There is no doubt, the E21 is a better "ski" boat! The engine is placed midship and this makes the balance perfect for skiing. The ski pylon is also placed midship, forward of the engine. When you drive the E21 there is virtually no Bow Rise to contend with. It handles like it is on rails, and it is alot easier to maneuver. Yes it is smaller, and yes, it is a closed bow. I got the S22 purely for that the fact that I have 3 kids, the giant water tube, and my wife brings everything! The V-Drive setup with the engine in the back is set up more for a one suit fits all! It does everything pretty good, but it will never pull slalom like the E21! Slalom is my favorite watersport, the E21 spoiled me. The S22 pulls fine, and if I never had an E21 I would be plenty satisfied! The E21 is a "sports car", the S22 is a "sport utility". I guess you would have to use them both to get it. Cyclone drove and rode behind Wrecks E21 at the last roundup, maybe he could better explain.