Importance of AM Intake Grate?

[_frontend]

As someone who's to stand ups but progressively getting better, I have noticed hiccups in hook up at times. However, being as new as I am and not doing massive jumps or extreme cornering, how important is a Worx 201 grate to me right now? I imagine more tray time and then buy the grate once I'm able to do more freestyle type stuff?

 

[smoofers]

The best thing you can do right now is ride the ski as much as possible and get comfortable with how it handles. As you get more experience you will reach a point where your skill exceeds the capabilities of the ski. That's when you should start modding. Granted, this is only my opinion. There are plenty of people on here who will recommend you throw as much money at a ski as possible. I don't believe in that, I like to be able to notice the mods I do, not just think they are helping because I dropped a bunch of cash on them.

 

[Lumberjack]

That grate will keep you pump hooked up and glue the hull to the water more. when i instaleed my 201 i noticed a BIG difference in how hard to ski braked once you let off the throttle. Definitely a noticeable difference over stock but like stated there's no better mod than ride time!

 

[_frontend]

The best thing you can do right now is ride the ski as much as possible and get comfortable with how it handles. As you get more experience you will reach a point where your skill exceeds the capabilities of the ski. That's when you should start modding. Granted, this is only my opinion. There are plenty of people on here who will recommend you throw as much money at a ski as possible. I don't believe in that, I like to be able to notice the mods I do, not just think they are helping because I dropped a bunch of cash on them.

I appreciate the input and completely agree with you. I am not hurting money wise but I am also not trying to throw money at the ski for the sake of having upgrades. It seems like a lot of people recommend the intake grate (and bars/grips) right away if riding in the ocean. I just want to make sure what I am spending my money on isn't wasted in the short term because some guy on the internet said MOAR UPGRADES IMMEDIATELY!

 

[_frontend]

That grate will keep you pump hooked up and glue the hull to the water more. when i instaleed my 201 i noticed a BIG difference in how hard to ski braked once you let off the throttle. Definitely a noticeable difference over stock but like stated there's no better mod than ride time!

Nice! The gulf definitely limits hook up, which is why I wanted to make sure it was well worth it rather than minimal gains. Seems like my new ski will be using the Worx 228 instead of the 201 due to it being new. Ride time will definitely be had, but the grate seems like a reasonable upgrade. Just wanting to double check with everyone before I order.

 

[bored&stroked]

I can't ride without a nice intake grate. Even a noob benefits from it.

 

[air blair]

Scoop grate is noticeable gains. You can stay full speed skipping on top of the chop waves. Top end mph is effected slightly but getting to top speed, your there quicker with scoop. Beware- scoop grate really scoop in the sand and rocks if beached.


Sent from air blair cell yo

 

[Vumad]

I say ride it and practice and also condition, condition, condition for new people.

However, that's about getting out to ride. Intakes, ride plates, etc are 4 bolts and are cheap. I have changed mine out at the lake plenty of times. Same thing with rear sponsons. Just read reviews on various products. If you are on a budget and not sure what you want, buy used. Often you can sell it for what you paid for it minus shipping and fees for almost no loss.

That does not excuse condition. Don't buy worn out junk with broken bolts. Buy clean used or new, even if it comes at a premium. Use anti-seize, and if the bolt isn't budging, just pass on that part until the season is over.

No one can tell you what is best for you. Here is a brief list of no-hassle changes you can make without affecting your ride time...
Intake
ride plate
grips
bars
rear sponsons
weights (to counter the battery or etc so the ski sits level)
Bilges
lifter wedges
throttle

Also to some extent props (if you have the pre-08 aluminum turd), steering system, quick steer, etc.

I'm not by any means saying you need these things. I think you should practice. But that is a list of items that you can slap on in a few minutes and keep riding that can be purchased relatively cheap. The hang up with the internet, at least for me when I was new, was tuning pipes, taking it apart for sponsons and other hull mods, etc. Foot holds are great but winter is a better time for that job.

Although you are local to FL, so winter doesn't really end out ride time. I suggest doing the big work immediately after Daytona. Not only is that the best down time, but maybe in Daytona you get to test ride and find some good deals on used parts w/o shipping costs.

 

[Vumad]

As someone who's to stand ups but progressively getting better, I have noticed hiccups in hook up at times. However, being as new as I am and not doing massive jumps or extreme cornering, how important is a Worx 201 grate to me right now? I imagine more tray time and then buy the grate once I'm able to do more freestyle type stuff?

I haven't been out much, and I don't specifically have a works 201, but if you have a 96-07 SJ and want to meet up at the lake at some point, you can try out my scoop intake and my works dominator ride plate. We can just unbolt them and you can stick them on your boat.

Alternatively, I will "sell" you my dominator plate (not great for surfing). We'll agree to a time period and if you return it in that window I'll give you your money back. I don't intend to sell the dominator so I'd like it back, but I'm willing to work something out with you so you can test it for free. I'd be willing to do the same with my intake, but the "window" that I'd want it to be back would be shorter since I'd be putting a stock grate on my boat while you have it. It's really more of a "collateral loan" than a sale.

 

[Saltwater N Premix]

Just an intake grate makes a big difference in rideability. A beginner can benefit from it just as much as anyone else. My wife's square nose is bone stock with a 201 intake grate and nothing else, she just started riding this year and says she notices the difference

 

[r6487]

back in the day(early 90s) with SN all aftermarket grates were refered to as top loaders. the cheesy stock plastic grates are/were only good for keeping large sticks/trash out of the impeller. there was plenty of cavitation. a top loaderwill feed plenty of water to the top half of the impeller for less cavitation which also enhances "hookup". first top loader I had was a R&D. had a grind a spot out cause it "as cast" was hitting the impeller shaft. later on moved to jet dynamics for matching plate & grate. any top loader style grate will enhance the ski and it's handling. It is a no brainer whether you a beginner or beyond, to acquire one. IF I were you I would be riding to become more proficient with the grate. worx, jet dyn or whichever one you choose.

 

[JetManiac]

Just an intake grate makes a big difference in rideability. A beginner can benefit from it just as much as anyone else. My wife's square nose is bone stock with a 201 intake grate and nothing else, she just started riding this year and says she notices the difference

Agreed, there is no reason to learn to ride on a ski that doesn't handle or hookup well.