Hey all, just looking to get into this crazy thing you guys call a hobby. I just had a few questions on what to stay away from or look for when purchasing my first ski. I only have around $1000 to spend so really looking to picking something up for less than $1000. What do you guys prefer? I heard sx and js 92 and newer are good starters. I am a begginer now but eventually would look to going up to Lake Michigan and riding those waves. But I have a long way to go until that. So what do you all think I should look for or stay away from? Anything else you guys have to share is appreciated. Just another noob here
Noob here. Just a few simple questions
- Thread starter Kenny907
- Start date
- Location
- North Carolina
What ever you can afford that runs good. Ride it for a summer then you will know more of what you wanna do. Js's are older and sx's newer. You can find one for 800 or less in good running condition. Heck, I bought a good running Superjet las year for 600. But you just have to look for deals. I have a js 550 with a 650 swapped in it I ride and its a ton of fun and reliable. ( it's also for sale ).
NVJAY775
My home away from home.
- Location
- Gardnerville, Nevada, United States
If you can be patient, keep your eyes open for a Square Nose Superjet AKA SN. Good deals do come around. There's some stuff to look for when buying. Fill in your profile information, so others in your area, might be able to help you out. Personally, I'd say to stay away from a Kawi, only because literally for a few more bucks, you will be on a SN. And be way happier. They are lighter, more nimble and can do a little bit of everything.
Midlake Crisis
Site Supporter
- Location
- Bakersfield, CA
I like the "ride before you buy" principle. My first ski was a '90 SN Superjet hull with a 701 motor that I got for less than $1k.
This year I added a Kawi 750 SXi Pro and a Kawi 650 to my quiver. They are all fun to ride, and it just kind of depends on what you want to do on it.
If I was starting fresh and only had $1k to spend I would honestly probably just focus on finding something that is in good shape and is reliable; would probably end up being a stock 650 Superjet, a very nice Kawi 550, or a Kawi 650. I would enjoy any one of those skis that was running right. If you think you will have another $1-2k soon for upgrades I would definitely go for the Superjet.
This year I added a Kawi 750 SXi Pro and a Kawi 650 to my quiver. They are all fun to ride, and it just kind of depends on what you want to do on it.
If I was starting fresh and only had $1k to spend I would honestly probably just focus on finding something that is in good shape and is reliable; would probably end up being a stock 650 Superjet, a very nice Kawi 550, or a Kawi 650. I would enjoy any one of those skis that was running right. If you think you will have another $1-2k soon for upgrades I would definitely go for the Superjet.
you should save up a bit more cash and try to find a solid snsj, stock or with any a/m parts you can find. best to just start reading now. are you mechanically inclined? its safe to assume however that they all have something wrong with them especially the older they are...15+year old wiring harness...if all stock, 15+year old gaskets/seals
- Location
- North Carolina
- Location
- Houston, TX
I would second (or third I guess) the SN. If you like wrenching, you could probably pick up a square for $500-$800 not running but in good shape. 650/701 Yamaha platforms are very reliable and easy to work on (assuming you are mechanically inclined).
Vumad
Super Hero, with a cape!
- Location
- St. Pete, FL
The most important thing for you 1st ski is condition. Don't buy an abused worn out hunk of junk because it has a bunch of parts on it. If you can get a stock 650sx that is like mint, that would be a much better choice than a highly modified 701 SJ covered in rust and corrosion. It's your 1st ski. It needs to work well so you can find people to ride with. Foot in the door is the idea.
Pros are you can upgrade motor, pump, electrics, etc. as you increase skill and have money to spend. Then you can sell ski for more money than a modded kawi or move all parts over to a RN SJ or a/m hull.
So RN is even better that square nose
Yup, RN (roundnose) is the newer version of the SN (squarenose) both are Yamaha Superjets.
Mark44
Katie's Boss
- Location
- 100% one place
Not really stick with an SJ if you can, its wat the cool kids ride.
Vumad
Super Hero, with a cape!
- Location
- St. Pete, FL
It's a good starter but the Superjet is a better platform. More room to grow. Again, don't buy a pos Superjet just because its a Superjet.
Alright. Looks like I'm going to Kansas.
makejetskiinggreatagain
Brandon
650sx's are great starter skis. I still keep one around as my second ski for when new people come to the lake. Their main advantage over a superjet is price...and honestly that is the only advantage IMO. IF you are strapped for cash, don't be embarrassed to pick up a nice running 650sx and ride it for a while. Most people do. I would just make sure I didn't put a single dime into with regards to mods. These are some reasons that I would buy a SJ over a 650sx.
1) Superjets are like Toyotas in regards to resale. They will hold their value more than any other ski, and any aftermarket parts you put on it will increase the value a little bit (not as much as the cost of the parts obviously). No amount of mods will increase the value of a 650sx, even though their owners think it does.
2) There are a MILLION after marked parts for SJ's. Its a little tougher to find them for 650sx's although its not impossible, which leads me to my next point.
3) You WILL outgrow either ski, and probably faster than you think. At least with the SJ you can modify it to grow with you.
4) The Kawi doesn't have a lanyard (you can mod it of course). When you fall it idles in a circle....most of the time. I had one take off on me because the throttle cable got stuck. It was a VERY bad day at the lake. SJ's have a lanyard that kills the ski when you fall.
5) I think the trays on the square noses are a little wider, although its been a while since I've been on one so it may just be my imagination. the round nose trays are definitely wider.
6) Sex appeal. The SJ has it, the 650sx doesn't.
IF I could do it all over again knowing what I know now, I would have saved another 1000 and bought a SN with a 701 in it for my first ski. If I had, it would probably still be my only ski.
1) Superjets are like Toyotas in regards to resale. They will hold their value more than any other ski, and any aftermarket parts you put on it will increase the value a little bit (not as much as the cost of the parts obviously). No amount of mods will increase the value of a 650sx, even though their owners think it does.
2) There are a MILLION after marked parts for SJ's. Its a little tougher to find them for 650sx's although its not impossible, which leads me to my next point.
3) You WILL outgrow either ski, and probably faster than you think. At least with the SJ you can modify it to grow with you.
4) The Kawi doesn't have a lanyard (you can mod it of course). When you fall it idles in a circle....most of the time. I had one take off on me because the throttle cable got stuck. It was a VERY bad day at the lake. SJ's have a lanyard that kills the ski when you fall.
5) I think the trays on the square noses are a little wider, although its been a while since I've been on one so it may just be my imagination. the round nose trays are definitely wider.
6) Sex appeal. The SJ has it, the 650sx doesn't.
IF I could do it all over again knowing what I know now, I would have saved another 1000 and bought a SN with a 701 in it for my first ski. If I had, it would probably still be my only ski.