Tige vs X-9

[kirk bettencourt]

I am deciding between a Tige 22I and a Mastercraft X-9. I would love some feedback on the boats. I am going to test the Tige tommorrow. I am also looking at wakesetter as an option, and will be testing it also. I have two sons 13 and 17, but my wife and I like to slalom. We are looking for the best overall boat. Thaks for your help in advance.
Kirk

[Banks]

the tige is bigger and heavier so its going to handle rough water more, also its deeper with higer nose and walls so it will be harder for water to come into the boat.

[kirk bettencourt]

Thanks you for your input. I talked with the dealer and he pointed out that the weight comes from the construction,( more glass). I am getting some negative comments about the windshields on Tige not being very sturdy, how has yours held up?

[Domsz06]

no problem with mine so far.

windsheild that is

Dom

[flackpack]

Kirk -

I bought one of Tige's very first open bow boats back in 1993 when they were not more than a blip on the radar. I owned that boat for 10 years, and in that time the only thing I had to replace other than normal oil and impeller changes was a cracked valve cover. Five years after I bought the boat, Mercruiser fixed it for me, and claimed it was not a Tige' issue. The boat never had a rattle, squeek or groan, and I put on hundreds of hours on that boat. I had many people ride in it, ski behind it, and driveit. After their experience around it, they bought 7 more Tige's. I just bought my second boat this year, and I believe these boats are still of the same quality and customer service as the first. As far as the windshield, I am not sure, but I understand they are a OEM unit from Water Bonnet, and they are used on other boat manufacturers as well. If Tige were to have a window issue, then other manufacturers would also. I vote for the heavier boat that can transition from Slalom to wakeboard for all members of your family. You can't go wrong with a Tige'!

[kirk bettencourt]

In general how has your new boat been performing for you.

[flackpack]

I love the new boat. It is bigger and rides better. The original 2002 fslm was a Slalom specific boat. I made personnal bests in the course after I bought it and my skiing was never better. I just have become older, and needed a more family oriented boat. I bought a 22V, and it is great. I can still slalom, and the kids can wakeboard. If any of them slalomed, I would have bought the 22i. I skied behind one not long ago, and it has the best towing wake for slalom and crossing over to wakeboard of any boat. When making your decision, be sure to get in the water and try it out. I tried a lot of boats out last year, and decided I couldn't do better than the Tige'.

[Banks]

i love my boat, and it has handled great, and as for the windshield i have had no problems

[roo]

Even though the windshiels "give" a little at the rear, I was told they are through bolted and not just screwed in like alot of others. Most important thing is to be sure to get them both on the water. I did,and bought a Tige rather than Malibu because of how it performed on the lake. For what you are looking for Tige w/ Taps will be tough to beat.

[blr]

when i got my 22ir i was slalom skiing as well as just picking up wakeboarding. i have been slalom skiing since i was 12 (much older now). the 22ir not only did very well for slalom skiing it is a great wakeboard boat. i have now switched 100% to wakeboarding (easier on my body). be carefullof what other dealers or owners of other brands of boats say, there has been a long history of nay-sayers as far as tiges. most come from those who have never even been in one or owned one. the windshield on my 22ir never had an issue, i put on 340hrs in 3 seasons.

[Tim]

Kirk,
Like Flackpack, I also bought a early modle Tige, 94 slm. The purchase experience and the boat itself were the best I ever experienced. I recently traded my 94 in and bought a 04 22v through San Ramon Boat Center. My 94 had just under 400 hrs on it and I never experienced a single problem with it.
If you choose to test the Tige, I would suggest working with Greg Warn at San Ramon Boats. It a family owned business and he is one of the owners sons. Ive had my 04 for just under a month now and I can tell you that it every thing I was looking for. I have 13 & 15 year old that like to wakeboard and Im and old skier, barefooter. The boat offers the versatility to satisfy everyone.
In my opinion, Mastercraft is a bit overrated. Serveral of my friends either own or have owned Mastercrafts and have had to make repeated trips back to the dealer for for warranty or service repairs.
Good luck with your decision.
Tim

[kirk bettencourt]

Tige 22i vs Mastercraft X-9

Thank you for your opinions Tim, Flackpack, and Banks. I will test an X-9 tommorrow, but all things being equal, it looks like the best value is in the Tige22i.

[kirk bettencourt]

Tige 22i vs X-9

Correction! Thank you to all of you who have responded. It is very helpful to talk about this expensive decision with others who have been there.