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97+ XP jumping, is it that bad?

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Bnelson

Bnelson

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Ok, so a little back story. Yesterday I watched my 96 XP leave the driveway on someone else's trailer... I got a nice price out of it so had to let it go... While I really loved the X4 for what it was, I needed something a little better in the chop. I'm not really into the three seater line up so that really leaves me with an XPL or GSXL... I understand a lot about the two hulls, but I've heard the XPL is difficult to jump, which would be a major issue if it were true... I know the GSX is more fun to jump, but I'm unaware of it's rough water capability, I can't imagine it would be very good with the flat hull... So, now I'm looking to y'all for some advice, can anyone give me an honest opinion on the two skis? If I can make the XPL jump it would be big smiles for me, as I love the looks of that ski...
 
I'm probably just a little biased, I believe the GSX is the best all around 2-stroke ski that Seadoo ever made. Fast nimble, not the wake jumper of an X4 but close, a lot more stable than the X4, you can ride the GSX all day.

Lou
 
Thanks Lou, I actually have a grey ghost I know I can get a steal on... How does the GSX handle the chop compared to the XPL? Also, I've heard some bad things about the early 951's, what in particular are they speaking of?
 
get the XP for chop. the GSX will beat the crap out of you. the XP is way better to LAND than the GSX is.

I've owned both. I just sold my GSX LTD for another XP.
 
Thanks squirrel, was hoping you would chime in, so I'm guessing by you saying it Lands better that means you can jump it? Lol, I've always figured I could make anything jump, hell I've got an LRV in the air. I know it will be no comparison to the X4 but hoped it was still capable of giving me an airborne smile[emoji41]

Why don't you let me take one of those XP's off your hands? Lol, I know you scored that last one cheap, that's the kind of deal I'm after, looking for one in need of repair
 
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Yea well those deals aren't always what they are cracked up to be. Too many to list repairs later... Still no working VTS gauge, fuel gauge, or speedo.

The GSX takes off and jumps well. It doesn't land well it breaks your legs and back.

The XP takes off and lands ass first, making jumps very smooth and landings fun.

you'll want the 951.
 
Ya I know how those can be, a good deal turns into and ok deal into a sh*t I'm even lol... Thanks for the break down on the landings, that was a big plus to the X4, so easy to manipulate and set down rear first.... And yessir, definitely goin with a 951... I'm really trying to find the 2000 model XP all black, but there rare as hens teeth around here. I was looking at a GSXL but I just like the looks of the XPL's better... They still look like they could be a brand new ski.
 
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AdamA96XP said:
I hope that xp went to a good home! A lot of blood sweat and tears went into that resto haha
Click to expand...

It did man! That was the best part, he was an older guy that used to race them back in the Heyday of racing! Was showing me a bunch of pictures of the World Finals at Havasu, holding Jeff Jacobs jet ski for him at the start line, him and Chris Fischeti pulling a ski in, even saw the Big Red GSX ski in the background! [MENTION=51824]Matt Braley[/MENTION]
 
Any things in particular to the 951 XP I should be looking at? I'll check the same stuff I do in every ski I buy, just curious if the XP had anything to look out for?
 
I agree with sqrl. The 97+XP is a great jumper!!!!!! No matter how high you go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I think I actually agree with every post above me, the opinions are all right.

I've been on both but i'll admit my time on GSXL was limited has been maybe 3 hours, but i've spent 60ish on the XPL.

I'll sum it up as this.

If you plan to ride with a passenger even occasionally, I prefer the GSXL, I also think the GSXL is more responsive to an upgraded impeller with no other changes.

as a solo rider 99% then I prefer the XPL, it cruises and carves great and it jumps fine, but certainly not compared to the GSXL.
 
Bnelson said:
Any things in particular to the 951 XP I should be looking at? I'll check the same stuff I do in every ski I buy, just curious if the XP had anything to look out for?
Click to expand...

3 things: the drive line, the drive line, and the drive line. xpl hulls are different from the normal seadoo arrangement. i'm not sure if you seen one but the engine is actually in front of the rider underneath the front lid. and the shaft comes off the pto,through the gas tank and the back to a carrier bearing to a sealed bearing. 130hp + a bunch of hard riding (i mean who babys a xp?) + 15+ years= play in the driveline and can sometimes be a nightmare. just check its condition along with all the normal stuff.
 
I got a good 4-5 foot of air the other day just rolling through someone surf wake on m 99. Once you get the feel it jumps easy as pie. I love my XP, one hell of a beast.
 
Guys thanks for all of the great responses! Making me feel better about purchasing one of the beauties... I love the looks and price of the one in OH, but like a 10 hour drive from me :/
I appreciate the link though, that's exactly what I'm after...

Thanks Purple, good to know about the driveline, I'll definitely keep an eye on that when looking at a ski, anything in the driveline y'all replace as a precautionary? Or just fix it when it breaks?

And to Spim, sounds like we are all on the same page with GSXL and XP, my riding is like 99% solo.. That being said I think the XP is the right choice for me
 
Pic of the Big Red GSX? Man I would love to see that!

I've thought the same thing about having a XPL for chop. I bought this world championship winning black ski with my tax return this spring and you guys are getting me fired up about it. It's just the hull with carbon fiber seat and UMI. The guy that got the engine out of it put it in a HX and just beat all the other top HX's in Colonial Bch.

Anyway I just had to chime in. I don't have XPL experience yet but I do agree the GSX is not the best for chop. Bnelson- If the guy that got your X4 ever calls back for something please ask him for a pic of the BRR ski back in the day for me.
 

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Man Matt that's a nice ski! Definitely gotta get that thing on the water! I'm hoping that XPL will do what I need here... And I still have contact with the guy that bought it from me... The pics he showed me were all older Polaroids, was definitely cool seeing those guys and those skis, I'll see what I can do about getting a copy of that BRR GSX for ya
 
if u want to stick w/carbs (And I suggest you do) get a 99-02

the 98 had a goofy e-box and single coil setup.

working trim is nice, look for that. just the normal stuff.

yea, you won't get 2 people on a XP, the GSX is better at that. but 4 hours on the bay on a GSX about killed me. the XP actually rides smoother than my GTX in 4-5 foot roller chop. the XP just lands it better.
 
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