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2012 GTR 215 or 2011 RXT 260?

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faster346

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Hey guys. I'm new here. I currently have a 2000 GTX 951cc 2 stroke ski and it's been a great ski with no problems (knock on wood). I made the mistake of riding a friends new supercharged 4 stroke ski and now I'm hooked. There's a local dealership who has quite a few 2012 models on the lot. After researching for the last couple weeks I'm pretty convinced a 2012 GTR 215 is what I want. I can't afford a new RXT or RXP at 15k, but the 11k dollar GTR is doable. Anyways, I was at the dealer today and he showed me a 2011 RTX 260 they had left over from last year. It's yellow and has never seen water. The price he gave me on that was almost exactly that of the new '12 GTR. I think I'd like the RXT better, but I've read a LOT of stories about first ride problems with the 2011 models and the IBR units going out and check engine lights within the first hour and it has me worried. I've searched and searched and can't really find anyone having issues with the new GTR's. Anyone have any input? I'm going up north 1 week from today and I'd really love to be trailering a new ski up instead of my 2000. Thanks!
 
I bought a 2010 215 as my first ski. 6 months later I bought a 2012 RXT 260. My wife rides the 215 and I have the 260. I love both, both are fast and both are nice. The difference you are facing are model years: the 2012 215 has a couple different feature sets but the hull and motor are identical to mine (pretty sure). Same can be said for the 2011 RXT 260 your looking at and my 2012.

I guess it boils down to features and how much power do you want? My 260 will launch itself out of the water from an idle; the 215 will not. I have a harder time keeping the 260 locked down; I don't have that problem with the 215. So obviously less power with the 215 but that's a given.

As far as addressing the problems the 2011 had I can't comment other than to say both my skis have been flawless up till now. Skis are just like anything else manufactured by humans - they are not perfect and some will have issues. That is to say, their failure rate will be about the same as any other boat in the same category - but their success rate will be much higher than the failure rate, for sure, so your chances of getting a bad ski are slim. Sorry not much help there I know.
 
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I had a 1998 GTX RFI and absolutely loved mine too, not quite as powerful as your 951. These new machines sure are different beasts, after using the iBR around the dock (not so much as a brake in open water) you will wonder how you ever got along without it. I picked up a GTX 260 iS last week and must say, WOW what a difference. I was not as much concerned about HP (nice to have though), the suspension sold me.

You are looking at two musclecraft there and the only changes I see in the '11 RXT to the '12 is the addition of ECO mode, which claims to save you up to 31% on the 260 and 23% on the GTR from their nearest competition respectively (per the SeaDoo marketing on their website). With my new beauty I have been breaking mine in in ECO and Touring Modes, with quick short runs in Sport. ECO doesn't seem to deter from the fun much at all, and probably will run more like you are accustom to with you '00 GTX. Gas so far has not been a problem (~3 hrs on less than 1/2 tank), but with the 260s they are computer capped for the first 5 hours to 75% throttle iirc, so once I am able to open it up further I may see a difference.

It is a tough choice, with both giving you some pluses and minuses. I splurged as I figured if I did not I would regret it later. I have not heard of the '11 model issues you describe, but if they appear within the first few hours they are covered by warranty assuming they are selling it new and never titled as you stated.

Lastly, the RXT has the S3 Hull, which is billed to reduce drag and keeping you on the water, which seems to work as billed though I am carrying an extra 150lbs on mine for the suspension. The GTR has the LFI hull, which I cannot comment on but others seem to think it is one of the better ones ever designed. Tough choice, but I am sure you will be happy with either.
 
Thank you guys for the replies! I went back today and talked to the dealer some more. They are one of the larger dealerships around the area and said they have had some issues with the 2011 RXT 260 but nothing that isn't covered by warranty in most cases, and not one GTR has come back with an issue out of all they've sold so far this year. Though we talked numbers and the better deal ended up being the GTR by far, so I went that route. I hope I am not disappointed by it, as it is a lot of money to spend...but coming from a 2000 GTX I can't see being too upset. Going to read the manual front to back and hopefully get it in the water later this week. Thanks for the advice and wish me luck!
 
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