Top 5 Best Jet Ski Brands: Everything You Should Know

When buying an automobile like a jet ski, you need to buy from a reputable company. This is important because your life and finances may depend on it.

We will be looking at the top 5 best jet ski brands where your next jet ski should come from. I will share everything you need to know about today’s top 5 best jet ski brands.

You will learn about their history, strengths and weaknesses, and most popular models. My aim is that by the time you are through with this guide, you will have a clear idea of which jet ski brand suits your needs and preferences the best.

Why Should You Buy a Jet Ski Base On Its Brand?

Before diving into the top 5 best jet ski brands, let’s define a jet ski and why you should buy one. A personal watercraft (PWC) jet ski is a small, motorized vehicle carrying one or more riders on the water.

It is powered by a jet pump that propels water through a nozzle, creating thrust and steering. Jet skis are designed for fun and recreation, as they can reach high speeds, perform tricks, and navigate through waves and obstacles.

Knowing this, you should understand that you should buy a Jet Ski based on the brand review. Purchasing a good jet ski means saving yourself from many unwarranted expenses.

How to Choose the Best Jet Ski Brand for You

Now that you know what a jet ski is and why you should buy one, let’s talk about how to choose the best jet ski brand for you. Considering many factors when comparing different jet ski brands would be best.

1. Your budget: How much money will you spend on a jet ski? Jet skis can range from a few thousand dollars to over twenty thousand dollars, depending on the brand, model, and features. You should also consider maintenance costs, fuel, insurance, and accessories.

2. Your skill level: How experienced are you in riding a jet ski? Jet skis can vary in power, speed, stability, and maneuverability. Some jet skis are more suitable for beginners, while others are more suitable for advanced riders. Choosing a jet ski brand that matches your skill level and goals would be best.

3. Your purpose: What do you want to do with your jet ski? Jet skis can be used for different purposes, such as cruising, racing, fishing, towing, or freestyle. Some jet skis are more versatile, while others are more specialized. Choosing a jet ski brand offering the features and functions you need and want would be best.

4. Your preference: What do you like and dislike about jet skis? Jet skis can have different designs, colors, styles, and sounds. Some jet skis are more attractive, while others are more practical. Choosing a jet ski brand that appeals to your taste and personality would be best.

The Top 5 Best Jet Ski Brands in 2024

Now that you know how to choose the best jet ski brand, let’s look at the top 5 best jet ski brands in 2024. These brands have the highest ratings, the most loyal customers, and the most innovative products.

Kawasaki: The Best Jet Ski Brand for Experienced Riders Looking for Speed and Power

Kawasaki is the original and oldest jet ski brand, as it invented the first jet ski in 1973. Since then, Kawasaki has led the industry with its powerful and fast jet skis, also known as Jet Skis (with a capital J and S). Kawasaki is the best jet ski brand for experienced riders who want to push the speed and power limits on the water.

Some advantages of Kawasaki jet skis

• They have the most powerful engines, up to 310 horsepower, and supercharged options.
• They have the fastest top speeds, up to 70 mph, and acceleration rates.
• They have the most stable hulls, with deep-V shapes and large sponsons.
• They have the most responsive handling, with electronic throttle and trim systems.

Some disadvantages of Kawasaki jet skis

• They are the most expensive jet skis, with prices starting from $9,999 and going up to $18,199.
• They are the heaviest jet skis, weighing 551 to 1,074 pounds.
• They are the least fuel-efficient jet skis, with capacities of 16.4 to 20.6 gallons and consumption rates of 14 to 21 gallons per hour.
• They are the most miniature feature-rich jet skis, with fewer sound systems, storage, and accessories options.

Some of the most popular Kawasaki jet ski models

• Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310LX: The most potent and luxurious jet ski, with a supercharged engine, a jet sound audio system, and a heat-resistant seat.
• Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R 160: The most stable and speedy stand-up jet ski, with a four-stroke engine, a V-shaped hull, and a sporty design.
• Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160 LX: The most versatile and comfortable jet ski, with a naturally aspirated engine, a cruise control system, and a Bluetooth sound system.

Yamaha: The Best for Families Looking for Reliability and Longevity

Yamaha is another well-known brand in the jet ski industry, as it introduced the first WaveRunner in 1986. Yamaha is known for its reliability and longevity, as its jet skis are built with high-quality materials and engines that can last for many years. Yamaha is the best jet ski brand for families who want a jet ski that is easy to maintain, safe to ride, and durable enough to handle different water conditions.

Some of the advantages of Yamaha jet

• They have the most reliable engines, with up to 250 horsepower and naturally aspirated options.
• They have the most extended lifespans, with some models lasting over 500 hours of use.
• They have the most spacious hulls, with roomy seats and ample storage compartments.
• They have the most user-friendly features, such as touchscreens, speakers, and cruise assist.

Some of the disadvantages of Yamaha jet skis

• They are the second most expensive jet skis, ranging from $6,999 to $17,599.
• They are the second heaviest jet skis, weighing 577 to 820 pounds.
• They are the second least fuel-efficient jet skis, with capacities of 13.2 to 18.5 gallons and consumption rates of 10 to 18 gallons per hour.
• They are the second least potent jet skis, with lower top speeds and acceleration rates than Kawasaki and Sea-Doo.

Some of the most popular Yamaha jet ski models

• Yamaha WaveRunner FX Cruiser HO: The most comfortable and luxurious jet ski, with a high-output engine, a Connext touchscreen, and a multi-mount system.
• Yamaha WaveRunner GP1800R SVHO: The most agile and sporty jet ski, with a supercharged engine, a NanoXcel 2 hull, and a race-inspired seat.
• Yamaha WaveRunner EX Deluxe: The most affordable and beginner-friendly jet ski, with a TR-1 engine, a RiDE system, and a tow hook.

Sea-Doo: The Best for Fun Seekers Looking for Features and Versatility

Sea-Doo is the youngest of the three major jet ski brands, as it launched its first Sea-Doo in 1988. Sea-Doo is known for its innovation and creativity, as it constantly introduces new features and technologies that make jet skiing more fun and convenient. Sea-Doo is the best jet ski brand for fun seekers who want a jet ski packed with features and versatility.

Some of the advantages of Sea-Doo jet skis

• They have the most features, such as intelligent brake and reverse (iBR), intelligent throttle control (ATC), variable trim system (VTS), and sound systems.
• They have the most versatility, offering different modes and accessories for other purposes, such as touring, sport, eco, and fishing.
• They have the most variety, as they offer different sizes and styles of jet skis, from the Spark to the GTX.
• They are the most affordable, offering the cheapest jet ski models, starting from $5,499.

Some of the disadvantages of Sea-Doo jet skis

• They have the most miniature reliable engines, which are more prone to mechanical issues and failures, especially the supercharged ones.
• They have the shortest lifespans, as they tend to wear out faster and require more maintenance and repairs.
• They have the least spacious hulls, as they sacrifice comfort and storage for performance and agility.
• They have the least user-friendly features, as some are complicated and confusing, such as the iBR and the ATC.

Some of the most popular Sea-Doo jet ski models

• Sea-Doo Spark Trixx: The most fun and playful jet ski, with a lightweight and elegant design, a 90 HP engine, and features that allow you to perform tricks and stunts.
• Sea-Doo Fish Pro: The most fishing-friendly jet ski, with a more extended and more stable platform, a 170 HP engine, and features that make fishing more accessible and more enjoyable, such as a fish finder, a cooler, and a trolling mode.
• Sea-Doo RXP-X 300: The most powerful and agile jet ski, with a supercharged 300 HP engine, a T3-R hull, and features that enhance speed and handling, such as an Ergolock system, a launch control, and a VTS.

Taiga: The Best for Eco-Conscious Riders Looking for Electric and Sustainable Options

Taiga is the first and only brand that produces electric jet skis, also known as epics. Taiga was founded in 2015 by two engineers who wanted to create a more environmentally friendly and innovative alternative to the traditional jet skis. Taiga is the best jet ski brand for eco-conscious riders who wish for a jet-powered by clean and renewable energy, offering a unique and futuristic riding experience.

Some of the advantages of Taiga jet skis

• They have zero emissions and run on battery power instead of fossil fuels.
• They have low noise, producing a quiet and smooth sound instead of a loud and harsh one.
• They have high performance, reaching up to 65 mph and accelerating from 0 to 50 mph in 2.9 seconds.
• They have intelligent features like a digital dashboard, GPS, and a wireless charging pad.

Some of the disadvantages of Taiga jet skis

• They are the most expensive jet skis, with prices starting from $24,000 and going up to $28,000.
• They are the lightest jet skis, with weights ranging from 580 to 600 pounds, which can affect their stability and handling in rough waters.
• They have limited range, as they can only run for up to 2 hours on a single charge, depending on the riding mode and conditions.
• They have limited availability, as they are only sold in select locations and require special service and maintenance.

Some of the most popular Taiga jet ski models

• Taiga Orca: The flagship and most powerful electric jet ski, with a 180 HP motor, a 23 kWh battery, and a carbon fiber hull.
• Taiga Atlas: The sporty and agile electric jet ski with a 120 HP motor, a 20 kWh battery, and a fiberglass hull.
• Taiga Nomad: The versatile and customizable electric jet ski with a 90 HP motor, a 16 kWh battery, and a modular hull.

Krash: The Best for Adrenaline Junkies Looking for Freestyle and Stunt Capabilities

Krash is the newest and most niche brand in the jet ski industry, specializing in freestyle and stunt jet skis. Krash was founded in 2010 by jet ski enthusiasts who wanted to create a jet ski that could perform extreme tricks and maneuvers on the water. Krash is the best jet ski brand for adrenaline junkies who wish to have a jet ski that is designed for freestyle and stunt riding.

Some of the advantages of Krash jet skis

• They have the most agile and lightweight hulls, made of composite materials and featuring sharp edges and angles.
• They have the most maneuverable and responsive engines, up to 130 horsepower, and dual carburetors.
• They have the most customizable and interchangeable parts, such as handlebars, footwells, sponsors, and graphics.
• They have the most affordable prices, with models starting from $9,999.

Some of the disadvantages of Krash jet skis

• They have the least comfortable and practical hulls, with no seats, storage, or sound systems.
• They have the least reliable and durable engines, requiring frequent tuning and maintenance.
• They have the least versatile and user-friendly features, lacking electronic or safety systems.
• They have the least availability and support, as they are only sold in limited locations and have fewer dealers and service centers.

Some of the most popular Krash jet ski models

• Krash Reaper: The flagship and most potent freestyle jet ski, with a 130 HP engine, a carbon fiber hull, and a billet pole.
• Krash Predator: The most agile and lightweight freestyle jet ski, with a 100 HP engine, a fiberglass hull, and a composite pole.
• Krash Footrocket Pro: The most beginner-friendly and accessible freestyle jet ski, with an 85 HP engine, a composite hull, and a standard pole.

Conclusion

With this information, making your choice on the best jet ski band to go for comes easy. You will be able to distinguish between the best and the worst among the numerous jet ski brands we have.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best jet ski brand. Each brand has its strengths and weaknesses and caters to different riders and purposes. The best jet ski brand depends on your budget, skill level, purpose, and preference.