X metal steering pros/cons/reviews???

[Shadow7874]

Trying to plan out the winter mods for my fx1 and Im thinking about the full xmetal steering setup but I don't know much about it other then it looks nice. I tried searching but got nothing helpful so I figured I'd turn to you guys. What differences are there from stock? And will it fit my fx1

all in all is it worth it for a stock ski or should I work on making more power first? I'm on a tight budget I suppose...

 

[Woody]

i'm interested in this too for a superjet in comparison to the UMI steering.

just drove some guys skis with the UMI steering and it was a totally different feeling than what i currently have (stock setup with 0* bars)...i couldn't believe it!

 

[freestylegeek]

i'm interested in this too for a superjet in comparison to the UMI steering.

just drove some guys skis with the UMI steering and it was a totally different feeling than what i currently have (stock setup with 0* bars)...i couldn't believe it!

The Xmetal steering set-up is a solution for a future problem. If you get a UMI set-up it will work great for a little while. Then it will wear out, and you'll start replacing bearings and always be tightening up the lock nut. The Xmetal set-up is cheaper, and better long term. There's less parts, and it feels the same a year later as the day you installed it. It works great on the Xmetal pole (imagine that), but I'm not sure if it will work on the stock pole.

 

[kiddioo]

Is there a list of reviews anywhere for steering like there is for finger throttles?

 

[Idok]

no

steering is steering


some are longer, some are shorter


the best ones do NOT use a UMI bearing system....and if they do they are best rebuilt with a JSS tuff thrust kit




you cant go wrong with ANYTHING from Xmetal

 

[JetManiac]

The Xmetal steering set-up is a solution for a future problem. If you get a UMI set-up it will work great for a little while. Then it will wear out, and you'll start replacing bearings and always be tightening up the lock nut. The Xmetal set-up is cheaper, and better long term. There's less parts, and it feels the same a year later as the day you installed it. It works great on the Xmetal pole (imagine that), but I'm not sure if it will work on the stock pole.

The xmetal steering will work on a stock pole with a different bushing, ask for it when you order.

Just make sure you use red loctite on the steering nut and let it dry overnight before using. This will help make sure it stays tight.

 

[waterfreak]

Personally, I think the new x-metal steering is too stiff. I like my steering to be real easy and loose feeling . I like their old system better that uses the umi bearings

I'm about to try the RRP system . Everybody that has tried it...loves it

 

[Mark44]

o

no

steering is steering


some are longer, some are shorter


the best ones do NOT use a UMI bearing system....and if they do they are best rebuilt with a JSS tuff thrust kit




you cant go wrong with ANYTHING from Xmetal

I have the JSS thrust kit and have not had an issue from my UMI for years. Still same bearing as when I bought it used about 8 years ago and smooth as glass.

Katie has the TBM system and it is REAL NICE. I have never tried Xmetal.

Mark44

 

[Idok]

the UMI system will definatly last longer in a lake, but will disintigrate in 1-2 seasons in salt...

that little round needle bearing just crumbles....

 

[Mark44]

o

the UMI system will definatly last longer in a lake, but will disintigrate in 1-2 seasons in salt...

that little round needle bearing just crumbles....

True even in fresh it falls apart this is why the JSS thrust bearing works great.

Mark44

 

[orangefinger]

We have had UMI for 2 seasons on freshwater with no problems so far, i think some people forget the little O ring...doh ...I also have had X metal and others and I have noticed that x metal/oem/others that work with nuts are somewhat stiff but can be adjusted. I definatly love the straight bars coming form UMI bars .

 

[Matt_E]

I've had the XMetal steering for three years now and I love it.
I like that it's stiff.
The bars are a bit weak, though. They bend easily.

 

[wydopen]

the UMI system will definatly last longer in a lake, but will disintigrate in 1-2 seasons in salt...

that little round needle bearing just crumbles....

Ive had the same umi bearings on my ski for 2 1/2 years..only greased it twice and its only been in salt..no problems

 

[Jake6488]

"The bars are a bit weak, though. They bend easily" Second that. There are 5 of us here that run Xmetal and all bars are bent. But other than that I love it. I think im going to RRP next tho.

 

[Shadow7874]

Is the x metal stiffer then stock or just more stiff then umi. The steering on my 550 is much stiffer then my fx and I hate it.

 

[Aircraftsalz]

I got the Xmetal with UMI bearing & love it, no problems & I ride 100% surf. I just installed the RRP steering on my other SJ & I think its the way to go. Shorter than the xmetal, super smooth, & I like the high bars in the surf.

 

[BruceSki]

i had the x-metal steering a few months ago and ditched it in favor of a UMI bearing setup with JSS tuff thrust kit and stainless bearing.

i didn't like how tight the xmetal was at all, and it kept coming loose when i made it loose enough where i liked the feel.


as for the UMI coming loose, i drilled a hole through the lock nut and put a cotter pin in it.... that lock nut isn't moving anywhere.

as for the UMI bearings, you need to pull the plastic covers off them and pack them with a good marine grease and they will last longer than if you just slap them together out of the package.

I do however still have the xmetal -2.5 turnplate and mcmaster carr straight bars.

 

[djkorn1]

Bruins steering is awesome! No bearings at all and it's nice and smooth and simple! Contact Bruins on here.

 

[Waternut]

I've got the x-metal turn plate and bars and love them. I hate riding ski's with curved bars after riding the straight bars as well.