Worth upgrading stock steering?

_frontend

_frontend

Location
Dunedin, Florida
Hey Fam. Looking to possibly upgrade my 2017 stock steering with this:
https://www.thrustinnovations.com/i...ucts_id=1339&zenid=3nkd0a7jnqjetalp1nv5g6or42

I would then add a zero degree bar and a new a throttle.. This entire purchase upgrade will be around the $400 mark. Although money is not too much of a concern, I am trying to be reasonable about my upgrades and the order in which they are being done.

I ride in the chop, small waves, and flat when the ocean decides to be calm. Hoping to venture out into flatwater buoy practice in the future.

Will this upgrade dramatically increase the steering and quick handling of the ski? I only ask because I haven't ridden an a/m setup on a SJ and have a difficult time thinking about what the difference will be..

Thanks!
 
DocPhil

DocPhil

Location
Michigan
Stock steering on the SJ is just horrible. I had one with upgraded steering, sold it then bought another stock one and I forgot how bad it is.

I don't have an upgraded turn plate but I do have zero degree bars, ODI grips and a PJS finger throttle and that improves it about 500%. I have considered a turn plate but I'm pretty happy without it for right now
 
_frontend

_frontend

Location
Dunedin, Florida
DocPhil said:
Stock steering on the SJ is just horrible. I had one with upgraded steering, sold it then bought another stock one and I forgot how bad it is.

I don't have an upgraded turn plate but I do have zero degree bars, ODI grips and a PJS finger throttle and that improves it about 500%. I have considered a turn plate but I'm pretty happy without it for right now
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I assumed the most beneficial improvement would be the turn plate? I have upgraded the bars on other toys and felt an improvement simply because I took off or added degrees, but that was more preference than actual improvement. Care to elaborate on the jump in improvement from making those slight modifications? I ask because I would rather not spend $250 on a turn plate if it's not really necessary.
 
Vumad

Vumad

Super Hero, with a cape!
Location
St. Pete, FL
If you do not have a pipe, I would get that first. I understand the the 08+ skis have a better prop than my 04 so you may not need a prop before the steering.

Only you can decide when steering is best for you. Moving the bars forward changes the distance your hands have to move to turn them which means you can turn them faster. It will also move your weight forward. Wether you want a straight bar, 4* bars, OVP or some variation of -#, and if you want a bearing or bushing system is up to you.

Shortening the pole is free if you need to get your weight forward, just remember to take into consideration the steering when you shorten your pole. My pole is -3, but with straight bars and a OVP steering, my hands are about -7 from stock.

You are close to me. If you'd like to meet up at Lake Seminole then you can try my stuff. I have a JetLabs with a RRP straight bar on it. The JetLabs can be changed from OVP to more like that Thrust. I would be willing to take it apart at the lake so you can try both. I also have a UMI -1 turn plate with a 0* bar you can try on your ski, and a RRP straight bar for the UMI you can try as well. You don't need to buy any of the models or brands I have, but it will give you a chance to see the changes in pivot positions.

My first ski I just went out and bought a turd. It was good enough to get me into the sport. I wish I had spent more but I didn't know anyone and was on a very limited budget unwilling to take a risk on something more expensive. Now I try to help people with opportunities I did not have. I would be glad to help your try before you buy so you can get the right part first the right time. No charge. I accept donations in the form of green monster and jerky.
 
Vumad

Vumad

Super Hero, with a cape!
Location
St. Pete, FL
This is what TomSki is telling you that you should have read.
http://www.x-h2o.com/index.php?threads/08-superjet-steering-system-question.53728/

This is one example of the parts you could choose.
https://www.wamiltons.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=913

I haven't built a 08+ ski, but I wasn't telling OP what to buy. Only offering a variety of options. Since all of my steering combinations use bushings, he can try them on his ski, or stock steering on my ski, and decide for himself how to spend his money.
 
_frontend

_frontend

Location
Dunedin, Florida
tomski said:
The short throw steering cable is the problem. It's been mentioned many times.

You should be listening to people that actually have experience building the 08+ hulls.
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I appreciate the input. I have been in contact with multiple people who have said the 14+ (?) with the short throw can plug and play the thrust innovations column no problem?
 
High Speed Industries

High Speed Industries

Your one stop shop for quality parts @highspeedind
Location
Lake Havasu City, AZ
I've had good luck with this little nozzle adapter. It increases throw while utilizing the stock cable and turn plate. That way you don't have to worry about pole conversions and what not. It is a drastic improvement over stock, but it still isn't as much throw as swapping cables.

For a $45 fix its hard to beat. I haven't had one person be unhappy with their purchase. I keep a handful in stock at all times. Pm me if you'd like to get set up.

f8d0512aa69d6215e4a3e8c0ad042bc0.jpg
 
V

vagabond_ms

Location
San Diego
Kind of a similar question. I'd like to put my bars farther forward but not sure if a short steering setup from Thrust would be worth it over shortening the entire pole, thoughts?
 
Lumberjack

Lumberjack

Location
Saskatchewan
The steering upgrade is worth it and the stock bars amd grips are soo bad. I have zero degree on my SJ and like it. Message jet maniac so you're sure to get the correct parts you need to make it work. 08+ is different than pre 08. I'm running the minus 2 inches rrp standard aystem
 
Big Kahuna

Big Kahuna

Administrator
Location
Tuscaloosa, AL
Rdrttoy said:
I've had good luck with this little nozzle adapter. It increases throw while utilizing the stock cable and turn plate. That way you don't have to worry about pole conversions and what not. It is a drastic improvement over stock, but it still isn't as much throw as swapping cables.

For a $45 fix its hard to beat. I haven't had one person be unhappy with their purchase. I keep a handful in stock at all times. Pm me if you'd like to get set up.

f8d0512aa69d6215e4a3e8c0ad042bc0.jpg
Click to expand...

I have never seen that before. So simplistic!!!!!!!!
 
H

Honda118

Location
United States
Rdrttoy that is a fantastic part man!

On the steering types - my buddy has the Thrust on it and it is a solid built part but it has the type of bearings that can not be adjusted for drag.

So his steering is so resistance free that it can be hard to keep the ski straight without both hands.

On my girl I run her (steering) tight - mine is the RRP type - that way I can easily take one hand off the ski when i'm riding.

I'm saying just do some research b/f buying one of the systems to make sure its the kind you want.
 
_frontend

_frontend

Location
Dunedin, Florida
** Thrust system has been added and tested over the weekend in flat / 5-6 ft surf. I have nothing but good things to say about switching to this system. I had my doubts but it completely changed the ski for the better. I can throw it around so much easier, carving the surf and jumping is more fluid, and the ski handles input smoothly and quickly. Can't recommend this upgrade enough. Very happy I chose intake grate / new steering setup before b-pipe and other mods.
 
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