Looking for pro's and cons of each. I've got a buddy that currently has trip 2.5's and is thinking of switching to the XS's. Is it a mistake or what??? He's obviously read all the literature out there but is mainly concerned with the 2.5's not being reliable, is that a valid concern?

TIA

I own both. I have trip 300xs's on the cc and trip 2.5's on the cat... Two completely different animals... What boat are they going on and how is that boat going to be used?

As to your last question the 2.5 is extremely reliable. In 3 years of abuse, I have only blown one powerhead. My only complaint on the 2.5 is the dam gear case housing. I have to replace them every 12 to 18 months due to cracking them under the ventilation plate. It is really annoying. I guess you got to pay to play.

The motors are on or going on a 32 Skater. The issue is the 2.5's will need to be gone through for the season and the 300's would be just about new. He knows the boat might not hit the 100 mph mark with the 300's but we feel like they'd be more reliable... BTW it would be trip 2.5's or twin 300's for this year then maybe add the third 300 next...

Thanks for the feedback.

I think this is a great question. Where are the answer(s)? Who has been there and done that?

Do you have the vent kits for the lowers? If not I would look into it.

The 32 needs the torque of the 300's.. I would go for x motors over the xs.. nothing wrong with the 2.5's , they are great motors , but the 32 would need 3 to run the way it is meant to.

I agree with vent kits on the 300X or XS w/ SportMaster lowers. I installed a pair on my 300X's, no more problems. "HIGH LIFE"

a 32 with trip 2.5s is freakin awesome.....a 32 with 2 2.5s sucks lol. If your going tripples, do the 2.5s the balance and acceloration is second to none. If your going twins do the 300s.

I have probably had 60-70 300xs motors and about 39 300x motors. The XS motors pull harder in the midrange, use half the gas, and seem to have the same topend as the 300X's.

A 32' Skater will kill the 2.5's.. They are great on smaller lighter boats but the heavier boats are their demise. Go with XS motors, save fuel and you won't miss the time clock ticking for when they are going to blow.