There are 3 VX models: Sport, Deluxe, and Cruiser. It sounds like you have the Sport. The Sport model is the base model, which is stripped of features like reverse, but the hull on all 3 skis is identical. The Deluxe adds more features, and the Cruiser adds even more and is the top of the line model. The Sport model hull has all the indents for where to install screws and make cut outs for the reverse, but you may need a service manual to track everything down.
As to how important reverse is, that is up to each person to decide. For me I couldn't live without it, since it allows me to "hover" the ski. It makes driving onto my drive on dock 100% easier, maneuvering into and out of a dock is much easier, etc..
If you want to add a reverse system, you can buy the parts, and install the reverse yourself, but it is a little complex. There is a post somewhere on this forum or possibly on the PWC Today forum that lists all the parts you have to buy, and instructions on how to install the reverse to a Sport model VX. You should be able to find it with a search.
The early FX and VX skis shared the same basic engine design, but they are very different skis in that the hulls are totally different, which means that the ride is totally different between the 2. The newer model FX skis are totally different than the VX in every way. They have totally different engines, totally different hulls, etc. The FX also has different models including the basic FX, the FX HO which is the high output version that is faster, the FX SHO for some model years, which is supercharged, and the fastest mode. Then you also have the FX Cruiser, and FX HO Cruiser, and SHO Cruiser models which add extra features. Bottom line is that you really can't compare the VX model to the FX in any significant way.
