Boats

Tigé RZ4 2008

By Wakeboarding Magazine

Updated: January 1, 2008

Wakeboard Boat Review

We were stoked to check out the Tigé RZ4, brand-new for 2008, after the success that last year’s debut, the Tigé RZ2, enjoyed. We waited until the second day of testing to ride it, and we definitely saved the best for last. The wakes were pretty huge and the Tigé RZ4 handled great. With its pickle fork bow, the Tigé RZ4 looks like it’s going to eat somebody. The prongs look like a mouth. And are those two mean-looking eyes?

Hull: Following the example of last year’s Tigé RZ2, the new Tigé RZ4 takes advantage of the ConvexV hull as well as a pickle-fork bow design. The ConvexV pushes the boat down to cruise lower in the water, while the pickle fork opens up the bow quite a bit for more passenger and storage room.

Ballast: The ConvexV does a good job of producing some wake by itself, but if you’re looking for serious wake, and if you’re considering the Tigé RZ4 (you probably are), then get the optional ballast. The full 900-pound factory ballast system delivers wakes for a range of wakeboarding ability levels. We were very impressed with the amount of wake the Tigé RZ4 could achieve with only the factory ballast.

Tower: Just like its little brother, the Tigé RZ4 includes an optional Z series collapsible wakeboard tower. Tricked out with tower lights, swivel wakeboard racks and stereo speakers, the tower tops off the boat well. An added feature the Tigé RZ4 boasts over the Tigé RZ2, though, is a more secure three-stage locking mechanism on its wakeboard racks.

Wake shaper: The standard TAPS² system worked well in the Tigé RZ4 and gave us a good variety of wake shapes to try out. Our riders preferred the slightly mellow wake shape on a 3 setting. When we set it to 5 we found it almost too peaky, but if you love the air, then check it out.

Highlight feature: Maybe it’s the larger size of this new boat combined with the ConvexV hull, but the Tigé RZ4 puts out one of the best wakes we’ve ever seen strictly from factory ballast. You can add in more weight beyond the factory’s 900 pounds, but you honestly might not feel the need.

The wake: This was the wakeboarder favorite of the Tigé offerings, largely because the Tigé RZ4 flat out gave us the biggest wakes in the lineup. Setting the TAPS² to 3 will give you a good meaty wake to tackle, while cranking it up to 5 will appeal to those riders looking for a more defined peak.