I know I'm asking for it by even starting this but here goes. I have a Ranger now and looking to upgrade into a newer one (2012-2014 model) but just can't get over the prices I'm seeing for this model yr Rangers. I've always owned Ranger and have zero complaints/issues, except the price!

Nitro Z-8 or Z-9 look good but does anyone have any experience with them (pro/cons) and the price for a 12-14 yr model is so much less. Do they hold up (carpet/seat/boxes,etc..)

U can ask, but the best thing u can do is go look. Pro staff boats are out there, I keep mine for 2 years before I sell. Go look at several used boats. I can give you my experience's with them, but alas your the one who gets to make the decision. And ur opinion is different then mine. There are pros and cons on both these boats.

On one of my Z9s, Had one person tell me my boat was severely abused, and the next guy show up and say its in excellent condition and buys it for full asking price.

My 2014 Z9 boat will be going up for sale in a few months, It will be sold at a good price, and it will be in very good condition.

I had a 2008 Nitro Z7 and for what its worth, the quality difference in my 2008 and where they are today is night and day. They stepped it up a bit.

good morning,

take a look at charger............i love mine...........

good luck,
PURA VIDA,
bluebonnet2

I had a Ranger 521ZX for several years and loved it. Bought a 2011 Z9 2 years ago and I would take my Z9 any day over the Ranger. I have had zero problems with quality of the boat. Carpet is still like new. I have 2 10' PP and storage boxes are completely full of rods and tackle. I have a lot of weight in the boat. Not the fastest boat out there but it is plenty fast enough. Boat fishes great and has plenty room on front deck for 2 people. I just looked at the new Z21 at the Classic. A few improvements but doesn't look like anything that would make it faster or better ride. More room at the consoles, seats look and feel like leather and have shocks under them. More cup holders and misc storage items. Actually looked at KVDs new Z21 that was on the floor of the expo. I think I might upgrade to the 300 with the Z21. Its only another 4 grand. I thought I was buying my last boat with the Z9 but if I come into a little extra cash I will definitely buy a new Z21 or lightly used one. I don't think I would even look at another brand knowing what I know now about Nitro boats. I got a 10yr hull warranty transferred from the original owner also. I think its lifetime to original owner.

The quality of the Nitro trailers are lacking; no comparison in my opinion. Resell can be a factor. Anyone will agree that boat manufactures are borderline pricing themselves out of the market. I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase a new Ranger in 2011. However, if I was upgrading, I honestly don't think I would ever purchase new again. If you take your time and do your homework, there are some excellent buys out there. I certainly considered Nitro before I bought but I determined Ranger was a better fit for me. And I don't fault anyone for their choice. Every boat has an amenity that another does not have, so you should evaluate the items that are a better fit for you and your budget.

You cant compare a Nitro to A Ranger . Earth vs Mars

You are wrong! You can these days and people do!

Yea right

I hear it alot more.... Why pay more? I applaud Nitro for being more sensible on their prices. No way I could buy a current year model Ranger.

+1

Bass Pro owns both Ranger and Nitro.

For what you pay I think Nitro has just about everything Ranger has. They are great boats today. I had an 01 Nitro before my new 2014 Nitro and the quality of the new one is not even in the same ball park as the older one. No problems with the trailer so far but it's out of anything else definently not fancy, but seems to be good quality. My favorite thing about my new Z-6 is that I feel like you could land a plane on the front deck. If I feel that way in the Z-6, when I walk on the front deck of the Z-9...

I'm just glad to see that improvements have been made. We bought ours from BPS Garland. Really good professional people there. You really need to do research on your dealer on Nitro's or Ranger for that matter. Some bass pro's are terrible.

If you buy a Nitro you also get a 10% discount off of anything bought in BPS. So I guess you could say I'm on their "pro-staff"

I've owned several NEW Rangers and Skeeters along with several used boats like Champion, Nitro, Skeeter, Ranger, etc. There were things I personally didn't like on each rig and things I did like over the others. With that being said, a person "needs to compare" when looking at new or used boats. The Nitro bashers will tell the uninformed angler that you "can't compare X boat with Y boat". My advice is to always compare in a free market system to see what you are getting for your money. The "best" boat is an over used term I feel. The average person can't verify which boat is the "best" boat in true terms. What is best for the buyer involves many factors such as the looks, layout, local dealer, etc. Ranger has always had a good reputation and I've always liked them but when I decided to buy my retirement boat, I compared and chose a Nitro for ME....doesn't mean I think Nitro is a "better" boat, just fits my budget and will work for what I do. Not everyone buys a NEW BMW or Mercedes....they may buy a new Toyota, Chevy, or Ford. It fits their budget and style....but we shouldn't bash the lower priced vehicles.