Additional Ballast or not? 2009 Xstar

[bjames]

Have been used to running my X25 with KGB full and rear tanks anywhere from 1/2 to full. With this setup, the wake is on the steep side, but thats what Im used to.

With the 2009 Xstar, I am wondering if the additional ballast is needed assuming I am going to acheive similar results with just stock ballast.

Just wanted to get other peoples thoughts before dumping $1200.

[CumberlandXstar]

A X25 with stock ballast is a decent amount steeper than a Xstar with stock ballast. If thats the style of wake you want, you are going to only want to add weight to the back. I would say 200-400 lbs in each rear locker would be about right.

[GoneBoatN]

Originally Posted by bjames

Have been used to running my X25 with KGB full and rear tanks anywhere from 1/2 to full. With this setup, the wake is on the steep side, but thats what Im used to.

With the 2009 Xstar, I am wondering if the additional ballast is needed assuming I am going to acheive similar results with just stock ballast.

Just wanted to get other peoples thoughts before dumping $1200.

Just here-say on my part but from a reliable source. I was told that the X-25 is more steep/abrupt and in comparison that the xstar wake is bigger but with a longer ramp. I would think that the best thing to do is to load up a bunch of people to determine if additional ballast achieves what you are looking for. Then again, I understand your season is so short that you want to be ready at the beginning...

[Nordicron]

Kinda what cumberland said: Xstar is meatier than the x-25 and stock Vs stock the 25 may appear taller/steeper. You will for sure want the extra weight, who wouldn't! If I were you I'd get those bags ordered now so when the time comes you can load that star up and play with it like it was meant to be played with! I love the star wake!

Some even say the star wake is even better when you leave the back tanks empty and fill the rear bags. I havn't rode like that though.

[willyt]

i put 200 hours on my 07 star last year... filled the stock 'rear' tanks maybe 2-3 times, didnt really help the wake a whole lot. those rear bags are awesome

[XStar08]

If you are going to get the system make sure you put it together by yourself. Don't get the kit.
For example by choosing the normal bags instead of the XStar bags for the rear lockers you will get more possible weight (750+ each) instead of 720 each for about half the price each.

As I'm just now in the process of getting my order with wakemakers together I would suggest to wait since I'll be writing a detailed report on here what I choose to do, how and why.

Oh, yes, you will be happy with having the possibility to add some more weight :-)

[swatguy]

U will def want extra. The 25 hull was designed to ride a bit deeper and had less of a flat hull surface. This allowed the boat to not need nearly as much weight. A stock 25 will also have a bit more kick to it than a stock Star but once u start adding extra the Star will shape up perfectly.

You can't compare what you did in te 25 to the Star. The Star loves weight. Even if its just 500 or 600 over stock you notice it. The depth of the water you ride in also effects the Stars weight more than other boats. You may not need/ want the entire pro tour system filled but I will guarantee you will fill it a bit. The stock Star wake. Is weake for its size IMO. One of the flattest in its category. However start throwing bit by bit in there and it rapidly builds to IMO one the most legendary wakes out there ever. It amps up fast. So try adding a little by little but as mentioned snatch up those bags

[bjames]

Thanks Guys... I think I may just order the bags, piping & fittings so that I have it here in time for the season.

[CumberlandXstar]

Also if you are wanting to surf behind your star, you are going to need tons of ballast. I fill the entire rear compartments up with ballast~ 1000 lbs and the wake is just alright, nothing great. So you will want extra ballast for sure if you surf.

[bjames]

I dont plan on doing much surfing, but good to know.. thanks