FXI or VTX

[Gibbo]

I am wondering how much difference in wake there is between a Response FXI and a VTX for slalom skiing. If anyone has skied behing either or both of these boats I would love to hear some feedback. I know they are both tournament rated but are they actually o.k. for course skiing?

[hattric73]

VTX skis very good, ours has the cut diamond, which I assume you will be getting, since you are only asking about skiing...Haven't skiied the FXI

I am wondering how much difference in wake there is between a Response FXI and a VTX for slalom skiing. If anyone has skied behing either or both of these boats I would love to hear some feedback. I know they are both tournament rated but are they actually o.k. for course skiing?

[areamike]

Without knowing for sure I would venture to say the FXi is going to give you a little better slalom wake for the simple fact DD versus V-drive. Not to mention the FXi is based on the RLXi(preferred slalom boat), just a little bigger from what I have read.

Also, the VTX has the wake hull while the FXi has the Diamond.

Compare here:

http://www.malibuboats.com/boats/response/fxi

http://www.malibuboats.com/boats/wakesetter/vtx

In the end if I were buying either simply based on slalom skiing, I'd go with the FXi.

Edited September 22, 2009 by areamike

[WakeGirl]

Without knowing for sure I would venture to say the FXi is going to give you a little better slalom wake for the simple fact DD versus V-drive. Not to mention the FXi is based on the RLXi(preferred slalom boat), just a little bigger from what I have read.

Also, the VTX has the wake hull while the FXi has the Diamond.

Compare here:

http://www.malibuboats.com/boats/response/fxi

http://www.malibuboats.com/boats/wakesetter/vtx

In the end if I were buying either simply based on slalom skiing, I'd go with the FXi.

You can get the VTX on the cut diamond hull as a no-cost option, which you'd have to assume that the OP would do. That narrows the gap considerably.

[bretski75]

If course skiing is your number 1 criteria. DD is the way. Especially if your on a small lake or have a short setup.

I know the v drives are getting better, but its like riding in a bike race and asking if you should use a road bike or a hybrid. A hybrid will get it done, but....

[areamike]

You can get the VTX on the cut diamond hull as a no-cost option, which you'd have to assume that the OP would do. That narrows the gap considerably.

True, I was just quoting the default option. If he is going to go Diamond cut on the VTX, then why get it? I would personally only get a VTX if I were into Wakboarding and Surfing more than Slalom. FXi will give him the best all around option I would think.

[WakeGirl]

You can get the VTX on the cut diamond hull as a no-cost option, which you'd have to assume that the OP would do. That narrows the gap considerably.

True, I was just quoting the default option. If he is going to go Diamond cut on the VTX, then why get it? I would personally only get a VTX if I were into Wakboarding and Surfing more than Slalom. FXi will give him the best all around option I would think.

Room, comfort. A vdrive has those advantages over a direct drive. The reports on the slalom wake behind a VTX/cut diamond hull are so good (some say that it's as good or better than the old SLXi Classic) that IMO the OP should go demo both to decide for himself. I suspect that they're going to be very, very close based on the reports that I've seen from people that have actually skied behind the boat rather than just speculate on how good or bad it is.

[areamike]

You can get the VTX on the cut diamond hull as a no-cost option, which you'd have to assume that the OP would do. That narrows the gap considerably.

True, I was just quoting the default option. If he is going to go Diamond cut on the VTX, then why get it? I would personally only get a VTX if I were into Wakboarding and Surfing more than Slalom. FXi will give him the best all around option I would think.

Room, comfort. A vdrive has those advantages over a direct drive. The reports on the slalom wake behind a VTX/cut diamond hull are so good (some say that it's as good or better than the old SLXi Classic) that IMO the OP should go demo both to decide for himself. I suspect that they're going to be very, very close based on the reports that I've seen from people that have actually skied behind the boat rather than just speculate on how good or bad it is.

I agree 100%. If the OP is planning on buying either of those boats new, he/she needs to go test drive and ski both of them prior to laying down that kind of cashola.

[WakeGirl]

Things to consider:

1. Differences in wake. I suspect that this will be marginal & that the choice between the 2 boats will be determined by something else. But again, demo demo demo.

2. Room. I felt that the small size of the VTX negated the vdrive layout to a small degree. But I'm coming from a 21.5' VLX, it would feel small. Being that the OP is coming from a small, traditional ski boat, it will more than likely feel great. Still, something to pay attention to IMO when you demo.

3. Storage. How will the OP use the boat? If you use it 70-80% for skiing, this is something to consider. The FXi has a really nice trunk for skis that is accessed from the ski platform - nobody has to move out of the way to get to them. The only place to store a slalom in the VTX is under the port side seats. So if you ski a lot throughout a typical day, this means moving your passengers up/down a lot. But, if you get your sets in in the morning & evening, put the skis away in between & board/surf through the main part of the day, then this would be a situation that most people could live with I would think.

4. Crew size. I honestly think that if you set up the FXi with a judge's seat & a jump seat behind the driver, it may be nearly as comfortable for a crew of up to 5 (including the driver) as a VTX. Beyond that, the VTX gets the nod IMO.

5. Handling. I think that this is where the FXi may widen the gap. While Malibu vdrives are among the industry leaders in building vdrives that handle really, really well, the FXi in the course should be better. Factor in the location of the pylon & the FXi will more than likely give a better pull. The argument to this is if you have a larger crew, the pylon location on the VTX allows for that whereas the FXi will not. Pay attention to this, but again, demo demo demo.

6. Layout. Obviously, this should go to the VTX. But how important is this point to you?

I think that what it comes down to is that the FXi will give you tournament ski wakes & crossover to the other sports really well. The VTX comes at it from the other direction, giving you great boarding & surfing wakes while crossing over to the ski world really well. How big the gap is in any of those areas is somewhat subjective, & the reason that you need to demo. When it comes to crossover boats, you're going to compromise in some area. Only you can decide what that will be.

[steemin]

I have 70 hours on my 09 VTX with a cut diamond hull.

We previously owned a 2002 Supra Legacy inboard.

Many of the advantages have already been pointed out..

This boat is a great cross over boat.

It does everything pretty well.

It actually has a nicer wake than our Supra had for slalom skiing..

Nice wake shaping ability for wakeboarding,kneeboarding and SURFING

And the comfort and storage is awesome!!

But at the end of the day a test drive of both boats is the best advice I have seen in this thread!

Good Luck!

Scott

[MalibuTime]

Things to consider:

1. Differences in wake. I suspect that this will be marginal & that the choice between the 2 boats will be determined by something else. But again, demo demo demo.

2. Room. I felt that the small size of the VTX negated the vdrive layout to a small degree. But I'm coming from a 21.5' VLX, it would feel small. Being that the OP is coming from a small, traditional ski boat, it will more than likely feel great. Still, something to pay attention to IMO when you demo.

3. Storage. How will the OP use the boat? If you use it 70-80% for skiing, this is something to consider. The FXi has a really nice trunk for skis that is accessed from the ski platform - nobody has to move out of the way to get to them. The only place to store a slalom in the VTX is under the port side seats. So if you ski a lot throughout a typical day, this means moving your passengers up/down a lot. But, if you get your sets in in the morning & evening, put the skis away in between & board/surf through the main part of the day, then this would be a situation that most people could live with I would think.

4. Crew size. I honestly think that if you set up the FXi with a judge's seat & a jump seat behind the driver, it may be nearly as comfortable for a crew of up to 5 (including the driver) as a VTX. Beyond that, the VTX gets the nod IMO.

5. Handling. I think that this is where the FXi may widen the gap. While Malibu vdrives are among the industry leaders in building vdrives that handle really, really well, the FXi in the course should be better. Factor in the location of the pylon & the FXi will more than likely give a better pull. The argument to this is if you have a larger crew, the pylon location on the VTX allows for that whereas the FXi will not. Pay attention to this, but again, demo demo demo.

6. Layout. Obviously, this should go to the VTX. But how important is this point to you?

I think that what it comes down to is that the FXi will give you tournament ski wakes & crossover to the other sports really well. The VTX comes at it from the other direction, giving you great boarding & surfing wakes while crossing over to the ski world really well. How big the gap is in any of those areas is somewhat subjective, & the reason that you need to demo. When it comes to crossover boats, you're going to compromise in some area. Only you can decide what that will be.

Except for #4. But if you really want something large and in the way right in the middle of the boat you can always set up the table. I think that is my daughters favorite part of the boat!

[WakeGirl]

Again, I think that will come down to perspective. He's coming from a Sporty, so he may think that the FXi will be as comfortable as the VTX.

[SmoothWaterMan]

Not to mention the FXi is based on the RLXi(preferred slalom boat), just a little bigger from what I have read.

The FXi has no relation to the RLXi, other than it's a direct drive. I've said it before, but if anyone was asleep in class, the FXI _IS_ a Sunscape 20 LSV, with a change in engine location. There is no FXI mold, just an FXI interior, if that helps.

Peter

[Dougger]

So as long as you opt for the VTX with the Cut Diamond Hull, it sounds like you are getting the same exact hull as on the Sunscape LSV and Response FXi. Maybe you should consider the LSV too? I'd have a hard time giving up the direct drive for the V but it does make for a nice layout. I'd be really interested to know the difference to a slalom skier.

[WakeGirl]

The 20' LSV would be on the same hull as well. The only measurable difference between that & the Wakesetter VTX on the cut diamond hull is that any ballast tanks would be under the floor. The LSV has them above the floor, cutting into storage. So it makes more sense to order the VTX on the cut diamond.

[Malibudude]

The 20' LSV would be on the same hull as well. The only measurable difference between that & the Wakesetter VTX on the cut diamond hull is that any ballast tanks would be under the floor. The LSV has them above the floor, cutting into storage. So it makes more sense to order the VTX on the cut diamond.

Just to clarify only the rear tanks are above ground.

[hattric73]

You can get the VTX on the cut diamond hull as a no-cost option, which you'd have to assume that the OP would do. That narrows the gap considerably.

True, I was just quoting the default option. If he is going to go Diamond cut on the VTX, then why get it? I would personally only get a VTX if I were into Wakboarding and Surfing more than Slalom. FXi will give him the best all around option I would think.

You get the VTX because it is a great crossover boat (as mentioned above). Especially helpful if you have different sports in the family. For example, I prefer to ski, while my brother and friends prefer the board sports. We can go from a very good wakeboard boat, to a very good ski boat, to a very good surfing boat, all in a matter of a few minutes...The boat creates an excellent skiing wake. It is no RLxi, but it definitely is not bad!

[Gibbo]

Thanks for all of the input! Our family are all skiers and the slalom wake is my major concern. I like the idea of the higher freeboard on the FXI and that is why I started looking at it. While I was looking at it I found out the VTX supposedly has a very similar wake and I have to admit the open seating plan is nice. My big fear is how this boat will perform in the course... Will the VTX track as good as a DD?? Will there be much spray at short line on the VTX? If anyone has skied or drove the VTX through a slalom course please chime in and let everyone know how it performed. With regards to ski storage I was thinking some racks on the tower would work ok. The rear trunk on the FXI was actually pretty small (room for 1 ski) as there is a ballast tank under it.

Again, thanks for all the help!

Gibbo

[Big Clyde]

I was asking many of the same questions you are earlier this summer. So I demo-skied the FXI followed by the VTX with a wake hull (the dealer didn't have a VTX with a CD to demo). There's no question the FXI has a much better ski wake than the VTX w/t the wake hull (although from the posts here it appears that the CD may narrow the gap ). I didn't drive either boat through the course, but I found the handling of the FXI to be noticeably better than the VTX (I'm not sure the CD hull would impact handling dramatically). Like you, slalom wake and handling were major concerns for me and I came away from the demo convinced that the the FXI was the better option for me. I also had a concern about resale of a VTX with a CD hull (I'm sure there's demand out there, but it appeared to me that most people interested in the VTX were looking for a wakeboard boat). I haven't pulled the trigger on the FXI yet (still trying to decide if I want to give up my beloved SLXi).

Thanks for all of the input! Our family are all skiers and the slalom wake is my major concern. I like the idea of the higher freeboard on the FXI and that is why I started looking at it. While I was looking at it I found out the VTX supposedly has a very similar wake and I have to admit the open seating plan is nice. My big fear is how this boat will perform in the course... Will the VTX track as good as a DD?? Will there be much spray at short line on the VTX? If anyone has skied or drove the VTX through a slalom course please chime in and let everyone know how it performed. With regards to ski storage I was thinking some racks on the tower would work ok. The rear trunk on the FXI was actually pretty small (room for 1 ski) as there is a ballast tank under it.

Again, thanks for all the help!

Gibbo

[Wkerat]

I have had both a vtx with wake and diamond hull and the diamond is much much better for skiing and I actually prefered it for boarding as well feeling it had a better transition (intermediate boarder doing 3's, tantrums, whirly birds, etc). I just never could tune in the wake hull right, even with extra weight. I liked the diamond stock with the wedge in max position or on great days with full stock, a 440lb in the walkway and a 750 in each rear locker. This wake reminded me of my old 23 lsv, which was hands down my favorite wakeboard wake. Surf wise both were very good although the diamond hull responded to weight much better. Skiing wise the diamond hull is much much better. I got the diamond hull because I got back into skiing and would never go back to the wake hull. I will say it has a pretty good rooster tail at 15 and 22 off (both 34 and 36 mph). I was only on the course with it a few times as I usually use a response lxi there, but it can be done. The boat tracks well. I actually had my hardest runs at 34mph 15 off, 36 15 off and 36 22off. Once I got into 28off I was ahead of the rooster tail and it skied well. I only got into 32 off once on it, but again it was not bad for a v-drive. Personally if you are planning on being in the course a lot look at the response lxi as it is hard to beat. If you want a great crossover that you can cruise around the lake on, surf, and board as well you cannot find a better package.

[Gibbo]

Thanks Big Clyde, can ask what speed and line length you were skiing behind the FXI ad how did it compare to your SLXI?

[areamike]

Not to mention the FXi is based on the RLXi(preferred slalom boat), just a little bigger from what I have read.

The FXi has no relation to the RLXi, other than it's a direct drive. I've said it before, but if anyone was asleep in class, the FXI _IS_ a Sunscape 20 LSV, with a change in engine location. There is no FXI mold, just an FXI interior, if that helps.

Peter

hrm? no relation? Same hull, Same DD, Same interior...I guess you are right, NO relation?...

According to Malibu the only BIG difference between then FXi and RLXi is the SIZE. But maybe they are wrong since the categorize them in the same "Response" type boat.

Edited September 23, 2009 by areamike

[areamike]

I was asking many of the same questions you are earlier this summer. So I demo-skied the FXI followed by the VTX with a wake hull (the dealer didn't have a VTX with a CD to demo). There's no question the FXI has a much better ski wake than the VTX w/t the wake hull (although from the posts here it appears that the CD may narrow the gap ). I didn't drive either boat through the course, but I found the handling of the FXI to be noticeably better than the VTX (I'm not sure the CD hull would impact handling dramatically). Like you, slalom wake and handling were major concerns for me and I came away from the demo convinced that the the FXI was the better option for me. I also had a concern about resale of a VTX with a CD hull (I'm sure there's demand out there, but it appeared to me that most people interested in the VTX were looking for a wakeboard boat). I haven't pulled the trigger on the FXI yet (still trying to decide if I want to give up my beloved SLXi).

There's the answer you need. HOWEVER as many others have said in this topic. DEMO for yourself, THEN decide in the end. The one great thing about this site, we all give valuable advice and opinions.

[CTSunsetter]

I am wondering how much difference in wake there is between a Response FXI and a VTX for slalom skiing. If anyone has skied behing either or both of these boats I would love to hear some feedback. I know they are both tournament rated but are they actually o.k. for course skiing?

AWSA rated is.... I'll let others fill in the rest. But for the record:

2007 VTX was class "C" rated

2008 Sunscape 20 fully rated

The only place to store a slalom in the VTX is under the port side seats.

Both the Sunscape 20 and FXi have a in floor ski locker (VTX doesn't because there is a tank there)

Will the VTX track as good as a DD?? If anyone has skied or drove the VTX through a slalom course please chime in and let everyone know how it performed. With regards to ski storage I was thinking some racks on the tower would work ok. The rear trunk on the FXI was actually pretty small (room for 1 ski) as there is a ballast tank under it.

Two words: Gorilla Fins! Both the VTX and Sunscape 20 have them. Both are responsive as a Response LXi.

No one has mentioned the sizable rooster tail on the cut diamond VTX and Sunscape. I guess I just did! Someone in the bow or some water in the bow tank (option on the VTX and takes away all bow storage) flattens it out. Speed does too. Rope length, adjust to be in front of it or behind it.

We had our Sunsetter for 11 seasons and this is the first season with the VTX. Everyone talks up storage of a v-drive and how great it is. Ok, the storage is great. BUT, it always seems like someone is sitting where you need to get to something! That didn't seem to be a problem when we had our DD.

Why isn't the Response LXi on your list? This is a good time of year to pick one up.

I haven't had the chance to ride in a FXi or ski it. There are a lot of things I like about it and only one knock against it: the rear seat is attached to the boat!

Demo, demo, demo!

Really short line, 36MPH, two adults in the bow. His commentary: "not too bad". "Your Sunsetter was the best". That's from an MC owner!

Had this guy out this past weekend. He brought a couple extra fat sacks with him. Wedge up:

This shows the tail pretty good. Sunscape 20, no one in the bow, four adults in the boat, 32MPH:

Edited September 23, 2009 by CTSunsetter

[areamike]

RLXi

RFXi

Biggest difference? Beam width.

Both beautiful boats though.

Edited September 23, 2009 by areamike