Best Jet Ski To Buy

Jet skis are a great investment, especially if you enjoy water sports. If you are in the market to purchase a jet ski, choosing the right option is important. The last thing you will want to do is to choose a model that is not suitable for you. 

To help you with this decision, we have created a list of the 5 best jet skis to buy. All of these options will take your hobby to the next level. We have included many options, some are more affordable than others to cater for all budgets. 

Best Jet Ski To Buy

Seadoo RXT-X RS

The Seadoo is one of the most popular jet skis. While it is one of the more expensive options, it is a brand-new model. It has the largest swim platform available, and the handling is great. 

It is suitable for two people, and is available in a wide variety of colors. The hull is stable, which is reassuring when travelling at high speeds. It has a 300 hp Rotax 1630 ACE engine, which is particularly powerful and allows you to reach impressive speeds. 

When it comes to storage, the Seadoo RXT-X RS has you covered. It has front storage options, which is the first of its kind. This storage is water resistant, which is reassuring if you are carrying valuables. 

The seat narrows for comfort, and to allow you to stand while using. The rear seat can be removed for more room on the jet ski. It has a closed loop cooling system, and is an impressive option.

Pros:

  • Storage options – The storage option is innovative and the first of its kind
  • Powerful engine – You can reach high speeds with no issues
  • Innovative design – As it is the first of its kind when it comes to storage access and large swim platform, it is a good option to consider

Cons:

  • Cost – With fantastic specifications comes a larger price tag

Yamaha EXR

If you are a beginner looking for an affordable jet ski, the Yamaha EXR is a great option. It has good handling, and being lightweight it is easy to maneuver and control. It is affordable and available in a wide variety of colors.

It has 110 hp, with a 1049 CC Inline-Three engine. This is great for an entry level model, and it is not too powerful or too difficult to handle. It reaches speeds of around 54 mph, and it is easy to use. 

If you are looking for a jet ski that can accommodate 3 people, this is a great option. It has a good amount of storage, and features a glove box compartment for easy access. 

Even though it is lightweight it is still powerful. As it is lightweight, care will need to be taken if you are riding in adverse weather conditions. The seating is comfortable, and there is a swim platform at the rear end. 

Pros:

  • 3 persons – It can fit up to three people comfortably
  • Value for the money – As this is a less expensive option, it is great value for the money
  • Great for beginners – It is easy to handle and is not overly powerful

Cons:

  • Lightweight – Being lightweight it is not the best option to use with large waves and in adverse weather

Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R

If you are looking for a stand-up jet ski, the SX-R is fantastic. It is only suitable for one user. However, it allows you to take jet skiing to the next level. If you are looking for powerful acceleration and high speeds, you will appreciate this model.

The engine is a 4-stroke, 4-cylinder 1498 CC, which is particularly powerful. Even though it can reach high speeds, for experienced users, it still has great handling that feels light. You can turn with no issues, and it has a large deck.

As this option is mainly created with the sport in mind, there are not a lot of storage options. It is simple in its design, but effective in its purpose. It reaches speeds of up to 62 mph, and is one of the fastest models featured. The 160 hp emphasizes how powerful and quick to accelerate the SX-R is.

The deck is padded, and it comes in a range of different colors to choose from. The key is magnetic, and there are lights to notify you when you are low on fuel. It is reasonably priced. 

Pros:

  • Powerful – This is one of the more powerful options featured 
  • Good acceleration – The SX-R has particularly great acceleration and reaches high speeds quickly
  • Great for professionals – If you are looking for a professional jet ski, this is a great option 

Cons:

  • Low on storage – As this is built with speed in mind, it is low on storage

Seadoo Spark Trixx

The Seadoo Spark Trixx is a great option for beginners looking for a jet ski on a budget. It is affordable and comes in a range of different options. It features a BRP audio-portable system which allows you to listen to music while using.

There are step wedges featured if you want to use the jet ski to stand upright, and carry out tricks. It is easy to maneuver, and is powerful even though it is lightweight. It is made using scratch-resistant fiberglass.

As it is created with tricks in mind, it is a little slower, reaching speeds of 48 mph. It is an Inline-three 899 CC engine, and the closed-loop cooling system is great. There are many riding options available and this is a great option if you are looking for a jet ski to practice your skills.

Pros:

  • Audio system – great to listen to music while riding
  • Great for tricks – This is a great option if you are looking to practice your tricks and skills
  • Affordable – This option is not overly expensive to purchase and a great option for beginners

Cons:

  • Speed – In comparison to some other models featured, the Spark Trixx is not as fast

Yamaha SuperJet

The Yamaha SuperJet is a great one-person option that is created with tricks and speed in mind. It is a mid-range jet ski, and it is not overly expensive. It has a 1049 CC Yamaha Marine Engine. When taking into consideration the size of this jet ski, this is particularly powerful. 

It features a learner mode, which is great for beginners, and has steering adjustment. It is compact and simple in its design, which makes it perfect for those looking for an adrenaline thrill. 

The SuperJet Jet Skis are some of Yamaha’s most popular options, and it is easy to see why. This is a stand-up jet ski that can reach speeds of up to 54 mph. While this is not particularly fast, it allows for good handling and turning. It is fairly eco friendly overall.

Pros:

  • Good handling – This is important for a single person jet ski
  • Powerful engine – The engine in this jet ski is fantastic
  • Learner mode – This is great if you are looking for assistance while riding

Cons:

  • Speeds – It does have lower speeds for a one-person jet ski

Buyer’s Guide

Before you purchase a jet ski, there are a number of things that you will want to take into consideration. 

Cost

It is worth setting a budget for yourself so that you can choose the best option within this price range. When looking at jet skis, they are not the cheapest purchases.

While there are many more expensive options to choose from, there are a handful of jet skis that are more affordable to purchase. 

Types of Jet Skis

If you are new to using jet skis, you may be unaware of the different kinds you can purchase. 

Recreational Jet Ski

One of the most popular jet ski options is the recreational jet ski. These are typically inexpensive in comparison to other options on the market, and are more mid-range. They are popular due to their different settings and speed options. 

When it comes to speed, they are particularly fast. If you are looking for an adrenaline filled ride, this is a great option. Recreational jet skis can reach speeds of up to 65 miles per hour, and can have up to 200 horsepower. 

Recreational-light Jet Ski

Recreational-light jet skis are another popular choice. While they are similar to recreational jet skis in many ways, they are slower. If you are a beginner, this is a great option. They are a more affordable option.

When looking at the horsepower, this is typically up to 100. The recreational-light jet skis can travel up to 50 mph. These are far lighter in comparison to other jet skis available. They are limited in their use as they do not fare as well with larger waves and bad weather conditions. 

Stand-up Jet Ski

Stand-up jet skis are one of the least common when it comes to everyday use, and they are usually used in a competition setting. However, if you are looking to compete in jet skiing competitions, it would be useful to purchase one.

Performance Jet Ski

Following on from stand up jet skis, another type that is common with professionals is the performance jet ski. This is similar to a recreational jet ski, but it takes the speed and performance to the next level.

This option is mainly purchased by professionals as they tend to have the best specifications. When it comes to speed, these can reach up to 80 mph, and they take skill to ride and maneuver. 

Luxury Jet Ski

If you are looking to splurge some cash, a luxury jet ski is a great option. They are fairly similar to the recreational jet skis, but are more luxurious.

They are significantly more powerful than standard jet skis, and have around 300 horsepower. They are particularly comfortable to ride, and some even have digital displays.

Brand

While it is not essential to have a branded jet ski, it can be useful if you are looking to purchase a model that is reliable and easy to use. There are three different jet ski brands on the market that are the most popular options – Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Seadoo. 

Seadoo were the first creators of jet skis, given this they are a popular and favorite choice for many. They have a huge range of options to choose from and can be relied upon to provide great quality jet skis. 

Kawasaki is another manufacturer that has been around for many years and offers a variety of different options. It is worth noting that Kawasaki jet skis are known to be significantly more expensive in comparison to other brands. 

Yamaha is a great choice especially when it comes to more affordable options. Their designs are comfortable, ergonomic and easy to use. If you are a beginner, a Yamaha jet ski would be a great option to start with.

Handling

The handling of the jet ski is an essential aspect to consider. You will want to ensure that you are able to use it with no issues. All jet skis, even if they are created by the same company, will have different handling. 

Some jet skis are easier to handle than others. You will want to choose a jet ski based on your skill levels. If you are a seasoned jet skier, handling is not going to be an issue. If you are a beginner, the easier the handling, the better. 

You will also want to focus on the ergonomics, and how easy the steering is. Ergonomic steering is the best option if you are a beginner as it will make turning and riding the jet ski easier. 

When purchasing a jet ski, you will want to ensure that it has a kill switch. This is very important when it comes to safety and handling. The kill switch causes the jet ski to stop if you fall off it while riding. 

Engine

One of the most important things to consider is the type of engine the jet ski has. This will have an impact on how powerful the jet ski will be and how fast it can travel. The engine will depend on the type of jet ski you choose, and the size of it. 

The horsepower of jet ski engines can differ considerably. If you are looking for a more powerful option, you will want to choose a high horsepower engine. If you are looking for an average speed, a lower horsepower engine is ideal. 

You will want to take into consideration the overall power. The higher the power the more the learning curve will be, which can make the jet ski more difficult to use.

Size and Storage

When purchasing a jet ski, you will want to ensure that it is the correct size and capacity. There are different sizes you can purchase depending on your size. On average a jet ski can hold two adult riders. However, some are larger and can hold three people. 

You will also want to take into consideration storage options. While not all jet skis offer storage, many more modern options have storage underneath the seat. The storage even in the larger jet skis is fairly compact. However, you can still store things such as smaller bags and water bottles. Every jet ski model will be slightly different, so this is worth researching.

Design

There are many designs and options to choose from, and different jet skis will have different trim options. These trims are important because they help to keep the jet ski stable.

They do this by ensuring the nose of the vehicle is facing downward. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth buying a jet ski?

This is down to personal preference, however, we think that jet skis are certainly worth purchasing. They are a lot cheaper in comparison to a boat, and riding them is a great hobby to have.

If you enjoy water sports, and you often rent a jet ski, it can be worthwhile owning your own.

Are jet skis expensive to maintain?

Over time, if your jet ski runs into some problems, it can be difficult to maintain. However, in general they are not too expensive. However, you will need to factor in general maintenance costs, such as servicing and fuel. Over time these can begin to add up.

If there is a fault with your jet ski, it can be quite costly to get them fixed. Furthermore, as with any vehicle, a jet ski will depreciate in value over time. However, on the whole, they are not significantly more expensive than other vehicles to maintain.

When’s the best time to buy a jet ski?

If you are looking for a bargain rather than the latest jet ski model, you will want to purchase a model between August and September. This is typically when you will get the best offers.

This is because when the newer models are released, older models are typically discounted by brands. Given this, you will likely be able to pick up a fairly good deal.