Looking to purchase a new (or used) boat within the next month and on a budget. I am leaning towards a new left over 2018 Pantera Classic or a 2019 Vexus AVX 1980. I understand there are difference, being one is glass and the other is aluminum. I am really hoping to find some folks that have actual seat time in both, looking for ride, hole shot, storage and fit and finish. Also interested to know how they fish and how stable they are. I appreciate any and all help in advance.

Thank You!

Brian

there is no comparison between glass boats an aluminum. glass boats handle better running an with the trolling motor.

I understand, but trying to get reviews of each. Not trying to compare the two at this point. They are both fairly new models and I have not been able to or ride in yet.

I fished out of a Vexus 1980 with 150 4 stroke Mercury last weekend. It rode really well in 15mph NW wind on Lake Palestine, topping out in the low 60�s. Hole shot is incredible. With the TM down it tracked like a glass boat and didn�t drift. It�s really quiet compared to other aluminum boats I have been in. I wouldn�t shy away from the Vexus if it�s on your short list. After spending a day in one, I will say that the hype videos are true. Vexus has significantly closed the gap between glass and aluminum. For the record I�m a happy Phoenix owner and I would suggest adding a 618 Pro with a 175 to your list.

I don't know anything about the Vexus but I know a good deal about the Classic. The Classic is a "hot rod" 19 footer. It's very light, very responsive, very fast out of the hole, and one of the fastest "cookie cutter" 19 foot boats made (low to mid-70's should be expected out of the box). It's really fun to drive and it can get into pretty shallow stuff without getting stuck. However, it is a rough ride in big waves. I have a lot of seat time driving a Classic, I know how to drive in big waves, and it's just plain rough. With diligent throttle and trim control you can keep the nose up pretty easily to keep from spearing, but it slaps pretty hard. Despite the narrow front deck it's a plenty stable platform; not as stable as a heavier Skeeter or Ranger in the same length class but plenty acceptable. Construction quality is going to be near the best as is the case with other models of BassCats. Excellent trailer quality on all BassCat models. It's considered a budget model so you may need to upgrade accessories to your liking (i.e. stronger trolling motor, larger sonar units, etc). I love the "sporty" driving characteristics of the Classic but it definitely doesn't excel in big waves, though few 19 footers truly excel at that if we're being honest.

Appreciate the feedback!

ETXsabre how would you say the vexus rides compared to your 618PRO?

Thank You!

I can�t see how the Vexus would ride good in rough water with the lack of a pronounced V hull. But when I asked a BCB dealer about a Pantera Classic, he said they rode like hell when driving slow. You had to get the boat moving to really break the waves.

Have you looked at a BassCat, the layout isn�t for everyone. I thought I�d like it, but after looking it over really well I didn�t. Phoenix has a pretty nice layout, not sure where they are priced at VS. BassCat.

I can't see how this is even a comparison. If you're going to pick your days fishing then nothing wrong with a tin boat. If you plan on hitting a trail or even going out on off days come hell or high water then glass all the way.

I think you are refering to the old classic right?

No...He's definitely talking about a new one. I test drove a 2019 Panterra Classic this year at Stillhollow in a 15mph or so wind and 2-3 1/2 foot swells. Not good. My tourney partner has been driving an original 1996 Pantera since new and I've been riding in it since day one. I may need a kidney transplant!!

I thought that was the one with the champion bottom

Yessir this is an odd post, do you want a sports car or a sedan?

They didn't mass product that one, it was just a one off. Not sure if they ever decided if they would start offering those to be ordered.

I have pantera 2 and I love it. Don't know the difference between it and a Classic but to me its very smooth for a 19 foot boat. Personally I would never own a aluminum in Texas the waves get too big. IMO

Ranger it doesn�t ride quite as good as my Phoenix, but, it isn�t too far behind. It definitely rode better than my 2011 Sabre FTD. My buddy drives his boats like he stole them no matter if it�s glass calm or 3 footers. That�s what impressed me so much was how well it rode across pretty good rollers. I also stayed dry. You know how rough Palestine can get in a NW wind. The Vexus actually does have a stepped V pad hull more similar to a glass boat. A couple of the statements on this thread are misinformed. Bass Cat builds solid boats. The Pantera Classic is more of a base model. You may want to compare bells and whistles on the two to help guide your decision. Nichols Marine in Longview has a couple Vexus models to look at. You may also want to check the Vexus board on Bass Boat Central.

I've had a 2019 classic with 200 Mercury 4 stoke for about a month. Very impressed with the attention to detail in a budget boat. I will second that it's rough as hell in big waves. I have not had great weather since I've owned it but have broken 70; starts to walk at that speed. Still learning how to drive it after coming out of an 18' Ranger. Don't have to trim very much at all to lift hull; dealer told me it would take time to get used to it after driving another brand. I hate to admit it but the 18' boat actually handled rough water about the same.