05 vlx and 04 ssv

[MRAleader]

Hi i am just curious about the 05 vlx wake compared to the 04 supra ssv. Does the vlx wake have more pop or less ? I do not want this to turn into a brand vs brand war. Im am just curious about the difference in the wake. include if you use the wedge on the vlx.

[Wkerat]

Very similar shape, the vlx is just slightly wider and larger in my opinion.

[Stanfield]

The wakes are different as are the prices of the boats. Best to demo both.

[Cbrown]

PM or maybe he will chime in here for Boomer. He just sold his SSV and got an 05 Vlx. He could probably answer a lot of your questions since he has experience with boat of those boats.

[Boomer]

Yeah, I sold an '04 SSV for an '05 VLX. I loved the SSV's wake really, but with the soft bags, it was a pita to get. Bags always getting air in them, don't empty completely, in the way, etc.

The VLX wake is similar, but a little cleaner, bigger, and harder with the wedge down. And it's way easier to get -- all ballast tanks are hard and under floor. They fill fast and completely, and empty fast.

I think the one thing I notice most on the VLX is just how clean the wake always seems. You can hardly get it to wash out even if you try. The SSV's wake is damn nice though, so it's really a matter of opinion which one you'd like.

The Supra was a quality boat though, built well. I had no problems other than the pita factor of the soft bags, absolutely hated them.

I'd place the VLX above the SSV in just about every way you can think of -- but it cost quite a bit more. Your call if it's worth it.

[MalibuBalla12]

I agree with boomer. that pretty much sums it up

[silvtongdvl]

I didn't like the rear bags either, but rather than buy a new boat - I built ss tanks for the rear. Increased the ballast too - 400lbs per side and still left room for a couple of jackets on top of the tanks. With handles built in and quick release fitting the tanks are easily removed for cleaning and engine maint. Solid wake everytime. I know most of you can't build & install tanks in your boats, but if the factory would ??????
~S~

[melissa123]

I havent been in or behind an 05VLX. I have an 03 SSV and have spent almost the same amount of hours in an 03VLX as I have my own boat. The VLX was nice, wakes were very similar, but unlike Boomer said, they had bigtime issues keeping thier wake clean. I hated the wedge and still do, so its as much a PITA as the soft bags. I like the playpen bow arrangement rather than the walkthru on the VLX. I run the GG bags in my SSV and my wake is every bit as big, clean, and firm as any other I have ever been on.

Sean

[Wkerat]

The old vlx/vRide was affected much more by weight and would wash out with more weight on one side. The new one is much better and has a better wake

[Stephan]

The new VLX also has the playpen bow as well. The front walkthrough has been made into a hard ballast tank. The 2005 VLX is so nice, I like it a ton more than the 04. The SSV is a great boat too. The 05 VLX's wake is sick with stock ballast. We had 6 people and the Wedge down & it was awesome. It could have been bigger but I would have been scared. Anyhow good luck. Remember the Malibu National Dealer Demo day is this Saturday!

[Boomer]

Sean, I disagree on your wedge vs. soft-bags analogy. You don't even have to use the wedge if you don't want to, it has standard weight-based ballast as well.

A wedge takes 15 seconds to deploy, another 15 to pull up.

OTOH, you have to use the soft-ballast bags in the Supra, and they were a royal pita to me.

I agree the SSV's wake is top-notch, but if both boats have great wakes, I'd rather have the one that makes it easier to get.

[melissa123]

Boomer... We have disagreed before.. and its OK... Thats my opinion, and everybody's is worth listening to!!!... By the way.. you boat looks great!

Sean