Is Avid dropping the XB series? When searching their website, at least today, the xb series is gone it seems. I really liked that series, hopefully that's not the case.
Is Avid dropping the XB series? When searching their website, at least today, the xb series is gone it seems. I really liked that series, hopefully that's not the case.
XPRESS H 18 SS, YAMAHA 115
Yes, they are discontinuing the XB series and replacing it with the Vertex Series (18 and 20 foot models) and supposedly a Velocity Series (19 and 21 foot models). The Vertex Series has been released and, supposedly, the Velocity Series was to be out last fall but they must have had some delays. I took a factory tour late last summer and even though it was before they moved to their new facility, it was still very impressive. The build process and ingenuity they're using on their boats is also impressive. While I ended up going the used route, I would not hesitate to buy an Avid. I'm anxious to see that Velocity Series, as some of what the owner of Avid shared with me will definitely cause folks to take note..
2023 BassCat Puma STS
2023 Mercury 250 ProXS
Man I really liked the xb 18' footer more than the vertix 18. Is the vertix even a pad boat? Also, it's longer and 1,350lbs more but only rated to 115hp the 18xb was 1,050lbs and rated a 115hp.
I’m not 100% sure on the design of the hull but I would liken it more to a modified V? Either way, it
looked like a very well designed, spec’d and built boat. A buddy of mine has a 20 Vertex on order. Anxious to spend some
time in it.
2023 BassCat Puma STS
2023 Mercury 250 ProXS
My first thought when looking at the Vertex is they're trying to compete with the Xpress Hyperlift BASS. Looks like a nice rig but would have to see one in person to really get a feel for it.
2023 Xpress H18 with 115 SHO pulled by a 2016 Ram Tradesman HEMI
Blue collar and blessed to have what I have!
Dang that curved pointed bow of the XB looked much better than the new Vertex. Looks like another basic aluminum rig
I've liked every Avid I've seen in person. Sharp boats that look well made.
I believe the Velocity Series is going to have the XB design as far as a curved/bass boat bow. Don’t hold me to that, but that’s the impression I got when I did the factory tour last year. I talked to someone connected to the factory last week and the Velocity is still in the works, no ETA yet. Sounds like they had some delays with the move to the new factory, which is state of the art I am told. They will be able to increase their production substantially in the new facility so expect to see the Avid brand expand in the market.Originally Posted by townsend266
2023 BassCat Puma STS
2023 Mercury 250 ProXS
The XB series is far better than the vertex series the XBs look better and have adequate power for their size. Unlike the Vertex series that are all under powered like the Ranger aluminums.
2015 Triton 19TRX, 225 Optimax
2006 Skeeter ZX190, 150 Yamaha SHO
1989 Ranger 373V, Mercury 2.5L 200hp
16' Tracker jon 25 hp Merc 2 cycle
Yeah but they’re only rigged with Yamaha so you can just flash the motor
Wouldn’t help.
2015 Triton 19TRX, 225 Optimax
2006 Skeeter ZX190, 150 Yamaha SHO
1989 Ranger 373V, Mercury 2.5L 200hp
16' Tracker jon 25 hp Merc 2 cycle
Is there anything you don’t know?
I don't think he understands the meaning of "price point". The Vertex looks like a price point boat and why I compared the 18' and 20' to the Xpress Hyperlift bass. A lot of people just want a stable and roomy boat to fish out of and don't care about winning any races. I know I'm that way.
2023 Xpress H18 with 115 SHO pulled by a 2016 Ram Tradesman HEMI
Blue collar and blessed to have what I have!
Ok then what is their non pice point aluminum bass boats? If they dropped the XB line then they don't have one.
2015 Triton 19TRX, 225 Optimax
2006 Skeeter ZX190, 150 Yamaha SHO
1989 Ranger 373V, Mercury 2.5L 200hp
16' Tracker jon 25 hp Merc 2 cycle
Sometimes things just get replaced but they’re not all that different. A bit like how Bassfisher444 got replaced by PatriotAW4. Sure, there are some cosmetic differences but underneath that, they are the exact same thing.
The xb and vertix are definitely different from length, nose, layout etc. Hopefully this new series is a replacement of the xb series instead of the vertix. I want performance with upgraded interiors in a tin. Vexus interior works but as has been said, way underpowered.
It's interesting to read your comments about them looking well made. In south La I see way more of their bay boat line compared to the bass boats. I've had numerous good conversations with Avid owners at the ramps as I have a Vexus aluminum and there are always comparisons. For a while I would hear owners say they were very well built but a little slower than expected. In the last 6 months the folks I've talked to that have models built in the last 6-9 months are overwhelmingly unhappy with fit and finish. Poor welds, paint coming off hulls, and issues with the trailers. Some of the same complaints I read about early model Vexus boats. Hate to hear it because I was split 50/50 between the 2 brands when buying and I found a much better deal on the Vexus. I do wish I had a Yamaha instead of the Mercury, however it wasn't a deal breaker. I saw an 18 foot Vertex 2 weeks ago and the owner was on his 3rd outing and still breaking in his motor but was pretty happy. He said it was definitely a budget boat on the line with a Bass Tracker 18 foot. It didn't have the nice lines of the XB but it looked really nice from what I could see. If you go to the Avid owners page on the book of faces it has become a sounding board for issues and complaints. Numerous complaints about poor customer service from dealers not wanting to fix warranty problems, but that crap is magnified for effect and it may have nothing to do with the manufacturer. We all know at least a few lousy dealerships around that don't want to do anything except sell new units. It's good to have many good boat builders in the market these days, makes it easier to purchase a good one.
Well.....that ones a no brainer.
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