New to standups..recommendations for 1st ski

[Archangel6]

First off hello, just joined today...

Now, I'm getting tired of my 96XP and 96HX, so I would like to get into a stand-up, but before I do, I would like to get some recommendations so I don't go into it blindly...

I'm 5'11 210lbs and I like to ride fast, and hard; doing circles on my HX and 180's on my XP just isn't getting it anymore. I really like the SX series ski's from Kawasaki, since it is my 1st ski is going to be a trainer ski $$ is a big consideration...

THX

AA6

 

[the only couch rider]

just get an SXR and be done with it...

 

[Odd Duck]

Money wise, an SX is a good trainer. You can get it cheaper than an SJ (at least a RNSJ). It is generally considered a slightly more challenging ski to ride since landings are a bit less forgiving than on a SJ (SN or RN). It will potentially make you a better rider since it is more challenging. When you switch to a SJ, they will seem easy in comparison.

If you can find one, a SJ is what the majority of people seem to end up riding. They're a more versatile boat and like I said, more forgiving on the landing. If you can find one, try to find one with a 701. The motor has more bottom end power than the 650, but the 650 can be made to rip, also. Just takes a little more time and money investment to make it happen. If you have a choice between and SX with a 650 and SJ with a 650, go SJ all the way unless the SX has already got most of the mods you're looking for.

I'm sure others will chime in hear, too, this is one of the favprite debates. Good luck.

 

[Mark44]

You say you are 5’11” 210 LBS now but after a year of riding a stand up you will probably be 180-190 LBS so if you like the freestyle action I would say SJ but if you like to run buoys and just rip it up go with SXR are you near the ocean or lakes?

Mark44

 

[Archangel6]

You say you are 5’11” 210 LBS now but after a year of riding a stand up you will probably be 180-190 LBS so if you like the freestyle action I would say SJ but if you like to run buoys and just rip it up go with SXR are you near the ocean or lakes?

Mark44

great advice Odd Duck...thx

M44 that's also what I'm looking for, for got to add that I am also 35. I am going to use this as a form of exercise/stress relief as well...I'd love to ride freestyle, but for the most part I just love going out there and beating the p1ss out of myself trying to have a good time.. and yes I am in MI and have access to many inland lakes as well as Huron and St Clair.

 

[Mark44]

o

great advice Odd Duck...thx

M44 that's also what I'm looking for, for got to add that I am also 35. I am going to use this as a form of exercise/stress relief as well...I'd love to ride freestyle, but for the most part I just love going out there and beating the p1ss out of myself trying to have a good time.. and yes I am in MI and have access to many inland lakes as well as Huron and St Clair.

I am 42 and find this great for exercise.

Mark44

 

[Archangel6]

I am 42 and find this great for exercise.

Mark44

I agree....everyone thinks I'm out there trying to kill myself on my XP and HX, but I'm just trying to do anything but do circles and 360's. It takes so much to move those d@mn Doo's around. I'm just ready for more action!

 

[Kaveman]

The 2008 superjet is the absolute best way to go for what you want to do, however with $$$$ thrown into the mix you'll probably need to find an older one. The SXR is a great bouy craft and some here have made them into good surf boats. They however are a bit difficult to flatwater freestyle. The Polaris Octane is a really fast boat but then you have to deal with the reliability of Polaris and the electrical clusterf^ck.

 

[land_shark3]

I am going to use this as a form of exercise/stress relief as well...

I'm almost 30 and just learning to ride stand-up. I believe it may be one of the most stressful things I do.

Granted, for some odd reason I keep going back out and trying again. okey:

 

[Archangel6]

The 2008 superjet is the absolute best way to go for what you want to do, however with $$$$ thrown into the mix you'll probably need to find an older one. The SXR is a great bouy craft and some here have made them into good surf boats. They however are a bit difficult to flatwater freestyle. The Polaris Octane is a really fast boat but then you have to deal with the reliability of Polaris and the electrical clusterf^ck.

Yeah, I'll be going low budget first time out...sounds like an SX or a SJ are my best options. I'm not opposed to other makes, but I need reliability and power

 

[Archangel6]

I'm almost 30 and just learning to ride stand-up. I believe it may be one of the most stressful things I do.

Granted, for some odd reason I keep going back out and trying again. okey:

Same goes for me and golf, I can go out a shoot terribly, but it takes that 1 perfect stroke and I'm right back out there another day!

 

[Yah-ki]

It's all up to the individual. Most of our group (StL crew) started on kaw 550s, 650s, and 750s. Now it's about half Yam, half Kaw. Yamaha is lighter and easier to throw around. The SXR is great for the long fast rides in choppy water. NO ONE I know is still riding their first ski, so, just go get one and GET OUT THERE! You'll meet ppl and maybe try their skis and then you'll know what's right for YOU. As your skills increase, you'll know what you want. The first couple of seasons you'll just be out there on a standup and having a blast no matter what brand. By the way, I'm 45, I just spent the weekend at a large lake in southern Illinois (Rend) and I'm sore today. GREAT WORKOUT. I have an '04 SXR. Good Luck!

 

[tor*p*do]

Kawi 750sx/sxi/pro or 800 sxr are good starter skis.
Dont get anything smaller and for gods sake dont get a 650sx.:thumbsdown:

Yamaha is a superior machine and ride IMHO. A SN (squarenose supejet '90 - '95) is a great starter ski, better with a 701 in it over the 650. The '96 up Rn (roundnose) is the best freestyle ski, but be prepared to pay (its all relative- you can buy $12k couches nowadays).

If you want to throw the ski around, stick to the Yamaha.
I also think they are better mechanically and more reliable.:biggthumpup:

 

[sxi steve]

Welcome Michigan Bro. A few stats; 6'1", 195 lbs, 41 year old, family man. Experienced rider since 1988. Always rode Kaws. Riding now, 750sxi/pro and love it. Respectible rider, pullin off most tricks, (besides BR's and Backies). Havin a blast, love the water and the workout. Never owned a SJ, I'm sure there gr8. SXRs' are higher priced. My thoughts: the first clean boat that comes up in your price range, grab it. I ride weekly, Lake St. Clair, from Selfridge Airforce Base area (South River Rd access), to the Middle Channel, depending on who I'm riding with or the amount of time I have available. PM me if you wanna hook up and ride, we'll get you up to speed quick. :biggthumpup:

 

[FJXP]

SXR i just made the switch i have a 2001 XP and just got a 2004 fully motified SXR and love it ...SJ is too light for me i'm 6' 205 LBS and cant stand on them too long....i keep falling and have tried for 2 years

 

[IcyHot]

I am brand new to stand ups this year and I purchased an SXR. I love it! It was much easier to ride than I thought and also seems to be a bit easier to balance as I think it is wider than some other skis

 

[Jawbreaker]

Welcome to the X...

I ended up spending a LOT of $$$$$ on Kawi 550's, 650's, 750's, and on an EXPENSIVE Octane. Octane is a good ski but used parts for good prices are hard to find. Buy a SJ square to learn on, and when you want to step up, you can get a round nose hull and switch you parts from the square over to the round nose. My .02 cents.

 

[Archangel6]

many excellent ideas, now I just need to make the decision to sell/trade my HX and go from there... I absolutely have to replace it with another 96XP, but after that I'll most certainly be picking a stand-up just for me to ride...thanks

Rob

 

[BlastinGaston]

:Banane35:My seadoo(07 RXT) is A verry dusty boat Get A SJ and you will not
ride the seadoo for A long if ever again! Good luck & welcome

 

[slag]

Kawi 750sx/sxi/pro or 800 sxr are good starter skis.
Dont get anything smaller and for gods sake dont get a 650sx.:thumbsdown:

Yamaha is a superior machine and ride IMHO. A SN (squarenose supejet '90 - '95) is a great starter ski, better with a 701 in it over the 650. The '96 up Rn (roundnose) is the best freestyle ski, but be prepared to pay (its all relative- you can buy $12k couches nowadays).

If you want to throw the ski around, stick to the Yamaha.
I also think they are better mechanically and more reliable.:biggthumpup:

There is nothing wrong with the 650sx series of skis. Not as fun as a superjet, thats for sure, but they are cheap and parts are plentiful. They will easily haul a 210lb person around and are great to learn on.