Need a recommendation

[theinsider]

I've been renting Sea Doo's for about the past 6 years or so and have gotten to the point where I consider myself an experienced rider, but have been limited in the type of Sea Doo I've been able to ride. I'll lay out some basic facts about me and my experience and see if anyone can help me out with a recommendation (I'm looking to buy a new model)

What I've Rode (and personal rating)

- 2006/2007/2008 GTI 130 (7/10; always a fun but simple ride)

- 2011 GTI 130 (8/10; similar to above but the sport mode gave it a boost)

- 2005 RXP 215 (10/10; despite being an older one at the time, by far the most fun I had)

- 2014 Spark 3up (6/10; tried it at a Sea Doo event and was underwhelmed**)

Some other facts about me and how I ride

- I'm a large guy (6'0", ~280 lbs) **[this is part of why I didn't really enjoy the Spark, too tipsy]

- I'd call my riding style aggressive. I mostly seek out the big waves on the lake at this point and get bored with calm waters

- I pretty much ride solo but the Sea Doo would also likely be used by less experienced riders (family)

- Speed isn't really a big factor for me but acceleration is very important obviously

- Price isn't really a concern but I only want to pay for something that's worth it

I'm asking for a recommendation because the Spark is the only new model I've rode. My guess was that I'd enjoy the GTR 215 the most but I have no idea how it rides in comparison to what I've rode before. If you have any other things you might need to know before giving a recommendation, please feel free to ask.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Pretty much all of the newer model years if the 4-tech skis are larger and more stable. So if you buy a later model 4-tech is is really a question of what power plant you want and what goodies. I own both an RXT-X (255 engine) and a GTX (155 engine). The RXT is pretty much a race car where the GTX is pretty much a Caddy. If I was going to choose only one I'd buy the RXT due to the performance and acceleration. But for family riding and long cruise type riding it is hard to beat the GTX. The other option is to get the GTX or a GTR with the 255 or 260 engine. The G series skis are super comfortable to ride. I have said it many time. If I could out the GTX seat into my RXT I'd do it even if it cost me $500. Is buy either a "last years"Untitled ski or late model skis with low hours. If you get a late build 2009 and newer it will have the updated Super Charger already and you won't have to worry about the ceramic washers and what not.


Repairing and selling iPads, iPhones and Mini iPads.

 

[Tytan]

I believe the GTR model and the 2011 GTI you have ridden use the same hull.

I would suggest the GTR model, 215hp same as the RXP you have ridden and 85hp more than the 2011 GTI which got an 8/10. The GTR is a three seater so you can legally tow a tube or skier and it will have the iBR system and learners key which is great for less experienced riders. I consider the GTR to be the sleeper model in the Seadoo line up I have not heard many negatives from GTR owners my friend has one and really likes it.

 

[AircraftDoc]

By all means, get the one you want.. Learner Key will tame down the seadoo. Let your family ride with the learner key, but maybe don't tell them about it.
Yes, I think that the learner key is your solution. The two seater RXP is more maneuverable than the three seater. Top speed is about the same, so what else do you want to do??
Good luck on the one of two happy days of a watercraft owner.

 

[surfcitypops]

I've been renting Sea Doo's for about the past 6 years or so and have gotten to the point where I consider myself an experienced rider, but have been limited in the type of Sea Doo I've been able to ride. I'll lay out some basic facts about me and my experience and see if anyone can help me out with a recommendation (I'm looking to buy a new model)

What I've Rode (and personal rating)

- 2006/2007/2008 GTI 130 (7/10; always a fun but simple ride)

- 2011 GTI 130 (8/10; similar to above but the sport mode gave it a boost)

- 2005 RXP 215 (10/10; despite being an older one at the time, by far the most fun I had)

- 2014 Spark 3up (6/10; tried it at a Sea Doo event and was underwhelmed**)

Some other facts about me and how I ride

- I'm a large guy (6'0", ~280 lbs) **[this is part of why I didn't really enjoy the Spark, too tipsy]

- I'd call my riding style aggressive. I mostly seek out the big waves on the lake at this point and get bored with calm waters

- I pretty much ride solo but the Sea Doo would also likely be used by less experienced riders (family)

- Speed isn't really a big factor for me but acceleration is very important obviously

- Price isn't really a concern but I only want to pay for something that's worth it

I'm asking for a recommendation because the Spark is the only new model I've rode. My guess was that I'd enjoy the GTR 215 the most but I have no idea how it rides in comparison to what I've rode before. If you have any other things you might need to know before giving a recommendation, please feel free to ask.

I'd find a 2007 GTX Limited 215 SC with 20 hours on it and call it a day. Send the SC in for overhaul and you have an awesome and almost brand new ski for 40% of what the guy who thought he would ride it paid.

I have just purchased 3 new-to-me skis in the past month and I am a firm believer in buying used and letting the first guy take the depreciation. There are 6 and 7 year old skis out there that have hit the water for two days and they can be had for 35-40% of what the first owner paid. Case in point, I just picked up a 2006 GTX Limited 215 SC with every option you can imagine with 22 hours on it for $5K. Why pay $14K for a new one?

I also picked up a MINT CONDITION 2007 GTX Wake 215 SC with perfect single trailer (top of the line with chrome wheels, storage, life vests, gas cans, diamond plate all over, LED lights, etc.) for $6K.