At first glance you might think this is a new model Malibu is developing for 2009 or beyond, but you’d be wrong. it’s actually Tigé’s 2009 24Vé, featuring a new tower design that some might say is a dead ringer for Malibu’s Illusion X wakeboard tower. Everything, right down to the accessories, apes the tower Malibu first offered in 2004.
Sure, Malibu has introduced their new Illusion XS wakeboard tower, which will be available on all of their models for 2009, but we doubt they’re too excited about Tigé’s new tower design. The forward sweeping look has been a Malibu trademark up until now, so they definitely won’t be too excited about sharing that look on the water.
More than that, we’re just disappointed to see the lack of creativity and ingenuity on Tigé’s part. They’ve been struggling to corporate identity when it comes to tower design, introducing a new look seemingly every year. Rather than come up with something that is both functional and attractive on their own, they decided to take the easy way out.
As they say though, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, which means Malibu should probably be feeling pretty good right now. Something tells me they’re experiencing another emotion right now.
Check out this comparison of Tigé’s new wakeboard tower next to Malibu’s Illusion X. What do you think of their new tower and the fact that it’s a blatant copy of Malibu’s signature wakeboard tower?
June 26th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
At first I think you are right about your comparison of the two towers, however I have see the new tie tower without the bimini and then it does not look so much like the illusion… also I heard the new illusion tower form Maluibu is now made in china like Monster tower, I guess made in USA was not their focus any more…
June 26th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
I agree, with the bimini on they look very similar, with the bimini off there are more differences. Still though, they definitely share more in common than they do differences.
Where did you hear the IX is made in China?
June 27th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
I heard from a dealer that Bob Metcalf from Metcraft towers won’t be building the Ilusion tower any more. That malibu is taking it oversees. I don’t blame Bob for taking a different design to Tige then. The Ilusion was his thing, if Malibu is gonna leave I respect tige for staying true to the USA
June 30th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I’ve heard a similar story with some slight variations. I guess we’ll probably never know what the truth is, I’m sure it lies somewhere in the middle.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:14 pm
After seeing the tower and trying to shake it I don’t think of it as a copy of the Illusion but an improvement to the illusion. This tower is counterweighted to fold down easily, and it is set up for Wet Sounds a huge improvement over Malibu’s stereo. This thing is solid and loaded with features. Yes it is reminiscent of Malibu but I like it better.
July 2nd, 2008 at 5:57 pm
No doubt it’s an improvement, but the fact that it’s made by the same company and looks almost identical is what seems unoriginal about it.
I guess there’s not much difference between that and all of the tube towers out there though.
July 13th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Metcraft designed both towers and sold the original to malibu, who then turned down the design for this tower. Metcraft then offered it to Tigé, and the rest is history. Malibu cant take credit for the tower, so all these comments about “this company copying that company” is bullshit.
July 13th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Just because Metcraft designed it, Tige didn’t have to use the design, they have control over the look of their products.
July 16th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
I don’t see any big improvements on that tower. We have an 08 Malibu and is it counter weighted for easy fold down and is installed with WetSounds from our dealer. That being said speakers are not an improvement on a tower because they are an accessory that is easily changed. I really see no difference at all though I have just seen pictures and haven’t seen it in person.
July 16th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Check out this post Josh: http://www.wakeorigin.com/general/2009-tige-boats-offer-numerous-updates-and-improvements/
It’s got a little more detail about what is different on the Alpha Z tower versus the Illusion towers that Malibu offers.