to switchblade or to not

[hiflyer 0]

So who can tell me what is the real option to need or have? Does the switchblade really help. That is a huge price, for if little improvement Or does one think the hydraulic wake plate does enough or do they both not really help? I don't ever here or see boats with switchblades.

[Bigshow 0]

The trim tab will make your wake more mellow and smaller.

 

I don't have much first hand experince with the SB

[tgaugh 2]

I've only surfed once behind a boat with a switchblade and it was outstanding, still one of the best waves I've ever seen/rode. We currently only have the trimtab and it surely helps for taming the spray based on the weight.

 

I understand it's good/bad for different sports. Are you looking at it for wakeboarding/skating/surfing?

[hiflyer 0]

I do mostly wakeboard, but some wakesurf on rougher days(or tired).

[VaBeachBum 0]

I know you can tame the wake down for smaller or less experienced riders with the switch blade. You can also beef it up pretty good too.

 

The only caution I'll give you is low speed maneuvering. It makes it more difficult. I'm sure it's something you could get used to, but it will be difficult at first.

[Joe B 17]

I have the blade and just drove a new Falcon without it or auto wakeplate (I think it was manual), so here's my .o2 cents.

 

With the blade, I launch out of the hole with very minimal bow rise. Without it the bow was high and almost as high as an I/O out of the hole. If I see I'm about to cross a large wake or wave, I hit the blade and the bow pops up a few feet and chop right through it. I never get porposing at higher speed (trim tab would also cure this or manual set at the right position).

 

Wakeboarding: Changes the ramp from mellow to launch straight up. Unbelieveable.

 

Surfing: Adds a few inches and cleans up the wash on Goofy side.

 

Manuverability: Really eitherway you get used to your boat.

 

Blade is Bad: Fresh Air Exhaust is not possible that I know of, maybe custom work.

 

Hindsight: I love my blade, but not sure I could justify the money as I'm not a big wakeboarder. If you just surfed I'd say it's not worth it, skip it and sideswipe and get the FAE and a few boards with the bunch of money saved. If you really like to get a perfect ramp for boarding, then yes pull the trigger on the blade. Also, blade works with PerfectPass--preset PP and blade at level 6 and set the blade to 'AUTO' and it takes care of itself. Blade goes back to 'not-engaged' when boat is in neutral. Kinda cool and nice that the wife doesn't have to fiddle with the blade or PP when she's driving.

Edited April 7, 2009 by Joe B

[Drew Danielo 1]

I have the switch blade on my 2008 Avy. Now this might sound biest as I ride for SB but I will still leave my 2 cents.

 

For wakeboarding The blade is great. It will clean up the wake and if engaged passsetting 3 it can make the wake Steeper. Feels more like a wall, with ALOT of POP.

 

For wakeskating it is a little much and makes the wake to steep in my opionon.

 

For Surfing it is AMAZING. it will enhance the size of the wake anywhere from a half a foot or more. It will also clean the wake up. It also helps if you have any goofy riders. You can set the blade and really clean up both sides of the wake to have nice clean faces.

 

 

Drew

[Christopher 0]

My question guys,

 

I have a stock Gekko Revo without ballast and I want a ballast system or some sort of wake enhancement which will provide an awesome surfing wake. I am considering the switchblade but will the blade alone be enough to create a surf wake, without having a ballast system installed? A ballast system is going to be over $4k I've found out... and I will be forced to use sacs which I am not really looking forward to. Can a guy get the surf wake he needs with the Swictblade alone??

 

Please advise,

 

Thanks,

 

Chris

[Bigshow 0]

No, switch blade alone won't give you a surf wake. You must have ballast on one side. Who is charging $4k for ballast?

[towboat 222 1]

Im a dealer $4000.00 sounds like a whole lot. Sacks is a great way to go doesnt eat up your storage when your not using it. You can get a pump and sacks not installed. They fill faster and you can move them around. Chances are if you put a ballast system in you will have to buy bags anyway.

[flaswaliba 0]

What is the average price upgrade for the blade, and can it be retro-installed on an 08 Avy?

[Bigshow 0]

I thought I heard that they ran $4,000

[Colombian Surfer 2]

Matt is that you? Did you get a new boat? Details if it is you.

Edited March 2, 2009 by Colombian Surfer

[flaswaliba 0]

Matt is that you? Did you get a new boat? Details if it is you.

 

Yeh it's me. I haven't gotten a new boat, but I wouldn't be opposed to Centurion. I love your Avy and have found one just like it and a dealer who actually wants to say yes, etc. I've gotta sell the BU now. Let's hope I can.

Edited March 2, 2009 by flaswaliba

[Colombian Surfer 2]

First of all welcome to the site! I hope you can sell your BU soon and step up to an Avy. Where or who is the dealer? There are a lot of dealers on this site that might have some input. The boat you are looking at, what all does it have or not have? Any pics?

[Larry Mann 1]

The following is from Fresh Air Exhaust:

The Malibu manual Wedge and the SwitchBlade are not compatible with FAE. We now manufacture a wing replacement for the manual Wedge that is compatible. We plan to make this Wing available for all boats as well.

 

 

The Wing is locked in with a quick connect pin and is positioned either under the swim platform when not needed (as shown in this picture) or in the water to generate downforce.

[Kevin Baugh 78]

"We plan to make this Wing available for all boats as well."

 

I am not clear what you are saying?

is the wing a wedge/switchblade like device?

 

So I would be able to get one for a Centurion?

DETAILS please

[tgaugh 2]

Larry Mann -

 

What type of testing have you done with the wing? I only ask as a prior Malibu owner I sheared off bolts of two wedges already. I am very hesitant to try a new invention without testing after my experience with the Wedge which to be a time-tested, proven wake shaping appliance.

 

 

 

 

I ended up with a strong transom and no Wedge on the boat!

[Kevin Baugh 78]

It always amazed me that Malibu could not fix this issue

Edited April 7, 2009 by Kevin Baugh

[rizza32 0]

YOUR MOM--- on the back of the boat. Nice touch.