Whether you crave the thrill of a high-speed race in the ocean or the laziness of an afternoon spent pulling a tube full of children around a lake, jet skis offer recreational fun for everyone. And for some, jet skis, are an affordable and accessible alternative to boat ownership. With so many jet skis on the market, there's a lot to consider when purchasing. Our guide to the best jet skis can help you narrow down the choices and find the perfect personal watercraft.
Product FAQ
1. What's the Best Jet Ski for Towing Family and Friends on Inflatables?
2. What Advantages Do Stand-Up Jet Skis Offer?
3. What Kind of Hull Should I Go For?
4. What's the Best Jet Ski Brand?
5. What Else Should I Consider before Purchasing a Jet Ski?
6. Should I Insure My Jet Ski?
7. What Is a Lanyard Ignition?
8. What's the Difference between a 2-Stroke and a 4-Stroke Jet Ski?
9. How Will I Learn How to Operate the Jet Ski?
How We Reviewed the Best Jet Skis
Image source: Pixabay
There are an endless number of jet skis on the market. When evaluating the best jet skis, we took into consideration a range of factors including the speed and power of the watercraft, its ease of handling, and the comfort and amenities it provides.
Overall Price Range of the Best Jet Skis
The best jet skis range in price from about $7,000 to $17,000. Jet skis on the lower end of that price range will have smaller amounts of horsepower and modest speeds of around 50 mph, but they still are a fun way to spend an afternoon on the water. Lower-priced models can also be a great way for novice drivers to try out the experience. More expensive jet skis have higher overall quality, reach higher cruising speeds, and feature more built-in comfortable features like storage compartments, larger boarding steps, and digital controls.
What We Reviewed
Seadoo GTI 130
Features
Seadoo's GTI 130 jet ski is ideal for family recreation and for those who are new to the sport. This 3-seat personal watercraft is equipped with an Intelligent Brake and Reverse System that makes it easy to throttle, shift out of neutral, and reverse without losing control. This watercraft is easy to operate and has plenty of storage space under the seat and in the glove box. The Seadoo GTI 130 is lightweight enough that it can be towed by a sedan, making it easy to move between recreational spots.
Pros
Cons
Price
$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Seadoo GTI 130 comes with a 12-month warranty.
Honda Aquatrax R-12X
Features
If you want power and speed in a jet ski, you want the Honda Aquatrax R-12 X. This 2-seat jet ski has a 165-horsepower engine that makes it ideal for racing and a compact hull that gives it a high level of maneuverability in the water. This jet ski also has lots of bells and whistles. The exhaust system is designed to minimize noise, a keyless ignition guards against theft, and a limit mode allows the owner of the jet ski to set a maximum speed when novice drivers are behind the wheel. If you're looking for an adrenalin-packed ride, Honda Aquatrax R-12X is a good choice.
Pros
Cons
Price
$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
THe Honda Aquatrax R-12X has a 12-month warranty.
Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO
Features
The Yamaha FX Cruiser Sho combines a large, powerful engine with a full suite of amenities. This jet ski, which can accommodate up to 3 people, has cruise control, adjustable steering, and a no-wake mode. It's also equipped with design features that ensure comfort, like a built-in beverage holder, watertight onboard storage, and drains in the footwells that keep those spaces from filling with water. This is a full-service jet ski for operators who want a powerful ride in a stylish, comfortable watercraft.
Pros
Cons
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Yamaha FX Cruiser Sho comes with a 12-month warranty.
Seadoo Spark
Features
The Seadoo Spark is playful, versatile, and designed for all around fun on the water. The Spark features Seadoo's Intelligent Brake and Reverse System, which makes it easy to throttle, shift out of neutral, and reverse without losing control. This jet ski is easy to operate. It's also compact and lightweight enough that you can easily tow it between recreational spots with a sedan and store it during cold-weather months. Another feature of the Seadoo Spark is its closed-loop cooling system, which prevents saltwater and debris from getting into the engine ensuring reliable performance.
Pros
Cons
Price
$
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Seadoo Spark comes with a 12-month warranty.
Kawasaki 800 SX-R
Features
The Kawasaki 800 SX-R is designed to accommodate a single, standing driver. With its powerful motor, this jet ski is designed for aggressive racing even in choppy conditions. This jet ski has a top speed of 65 mph and is best suited for experienced operators who are able to control the watercraft while standing or crouching. This jet ski has a small onboard storage area and anti-corrosive dirt bike-style handlebars.
Pros
Cons
Price
$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Kawasaki 800 SX-R jet ski comes with a 12-month warranty.
Yamaha Waverunner FZ R
Features
Yamaha's Waverunner FZ R is a super-fast cruiser for 2 people. It can be driven either standing or leaning forward, requiring the skill of an experienced driver. But those who can handle this type of watercraft are rewarded with a powerful and nimble ride. This jet ski makes tight turns easily and is stable even in choppy conditions. It also offers a luxury-class ride complete with a comfortable bolstered seat, dual cup holders, an extra-large boarding platform, and a glove box.
Pros
Cons
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Yamaha Waverunner FZ R comes with a 12-month warranty.
Sea-Doo RXP-X 300
Features
The Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 is a 2-seat jet ski designed for racing. The narrow racing seat, angled footwell wedges, and adjustable ergonomic steering allow drivers to lock into position for a fast and controlled ride. The RXP-X 300 features Seadoo's Intelligent Brake and Reverse System and closed-loop cooling system.
Pros
Cons
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Seadoo RXP-X 300 comes with a 12-month warranty.
Kawasaki 300 LX Ultra Jet Ski
Features
The Kawasaki 300 LX Ultra Jet Ski is a luxury watercraft that combines power, durability, easy acceleration, and a top speed of roughly 65 mph. This jet ski accommodates up to three passengers and has a grab bar for the rear passenger. A 5-way adjustable handlebar accommodates all driving types, and a Smart Learning Operation mode helps novice drivers learn the ropes. This watercraft boasts more fuel capacity than many others, giving you the maximum amount of time on the water before needing to refuel. Cruise control and an all-digital control panel round out the amenities on this watercraft.
Pros
Cons
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Kawasaki 300 LX Ulta Jet Ski comes with a 12-month warranty.
Seabreacher Z
Features
The Seabreacher Z is a unique bubble-topped watercraft that can cruise along the surface, roll, or dodge waves by jumping over or diving under them. The Seabreacher Z has a top speed of 50 mph on the water's surface and 20 to 25 mph underwater. Generally, the Seabreacher dives just a couple of feet under water, but it is capable of going down 5 or 6 feet for brief durations. An unconventional watercraft, the Seabreacher Z has a dolphin-style body and can be custom painted according to the customer's preferences. This 2-seat watercraft is sure to make a statement on the water and give passengers a unique experience.
Pros
Cons
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
Warranty information for the Seabreacher Z is not available.
Uboat HP Sport Sub 2
Features
For the waterman who has everything, the Uboat HP Sports Sub 2 offers a new and unique experience. The Uboat is a personal submersible vehicle that can operate at depths of up to 325 feet and function autonomously for as long as 6 hours at a time. This 5,000-pound vessel can fit onboard super yachts for recreational purposes or be towed behind a car. It accommodates one pilot and one passenger.
Pros
Cons
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
Warranty information on the Uboat HP Sport Sub is not available.
The Verdict
The best jet skis combine comfort and easy operation with enough horsepower for a full afternoon of adventure and fun. Two of our favorites were the Yamaha FX Cruiser Sho and the Kawasaki 300 LX Ultra Jet Ski. Both jet skis accommodate up to 3 passengers, meaning you can bring a couple of friends along for the fun. Both jet skis also offer a comfortable array of amenities. The Yamaha FX Cruiser has a built-in beverage holder and drains in the footwells that keep those spaces from filling with water. The Kawasaki 300 LX has a grab bar for the rear passenger and a 5-way adjustable handlebar. Detailed touches like these make your time on the water especially comfortable and enjoyable.
Featured Image: Pixabay
