CHEAP TRICKS

Sea-Doo’s Spark Trixx and Yamaha’s JetBlaster are two of the most fun, playful models in the PWC market. Though each follows a similar formula—advantageous horsepowerto-weight ratio and near-identical trio of freestyle-oriented add-ons—they retain distinct personalities on the water. Here’s how they compare.

- Jeff Hemmel

TALE OF THE TAPE Both the Trixx and JetBlaster are based off models in the Rec Lite category: the current Sea-Doo Spark 2up and the former Yamaha EXR.

Though Sea-Doo offers the Trixx in the Spark's 3up version, the added length comes via a 10-inch hull extension that makes it more difficult to perform the original's signature maneuvers. We'd argue that buyers looking for a true freestyle craft are most often riding solo and looking for best performance, so we opted to pair the best examples from each of these PWC manufacturers.

The difference is notable in the specs. The Trixx measures 110 inches long, 46.4 inches wide, weighs 428 pounds and uses a 90 hp, 899 cc Rotax 900 ACE engine. The JetBlaster is longer and narrower at 123.6 inches and 44.5 inches (length and beam, respectively), and heavier at 549 pounds. It is powered by a 110 hp, 1,049 cc Yamaha TR-1. Capacities favor the JetBlaster. Its passenger capacity tops out at 529 pounds, and fuel and storage capacities at a respective 13.2 and 7.7 gallons. The Trixx features a 352-pound passenger capacity (450 in three-passenger trim), 7.9-gallon fuel tank, and minimal 0.42-gallon glove box.