We Say: The Axis A24 has been making waves for a few years, but Axis has decided to totally redo it for 2018. Axis designed a bigger running surface that produces a long, stout wave. Combined with Surf Gate and the Power Wedge, the wave can be shaped and customized by the driver — or the rider, using the Surf Band remote. Invite a few extra friends to take advantage of the spacious seating, and you have a pro-level surf wave that is tons of fun to ride.
We tested the A24’s surf with three aboard and a set speed of 11 mph. The pocket was incredibly long, and the face of the wave had a ton of steepness and power to it. From the start, it was easily configured and tweaked to our liking. With Surf Gate, the A24 creates a huge, consistent wave that has a ton of push and oceanlike power, and it’s equally impressive on each side without having to move around weight. For wakeboarding, the optional Power Wedge II, a hydrofoil, helps shape and customize sizable wakes with the simple push of a button.
About that seating: The A24 has a large open-bow seating array filled into the pickle-fork design. Combined with the wraparound bench layout in the cockpit, the boat holds up to 17 people. With the new Skybox Slide seating, the transom bench can be converted to a rear-facing lounge. When drained of its ballast, the A24 can put up some solid performance numbers. On test day, we climbed onto plane in just over 3 seconds en route to a top speed exceeding 37 mph, numbers typical for tow-sports boats.
Who’d Want One: Wake enthusiasts who want a more affordable ride.
Another Choice: The Heyday WT-2 ($57,777 with a Crusader 6.0L inboard)
Bottom Line: $74,570 (base price); axiswake.com
How We Tested
Engine: PCM 450 Monsoon 6.0L inboard
Prop: 15″ x 141/4″ Acme 4-blade Nibral
Gear Ratio: 2.00:1
Fuel Load: 32 gal.
Crew Weight: 450 lb.
