Did I buy the wrong ski??

Last year I rode the crap out of a 91 650 SJ. I loved that thing but knew I needed a bigger motor, someone made me an offer so I sold it.

Now it is getting to be riding season and I had been watching for a ski. An ad came up for an FX and a 90 650. Both are literally in brand new condition. Both had props, intake gates and ride plates, and the 650 has a new AC pole. My buddy and I bought both for 3350. I paid 2200, which I know may be a little high for it being the off season but the ski is literally is in new condition and they are hard to find locally for sale.

I new the fx had more power, I read 73 horse compared to maybe 51 for a 650, and I also read it is lighter but also narrower and shorter then the 650 was. I rode it and it screams, way better then my ski last year. It handles well but is definitley more chalenging to ride.

So for flatwater use only is this the wrong ski if all I care about is bottom end. I only want to freestyle this ski, I wanted the motor for barrel roll attempts or BF's of of boat wakes eventually.

I am looking at doing some mods:
bilge
footholds
carb
porting
pipe
head
and maybe a 144mm pump

I have a month to start doing these things but I can't find the direct answer of why everyone you see is on a roundnose for these stunts and if I should just ride this for the season, improve my skills and buy a roundnose next year. I am realistic, it would probably take the whole season of riding to max out this ski stock. But if it had more bottom end now it would be even funner to ride.
Thanks for any help!
Mike
 

EvanB85

Team Poseur
Location
Tacoma, WA, USA
It's never the wrong ski if the price is right. $2200 for a nice FX1 is probably right there.

I've never ridden an FX1, but the only knock I know is that the pump is undersized.
 

LBE

Eddie Would Go.
Location
Charlotte, NC
I'm biased because I rade an FX1, but I really feel the FX is an underated ski for freestyle. Out of the box it is approximatle 20-30lb lighter, and it's smaller size makes it easier to throw arround. Most people on here will tell you to buy a RN because that is what they ride, and It is definately more stable.

Only you know if you made the right choice, it will take some getting used to but the FX is a competitive ski IMO.

Bolt on a B-pipe and shorten the handle pole, and you have a pretty impressive ski. If you can do the pump conversion it is worth it. I would like to see what some of the RN ridders think of the FX with the 144 pump.
 

EvanB85

Team Poseur
Location
Tacoma, WA, USA
LBE I would like to agree with you. There was an FX on Craigslist a week or so ago for a killer deal. I don't have the energy/time for a pump conversion, otherwise I would have strongly considered it. Although I haven't ridden one, every point you list makes perfect sense to me.
 
My buddy has an fx-1 if you can get used to riding it that thing would be a blast. I have rode it quite a bit but I am used to my super short pole and really sharp steering. His was pretty well stock it just had an impeller and intake. But I was still nose stabbing it within a few minutes. Great ski
 

LBE

Eddie Would Go.
Location
Charlotte, NC
Eddie, do you have a 144 in your FX or the 122? A neighbor of mine has a bone stock FX, and I really want to pick it up and throw a 144 in it!

Thanks Idok. The pump conversion is well worth it. It doesn't really andle any better, and the ski is still a little loose, but for recovery and chop it really helps out. I'm not completely done with the conversion. I put in a 144 pump shoe and now I need to figure out an intake grate. Bu that pump really completes the FX!
 
Well I have now put about 15 hrs on my ski and I am rather frustrated. I think my biggest problem is my size. I am 5'10 but 225lbs. I am a big guy, I am not fat or anything but my shoulders are so wide I cant be even comfortable in the tray. I feel I am pretty decent on the ski, I can get it out of the water way better then my 650 last year, but I get back onto my buddies 650 and I love how it feels just dont like the power. I am thinking of abandoning ship and getting a rn and just being done with it. Should I ride till the middle of the summer and try and get my 2500 back out of it, or sell it now to try and get a lower price on a rn before it gets to warm?
 

stanton

High on jetskis.
Location
atascadero,ca
Well I have now put about 15 hrs on my ski and I am rather frustrated. I think my biggest problem is my size. I am 5'10 but 225lbs. I am a big guy.

omg dude you didnt mention that! i rode an fx1 for the first time yesterday, im only 130 so i didnt have any real trouble besides the shock of its size. first thing i thought after getting back on my ski was it made a sj feel stable as a sxr!
:hail: x1 riders
 

brett

-------------
Location
Ventura,ca
i rode one for the first time on sat and i didnt think it was that hard. i thought it was easier than my sj cause it leaned in to the turns. im 6'2" 215lbs and im lookin for one. they are a blast!!! i still cant figure out the sj though..................
 
Yeah I can balance on it and actually have fun riding it but it is just damn uncomfortable. I will watch for a RN and put this one up for sale likely, I am just worried I cant get back out of it :banghead:
 
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