stage 1 or stage 2

[Dray]

I realize that this has come up in the past but I missed it, so here goes.
Stage 1 stays with stock rpm of 8200 rpm. Stage 2 goes to 8900 and is
not detectable unless you really get into the s/w of the unit. If you mess
the motor up warranty will not cover a stage 2 setup if the 8900 rpm is
detected. Here are my questions:
1). Is the extra 15 HP at stage 2 worth it?
2). Is having a cat delete pipe required with either stage?
3). Would a stock exhaust work good with a stage 1?
4). Would 1 or 2 baffles tone down the raspy sound with cat delete and stock muffler?

The reasons for these question is that I had cat deletes and louder mufflers on my 2015
and 2017 F3Ls and loud was the problem. My wife informed to not touch the muffler on
this one and a happy wife makes life easier. Feel free to jump in here with opinions/experience.

Dray

[Lew L]

Quite happy with the stage 1 on my '14 RT. Works just fine with the stock muffler. Don't see any need to wring the poor 's neck with stratospheric RPM's

[trikermutha]

You go stage two They drill out the sir box I believe too

[fatboy]

stage two you have your choice to raise rpms or not rls cat delete one baffle you will be very happy

[Sampi1099]

I did the stage II on my 2012 spyder RT Limited with the 998cc motor plus a JT's air box. It is well worth it. The extra rpms are very much needed in the area i ride in.