[sparkdream]

Just wanted some opinions. I plan to purchase toward the end of the year but I tend to over-think things. I rented a 2up but it was the worst chop I have ever seen on a sunny day. I had trouble maintaining 25mph due to waves and I was slamming the ski at that speed. My question is is the spark right for me? I love the size, weight, and fuel economy but im worried it wont be good for 15-30 mile long intercoastal runs for me. I've thought about a vx sport as well. I really would rather the spark in every aspect but one. Can I cruise on it without getting beat to death? Its usually only a light chop on the bay here. 3up help out with this? Opinions?

 

[Rthonb]

I have a 3 up and go on long tours. I won't go out in big chop but I find it to be very stable when your up on plane. Good for my tours and allows me to really throw it around

 

[Sarge707]

Its Not Uncommon for the same thing to happen on any ski in rough water 25 MPH is sometimes All you can do- However the Spark will beat you up More than the 800 pound skies because it so light it bounces higher? LOL

 

[sparkdream]

Sarge: "any ski in rough water 25 MPH is sometimes All you can do-*" thats what I was thinking .

 

[thekendog]

The Spark sucks in big chop. I live on a big, busy lake and I try and avoid peak times.

 

[sparkdream]

I guess what im really asking is how is it in light chop. I know smooth will be fine and heavy chop was rough but its often light chop around here. How much better is it in light chop compared to heavy chop. If like to be able to maintain close to 30 in light chop. Is that a realistic expectation or will I be riding a jack hammer?

 

[TK423]

i think its all relative. i dont mind the spark with a light chop, i'm also 6'1" 200lbs and pretty fit. depending on how you ride, your fitness, your body type, age, etc it may be different. Can you rent a ski again on a day when there would be some light chop?

 

[sparkdream]

I think I might try to rent it again. There is only one place ive found that has them and it tends to be more choppy in that area, but I can keep an eye on the weather reports. Thanks

 

[Off-road]

We ride in medium to light chop most of the time and can usually cruise around 28. We have 3up and have a blast jumping and cutting circles, basically just playing around. Saturday we had about 15 mile run back in and was extremely choppy. It was a rough trip and we could barely maintain any consistent constant speed. My wife actually stopped a couple of times to take a break. She nor I have not ridden in that rough of chop before and it was tough. We went to one of the largest lakes in Ga. and will probably stay away from that lake when it is on a weekend. Just too busy and the bigger boats on the bigger lake make bigger chop.
All that said, medium to light chop is fun on the Spark to us. We did see many other skis that seemed to be struggling as well.
So now, are you totally confused. Lol

As Sarge and Sparkdream stated,most any ski could be a struggle in heavy chop.

I believe it is as TK423 says also. Try another rent and decide for yourself, we all have different ideas of what fun is, riding styles and fitness.

For just plain ole cruising, this may not be your preferred ski. The seat can be hard unless you buy an air ride cushion, they are light weight and in my opinion are made to play with more than just cruise.

 

[TK423]

We ride in medium to light chop most of the time and can usually cruise around 28. We have 3up and have a blast jumping and cutting circles, basically just playing around. Saturday we had about 15 mile run back in and was extremely choppy. It was a rough trip and we could barely maintain any consistent constant speed. My wife actually stopped a couple of times to take a break. She nor I have not ridden in that rough of chop before and it was tough. We went to one of the largest lakes in Ga. and will probably stay away from that lake when it is on a weekend. Just too busy and the bigger boats on the bigger lake make bigger chop.
All that said, medium to light chop is fun on the Spark to us. We did see many other skis that seemed to be struggling as well.
So now, are you totally confused. Lol

As Sarge and Sparkdream stated,most any ski could be a struggle in heavy chop.

I believe it is as TK423 says also. Try another rent and decide for yourself, we all have different ideas of what fun is, riding styles and fitness.

For just plain ole cruising, this may not be your preferred ski. The seat can be hard unless you buy an air ride cushion, they are light weight and in my opinion are made to play with more than just cruise.

Well said...the ideal ski is what YOU like. A VX or a GTS/GTI may be the better option for you. I have had both- a VXR (bigger motor but same hull) and a Spark- for me the Spark is hands down more fun.

 

[Sarge707]

Well said...the ideal ski is what YOU like. A VX or a GTS/GTI may be the better option for you. I have had both- a VXR (bigger motor but same hull) and a Spark- for me the Spark is hands down more fun.

I Agree! I would Not trade for a GTI or Yama Log BUT BRP please give us a Flatter, softer seat because a lot of people like going on Long Rides with the Sparks Great fuel economy???

 

[NetAtNite]

I've got both a 2-up and 3-up and have ridden in all sorts of conditions. Oddly, the only time I flipped was when I was at a dead stop on the 2-up. It's impossible to suggest what the ideal riding conditions are for a Spark but they ROCK in low and medium chop!!!!! Pure fun! When the waves get a little larger, it's a little more sketchy but that would apply to any watercraft. I would say this....both Sparks always feel secure and safe to me. I'm about 150 pounds and 5'10 as a point of reference. I'm an absolute noob to PWC (my maiden voyage on the 2-up Spark was the 4th time I had ever been on a ski) but it's been great! I've been nervous, but never felt unsafe....I recommend taking the plunge although that might be a poor choice of words...

 

[Bob c]

I have a 3 up, use in the Intercoastal in North Carolina. When you hit a wake from another boat it will jump since it is lighter than most PWC's. I tend to slow it down and ride it out. Went into the ocean from the Intercoastal on a choppy day and turned around. Ski spent most of the time in the air. It is fun but after a while it takes it's toll on ya.

 

[sparkdream]

Hello again. I rented a 3up today with a boarding step. I'm sold. Its perfect. I think I need one of those air seats covers, But I love it. The wife didnt bring her driver's license so she couldnt ride but the 3 up was stable and easy to board. Although not needed, The knee step made boarding a snap. I'm 5'11" 230lbs. Cruising in light chop was easy at 25 and 35 was easy if you dont mind standing at times. Topped out at 48mph for me. Thanks! Buying one when the 2015's are out.