Watch This Before You Buy a Bass Boat - Great Bass Boat Search - Phoenix 921 ProXP Pt 1 - Video 12

Reviewing the Phoenix 921 ProXP bass boat, this is Video 12 in the "Before you buy a bass boat watch this" or The 2020-21 Bass Boat Search series of videos (see playlist on my channel) where I walk you through me spending the day in a bunch of different boat brands and models through the fall of 2020 looking for my next boat. If you didn't see the first 11 videos you can go back and watch them first, (reviewed Bass Cat Puma Hybrid the boat with the Champion 203 style hull, a Charger 210 Elite, a Ranger 521C & 520L and a Caymas CX21 and a Bullet 21 SDC).
In this video I will score the boat 1-20 in 5 different categories, Fishability, Performance, Amenities, Fit & Finish and then a 5th catch all that includes feedback from friends that own them, trailer, options, feedback from fiberglass shops in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas asking them what they see as the best 3 boats, based upon construction, currently being built (since they see how we beat them up). And then we ask them which they see the most non-impact damage to the hulls with (least well built). Then for tournament anglers we include a 6th 20 point category looking to see who has the best contingency prize package available. Next up is a Phoenix!
#Phoenix921proxp #beforeyoubuyabassboatwatchthis #greatbassboatsearch2020
My Instagram page / kensmithfishing2.0
Links from today's videos
TH Marine Troll Tamer Locking System bit.ly/3c2i6MC
Plano Sportsman Trunk amzn.to/3hEXrPQ
Tackleweb Storage System bit.ly/33LN480
Weego 2500 Peak Amps Jump Box amzn.to/3hxYp08
Tournament Saver Pro bit.ly/33uu2CU
Waterland Optics (remember code Ken10 gets you a 10% discount) bit.ly/2AqabKo
All 6th Sense Fishing Product at www.6thsensefishing.com are 10% off with code Ken10
For electronics help reach out to Jones Trolling Motor & Electronics at 870 773 3474 or bit.ly/3gCyuog and please let them know you found them through Ken Smith Fishing
In addition to this boat i plan to spend the day in a more traditional Bass Cat go fast boat, a Nitro, couple Skeeters, Triton, Falcon, several Phoenix models, a Vexus (if we can find one) a Blazer, a Ballistic, Pro Gator and anything else that my viewers suggest that I can find to try.
See also Shopping for a New Bass boat, Bass boat shopping, Shopping for a new bass boat 2020, which bass boat is right for me, what to know before you buy a bass boat, thinking about buying a new bass boat, buying your first bass boat, buying a new bass boat, best bass boat for the money, what to look for in a bass boat, bass boat walk through, what to look for in a new bass boat, bass boat comparisons, bass boat champion, Ranger walk through, buying a new bass boat tips and tricks, consumer digest bass boat, best value bass boat, best bass boat 2020, best bass boat 2021, top 5 bass boats.
My camera gear
My camera, mount and wind mic for dash footage:
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Rode External Microphone amzn.to/33h8zgK
Waybetter Case amzn.to/2Ziy6VB
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GoPro Gooseneck amzn.to/3jWlQlm
GoPro 3.5 Mic Adapter amzn.to/3idp6bI
Remote power for camera, phone charge or to jump the boat Weego! amzn.to/3ihrCO4
For Transom Mount shots
YOLOtek PowerStick bit.ly/3be8E7K
GoPro Hero 8 Black bit.ly/2uiRPYR .
Guys from lots of trial and error, across my 5 cameras the best disk (and recommended by GoPro for the 7 and 8 series) is the Extreme Pro, buy a 64 or 128 gb here amzn.to/3ieXsuZ cheap!
Many of you have expressed an interest in supporting Ken Smith Fishing, when you purchase from my partners 6th Sense Fishing using my discount code Ken10, or Tackle Warehouse using one of the links below you are 100% supporting Ken Smith Fishing and your patronage is very much appreciated.
6th Sense Fishing Products 6thsensefishin... 10% discount code KEN10
If you’re just going shopping at Tackle Warehouse using this link supports Ken Smith Fishing more than you can know bit.ly/2S4dFY6
For some of the same gear I use at a discount check out these sites and discount codes:
The best rods and reels in the marketplace today Lew’s Rods bit.ly/37HLJQf
Lew’s Reels bit.ly/36FJpb2
Best Fluorocarbon and Braided line available at bit.ly/38QpBDm
Gary Yamamoto Custom baits bit.ly/36Ixl98
The BEAST the new Mercury V8 4 Stroke 250 Pro XS bit.ly/2tvlhdR
Still looking for Bigfoot, dude hollar at me at my email address is [e-mail]
Make sure and check out my website as well, www.KenSmithFishing.com
Mercury Fury 3 blade 24 pitch…fastest on my boat amzn.to/3bEVrp9
Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links I’ll receive a small commission.

[@basseditorfishing]

I did much the same thing as you. I drove all the major boat brands before I chose my boat. It took two years. I ended up with a Phoenix 721, which is now 11 years old and I still love it. I documented on my blog that I started just to keep track of my notes.

[@ronwallace7563]

I do like that little extra box beside the co-angler seat, especially nice if you are only running a single console. Thanks for posting!

[@sammorrison965]

The switches are lit at night, there is a small lamp just in front of the gear selector lever. It works great. It glows red on my 17 921.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Sam talking to Phoenix and they say there is no lamp there, can you email me a pic [e-mail]

[@sammorrison965]

@@KenSmithFishing will do when I get home tonight, my 2011 618 pro also had it. A little bulb in front of the gear selector. Can’t wait for your score. You need to run this boat with a 25p 3 blade, talk about lift. Mine has a SHO and Atlas, moves extremely well for a big boat.

[@daniellaurent2662]

Hey Kent the console layout is an option. You can either get the console to flush mount one unit or can get the double graph mount console like your Budy has there. And also the trim tab and light switch at the bow can be moved to the left side. 4 screws hold those little plates. No extra wireing or anything. Just need to move the bow shroud to get in the hull of the bow to move it over. Pretty simple and easy

[@KenSmithFishing]

Daniel thanks, I actually talked to Phoenix folks today about same as I'm working on part 2

[@cmichler31]

We did our own little search last year. We ended up in a Phoenix. Loving every minute in our bird. Love the series! Good luck with the search!

[@lenclark6099]

Love the audio change KEN, so much better!!!!! Really like this boat, waiting to see the measurements and the other PHOENIX that you are going to check out to compare. You are doing great with this series, THANKS a million!!!

[@user-og7il2wf3w]

great job Ken, mic works great. note pad might help as you go through these boats. love your effort in this adventure Ken.

[@glenncivale6824]

Always loved everything about the Phoenix but with the dropped front deck I'd never even consider owning this boat. IMO

[@thechestnutking736]

That’s a good looking boat. Hole shot looked great. I really loved the layout of that boat, probably my favorite to date of the videos you have done. I hear the 919 with a 225 is just as fast as the other big boats. Another good video Ken. Can’t wait till Thursday.

[@toddspindler6059]

My 920 Pro xp is noticeably faster and handles naturally better than the 921.... Same exact layout but only 20’4” I think.. Maybe 20’6”.... I’ve run Rangers for years 518s and 519s... These Phoenix boats are absolutely hands down the nice’s built, best riding boat on the market..... You pass every boat in the field with the exception of the bullets and those style boats which make up about 3% of everybody out there... Giant separate live wells that my unit tells me the temperature of along with my cooler.... I run four 31 series lead batteries and the same rig with lithium’s is only 1.5 mph faster

[@thechestnutking736]

Todd Spindler I believe this boat is the best one I’ve liked so far out of the series. I know Phoenix can approve on a few things as well as the other boat manufacturers can to. I priced a Standard Bass Cat Caracal with a 225 and it was $70k and priced a standard Phoenix 919 pro with a 225 and it was $55k. I can’t see a $15k price difference no matter what the Bass Cat guys say is a lot better quality on those boats.

[@timroyall6513]

As usual great video. Can't wait until the next one. Thanks Ken Smith fishing!

[@stevetoms6978]

The new mic sounds so much better, less wind noise and can hear you better. Bring on the fall fishing tips.

[@larryshaw8677]

Ken , I have owned this boat in a 2019 model for a month now. I had a 2017 521C previous. The red light for the driver switches is near the gear shift and does a great job at lighting in the darkness for the switches . The dash model is a option and I have the dual dash setup like dickie’s. Once again I’m really enjoying the video series , definitely await the results on this one .

[@KenSmithFishing]

Larry I just got off the phone with Phoenix dealer, they aren't confirming a red light shining on the dash control panel, can you email me a pic to see what you are talking about at [e-mail] ?

[@solidrockoutdoors]

Phoenix and Skeeter are the best boats on the Market right now. I’d also through Falcon in there. Edit one. Audio is awesome

[@k.b.2262]

Has a layout very similar to an old 201 Stratos. Little wider up front but very stratos-ish. Lol

[@vhf2582]

The Great Bass Boat Search 2020 21. I like that.

[@andrewmcclusky3525]

Nice video Ken. Thanks for taking the time to review the 920 Elite at Caney the other morning. If you have some more questions just reach out, I've been in 7 phoenix's so pretty familiar with the performance and fishability.

[@KenSmithFishing]

thanks Andrew, I didn't realize until I got back here that boat is 20 and change not 21, but still helpful!

[@andrewmcclusky3525]

@@KenSmithFishing Yes sir. To touch on the drive difference between the ProXp and Elite models. This is my 1st Elite model and coming from 3 ProXPs, there is a difference in driving them. IMHO, ProXP drives/rides a tad better. One thing also on 2021 models. They did away with the passenger rod tubes in the rod box. It is an open space that is carpeted out. Phoenix stated feedback from anglers placing, push poles, paddles, etc in there determined the decision. I believe you can still get it added as an option though.

[@barrycelestine7809]

Nice hat!

[@KenSmithFishing]

thanks!

[@skippeel4219]

The hand held mic is a nice addition. Thanks.

[@micahphillips1123]

Fort Gibson is my home lake and it is definitely a prop killer

[@KenSmithFishing]

I actually tore a prop and my boat up there in that submerged rock wall

[@captainchaos4082]

My 2007 Triton 20X2 had lighted livewells & 2 trays in battery area... Getting ready to buy this exact model Phoenix..

[@Techangler65]

Cant wait to see the score

[@tanneroakes9336]

Should definitely look into the 21 PHX and 921 elite

[@KenSmithFishing]

Tanner why would I look at the elite, other than cosmetics its the same boat, right?

[@tanneroakes9336]

The elite has the big middle box and day box just like the 21 PHX but has low gunnels for people who like to flip

[@Techangler65]

Wanting to see the skeeter fxr21

[@gwoodru]

I see Dicky learned how to strap his rods down.

[@gwoodru]

I was probably more surprised by Dicky's battery set up than anything. A mix of traditional continental flooded batteries and a trojan amg for cranking.

[@billroberts9385]

Handheld mic works well, my wife was yelling at me to turn it down and she’s the one with hearing aids.

[@KenSmithFishing]

good news....I mean on the mic's, not your wife yelling at you!

[@NytronX]

Audio is much better with the new mic, thanks! Only thing left to do is to normalize the levels in your editing software (use Audacity, its free). For example, compare the volume 1:46 to 27:03. Also, completely ignore the user named "Franklin Smith", he is a troll. It appears he deleted his own posts after attacking me, so at least he self admits he is a troll. BTW Franklin, I have Sony WF-1000XM3 headphones as well as Sony MDR-V6 (the absolute standard for recording and mixing), so it is _you_ that needs to upgrade.

[@LT1BURNOUT]

Been waiting for your vids on the phoenix....looking to replace my old champion with one!

[@MrsQueenBee5]

Like the microphone👍

[@brians.4488]

Would be nice to be able to shut the engine off at bow as soon as you tighten the winch instead of going back to console then back to bow to exit the boat.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Like a bow shut off switch... interesting

[@brians.4488]

@@KenSmithFishing I actually got the idea from the tactical bassin guys. The elected to find a good if not great 210 champion are re do all the electrical, engine, and controls. In that process Matt added a big motor cut off so he dosent make the round trip back to the console when trailering solo. Pretty freaken smart if you ask me!!!

[@HookEmUp2012]

Ken did your buddy Dickie mention if his compartments on his boat leak in the rain? My old Ranger never did and thats a high importance item for me for my next boat. Im hearing mixed reviews on if the compartments get water in them at all. Thanks

[@KenSmithFishing]

Aaron I’ve not heard that being a problem in the Phoenix boats, but agreed the box in front of my console in my boat tends to stay wet on my 521c

[@MxSteve133]

im not a fan of the phoenix plastic dash. 920xp will likely be my next boat. I will be building my own dash out of Aluminum for sure. i took the side panels of plastic out of my ranger bc they fade so fast.

[@mikethetoolman8776]

mic great -- my switches (stratos) look the same but are backlit? I use a bravo1 fs and it is a beast of a prop

[@bobbywalker4685]

Ken is this testing for you? Or just doing a overview on all boats. Witch boat out of the reviews would you pick as of now? Great videos real helpful.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Bobby I am shopping, I've really tried not to make any decisions yet as I haven't looked at all of them. IF I had to make a decision today it would be down to one of 4 I think, I love the speed and fishability of the Blazer, I love the look, ride and fishability of the Phoenix, the Vexus has some really cool features but I've not had it out on a rough day, so I'd want to get it out again and feel the ride in rough water and also I'd want to see that boat without the rails which you can order it that way now and I hear it looks better that way. But I wouldn't make a decision yet because I also want to see another Bass Cat or two. I like that boats story and feel like it's really well built, the Puma Hybrid is a specialty boat they build different than the rest of their "fleet", so I wouldn't do anything until i fish out of another boat or two in that fleet. Also really curious to drive a Nitro, I'm price sensitive like everybody else and I think it's a smidge lower than the rest, so I'd like to see what you get for the $$ there.... you know I'm also really curious about the Ballastic, I hear really good things about that boat, not excited about the lack of dealer availability, but I am curious to see that boat as everybody that has seen or ridden in them seems to love them...so I've got work to do still!

[@bobbywalker4685]

@@KenSmithFishing thanks for the reply I will definitely keep watching to see the rest of the reviews. I’m in a FX 21LE right now. Not sure if I want to move to the FXR or Phoenix. I like the handling and drive ability of a skeeter. Where you looses that in a Phoenix. But you gain some speed. Looks like everything else is close to the same.

[@tylerharty5537]

Need to look into a vexus vx21

[@daviddawson5136]

I'm sure they're well built but the styling reminds me of an older triton vs a $70+K 2020 rig.

[@rowdybroomstick1216]

Not to mention when Ken attempted to stand next to him to film the graph set up , looked extremely tight compared to the Skeeter ZXR 20.

[@crappieworldlivescanner1114]

The caymas is still the best yet nothing else even close yet

[@MxSteve133]

Audio is way better on the mic. just level out the audio balance when editing lol

[@KenSmithFishing]

Let me know how part 2 is?

[@cjr4497]

Ken, I would love to get your thoughts on a Bass Cat Lynx.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I think that's the other Cat I'm going to review, so stay tuned.

[@tomwalls4516]

In the video before you got in the boat you said that the 921ProXP and the 21PHX were 20'11'. They are both actually 21'6". the 721 ProXP is 20'11". Just fyi.

[@KenSmithFishing]

CRAP

[@NytronX]

I never understood why Phoenix has 8 barely different models. They should instead offer a model like the 21 PHX but with a top cap layout similar to a Lund Pro-V Bass XS (with larger cockpit with pedestal suspension seats and rear jump seats).

[@kwd1253]

Just different box layout every one likes different layouts

[@NytronX]

@@kwd1253 The top cap is *_slightly_* different between the PHX and the 900 series. I agree, more options the better. That's why I'm saying they should actually make something *_distinctly_* different, something with the top cap layout like a Lund Pro-V Bass XS where the cockpit is a bit bigger, has pedestal suspension seating, and has jump seats in the back. In reality, this layout is superior for 99% of people, the only time I wouldn't opt for that layout is if I was a professional tournament angler. In the north, I want the option of a usable cockpit in rough water.

[@louiswooley966]

Yes he was there to fish lol

[@fishingTG]

I felt like the audio was a little too loud and over powering

[@KenSmithFishing]

I turned it down or part 2, let me know if it’s better

[@bradwelch5346]

Will you continue to do the weekly reports? They help with my setx highschool tournaments. Im going next weekend and im lost on what patterns to attempt.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Yeah man I just am so pressed for time right now, will get one up next week!

[@bradwelch5346]

@@KenSmithFishing thank you Ken! No worries. I was just wondering. Keep it up. Love the videos.

[@williamsmith1774]

Do you have a list of boats you plan on looking at? When will you get to a Nitro?

[@rowdybroomstick1216]

😄😆🤣

[@bb9480]

Nitro!!! 😂🤣🤣

[@michaelkontes5081]

Ken, question for U, do the little boxes right after the front of the boat, in front of the seating area, dont' have latches? what R UR thoughts on that?

[@KenSmithFishing]

They don’t, only one I feel should is the ice chest

[@michaelkontes5081]

@@KenSmithFishing, I agree. Why leave that off, its a quick and easy fix. Hopefully they will correct that in the near future. Good job with this series, I think many people are being blessed by it.

[@danlaur7973]

lots of cheap plastic on the dash & bow

[@cjr4497]

The hideous dash shroud and bow panel kill an otherwise nice boat. Come on Phoenix, change that.

[@louiswooley966]

He couldn't stop fishing

[@KenSmithFishing]

Louis....you noticed Newberry more worried about fishing than talking to me???

[@louiswooley966]

I have a friend that moon pie knows with a 2020 21 ft sheeter, it's been in the shop alot,

[@rowdybroomstick1216]

Supposedly Camus is Earl bentz last remaining effort and legacy to leave the bass boat industry with, sorry not impressed in the slightest because of the plastic dash! Best dash in the industry was the legend boat it's all fiberglass and matched gel coat and beautiful and very strong! I've seen Earl's boat's look like crap in only a couple of year's just from being fished out of . Even when stored in a garage those dashes on tritons look like crap in no time!

[@Hanak1579]

Ken, what did your rate the Phoenix?

[@KenSmithFishing]

It’s end of video 2

[@mikethetoolman8776]

what is the newest video? seem like nothing new last few weeks? this is your second job now, keep them coming!!! lol!!!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Your killin me smalls

[@samueldarroch7158]

Try the 921 elite

[@KenSmithFishing]

same boat?