Both the Malibu 21 vRIDE 2012 and the Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Malibu 21 vRIDE 2012 at 21,5 ft versus Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 at 20,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu 21 vRIDE 2012 tips the scales at 3 500 lbs - 200 lbs more than the Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 at 3 300 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 tops out at 410 hp. Engine specs for the Malibu 21 vRIDE 2012 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 48 gal and 48 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Malibu 21 vRIDE 2012 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu 21 vRIDE 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu 21 vRIDE 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 13 passengers and at 21,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.