The RZX3 is the Tigé boat that competes with the big boys. Coming in dry at 6,000 pounds with a 65-gallon fuel tank and 3,000 pounds of under floor ballast, the RZX morphs into a 5-ton wake monster with the press of a button. And that’s easy to do with Tigé CLEAR, a touchscreen software system that provides customizable control of ballast, wake shaping, rider profiles and audio.
The Tigé RZX3 is designed to proficiently carve large, clean surf waves and create pro-level wakeboard wakes during every session. The experience of our test team from a sister publication, Wakeboarding magazine, who rode behind the RZX3 proved it could do both.
For our test, we pumped the Tigé RZX3 full with 3,000 pounds of ballast, invited a crew of six on board, and easily set the TAPS 3 system to 3. The first thing tester Emily Dale noticed was how big the wake was, at 23.7 mph and 75 feet. (We tested this boat at 75 feet back.) Then she noted how very firm it was, sporting a long transition leading to a peaky lip. TAPS truly lives up to its promises. Because of its sheer weight, the RZX3 handled great, too. It did not list when pulling hard on the tower, thus keeping the wakes consistent and clean.
So the wake was great, but how long did it take to get there? Well, with the Tigé CLEAR, we pressed the button, and a few minutes later, all ballast was filled. The Raptor by Indmar 440 combined with the TAPS 3 system handled the rest, getting us on top of the water with great efficiency. That engine also propelled us to a top speed of 37 mph, and it posted 2.6 mpg efficiency at cruising speed.
The RZX3 boasts a roomy cockpit, unique features and awesome wake and waves. We were mightily impressed by the intuitive control provided by the Tigé CLEAR touchscreen and other features, such as the electric Alpha E2 Tower with its swiveling board racks. Wakeboarding, wakesurfing — and yes, even skiing should the mood strike — the Tigé RXZ3 is one versatile tow boat.
High Points
* Tigé CLEAR touchscreen is as intuitive to use as a smartphone. We could easily read it in daylight as well.
* Electric Alpha E2 Tower lowers to the level of the windshield and includes swiveling board racks.
* Big, tech-filled and versatile towboat that morphs into a 5-ton wake monster with the touch of a button.
How We Tested
Engine: Raptor by Indmar 6.2L 440
Drive/Prop: V-drive/15″ x 12″ 4-blade Nibral
Gear Ratio: 1.5:1
Fuel Load: 40 gal.
Crew Weight: 1080 lb.
Ballast Tanks: Empty
Price
$123,425 (base)
Contact
Tigé Boats Abilene, Texas; 325-676-7777; tige.com
