Replying to Topic 'SSV vs. Launch SS'
I have had both a direct drive and a v-drive. If you want a great wakeboarding wake and you want a lot of room in the boat for family, the v-drive will suit you best. Also if you are ever going to be in rough water, the v-drive will handle it better. The slalom ski wake is a little bit bigger on the v-drive, but it is still pretty smooth from what my slalom ski buddies tell me.
The direct drive is not as fun in real rough water. Another issue I had with the direct drive is how loud the engine in the middle is. It is difficult to hear the people in the back from the front while driving. The direct drive can still make an excellent wake, but it seems to need more weight to make that great wake. And on the flip side, the direct drive will give you a better slalom ski wake than the v-drive.
Unless you are hard-core slalom skiers, I would recommend the SSV.
Good luck,
Bryon
2004 Launch SSV Gravity Games