I have owned both boats and put them through the ringer . Here's my take
As far as wakeboarding the biginner , intermediate and advanced wakes are all almost identical in shape and transition except for the Cyclone having a bit peakier lip. The Cyclone surfs noticeably better . It has more push and a much longer pocket. It also handles chop and rough water like a knife through butter. The ride is amazingly smooth for an inboard. The cockpit is much more roomy and the storage is little bit more . The Cyclone also has a great slalom wake and a surprisingly flat barefoot table for a v drive. The Cyclone needs the optional Hydraulic Bennett trim tab , if it doesn't have it forget the boat. It's mandatory for sure.
The XStar is a proven wakeboard machine . The difference is the Cyclone maxes out on wake at a point. The XStar just keeps taking weight and really gets to that pro caliber specimen everyone is in search of. That will come at a cost though. You will loose the bow area or the entire walkway dies to needing sacs to get there. If you comparing wakes at the intermediate - advanced level all the weight can be hidden in the Cyclone because it requires a little less weight. The XStar still needs a sac in the bow in the open. The vinyl and finished product attention to detail wise is a step up in the Xstar for sure. XStar surfs ok. The pocket is short . Skis very well
All in all it depends on your priority. If you're looking for a pure wakeboarding machine there is no doubt the XStar is that boat. It your looking for a cruising boat , with a bit more roomier cockpit that wakeboards well with a decent intermediate- advanced wake the Cyclone is it. It really boils down to what you're looking for. People will flame for this comment but I have been to both factories and watched each build boats during this era. The reverse shoebox construction , ICS beams , and smooth gelcoat lines are right ion par with anything from MC. The difference comes in the accessories. The vinyl is better , the stereo stuff is better, , the tower and chrome racks were much more detailed on the MC. That's where the difference comes in. Both boats have taken their hits price wise . The MC has a much wider sales base, but if you're on the west coast, centurions have a huge following are never a problem to move
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