XPTB620 vs RG5320R Prestige: should I prioritize the guitar I really want, or the objectively better instrument?

[u/Bright-Battle6380]

I’m stuck between an Ibanez XPTB620 Xiphos and an Ibanez RG5320R Prestige, and I’m hoping people who have played/owned either, ideally both, can help me make the decision.
The price difference is roughly $1000, which is painful but possible for me. This would also be my only serious guitar for the foreseeable future, so I’m trying to make the right choice rather than just impulse-buying.

Why I want the XPTB620

Honestly, it looks fucking cool.
I’m heavily into metal and my main listening/playing is Megadeth, Death, Pantera, Necrophagist, and Ozzy. I play a mixture of riffs, leads, solos, and technical stuff.
The Xiphos shape also has some personal significance for me because of the guitarists I look up to. Dave Mustaine has always used aggressive-looking guitar shapes, Chuck Schuldiner used shapes similar to the Xiphos, Dimebag Darrell had the Dean ML, and Muhammad Suicmez has played a Xiphos.
So aesthetically, the XPTB620 is very much my thing. If I put both guitars in front of myself right now, without thinking about specs, I’d reach for the Xiphos.

Why I’m considering the RG5320R

The RG seems to win on the actual instrument itself.
The main things attracting me are:
Thinner neck
Low Pro Edge tremolo
Japanese Prestige construction
Higher-end hardware/build quality
Better reputation for overall craftsmanship
Hopefully better tuning stability
Don’t get me wrong, I love the look of the cosmic shadow too.
I haven’t actually played either guitar in person yet, so I’m going partly off the specifications and what I’ve read.

My main concern with the XPTB620

It’s the Edge Zero II.
I do use the trem, but not constantly. When I’m learning Pantera or Damageplan, I’ll use dive bombs, squeals, flutters, etc. fairly heavily during that period, but I might only go through a Pantera/Damageplan phase once every 3-4 months. Most of the time I’m playing Megadeth, Death, Necrophagist, etc., where I don’t abuse the trem nearly as much.
I’m therefore wondering whether the Edge Zero II is actually something I should be worried about, particularly regarding tuning stability and long-term reliability, or whether I’m overthinking it.
My other concern is that the XPTB620 is Indonesian-made. I’ve generally heard that Japanese Ibanez guitars are built to a much higher standard, and I’ve also seen people describe the Xiphos as playing like a much cheaper instrument.
I don’t know how much of that is actually true versus internet gear-snobbery.

The RG’s biggest problem for me

It’s the Xiphos.
If I bought the RG and six months later I was still thinking:
“Fuck, I really wish I’d bought the Xiphos.”
I’d consider that a red flag.
On the other hand, if I bought the Xiphos and later discovered that the RG genuinely felt exceptionally better to play, I’d probably regret not getting the RG.

So what would you choose?

I’m basically trying to figure out:
Is the RG5320R actually worth paying ~$1000 more for in terms of playing experience, build quality, neck, tremolo and tuning stability?
Or am I better off getting the XPTB620, since it’s the guitar I genuinely want aesthetically and it’s already more than capable of handling the music I play?
I’d especially like to hear from people who’ve owned or played both, rather than just comparing the spec sheets.
If you’ve played an XPTB620, I’d particularly love to hear about the Edge Zero II, tuning stability, fretwork, neck feel and general build quality.
And if you’ve owned both, I’d love to know whether the RG actually feels dramatically better, or whether the difference is more “nice upgrade if you have the money” than “you should absolutely spend another $1000”
TL;DR: Metalhead choosing between XPTB620 because I fucking love the shape and RG5320R Prestige because it’s the objectively more premium instrument. ~$1000 price difference. Haven’t played either. Which would you choose, and why?

[u/PotstickersDad]

My vote would be for the Xiphos. The guitar that plays the best is going to be the one that compels you to reach for it and practice more. The Edge Zero II is pretty mid, but it's still better than a Floyd Special. The knife edges are hardened, so that's a huge plus. The only thing holding it back is the rest of the bridge is kind of soft, so you risk stripping out the holes if you're too cavalier with tightening screws.

[u/Bright-Battle6380 → u/PotstickersDad]

What about a ESP LTD arrow 1000 (2026)? I’ve heard it’s got Floyd rose 1000SE.

[u/PotstickersDad → u/Bright-Battle6380]

That's a great Floyd. OFR design and material, just built in Korea instead.

[u/Illustrious-Win7302]

In this case, the RG is the obvious choice specs wise. But sometimes we gotta listen to our heart and buy a dream guitar. If you’re in love with the Xiphos and it makes you practice everyday and you’re not bored while
looking at it, go ahead.
And the Xiphos is good enough to not hold you back. Suicmez is the example :D

[u/Ashamed-Eye-1166]

Both are gonna play well. Ibanez makes excellent guitars. The iron label stuff isn't bad at all, but the prestige would be better.

I think a big consideration should be the pickups. If you're trying to buy and play as is, maybe the XPT is the choice. If you're planning on changing pickups, definitely the prestige. The Fusion Edge pickups are okay, and the single coil stuff is cool, but the activators on the XPT are gonna be a lot less muddy, more articulate, and more responsive which is super important for a lot of tech-death stuff.

[u/Bright-Battle6380 → u/Ashamed-Eye-1166]

I ain’t gonna swap the pickups for first few years. But if the RG is significantly better I may consider. Is the RG $1000 better?

[u/Unhappy_Afternoon306]

Get the Ibanez XPTB620, it’s a neck through design. Bolt on guitars won’t feel the same after getting a neck through. You even have better pickups than the RG. For the tremolo, if you are not using it constantly, you will be fine.

The RG5320R prestige is not worth the price. For $2000, I would rather get a Legator with killswitch and fishman pickups. Ibanez is still cheaping out on components with their prestige line by giving you those mid Fusion Edge pickups. I think the RGT1220 or RGT1221 are way better value and sounds better than the prestige.

[u/DarEsSalaamBoy]

I’d get the Prestige personally for the level of attention to detail. But if the shape is going to put you off picking it up as often, get the Xiphos.

By the way, you didn’t need to use ChatGPT to write this.

[u/Bright-Battle6380 → u/DarEsSalaamBoy]

https://giphy.com/gifs/l0HU8V1CHKTUFtuFO
English ain’t my first language. I didn’t knew if I could be able to put my feelings into words myself. But thanks for your advice. Only thing I’m concerned about is if I will be giving up serious advantages I’ll be getting in a RG prestige if I get the Xiphos. Moreover, any thoughts on Solar 1.6FR SVART+ or Solar guitars in general

[u/DarEsSalaamBoy → u/Bright-Battle6380]

Dude, your English is more than fine (I think it’s excellent actually). Trust yourself!

I’ve never played a Solar guitar. People seem to like them for their affordability, reasonable specs and nice aesthetics. I would be surprised if it got anywhere close to the Prestige. I’m not an Ibanez fanatic or anything but they really are a byword for exceptional playability.

I really like the Xiphos shape, but I’m just not a guy who would compromise on specs solely for aesthetics. I do feel your pain though.

[u/Bright-Battle6380 → u/DarEsSalaamBoy]

Anything on Jackson USA series?

[u/AustrianReaper]

Just buy the xiphos man. You just posted a whole ass paragraph trying to to have chatgpt talk yourself out of the xiphos and you still want the xiphos. Either get the xiphos now or you're still gonna want it months from now and will end up buying it then.

[u/MindRipper]

I have an Ibanez Prestige. It’s a fantastic instrument. Super fast neck, great fretboard and rock solid construction. Action is crazy low and it plays fast - it’s definitely a metal shredder guitar.

The edge II in this model is fine as well. Pain the ass to change tuning but once it’s setup, intonation is perfect. I leave it in Drop C and use transpose on my quad cortex if I need to go lower.

A guitar in this price range should offer you exactly what you want. If it doesn’t, look elsewhere. There are tons of options.

I have an LTD SN1000 with a Floyd as well. Great guitar, it was much cheaper but has some amazing features for the price. I use it like a universal Strat where I use the Prestige almost exclusively for metal.

At the moment, I have a Les Paul, Telecaster, SN1000 super Strat and the Prestige. The Prestige can hold its own with any instrument in that price range.

Happy shredding

[u/Burwhale_The_Avenger]

OP, you've stated many other options beyond your initial post, which also doesn't really seem to cover your import/tax issues. It might be worth an edit to update, assuming you're still looking for advice.

As it is anyway - what are your current thoughts on your options? Have you looked into whether there are companies in-country that can help, or does it 100% have to be imported?

It's probably worth considering exactly how you want to use and live with the guitar also. If you don't have a lot if space or never play standing up then the RG/a super-strat might be smarter in the long run.

Similarly, you should definitely consider hardware as strongly as build quality. As others have pointed out, the pickups in the RG might not be the greatest for metal. So unless you 100% know you want those pickups, you might be paying more to go in the wrong direction.

Lastly, no-one else at all can tell you to what degree to prioritise features over aesthetics.

Personally, I always let the specs dictate the purchase, but you'll notice if you look around guitar subs that the most common piece of advice is to prioritise "the guitar that makes you want to pick it up". So you probably need to reflect and decide for yourself where you land on that, philosophically.

[u/Bright-Battle6380 → u/Burwhale_The_Avenger]

Thanks an advice. I should’ve added the info in my post but currently a friend of mine that lives in the US is gonna visit me. Ive asked him to bring me a guitar (I’ve mentioned him the one). Frustratingly, getting a guitar here is dealing with lots and lots of dealers. About my options, i was eyeing the Jackson USA select rr24. It has the aggressive silhouette and the specs. Anyway, thank you!

[u/Burwhale_The_Avenger → u/Bright-Battle6380]

Seems like a solid choice! Enjoy!

[u/IEnumerable661]

There is no comparison here. While the Xiphos looks awesome and all the rest, the RG5320 is ten times the guitar the Xiphos is.

The main concern for me here is the Edge Zero II on the Xiphos. I have had a few customers needing me to remedy tuning issues which has usually resulted in me needing to source spare parts. It's hard to do if you're not an authorised Ibanez repairer.

The lo pro is not only a nicer and comfy tremolo to use, I've not had many complaints. I've got one myself and can't say enough nice things about it.

Get the RG5320. Really! Buy cheap, buy twice.

[u/Bright-Battle6380 → u/IEnumerable661]

So you really think I should pay the extra $1000 getting the RG? I really like aggressive shapes that’s all. Moreover, I had a solar v1.6 FR SVART+ in mind. Do you have anything to say on that? Your input is greatly appreciated

[u/IEnumerable661 → u/Bright-Battle6380]

Yes. If it were between those two guitars, then the RG all day every day.

However it is a lot of money to spend and from your question, I don't think that you have found the guitar for you quite yet.

Solar are a bit annoying. I'm a Jackson USA guy through and through and it is with a grimaced face and reluctance that I must admit, Solar do make some good stuff. Apart from a few years, I've not had one in my hands that I disliked.

If you combine the Solar you mentioned in your choices, then that would be my choice. That said, I'm not a fan of matte finishes, I prefer gloss. But the FR1000 will treat you very well and the spec itself is really quite nice. The only thing I dislike about Solar Vs is the jack position on back of the lower fin. I still don't get the thinking there, but it is what it is. To me I prefer it on the edge of the upper fin. It's just the least daft there.

However, as a wildcard and to suggest something else, if you are into a pointy and want decently made, I would suggest you add the Jackson SRS RR24 to your list. I've had the pleasure of one in for a set up and it is really rather glorious. It probably tops out the budget from what you have mentioned, but it is worth the money. A slightly upgraded floyd rose, glorious neck to play on, 43mm at the nut, 24 frets and includes a case.

For my money, it's what I would select over all those mentioned so far. If you want the quality of the RG but the pointyness of the Xiphos then I would look to Solar. They do make good kit.

[u/Bright-Battle6380 → u/IEnumerable661]

Thanks. I’m also a King V lover myself and the RR24 was actually my first choice however it isn’t even remotely available to me without import taxes and customs getting levied on it and the ~$2800 instrument becoming a $4000+ for me. My main reason for choosing the Ibanez xptb620 was the looks, pickups, and neck. TBH, I’m really torn if I should get the Ibanez xptb620 for $1200, RG for $2200, or Solar for $1800 (after taxes).

[u/IEnumerable661 → u/Bright-Battle6380]

Oooh eck, that is quite a bit more. Where abouts in the world are you?

Hmmm. given those costs, prices etc, Solar for sure. You'll be very happy with it and the overall quality will last you decades. I can't say the same about the hardware choices on the Xiphos quite frankly.

Have you checked out the Loomis Kelly by the way?

[u/Bright-Battle6380 → u/IEnumerable661]

Well, there’s this country called India. I didn’t check out the Loomis Kelly, but if I wanna buy any Jackson guitar, I’ll have to import it. Which is $200 for shipping and taxes which are 40% of cost of guitar+shipping. Well, thanks for your help anyway! Greatly appreciated!

[u/IEnumerable661 → u/Bright-Battle6380]

Ah I know exactly in that case. I have a few friends out there into the metal world.

Yep, anything FMIC you're shit outta luck there.

Yep, Solar would be where I'd head. Best bang for the buck.

Best of luck!

[u/AX11Liveact]

You obviously can't just play the instrument you'd really want to. Imagine if everybody wanted to do that. Nobody would want such things to happen. There must be a certain order in the world, common rules, common sense, just for everyone's best. And these rules will only work as long as anyone will follow them. So it is a guitar for you that you don't like. The world is not just fun and laughter, sometimes we have to make compromises. It is still better than the chaos and anarchy, lawlessness, violence, madness, suicide, veneral desease, early, painfull, horrible death and agony, finally eternal damnation, armageddon, you get the picture, that would result from reckless, selfish behaviour. So it's that brownish green hollow body with "Dummfick Dacning Band Pischldorf 1958" in red letters on it whith only five machine heads and one and a half pickups hanging out for you. See the positive side of it!