A More Affordable Bass Boat AND It's Faster: The New VLX20 Bass Boat from iKon

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Kurt Mazurek | Last updated Aug 9, 2024 2:52 PM ET

Bass anglers have a new choice in high-end, fiberglass, bass boats—iKon Boats of Madisonville, TN. My first impression of all the iKon Boats, including this new VLX Model, is that they really stand out in the looks department. There is something about their styling that makes them look fast, even sitting still in the showroom. In my head, I keep thinking of iKon as the Corvette of bass boats. When seen from above, their boat’s overall shape includes a little dip in the middle, and big, strong haunches, like a thoroughbred race horse. But more than adding to the looks, this design yields more fishing real estate than any other product in its class.

Why Introduce the VLX Line?

While the price of everything increasing over time is an unavoidable fact of life (a fishing reel costs more now than when I was a kid, which was more than when my dad was a kid, etc.), some bass boats have reached a point that puts them out of reach for many anglers. That said, a modern bass boat is an amazingly advanced piece of fishing equipment. Its price is going to reflect that. But at a certain point it gets really difficult to justify that “investment” for what is a hobby to most.

From the beginning, iKon set out to build a premium, best-of-the-best product, so the prices of the LX line reflect that. But they also wanted to do everything possible to put an affordable new bass boat within reach of as many anglers as possible. Introducing the VLX line—the VLX21 which was introduced at the 2024 Bassmaster Classic, and now the VLX20. Will the VLX20 be the best bass boat for 2025?

What's Different About the VLX?

But the VLX line isn’t just a stripped down version of the LX series. According to Product Marketing Manager, Chuck Pippin, “The two big points to note about the VLX series is it’s less expensive and it’s faster.”

I assumed they had found ways to keep costs down and build a more affordable bass boat, but I wasn’t expecting to hear that it’s actually faster than the original, premium, LX line. I asked Pippin how that was possible.

“We didn’t want to just make a few cosmetic changes and call it a new boat. This is actually a newly designed hull. That, plus the fact that it is truly a 20’ boat, while the LX 20 is technically 20’10”. The LX boats are definitely fast, but the VLX is several miles per hour faster. We know for some guys that’s going to be a big deal.”

And while iKon’s aim was to make this boat less expensive, they also wanted to maintain the new series as a fully capable fishing machine. It still includes tons of trademark iKon features like their Clean Power, dedicated, 25 amp, switchable, 4 port, wiring harness allowing perfect rigging of a wide range of electronics setups without having to rewire everything. Plus, you’ll get their advanced, automated, L2 Livewell with one touch activation and optional Fish IV system. And, there are still lots of nice little luxuries like compartment lighting, USB chargers and padded carpeting on the bow deck.

Is It An Affordable Bass Boat?

In a world where bass boat prices are pretty easily breaking the 6-figure mark, where does this VLX series land? Marketing-wise, iKon is using the phrase “Under $100K All Day”. Base price for the iKon VLX20 is $71,050.

How Much Does It Cost, Really?

In order to drive away with a fish-able boat, you’ll need to spec out things like a trolling motor, poles, electronics, battery preferences, etc. I decided to use the Boat Builder feature on iKon’s website to see where the price tag might land for me. My objective was to end up with something awesome and completely fishing-ready, but not just load it up with every option available.

I love a dark boat with a bright, pop of blue. While I was able to get something I like very much, I found that one way iKon is keeping the cost down on the VLX line is by limiting the color options. It seems like a fair trade.

I stuck with the 250 Merc, but they do have the 225 option in case you’d like to save a thousand bucks. I didn’t upgrade to the hydraulic jack plate, but added a hotfoot and blinker switch engine trim.

I opted for the Humminbird Helix package with MEGA 360, and an Ultra Quest 115 trolling motor. And, I added 8-foot PowerPole Blades with the advanced foot switch.

I stayed with the standard, dual-axle trailer offering. Yes, it only has 14” wheels (gasp!), but it really doesn’t change my fishing experience much for the $2500 additional cost. Although I must admit, the access steps on the front of the upgraded trailer would be nice.

Otherwise, I added only a small handful of upgrades that previous boat ownership has taught me are almost necessary—livewell pump out, keel guard and towing cover.

And in the end, my iKon VLX20 not only ended up under $100K, but it even landed just shy of $90K, at a total of $89,675.00 USD. Yes, I realize that’s still a huge pile of money. And yes, I realize there are less expensive brands available. But in the world of premium-level bass boats, that’s a pretty competitive price for what you’ll get.

Should You Buy a VLX20?

Again, this is a level of financial commitment that isn’t to be taken lightly. I understand that the term “affordable bass boat” is different for everybody. But if it’s for you, it looks like you’d get an unmatched amount of quality, performance and fishability at this price range.

Contact iKon to get yours pre-ordered now. The VLX20 should be arriving in an iKon boat dealer near you in time for your summer of 2025 fishing season.

Ikon VLX20 Specs

Overall Length: 22’ 10”Hull Length: 20’Beam: 98”Fuel Capacity: 50 GallonsLivewell Capacity: 33 GallonsRod Box Length: 8’ 6”Hull: Victory HSS HullMax Engine: 250 hpApp. Tongue Weight: 500lbsDraft: 18” (Hull at Full Load Engine Trimmed Up)

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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