

You didn't really mention cost. I'm not sure on the cost difference between these two but I think it is sizable.

About $25-30K difference, as a matter of fact.

[Bakes5]

Even more sizable if you start looking at 2016 Z3's. You can get into one of those for around $80-85k probably. Compared with a new RZX2 at around $120-130k. Will someone have $40-50k more fun in a new RZX2 than an essentially new 2016 Z3? Probably not. Fun in the boat is directly proportional to reliability, water/weather selection and to number of hours.

Main thing RZX2 has over Z3 is storage but even that I'm not so sure....especially if you add bags in the locker for more ballast.

Take a look at Thegermans totally sweet looking '16 Z3....I'm gonna guess he is $40-50k less than $130k for a new RZX.

In regards to the ski wake, you have a 5600 pound boat that you are going to add 4-5k plus pounds of people, gear and ballast to so you can get that killer wave. That means a tractor prop to push that 10,000k plus boat. Which means top end loss for slalom. Remember, this boat is 1000 lbs heavier than the Z3 and I consider the 440 Raptor in the Z3 great but by no means incredible. Best solution for a good ski wake is a sweet wake boat and an old, closed bow ski boat. That said, the slalom wake on the Z3 is fun when the boat is empty.

Anywho...2016 Z3 is an incredible bang for the buck. Plus you don't have the DSP radio system and the inclinometer is still there.

[Germaine Marine]

I have a 440 in my RZX2 and it's a stump puller I'm happy I didn't go with the 400

Note you also dont have the 2-1 which was released. The 400 with the 2-1 is insane....

[Germaine Marine]

You didn't really mention cost. I'm not sure on the cost difference between these two but I think it is sizable.

You can get an amazing wave out of the Z boats and you can save a lot of money by doing so. I would stick with the Z3 just for the financial reasons. RZX has more potential for a surf wave because it is so much bigger, but at what point is it enough?

All debatable, but these are the facts...

-More usable space in a smaller package
-Big leap in wave stock vs stock
-Big leap in tech (e2, clear, 2-1 trans etc)
-Big leap in seating configuration (reversible seat etc)
-Only boat that can significantly cross over from ski/wake/surf without losing anything in each realm

Upgrading is all about what you want......or what makes you the most happy on the water. For some a 22I is enough, for others an rzx3.

I will say that the 2 being a true crossover big boat that can do it all is what is really making it a big hit.

[Bakes5]

Hmmm....that sounds even more surf centric. Someone needs a 2 speed v-drive. I'd be interested in an RZX2 that is 1000 lbs lighter, has Z3 freeboard and a 2 speed gearbox. Now that sounds like a true cross over boat.

[Bakes5]

the whole 2-1 transmission thing seems to be a surf thing. With the 10,000+ pound boat, you need larger props to prevent cavitation. But it seems like the larger prop would be less efficient at slalom speeds.

In any case, 2-1 seems to where it's at for surf.

BTW....how is the 17-18 MPH wakeboard wake on the RZX2? What about side to side sensitivity?