I posted here a couple of weeks ago about my interest in a VLX - thanks for the replies ! <BR> <BR>I have seen some amazing pictures of the x-star although I have never seen one in person --- anyone here have experience with these 2 boats??? IS the x-star too big??? Is the wake to far apart to jump? Thanks for any input !

which x star model are you talking about? <BR>

isnt the x-star the model???? the one with the split front that looks somewhat like a catamaran in front...

buy a regal

I think X-stars are going to be $20-30k more than VLXs, for one thing.

I saw an X-Star at the gas station and that thing is huge. It already weighs as much empty as a VLX with it's ballast full. I think they should just put a cover on the front and make a cuddie cabin.

I actually got to ride behind the new x-star the other day and its amazing..everything about it..but i can't compare it to a vlx since I've never been on one...either way they're awesome boats

I think he was referring to the old X-Star or the new one.

The x-star is roomy with a rampy wake for $70K. <BR>The vlx is roomy with a rampy wake for $45K. <BR> <BR>The x-star has a much bigger gas tank because it will consume a lot more gas. <BR>The x-star will burn your wallet at both ends. <BR> <BR>It is your choice!

I saw a new X-star a the local dealer the other day. It is a huge boat. It seems that you'd have to upgrage the engine because I don't see how 350hp is going to move that thing with ballast full and 10 people inside which is what I think you'd need to get a good wake. Next year they should put twin engines in it. there's plenty of room! <BR>Unless you're a pro rider with 10 pro rider friends I'd buy the VLX. <BR>VLX has solid wake, plenty of room, and would be alot more versatile, and easy to drive <BR>BTW, I assume your talking about '03 X-STAR. <BR>If you want mastercraft, the X-2 would be comparable to VLX. <BR>Or just buy a regal.

"10 people inside which is what I think you'd need to get a good wake." Tom think again. The `03 X-Star has a good wake off the showroom floor with driver alone. <BR> <BR>Also, They're not $70K or $20-30K more than VLXs.

Rene, actually, with the upgraded engine, they DO run right in the $68-70K neighborhood (and that's before taxes from a reasonable dealer). Also, I've heard from sources who should know that the boat could use some more power than the standard engine when factory ballast is filled. <BR> <BR>However, if this really is a concern, and you're primarily into wakeboarding, getting a lower pitched prop for $375 would be a much cheaper way of getting out of the hole than a $7,500 engine upgrade.

Sure if your talking upgraded you'll have to pay more, but then again if you upgrade the Malibu's engine you'll have to pay more as well.

thanks for this great input so far. It looks like the vlx is hard to beat given the huge cost difference. I am planning to take them both out for test rides during the last week of august while i am on vacation! thanks again for any input ! <BR>

I have a 01 205v with all the x-star goodies. with the ballast filled and 8 people and 2 dogs in the boat I had no trouble getting out of the hole with the stock 350hp engine. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by samills on August 04, 2003)

The new wakesetter 23 is more comparable to the x-star than the vlx so you may want to look at that.

I have an 02 X Star with the 350 hp upgraded engine and I have no problems getting out of the hole. It has a lot of torque.

Comparing an '03 X-star and an '03 vlx is like comparing a Ford Navigator and a Subaru Outback

Roy: <BR> <BR>Thanks for the suggestion. IN fact - I am going to test a new LSV next week! It probably is closer to the x-star. <BR> <BR>

*correction 310hp engine

Damn, that's harsh. I'm not so sure I agree with that analogy. Where does the SAN fit in, a Honda Del Sol?<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/wink.gif" border=0>

ya, i agree with that! His analogy sucks! First time I've ever heard anything like that. I agree with your analogy about the honda del sol though <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/lol.gif" border=0>

len, i have "tunnel vision" for the new lsv!

I'm not talking bad about either boat. They are both awesome boats! All I'm saying is that the '03X star and the '03VLX are so different in size that that a comparison is hard to do. VLX and and X-2 are a better comparison

Yeah, check out the lsv, I can't wait to get my hands on one to see how it is compared to the vlx. Rigth now I have an 04 vlx on order, but want to drive the new lsv before I make my final decission.

Guys, the REAL comparison in the Malibu line to the New x-Star will be their new for 04 23 Wakesetter...It will tout the same hull design as the 03 VLX to produce the killer wake but provide the space and size equivalent to the x-star. In both cases the new x-star and the 23 ft wakesetter will work best with upgraded engines if you are serious about weighting the boat...get the 8.1. <BR>As for comparing this years, The 03 LSV's wake will be smaller than the 03 x-Star's. It uses the diamond hull design and even with wedge, I would have to give the nod to the 03 x-star over the 03 23 lsv. BTW, the 04 23 ft Malibu wakesetters are shipping now, a Malibu 23 with 8.1 are still much less than the x-stars with 8.1

Anyone who knows for sure, how much does a base X-Star run???