1998 SXI Reviews

[Mile9c1]

It's a good ski if you just like to go out and get wet. They are faster than a Superjet (stock vs. stock) but they are very difficult to ride at top speed, so it's not much to brag avout. I would hold out for a Superjet, and put Tubbie sponsons on it if you like to carve turns. You'll have a ski that's better in every category (except top speed). The Superjet will also last around 50% longer on 1 tank of gas.

 

[IceRocket1286]

sxi pros are wasy to ride at top speed, its not hard to get used to. My sxi pro always lasted just as long as my friends roundnose, stock vs stock, as far as gas goes, Id actually hit reserve about 5 minutes before him and we both flew around the lake, together.

 

[Mile9c1]

Id actually hit reserve about 5 minutes before him and we both flew around the lake, together.

The Superjet reserve is actually 1/3 of its tank, about 1.5 gallons. The SXi Pro's is like 0.5 gallons. When you hit reserve on the Pro, it is oh ******** get back to the launch time! The Kawi 750 engine has higher fuel consumption at WOT and also the Superjet tank is about 3/4 of a gallon larger.

The SXi Pro comes stock with an extended ride plate and it still hopps around like crazy and it chine walks. A Superjet is much much smoother, no comparison IMO.

 

[Mile9c1]

Also the SXi pro is 50lbs heavier and has more drag.

 

[Lakeman]

It's not the price of a SJ its that there are none around her, and i guess the price is like 300-400 more than i'm payin for this but why are superjets so much better.

Can you tell us the price of this Ski? Then we can tell you if you are getting a deal or not. $2000.00 is the high end for a bone stock ski. A 98 is now 9 years old. Has the motor been rebuilt. What is the compression on both cylinders. They should be very close to each other. Check the pump for nicks and look at the prop for the same. The compression test will tell you alot about the motor. One good thing about these motor is if you have some mechanical ability they can be overhauld very easly. IMO.

I am glad to here you want a stand up. Like they say once you stand up you will never sit down. Either brand of ski is good to get started with. You have to remember that most of these guys are excellent riders and like there brand of ski. I have owned both Kawi's and SJ. I found the Kawi product to be very reliable and low maintence. It is when you get into changing items to improve performace that they tend to need more maintence. Kawi's currently are very good for racing and people who just like to ride around on a stable ski. SJ tend to be for the person who wants to push the limts and jump it out of the water. I live in Kansas and most days it is very windy. So we like ski's that have very good low end power so we can use the waves to jump our ski's out of the water. But for someone starting out either ski will be fine. If you buy it below $2000.00 you shouldn't be hurt to bad when you go to sell it. These ski are holding there value between $1500 and $2000. It really depends on the condition of the ski. One that is all beat up on the out side tends not to sell very well. I hope this help. Just get one and start having fun.
What part of county do you live where there is no SJ for sale?
Dale

 

[IceRocket1286]

I think 2 grand would be the highest price for a 98 sxi pro.

who cares if there is an sj for sale in his area or not, just get a stand up! I liked jumping my sxi pro much much more than I do my superjet, even though it is a great ski no doubt.

and after seeing about 6 million people on the web set up superjets very identical, Id really like to see something new.

PM JimTMich on pwctoday, he might even be on here. he freestyles an sxi pro and can give you some helpful hints as well

 

[kurtwolff]

Hey man, if you hold out a bit, I will get you a Superjet in your budget. If you are set on a Kawi 750sx, or Sxi Pro, I can hook you up as well. Come over and ride both and see what you prefer. I have 1 squarenose SJ right now, and 1 Kawi 750 too. Best way to see if you like it is to ride it! You and Corey can come by and ride -Kurt

 

[IceRocket1286]

your 75o is different from an sxi pro, different hull, so its not a good evaluation

 

[Matt_E]

I would love to try out an SXI/SXI PRO or even SXR sometime. I'm sheltered....I've only ridden Superjets and 550s and 650s.

 

[GDFL]

You WILL eventually end up with a superjet if you are into freestyle. Just ask Gil800SXR.:bad3: I don't see anything wrong with starting with a kawi or whatever you can get your hands on. I started with a kawi 650sx and three months later had my superjet. Keep in mind that superjets are pretty easy to sell if you need to and parts are extremely easy to come by.

 

[Dirtybird]

The SXi Pro comes stock with an extended ride plate and it still hopps around like crazy and it chine walks. A Superjet is much much smoother, no comparison IMO.

:haha: this is pretty true, but once you ride for a while you can go WOT around 50mph for quite a while and not fall off since you are so used to what the ski will do, you can comphensate for it. I have a blast on mine, but just get a stand up!! I want a SJ and an SXR I want em ALL!:woot:

 

[AIRICCC]

I owned an sxi pro, i wish i still had it!
They handle awesome but they suck at top speed(not getting there, being there), they will chine walk and it is difficult to get them to stay straight...

Mike is right about the reserve, I chopped mine off higher so that I could have some more petrol on my reserve...

just get a ski

 

[tor*p*do]

Kawis rock, the 750 is a great engine.
SJs in NC are way overpriced and not too available.
You can get a 750 JS for the price of a 650 SN.
You can get an 800 for the price of a late model RN.
SJs are fun, but starting out with a JS is fine.
If it is a fair price on that pro, jump on it.
You wont regret it!

 

[sflsurfrider]

Yea, well no. I dont like squares. Anyway. DO NOT get an ocean pro ride plate. Possibly the worst ride plate known to man. Keep the stock one and cut a 'D' into it. I like my ski and my brothers, I have not rode a SJ so I cannot be a comparo. My ski is fun and will continue to love it until I ride a SJ and see what that is like

how do you know you dont like squares if youve never ridden an SJ???

 

[superrob750]

i had a 98 sxi pro for a few years.. i liked it alot.. i beat the crap out of it always came back for more.. i finally totaled out the hull and got a superjet.

 

[fwi]

Id take my old sxi pro back in a heartbeat

No you won't, I love it!:biggthumpup:

 

[63chevyll]

I agree. whatever gets you on the water.
stock is worth around 2000-2400 around here. depending on what had been done and year. you will have a blast on the sxi.
i own a SJ and an SXI and have fun on both (when they are running)
the SJ, no dougt had more bottom end, but the SXI is smaller, and will get you on the water.

i have a hard time riding a Square Nose, Just my opinion

 

[Dirtybird]

how do you know you dont like squares if youve never ridden an SJ???

Sorry, I dont like the looks of them :banghead: I said that to Rickster cause he knows what I am talking about

 

[Ragged Edge Racing]

Let's see some pics of this thing so we can get a better idea of what it may be worth. Is it bone stock? How's the compression? Lot's of factors as far as what it may be worth. I loved my old 750 and had no problem at speeds. Ran a JD plate on it. I switched to the SXR a couple years ago and love it. It is just a different ride. Tons of power and carves like it is on a rail.

 

[Gainera2582]

An sxi pro has the capability to be used as a freestyle ski like a superjet and probably turns better, but is also heavier to be thrown around compared to the superjet.

I personally haven't tried an sxi pro(would love to try one), but with the right motor and pipe setup, it would be a great freeride/freestyle ski.