300/440/550 JS550 vs SN superjet for playing on lakes?

C

cowboy_Colby

Location
Montana
Hey guys, been reading this forum for years, finally joined!

Been into skis for several years, started on a JS440, had a tricked out 650SX for a while that I loved, and owned a SXi-pro that I was kinda disappointed with. Getting back into skis after a two year break and bought a JS550 with a few little mods (sbn44, billet bars, little sponsons) and have had a blast with it. I'm pretty small (~140 lbs) and only ride lakes. I like how light the JS550 is and love power sliding. Not really a buoy rider and not to worried about top speed, but I like bottom end. There's a good deal on a mostly stock sn650, curious if it would be worth the upgrade, and mostly wondering if it'll have the same light weight playful characteristics of the JS (Probably a stupid question, but I've never rode a Yamaha). Thanks guys!
 
E350

E350

Location
Sacramento Delta
Yes, Buy the SN SJ and ride it for a while. Coming from a 550, it will take a while to figure it out.

It rides completely different than the 550.

The SJ will NOT "have the same "light weight" playful characteristics of the JS"

The 550 is a pump with a hull. You lean it to turn. It has a light weight feel.

Best 550 video ever:


The SN is an integrated system in which the steering, pump and hull make the turn.

When I went from my 550sx to my wife's SN SJ, I kept getting thrown off because I would turn the handle bars and the ski would turn even though I wasn't leaning it. Totally different than riding a 550 which will not turn until you lean it.

The 550 is a ski.

The SJ is a motorcycle on water.

I am selling my 550sx. Keeping my Fx1 and buying a 2019 RN SJ.

I will miss the light feeling of the 550, but the SJ is superior in so many ways. And once you learn how to ride it, it will be playful for you.

You may prefer the 550 or you may prefer the SN SJ.

At 140 lbs. you are right in the friggin' sweet spot for either ski.

You don't need a 701 SN SJ or 701 RN SJ to explore the SJ experience.

@kevbo
 
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S

Spencer fx1

Location
Michigan
E350 said:
Yes, Buy the SN SJ and ride it for a while. Coming from a 550, it will take a while to figure it out.

It rides completely different than the 550.

The SJ will NOT "have the same "light weight" playful characteristics of the JS"

The 550 is a pump with a hull. You lean it to turn. It has a light weight feel.

Best 550 video ever:


The SN is an integrated system in which the steering, pump and hull make the turn.

When I went from my 550sx to my wife's SN SJ, I kept getting thrown off because I would turn the handle bars and the ski would turn even though I wasn't leaning it. Totally different than riding a 550 which will not turn until you lean it.

The 550 is a ski.

The SJ is a motorcycle on water.

I am selling my 550sx. Keeping my Fx1 and buying a 2019 RN SJ.

I will miss the light feeling of the 550, but the SJ is superior in so many ways. And once you learn how to ride it, it will be playful for you.

You may prefer the 550 or you may prefer the SN SJ.

At 140 lbs. you are right in the friggin' sweet spot for either ski.

You don't need a 701 SN SJ or 701 RN SJ to explore the SJ experience.

@kevbo
Click to expand...
How would you compare the fx1 and the 550?
I have a fx1 with a b pipe and some other power mods. Im slowly collecting the parts to put a Yamaha 650 in a 550 hull and I’m curious how it will stack up.
 
C

cowboy_Colby

Location
Montana
Really appreciate the advice! I ride a lot of motocross, so I like the "motorcycle on water" idea. I think I'm going to meet the guy at the lake this weekend and try and ride the two side by side. Hoping that SN is what everybody says it's cracked up to be!!!
 
kevbo

kevbo

Location
dfw
The SN Superjets have a slight amount of rocker built into the bottom. This makes them want to hook and turn. When you are fast in smooth water the ski will always hunt. It won’t cause you to fall but it will take some time before it’s not annoying.
 
E350

E350

Location
Sacramento Delta
I am the crappiest rider here so I am not the best person to ask, but IMHO the Fx1 rides nothing like a SJ or a 550. I liked riding the 550sx but wanted more power so I thought the Fx1 would fit the bill. Yes, the Fx1 turns on its rail like the 550, but it is much harder to ride than the 550sx. I am going to start a thread "550 vs Fx1 vs Super Jet" There are some brilliant and experienced riders here whom I would hope would take their time to post in it for the ages.
 
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