Just read on a couple different forums that stratos officially canceled the elite line for 2014 production.

If you think there isn't something against Champion by anyone associated with Platinum Equity then you are mistaken. Randy Hopper was with Ranger before the buyout and is still there and he hates Champion and the market share it took from Ranger. Why do you think they just took the Champion boats and slapped Stratos stickers on them? It was done as a slap in the face to loyal Champion customers. They aren't pushing the boats at all and are just waiting on sales to fall enough they can justify killing them off. They already killed the name and won't sell it to anyone. How many ads do you see on TV or magazines about the new Rangers and how many have you seen on the Stratos Elites (Champions)? If they were really just wanting to sell boats they would be pushing them all and would have left the name Champion on the boat.

Just read on a couple different forums that stratos officially canceled the elite line for 2014 production.

Hammerhand, I'm not sure about buying a Elite Stratos cheaper than the original Champion. I bought a 08 210 Elite for 50 grand. Priced a new Stratos 210 Elite last week in Longview and rigged out the same it was 65 grand. There are things I like better on the Stratos 210's. I know the trailors are much better. Trailors are now made in Flippin and they are armor coated. They moved rod holders back which keep your reels out of your trolling motor when it is pulled up. Have been told that they are putting more foam in them. Also they changed their switches from push button to toggle style similar to what Ranger uses. Some Champion owners have had issues with the push button switches. I have not had issues yet. I would like to change my switches to the toggle style but not sure if I can or how much that would cost. I am on my 5th Champion boat and I love their ride. A dry and safe ride is whats important to me. Don't like getting wet. Once I get to a spot safely there are things I like about a Ranger better. Love Rangers fishability. All their bells and whistles. Love the way Rangers don't blow around in the wind when you get off the trolling motor. They seem to sit down in the water better. If speed was the most important to me I would look at Triton. I think they are awesome also. So I guess it depends whats important to you. I have always liked the looks of a Champion, but thats just me. I guess if someone made a boat that had the fishability of a Ranger, the ride of a Champion, and the speed of a Triton, I would buy it! However, it might be pretty expensive!

Might be the demise of Stratos.

Might be the demise of Stratos.

I kind of think the same. Triton will be next, mark my words! They are going to quit making tritons aluminum line to help the new ranger line and then I bet they phase them out just like stratos. I believe they figure the people they lose to other brands, they make up in profit for those way overpriced rangers plus some.

Don't know about the cheapening of anything! I had a 2005 Champion and just bought a stratos 202 elite. I have never been happier with a boat. Nothing cheapened in the boat compared to my champ at all. The only thing I don't care for is the stickers on the side. It still says champion on the console.

I hope they don't cancel the line.

It's not about the name anyway it is about the boat. It is a champion in every way except the stickers.