X-2 vs. VLX

Sportster4Tec · Posted: Feb 04, 2006 12:05 pm Post subject: X-2 vs. VLX

So Dad has decided to finally buy a real wakeboarding boat. Through my advice we've have narrowed it down to the Mastercraft X-2 and the Malibu VLX. I also like the SUpra 21V, but there arent any dealers close enough. Anyway I know both are great boats etc. I just have some questions regarding the two.

First off, I'm really suprised there is such a large price difference between the two. The X-2 has an MSRP of $56,995 and the VLX has an MSRP of $47,995. Huge difference when the VLX is actually 1'8" longer and 2 inches wider. What are some of the reasons you think the price is so much different. (I know Mastercrafts are somewhat overpriced)

I really like the CFT Blade tower with the included speakers and even the Illusion X, but the wakeboard racks look kind of high, and hard to access. I've ridden in an X-45, and the swivel racks made it much easier to access the wakeboards. How much of a pain is it to get to the racks on the Illusion and Blade towers?

I know that both of these boats are A+ quality boats, but are there minor differences in the vinyl, carpet and general materials used? I think that both boats have a really good looking dash/cockpit, but I prefer the VLX's chrome dash with the LCD readout.

The new VLX comes with Malibu's own crusie control system. Is this sufficient enough to cover what you would need for wakeboarding, or is PerfectPass still needed for better speed control? Also has anyone used the new power wedge?

We are going to go look at the boats and test drive them both, and will make our decision based on that, but I was just looking for your opinions and experience with these boats. I've ridden in an '05 X-45 a couple times so I have a good idea of the quality of the X-2, but I have only ridden behind a 2001 wakesetter D-Drive and and 2000 Sunsetter V-drive. So I don't know as much about Malibus. Thanks for the help.

Bambamski · Posted: Feb 04, 2006 12:34 pm Post subject:

The X-2 wake really hasn't been proven yet so before you buy you really need to drive and load one up. Most of the people that have ridden the new VLX and the old prefer the new one hands down.

As for the MSRP, they're just a bunch of crap. What ever the dealer is going to sell you the boat for is what I'd go by. Demo and see which one fits your riding needs and your budget. The VLX has been around for a year, so you'll get lots of opinions on it. The X-2 is brand new so not many people have ridden behind one and put any weight in it. Don't let anyone tell you one is better than the other, only you can determine that.

Chad H · Posted: Feb 04, 2006 1:06 pm Post subject:

Sportster4Tec,
As far as room, the VLX felt huge inside and i loved it. I didn't get a hcnace to sit in the bow, but in the cockpit it felt great. I would reccomend it. MC makes a great boat as well, but i think the malibu is what i would get.

JV · Posted: Feb 04, 2006 3:21 pm Post subject:

if i were in your shoes, i'd get a quote on the vlx (although, the vlx may turn out to be the more expensive of the two with the demand as high as it's been) first, and then take that to the mastercraft dealer and see how strict they are about holding close to the msrp. usually, if the dealers know you are seriously interested in both, they'll do their best to competitively price their boat to the other.

i can't speak for the CFT tower, but the illusion's racks are placed fairly low on the tower to keep the rope from getting caught when circling to pick up a rider. and because the tower mounts towards the center of the boat, it is easy to grab your board without climbing over the driver/passenger. my biggest gripe with the CFT is the built-in speakers. they may have upgraded to kicker, i'm not sure, but last year, if you chose the CFT tower, you were stuck with sony speakers. for me, the sony speakers were plenty because i'm not big into loud music--hence no tower speakers on my illusion--but i've heard the sony's don't do nearly as well as others when you start really pumping up the volume (which is something most people with tower speakers tend to do).

malibu markets their cruise control system as the only thing you'll need, and i've yet to hear any owners say otherwise. supposedly, it's top notch.

i've yet to hear any resoundingly positive reviews about the x-2's wake, but it's tough for me to even imagine mastercraft releasing a hardcore wakeboard boat without a stellar wake. it may just need a little more weight than most. the one thing i really wish my vlx had was 180 degree swivel racks. i don't think i'd ever use them out on the water, but they'd make squeezing into my dock slip sooo much easier.

good luck with your "difficult" decision. it's awlays nice when, no matter which way you decide to go, there is no wrong choice

ihavenoclue · Newbie Joined: 01 Feb 2006 Posts: 12 City: delta

I have never ridden behind the x-2 but ive been in and around a lot of vlx and i would say overall they are much nicer and larger. I also know that on the illusion tower you can get swivel brackets for the board racks. I would say with the vlx your gettin more for your money.

Cbrown · Soul Rider Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 301 City: Memphis

The only reason to get Perfect Pass is if you are running the slalom course and need the timing/magnet setup of PP. Since we are on wakeboarder.com and you are asking about a Vlx and X-2 I am going to assume you do not plan on running the course in those two boats.

Do not really have anything else to add just get out there drive and ride behind each and find the one that suits you the best.

oshensurfer · Posted: Feb 04, 2006 9:36 pm Post subject:

VLX would be my choice, but your Dad should buy what fits your families needs.

Bambamski · Posted: Feb 05, 2006 8:52 am Post subject:

I think a better comparison would be the X-star vs the VLX. Those two boats would probably be closer in class then looking at the X-2. It's only 20 feet while the VLX is 21.5. A foot and a half makes a huge difference.

Price wise, it sounds like the X-2 will probably be more then the VLX. I was talking with my dealer a couple of months ago and they said they couldn't get enough X-2's. There's such a demand for them that their productions slots are almost completley filled. Which means MC will be asking a lot for them.

JV · Posted: Feb 05, 2006 11:45 am Post subject:

if that's the case, and mastercraft is firm on the x-2's msrp, do your dad a favor and save him some money. while some will say the new x-2 is a "better" boat (not me Very Happy

), you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who would claim it's a $10k better boat.

my malibu bias aside, looking at this rationally, if someone were to put two boats of any company side by side and one was considerably larger, had a proven wake, had comparable interior comfort and quality, had a similar very reliable engine, and was thousands cheaper, it would be an easy decision. however, if you demo both and you and your dad decide the x-2 is worth the extra money, then that's the boat for you.

Sportster4Tec · Posted: Feb 05, 2006 1:17 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the help, and good information JV. What makes the decision harder is that I would prefer the VLX for many of the reason mentioned above, but the Mastercraft dealer near us is really good, and I already know the owner. But we are going to go demo them both, and it will be up to my dad.

Zack_Attack · Posted: Feb 05, 2006 2:06 pm Post subject:

I was going to start a new thread and then I saw this one. I just got back from a boat show and the MC dealer had an a new 06 X-2. Loaded up, tower speakers, sub amps and all the goodies. BEAUTIFUL boat. He said I could get it under 46K. Now my main focus with buying anything is resale and depreciation. Will the X-2 bring 41K with roughly 80 hours on it after this season? I LOVED the boat, its awesome looking, its solid white with orange graphics and interior. The new hammered vinyl accents are sick. The only thing that was bad about the whole boat was the gauges, they were red, but I suppose I could live with that. Very Happy

.

So I hate to Hijack a thread and all but I just wanted to know about the resale value.

JV · Posted: Feb 05, 2006 2:38 pm Post subject:

are you talking about an '06 x-1/'05 x-2 or an '06 x-2 (pickefork)? if you can get a loaded '06 x-2 for 46K, buy it RIGHT NOW. for that price, you could sell it at the end of the season for more than you paid for it. most people are paying into the 60's for the new x-2 and, like bambaski said, mastercraft still can't keep up with demand

Bambamski · Posted: Feb 05, 2006 4:07 pm Post subject:

46k? I think they are going for around 70k cdn up here. 46k is a heck of a deal. Our boat show is next weekend. I can't wait to see some of the new boats that are you, however the one I really want to see is the CC 220 and everyone seems to hate it?

Zack_Attack · Posted: Feb 05, 2006 8:55 pm Post subject:

Yeah its an 06 X-2. Solid White with Orange accents. I am going to take dad with me to the guys shop this week and have him look at it. keep your fingers crossed

JV · Posted: Feb 05, 2006 9:03 pm Post subject:

run, don't walk.....actually, i guess driving would be your best course of action now that i think about it. i've yet to see any base x-2's for under $55k, much less one that's loaded. what options are included?

jpk · Outlaw Joined: 07 Aug 2005 Posts: 215 City: Redmond

Does that '06 X-2 come with an engine at that price? Shocked

Sorry for the umpteenth skeptical post, but that price is what you can get a new X-1 for. Hard to believe you can get a new X-2 for the same price as an X-1.

Where do I sign up for this deal? Heck, I'll buy another boat!

Zack_Attack · Posted: Feb 06, 2006 1:00 am Post subject:

Yeah, I know I thought it sounded sweet too.

Options Included are:
(2) JL Audio Tower speakers
(2) JL Audio Subs
Tower Racks
MCX 350HP? Engine
Sat Radio
Cd changer
Dual Axle MC Trailer
Ballast
Cruise Control
Drop in Carpet
Teak Platform
Cooler

Really the only things that it doesn't have is shower, heater, Transom Stereo remote.

I am calling the guy FIRST thing tomorrow and telling him that we are coming up ASAP. The boat is really good looking, and usually I don't like all-white boats but this one is just right. The interior is so nice too, feels so much bigger than 20ft. and the picklefork nose is just SICK!

Bambamski · Posted: Feb 06, 2006 8:48 am Post subject:

That's a really good price for sure. Is the dealer really new to the area or something? When I bought my boat last year the dealer was in his second year and had their boats priced well below most of the boats that were being mentioned here on the forums. The same boat I bought last year they're now selling a used one for 5k more than what I bought mine for new.

Of the options you're missing the heater is really the only thing I'd add. I'm sure you could have them put one in for less than 600 bucks or so.

Zack_Attack · Posted: Feb 06, 2006 12:23 pm Post subject:

yeah, I would really like to have a heater, and I forgot to mention the Binding soap pump, I would like to have that added on too. The dealer has been there for about ten years or so. There isn't a high demand for the boats in the areas so...

The guy did tell me though that MC has got this deal going on. Basically like incentives like car companies do. He said if I were to order an X-2 right now or an X-star that they are backed up all the way to May. So he said it could possibly be mid-summer before it arrived. So he said that they are trying to get the boats that are setting on the lots sold. Thats why its so cheap.

Bambamski · Posted: Feb 06, 2006 12:32 pm Post subject:

Ok that doesn't make any sense? If you can't get one until May or June if you ordered one, wouldn't a boat on the lot be worth more if you wanted one now and could use it right away?

J-Ro · Posted: Feb 06, 2006 12:33 pm Post subject:

I would pass on the CFT. My dad has one and it's not the best. Get the new Illusion swivel racks if that is an issue you have. The Cruise on the VLX is great and the power wedge is a must.

jpk · Outlaw Joined: 07 Aug 2005 Posts: 215 City: Redmond

The Illusion X tower is standard on the VLX, so I'm not sure it's really necessary to upgrade to the ultra-pricey CFT tower. It looks badass, but the Illusion X is cool too, and it's easier to get customized accessories for the Illusion X.

But as nice as a new VLX is, I would probably go grab that X-2 for that sweet price. Just check and make sure it really has an engine! Smile

Neognosis · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 17617 City: Webster

I have to be honest, I thought the Titan tower was more solid than the illusion x.

Zack_Attack · Posted: Feb 06, 2006 5:12 pm Post subject:

Bambamski, well it seems that way, but from what I understand they can't get anyone to buy one off the lot. Everyone wants certain equipment and certain colors and they aren't selling any they have in stock. We own alot of Carlots so I know how this works in Vehicles. If we aren't selling what we have in stock then we have to slash some prices or do some promotion work on it. If not then we get stuck with them and have to pay them off.

Nep · Newbie Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Posts: 3 City: Cannon Falls

Even though i really like the look of the X-2 more for the money i would ur getting a lot more with the VLX. I saw one guy had the factory put in two extra rear tanks in his X-2 boosting the ballast to 2,000 or 2,500 lbs it was NICE Laughing

Sportster4Tec · Posted: Apr 03, 2006 1:52 pm Post subject:

Just an update, we ended up purchasing the X-2. 2006, black with white on the rear, two tower speakers, two lights, wakeboard pro, MCX engine etc. I'll post some pictures soon.

snowboardcorey · Posted: Apr 03, 2006 2:16 pm Post subject:

Nice. My buddy just put his new X-2 in the river this weekend. The lakes are still frozen, but gotta get the engine broken in so now is the perfect time to do it.

jason2454 · Outlaw Joined: 18 Feb 2005 Posts: 240 City: austin

I just rode behind the new x-15 on sunday and the new x-2 yesterday. The wake was decent on the 15 but the x2 was awesome. Not quite as peaky as the old x2 (new x1) but it still has great pop and its a little wider than the old x2 wake also. I dont know where you guys are getting your info on the vlx being substancially bigger though. Yes its longer but i seriously doubt you will comfortably fit more people in the VLX over the x2. On sunday they had 11 people + gear in the x2 and were fine. The cockpit area of the x2 is larger than an xstar. Anyways just my 2 cents. I thought it was a sweet boat. I would take it over a VLX. Right now i have a '05 23 malibu LSV.

JV · Posted: Apr 04, 2006 6:18 am Post subject:

Sportster4Tec, good decision. the x-2's certainly have the wow-factor going for them. were you able to get a better price than what you were oringinally quoted?

jason2454, i love the new x-2. it's the best looking boat on the water right now. but there is no way it sits more people comfortably than a vlx. the vlx is a full foot and a half longer and four inches wider. the cockpits are similiar in size (i'd still give the slight edge to the vlx), but the bow in the x-2 is midget-sized. i measured the size of the bow from back to front at TSR the other day, and it was under three feet. don't get me wrong, i like the picklefork and i think one person (maybe two if you ball up) would really enjoy sitting in the bow, but it's about half the size of the x-star's bow. the vlx bow, on the other hand, is the perfect size for two or three bikini-clad girls to stretch out and tan which, in a boat otherwise filled with dudes, is an essential part of a day on the water

Swass · Guest

Have no fear - Tommy's here in Denver will jack up the price of a VLX for you. Since they took over, the price of a Malibu has gone up about $10K across the board. I hate those mutherfunkin scumbags. I own a Malibu, but I'll never own another one as long as TSS is the dealer.

Bambamski · Posted: Apr 04, 2006 6:45 am Post subject:

One thing I've noticed MC doing with their two latest model boats (X-2, X-15) is basically shrinking the engine cover sun pad to as small as they can. This is really opening up the cockpit. For a 20 foot boat the X-2 wins hands down for interior room vs any other 20 foot boat on the market. I checked out the X-2 at the boat show but the true test would be to spend a day in one on the water. The VLX is a much bigger boat, I would think it still has a larger interior than the X-2?

JV · Posted: Apr 04, 2006 6:58 am Post subject:

Bambamski, i noticed the smaller engine covers as well, that's why i have no problem saying the x-2's cockpit measures up to the vlx (maybe a little narrower, but still an equal number of seats w/ ample legroom. i hope someone on my lake buys one, so i can drool at it everytime it passes. if i could get one for a little under what i paid for my vlx ($45k), i'd seriously consider it, but that's about $15k short

Bambamski · Posted: Apr 04, 2006 12:46 pm Post subject:

Your BU is more than 45k new? Up here a new BU is at least 70k. Same price as an X-2.

JV · Posted: Apr 04, 2006 1:11 pm Post subject:

no, i bought mine used w/ 25 hours for $45k (i reasoned it as the original owner paid me to allow him to put in the warm-up hours). it was on the east coast, so the market was small. i've still yet to see an '05 vlx with a monsoon and a tandem-axle trailer for less than that on any classified section, so i was pretty stoked with the deal. that said, it was still the absolute most i was willing to pay for it; paying $55k or more for a 21 foot boat is, in my opinion, ridiculous, and there's no way the vlx is "worth" that much. if i had waited a year and found a similiar deal on an '06 x-2 i'd probably have that bad boy in my lift.

A.I. Rider · Newbie Joined: 09 Feb 2006 Posts: 4 City: Amelia Island

Hey jason2454,

Did you have any additional ballast with that X-2 other than the factory setup? I am just curious. We just purchased a new X-2 (pick it up tomorrow) and I am just trying to hear what others think of the boat. With my new owners goggles on, I love it. Let me know. Thanks in advance. I will post pics of mine once I get it on the water tomorrow. Mid eighties here in North Florida!!!!