View Full Version : Honestly, what do you think about 2006 X-Series graphics?
wrgodsend
08-04-2005, 05:41 PM
Since many of you guys actually own Mastercrafts, what's your honest opnion of Mastercraft's new take on their X- Series line?
http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/244374.html?1123185671
By the way I own a MC as well (04 X-Star)
east tx skier
08-04-2005, 05:42 PM
Welcome. This was getting kicked around the other day. I think it looks like it was drawn on an etch-o-sketch. I was glad to hear that the past years' graphics were still an option.
Just some dumb guy with an old prostar's opinion.
jmyers
08-04-2005, 05:43 PM
I don't like it, especially the X series that is new style wakeboard series and I think they are over doing some and under doing the others we will have to see!!!
milkmania
08-04-2005, 05:45 PM
I don't understand the concept of those two with scribbling on the back.
I recently deleted a bunch of stuff that looked like that from when my kids were first learning to play around in Windows Paint program.
Hey Godsend, is there some sort of campaign on at wakeworld.com to sign up here and stir the Team Talk pot?
east tx skier
08-04-2005, 05:53 PM
Ric, godsend has another post that has good content. It's been a rough day. Go easy.
That said, is there such a campaign and will you claim pink lightning? ;)
Ric, godsend has another post that has good content. It's been a rough day. Go easy.
That said, is there such a campaign and will you claim pink lightning? ;)
haaaaaaaaaa, nothing against Godsend, I just gotta know :purplaugh
east tx skier
08-04-2005, 05:55 PM
Oh I know, I just don't want people to think I'm picking on the new guys. I've been a right bastage today. :D
milkmania
08-04-2005, 05:56 PM
found the one I was looking for....
We'll call this Softball:confused:
http://www.writeonrice.com/softball.jpg
Oh I know, I just don't want people to think I'm picking on the new guys. I've been a right bastage today. :D
turn your light back on you bastage
Leroy
08-04-2005, 05:58 PM
The graphics are genius and beautiful. Wonder if I can send my old Maristar back for a repaint!And you know there has been a lot of dough spent to get to this point! Sometimes things just have to grow on you.
east tx skier
08-04-2005, 05:59 PM
Whoops, sorry. I was in antitroll mode.
That better?
Whoops, sorry. I was in antitroll mode.
That better?yes, it's tough enough remembering brad is bri, tool is Rodl, Jr is toober and Cody is Brad and Snoopy is Leroy and the s/s prop is not Bri without having to think about lights too
RobertT
08-04-2005, 06:03 PM
My opinion....
Many of the other manufacturers have tried to emulate the old "tribal" look of the X series boats. Mastercraft needs to differentiate itself yet again. Look at this....
At first blush, I hated the new stuff.
I still hate the Xstar graphics, I thought somebody did that on paint with a black brush at first as a joke or to hide the real graphics.
Now that I have looked at them a few more times, I am starting to like the look of the X45 and X30 alot.
I wouldn't mind a white X7, with black on the back and a X7 logo in white on the rear black band. Add a black deck, and you would have a very cool boat that everyone would know is a Mastercraft.
Its a very clean look, not for everyone, but its growing on me.
There are a few mistakes I think, but they are on the right track. Differentiate yourself from the posers out there, and become elite even from afar.
milkmania
08-04-2005, 06:04 PM
where's ERK these days? his light is out also
Leroy
08-04-2005, 06:23 PM
Already a convert!
At first blush, I hated the new stuff.
Now that I have looked at them a few more times, I am starting to like the look of the X45 and X30 alot.
RobertT
08-04-2005, 06:38 PM
Maybe...don't know yet. I like the idea of being completely different. I am certain I am going to get flamed for this, but when looking at boats built in the last five years I really didn't see much difference. A 1999 Prostar is not completely different than the 05 models.
Seems like anything that launches you ahead is worth a little risk.
I will tell you which way I would go once I get to see the build a boat thing.
Maybe...don't know yet. I like the idea of being completely different. I am certain I am going to get flamed for this, but when looking at boats built in the last five years I really didn't see much difference. A 1999 Prostar is not completely different than the 05 models.
Seems like anything that launches you ahead is worth a little risk.
I will tell you which way I would go once I get to see the build a boat thing.
build aboat frustrated me in 04
they were building 05's late summer/ early fall but the buildaboat wasnt showing 05's til around december if I remember right and even then it wasn't yearmodel correct in all aspects
yzwiley
08-04-2005, 06:44 PM
IMO, the X1 graphic is lame. At minimum they need to change the "X1" font in that. It makes the boat look really cheap.
The X-Star graphic is interesting. Not my taste, but it will most likey get lots of fans.
The X30 and X45 graphics I dig. I thinks it's a nice change.
I want the new X7 graphic on my boat and will most likely have it. I'm not a fan of the prior years tribal designs where I prefer simplicity. I'm wondering if it would look better though with the X7 mounted on a solid colored oval as to give the look and feel of a Speed Racer cartoon car.
wrgodsend
08-04-2005, 07:17 PM
I'm definitely not trying stir the pot, just interested in what you guys think. When I was on wakeworld, I felt people were bashing it just cause it's a MC. But on this site people actually are MC owners and will most likely buy more Mastercrafts in the future. So....with that said, I wanted to see the consensus of current and future MC owners.
My opinion, I don't really like them too much. They seem really plain to me and a bit retro (except for the X-star). Not very creative or out of the box. Don't kill me for saying this but (all tribal graphics aside) the new paint stylings on the Malibu are really catchy and different from other boats. I can definitely tell when one is on the water. I think Malibu makes a very good boat although I chose an X-Star over it for very different reasons though.
I was glad to hear though, that MC is still offering the 05 graphics as well as the new 06 graphics. I think that shows that either they are not quite certain how the public will respond to the different graphics or that they wanted to offer a bigger variety. I guess we'll see how it goes.
zberger
08-04-2005, 07:57 PM
I love the new graphics.. i think they look awesome.
SKI*MC
08-04-2005, 08:07 PM
I hate the graphics, if they didnt offer last years graphics, MC would be suffering greatly with sales! I just hope that the prostars dont change!
djhuff
08-05-2005, 09:12 AM
Here is my post from another thread.
You do have to hand it to Mastercraft. Whether or not you like it (seems about 50-50), Everyone, not just MC devotees, is talking about the new boats. Marketing wise, this is brilliant, design wise, the jury is still out.
I personally like the new graphics, except for the XStar.
To be honest, my favorite looking MC is a Prostar 197 or 209 with a tower. Classic lines. The new graphics seem to be getting back to that.
JEREMY79
08-05-2005, 09:14 AM
I think the X-Star looks like they gave a five year old a can of spray paint. To me MasterCrafts say MC downt the side. These boats dont.
I'm not a fan.
WallenpaupackPA
08-05-2005, 10:05 AM
I'm not willing to make a strong statement on the X-Star graphics until I see one in person and in the water. That being said, I just ordered one which is orange in the front with black graphics around the transom to use as my personal boat for next year. I actually think the boat will be pretty hot and will turn a lot of heads.
On the other X Series boats, I think they look pretty cool for the most part. The boats that have the model designations forward on the boat (X7, X9) look GREAT if built with a reverse hull coloring (color on the bottom, white sides, colored stripe toward the top). We've ordered a new X9 that way, and we've ordered a Viper Red & White X1 and I think both of them will look great. I think they will take some getting used to like a lot of drastic aesthetic changes do. Time will tell, and in the interim there is the safety net of using the old-school graphics.
If nothing else, the new graphics are generating a lot of attention and debate for MasterCraft, even if it isn't all positive. Is it ever?
We'll get those 3 new boats in a few weeks and I'll try to remember to snap some pictures to post here.
I definitely am ready to see some in-the-water pics
I'm not willing to make a strong statement on the X-Star graphics until I see one in person and in the water. That being said, I just ordered one which is orange in the front with black graphics around the transom to use as my personal boat for next year. I actually think the boat will be pretty hot and will turn a lot of heads.
On the other X Series boats, I think they look pretty cool for the most part. The boats that have the model designations forward on the boat (X7, X9) look GREAT if built with a reverse hull coloring (color on the bottom, white sides, colored stripe toward the top). We've ordered a new X9 that way, and we've ordered a Viper Red & White X1 and I think both of them will look great. I think they will take some getting used to like a lot of drastic aesthetic changes do. Time will tell, and in the interim there is the safety net of using the old-school graphics.
If nothing else, the new graphics are generating a lot of attention and debate for MasterCraft, even if it isn't all positive. Is it ever?
We'll get those 3 new boats in a few weeks and I'll try to remember to snap some pictures to post here.
I love the new graphics.. i think they look awesome.
There is some genius to MC's design and marketing strategy if the guy with no boat likes the 06 graphics. I'm not shopping, so I'm not the target. :toast:
captkidd
08-05-2005, 01:24 PM
For any of you who want the newer graphics on your older boats, just park them in the wrong neighborhood for a few hours and you'll probably have a new set of graphics that look about like these. (I saw some freight cars on a train that had been "decorated", and they apparently were the inspiration for the new designs :D ). And, your tow vehicle will probably have matching graphics.
Not my cup of tea, but since MC has wisely kept the older graphics as an option I think everyone can get what they want, so it's a good idea.
jimjohn
08-05-2005, 01:42 PM
They're so sweet
djhuff
08-05-2005, 01:47 PM
Everyone keeps talking about the graffiti on the XStar and lumping it into "the new graphics are ugly" I personally don't like the XStar graphics, but I think the others are pretty cool.
H2OGirl
08-08-2005, 10:55 AM
I think it really depends on the color choices and the boat. I haven't seen an X1 that I like yet, but I've seen a couple of X80's that looked good and the X45 that look nice. You will know when it is a MC passing you on the water now. I get the idea of wanting to change it up and be differenct again, still not sure on my vote. Maybe once you see them on the water it will make the difference.
Girl, where's your new boat?
seaforth
08-08-2005, 11:56 AM
I was just thinking the other day, if I left my boat on the street and someone tagged it what would graffetti look like on the hull
Now I know.
RickDV
08-08-2005, 12:51 PM
My :twocents:
MC should do a better job of branding their name on the boat. When someone has to stare at the decals to try and figure out if a boat is genuine MC or a poser then they are not doing a good job of branding their name.
In the billboard industry the rule of thumb is that a billboard has to catch your attention in 1.5 seconds and must convey it's entire message in under 7 seconds. This may not be a bad rule of thumb for MC to follow.
I say keep the decals clean, uncluttered, easy to identify, and clearly MC.
Why should we as current MC owners care? Because the better MC does at branding their boats, the stronger the name and the better the resale when we are ready to upgrade!
What if they made A look more like my B? This is my favorite X graphic with MasterCraft through the middle of it.
I know what you're thinking - and you're right, you're right, I'm not a graphic artist.
mcprostar197
08-08-2005, 03:06 PM
Ryan, I like what you drew out. I think that looks really cool.
Why doesnt MasterCraft just do what they did to the X-Star for the X-Games to all of their X-Series boats? Did anyone else notice that they said MasterCraft on the side of the boat where the X-Series graphics normally are?
The main tow boat in the X games had the graphic I used. There were two other X Stars there that had the '05 arrow X instead.
mcprostar197
08-08-2005, 03:22 PM
I like that graphic a lot (the main one in X-Games). I don't like how the rear part on the '06 is "blocked" off with that straight line. To me, it looks like the boat is two different pieces put together. Overall, even though they will most likely grow on me, I do not like the new graphics at all.
jmyers
08-08-2005, 03:44 PM
What if they made A look more like my B? This is my favorite X graphic with MasterCraft through the middle of it.
I know what you're thinking - and you're right, you're right, I'm not a graphic artist.
I like that one too!! Why the H**L dosen't MC do a survey or ask owners what we want( we are the one's buying them!) Or mabey they do who really knows? I would say from I can tell it is about 70-80% aren't into the new graphics(I'm one of them!) :noface:
They have to market to the influencers in the buying decision - the kids. And I think they get some input from their riders. If you've seen the rider-designed T-Shirts you'll know what I'm talking about.
Here's a quote from an Australian site I found, "hey all my parents have just told me we have $50,000 to spend on a new boat and i get to choose it because they know nothing about them but i really know nothing about them either what boat would be the best for the money can anyone help!!!"
X Games Pics
Stritt
08-08-2005, 04:48 PM
i think the xstar nose looks lower than the 197........I for one am glad that i did not wait for the 06's....sorry I love the look of MC's, but this is not doing it for me this year.
jmyers
08-08-2005, 04:55 PM
i think the xstar nose looks lower than the 197........I for one am glad that i did not wait for the 06's....sorry I love the look of MC's, but this is not doing it for me this year.
I already take enough water over the bow as it is!! :eek: Learning expierence!!
i think the xstar nose looks lower than the 197.........
They probably look so low because the ballast tanks are full. And they are sitting really low. Anyone know if that is with stock ballast or a little extra? While watching the X-Games I saw one of the X-Stars turn around to do a pick up for a double-up and it got a bow full of water.
Ryan - I like your thinking about the graphics. Only leave out the tribal/MC by Design decal on the side. Instead put on a white "MasterCraft" decal in the same font and a little smaller as the X45 on the back end. It would give it a clean look and make it not so stark. :twocents: I don't have a paint program here to draw it out so you will have to use your imagination I guess. :)
I've thought the 197, 207 and X Star all dipped too low in the bow. But for the first time on Saturday I figured out why. When the X Star is on plane the bow is parallel with the water for better visibility. Even on my 93 PS 190, when I am at 18 mph I have to sit up higher to better see over the bow.
This boat sat much higher when all the ballast was pumped out too. I think it was pretty weighted down.
Any thoughts on these options? MasterCraft - feel free to use these after you send me the check. You'll need my address, just PM me.
RickDV
08-08-2005, 10:12 PM
Other set.
Me likes G the best, but they all are good. Hope MC takes note.
mcprostar197
08-08-2005, 10:14 PM
D keeps drawing my eye back to it, so I'd say that I like D the best.
parks_jr_55
08-08-2005, 10:24 PM
Im with 197...D
F looks good too.
stevo137
08-08-2005, 10:29 PM
Don't take this wrong but I don't think that any of those look very good.
The X45 towards the back doesn't cut it...
Don't take this wrong but I don't think that any of those look very good.
The X45 towards the back doesn't cut it...
Certainly no offense taken. Would you prefer a big X, or X45 accross the side? I figure this can be a thread of all of our suggestions for X boats. I'll have to work on some more. Or feel free to draw up what ever you like. I did all of these in MS Paint.
stevo137
08-08-2005, 10:50 PM
Certainly no offense taken. Would you prefer a big X, or X45 accross the side? I figure this can be a thread of all of our suggestions for X boats. I'll have to work on some more. Or feel free to draw up what ever you like. I did all of these in MS Paint.
Ryan, I think that MC did a decent job on this 45. I may be old school but sometimes simple lines and colors work best.
I personally think that there is too much emphasis on the vinyl decal on many of the new models.
You are very creative, dig deep! ;)
jmyers
08-09-2005, 12:21 PM
Don't take this wrong but I don't think that any of those look very good.
The X45 towards the back doesn't cut it...
I do think they need to keep Master Craft on the side like in the pictures, and the model less dominant. I do have the X9 with the model graphic very dominant, but MC is still pretty visable in the rear and on the back of the boat. Nautique is very clean with their lines but always makes NAUTIQUE the first thing you see. I thought the new graphics were pretty plain until I saw Ryan's re-do on the pictures! :twocents: I do see your point because of the graphics change like my "05" I just don't want them to lose sight of how important the name MASTER CRAFT is!! :headbang:
Crash
08-09-2005, 12:53 PM
Personnally don't care for the graphics. Which concerns me as I'm planning to upgrade to an '06 x-9 in the spring.
My position is that you're paying a premium price for a premium boat and the graphics/image should parrallel them. I think the image projected (graphics or gel coat designs) fall way short. At first glance I'd think it was a Gekko or MBSport.
BigBarney
08-09-2005, 01:55 PM
I personally like a boat that is multi colored (i.e. bottom section white, middle section colored, top section white - or something to that affect). After seeing these '06 boats on the web, I just think that they look too "corporate". I don't particular dislike them, its just that they don't have anything reaching out and saying, "That's right, I am one bad MasterCraft".
If this is the future over the next few years few MC, I wish that they would raise/mold the hull for the model number. I would at least like to see a boat done like that to see how it looked.
Up close and personal - from Boattrader
AirJunky
08-09-2005, 03:30 PM
I just don't get why I have to drive a billboard around with someone's product name on it. I stripped all the decals off my 205 & my Dakota. I get nothing but compliments from people on the road or on the lake, saying it looks so clean. I like the multi-color hulls from MC, MB & Calabria. Get rid of the signage & give us a colorfull, tasteful graphic in the gelcoat so it's durable & takes a beating.
Just my 2 cents.
PendO
08-09-2005, 04:23 PM
My opinion....
Many of the other manufacturers have tried to emulate the old "tribal" look of the X series boats. Mastercraft needs to differentiate itself yet again. Look at this....
At first blush, I hated the new stuff.
I still hate the Xstar graphics, I thought somebody did that on paint with a black brush at first as a joke or to hide the real graphics.
Now that I have looked at them a few more times, I am starting to like the look of the X45 and X30 alot.
I wouldn't mind a white X7, with black on the back and a X7 logo in white on the rear black band. Add a black deck, and you would have a very cool boat that everyone would know is a Mastercraft.
Its a very clean look, not for everyone, but its growing on me.
There are a few mistakes I think, but they are on the right track. Differentiate yourself from the posers out there, and become elite even from afar.
I would agree with you as far as needing product differentiation again ... plus people who buy 06's will like the fact that the X-Series are again recognizable right away. The change is pretty drastic, but then again, so was the pickle fork.
jmyers
08-09-2005, 04:44 PM
I just don't get why I have to drive a billboard around with someone's product name on it. I stripped all the decals off my 205 & my Dakota. I get nothing but compliments from people on the road or on the lake, saying it looks so clean. I like the multi-color hulls from MC, MB & Calabria. Get rid of the signage & give us a colorfull, tasteful graphic in the gelcoat so it's durable & takes a beating.
Just my 2 cents.
I am definetly with you on the gel coat graphics, with MC being on top they should use the best and long lasting graphics. :dance: I don't know why they started using stickers anyway? :twocents:
The one nice thing about vinyl graphics is that you can update them as time goes on and trends change, so you're not stuck with a dated boat. As this new look catches on, I bet you will see others redoing their 01 X Stars - especially since tribal graphics seem to be on the way out.
parks_jr_55
08-09-2005, 06:11 PM
I like that X-30 alot. I like all the graphics, something new and different. What would you rather have:
MasterCraft setting the new trend for wakeboard boats
or
MasterCraft copying Nautique and Malibu's graphics to fit in?
Here are some pics i found off boattrader
1. Interior of an X30
2. X9 at BAWS
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/vw_wr/X30seat.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/vw_wr/X9.jpg
mcprostar197
08-09-2005, 06:23 PM
I like that X-9.
parks_jr_55
08-09-2005, 06:27 PM
So do I.
I don't think many people like the new ones but I like all the new X Graphics...every time i look at the X star i like it more and more. It's unique.
mcprostar197
08-09-2005, 06:32 PM
So do I.
I don't think many people like the new ones but I like all the new X Graphics...every time i look at the X star i like it more and more. It's unique.
Yah, I kinda like the X-Star also. Other than the X-Star and the X-9, I don't think I like the new X-Series graphics.
parks_jr_55
08-09-2005, 06:34 PM
The X7 is the same as the X9
mcprostar197
08-09-2005, 06:37 PM
I like the X-7 then too.
WallenpaupackPA
08-09-2005, 10:25 PM
On the X-Stars, I'm not sure the graphics on that boat are meant to be conservative or ordinary. Am I wrong? I'll know for sure when my orange and black one is done in 2 more weeks!
Another suggestion to everybody who thinks MasterCraft needs to be more visible: get your dealer to order you some drip-molds that go on the sides of the Pro-Star boats and put them on. If one of our customers wanted to be sure everybody knew the boat was a MasterCraft, I think I'd react by buying the decals for them and putting them on for free! I considered taking the tribal decal off my 2005 X-2 and putting a MasterCraft drip-mold on the side to make more evident the fact that it is a MasterCraft and not some lesser brand! But we're a new dealer trying to raise the brand profile on our lake and in our area. And by the way, those drip-mold decals are pretty sturdy.
6ballsisall
08-09-2005, 10:32 PM
What is the drip mold? Do you have a pic you can post?
parks_jr_55
08-09-2005, 11:55 PM
How much do those run for just 2 sides.
Call your dealer or another, they all seem to charge different prices. I can tell you they ain't $20 though.
I ran accross these today.
I really like the view from the rear quarter! I wish there was more going on in the middle or front, but I guess it draws the attention the the SuperFly bow - that alone seperates from the competition. Most people these days have learned Picklefork = MC. So the point is made one way or another. (point...:purplaugh )
At least the design isn't just a decal, now there's a super slick transom (like the DD Prostars) and bow!
More here: (http://www.wakeboardnebraska.com/newx2/index.htm)
PapaJoe
08-10-2005, 09:55 PM
I believe Mastercraft was not thinking about what looks really cool... Its the boat dynamics that matter... Wakeboarders know this... I could give a crap less about my X10 graphics.... As long as my boat continues to perform as it does now, I'm good... The wake is awesome.... It does not matter... Even with jacked up graphics, people are STILL going to look, and say, ugly graphics, killer boat... Function before Fashion... You want a pretty boat, buy a malibu... If a Mastercraft CEO said, would you buy this X Start boat brand new for $100.00 bucks... Everyone here concerned about this would JUMP through a fire hoop!!! Graphics do NOT matter... The BOAT does.... Yea, the graphics are ugly... I could still care less... The Boat(s) ROCK!!!!
JOE