EXCLUSIVE! In-Person Walkaround of The 2025 Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S Angler JetSki: WCJ Uncut

[@wko78ms]

I figured more people were asking for a 310r, I didn't know ski fishing was this popular

[@SLHJR0390]

boats are too expensive.

[@Jetcast]

Great first overview Kevin. So good to see another brand getting into this niche area. There a couple of other things I noticed that other brand don’t have: the spray guards on the bow (less chance of wet rides like FXHO) and the headlights/lighting. The stability “pontoons” could be further developed in future iterations and have storage compartments in them. Tubbies are hard to gets so imagine if a manufacturer just made these a little larger and have a lid entry to a storage area to carry a bit more gear and even do away with the rear cooler. Much safer for all fishos if they did that and it would be a class leader. Anyway, what a great first specialist craft ! Thanks for posting this.

[@edwardbowles8613]

Gunnel/pontoon storage is a great idea. Throws back to the old Yamaha and sea doo SUV and LRV monsters

[@Gmtail]

I’m just impressed that Kawasaki hit up a show for once. It’s about time.

[@stuartpeck26]

I’m glad Kawi is getting into fishing territory but I was really hoping for the return of the 310R or an update STX. Maybe in 2026 they’ll do something

[@XF_Chaos]

A new well-thought-out rack with rod holders, a cooler identical in size to the Fish Pro’s, a factory Garmin mount in the same place on the right-hand side, trolling rod holders in the footwells, a flatter fishing seat, and outrigger floats to stabilize the ski and add footrests adds up to a very solid contender for the FishPro Sport, mainly because it’s so similar. Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, or something like that. I’m really looking forward to the ride review on this ski, mainly to hear about how the outriggers mess with handling. It’ll be interesting to see if they help in really rough conditions, or if they just ruin the handling of the Ultra hull. Do you know when you’ll get your hands on one to test on the water?

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Can that new rack accommodate Rotopax? I see the hardcore NZ PWC fishermen all have floats like that on the sides..interesting! I did not expect a trim like this..interesting! Thanks for the walk around!

[@watercraftjournal]

Unfortunately, no. The Rotopax holders will not work with the Angler kits attached to the rack. The powder coated rack does APPEAR to have provisions to accept the Rotopax mounts, but you have to choose gas over rod holders.

[@LifeBeginsOnTheWater]

Thanks for the walk around Kevin! The new Angler looks to have some cool new features & I’m sure fisherman will love this new model. Would have liked to see the USB port included for those all day long trips out in the open water for charging your phone & other safety equipment like the InreachSE if needed. I understand the camera not being needed. Also like others commented on already, would have loved to see a new 310R! Thanks again for putting in the work. Billy D

[@edwardbowles8613]

Agree. The Kawi USB port is $12.93 from Kawi. They need to just make it standard on all. Would be one bump over the competition

[@JDsWaterWorld]

@@edwardbowles8613 Yeah I am perplexed as to why it’s not standard equipment..

[@Onichango2015]

Hey JD 😂 do you think this rack will fit your Kawasaki to go out there fishing 😅

[@TiagoBizarro]

THIS IS WHAT MY FISHING CHANNEL NEEDS I would love one of these. wow

[@stuartpeck26]

One concern I have is how underpowered the Angler could be. There is a reason why SeaDoo’s Explorer Pro now comes in the 230hp option. A lot of equipment, not enough power. I know "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it" but it might be time to move on from the 1.5L Kawasaki engines. Either that or Kawasaki could throw a SC on it. I’m not asking for 310hp but maybe 180?

[@watercraftjournal]

It's the thirstiest of the N/A offerings. The 310 is demonstrably the thirstiest of the S/C engines. What you're asking for is an anathema towards fishermen. This is NOT a sport model.

[@stuartpeck26]

@@watercraftjournal I get that but I still think it could use a little more to compete with the SeaDoo Fish Pro Trophy. What I meant was Kawasaki should make a more powerful N/A engine. In all seriousness, I am glad Kawasaki has now joined the fishing market. Me personally I like the playfulness of the STX and think it deserves KSRD and trim like the Ultras

[@jorbedo]

For sure Kawi is finishing a 1.8L+ with better fuel consumption, Yammy newest 1.9L HO is cheaper than the bssic 160hp Kawi.

[@edwardbowles8613]

Is this you hope or fact??

[@arasheqajar]

Will there be a 310 version? Will we be able to put the garmin on a 310?

[@garyshumate1362]

Interested in the mount for the Garmin. Looks clean. Unit didn’t look touch screen? Maybe regular Ultra owners can use the mount for adding a Garmin?

[@johnblanchard7440]

Kevin, any word if the Angler parts (GPS & rear rack) will fit the 310?

[@scottpater]

Great review. I guess the question is if you wanted a ski to be able to be great for fishing, but also be able to have fun with the family (towing) the added stability sides seem more permanent. Would this be able to be a multipurpose ski? Or is the Yami and SD going to have a similar issue transitioning to be a jack of all trades? Thanks!

[@JuniorJr_23]

Very nice Kawi.

[@davidbalan6571]

The Kawasaki JetSki Ultra 310 personal watercraft features three passenger seating and a supercharged 1498cc engine that delivers class- leading.

[@fernandomartin624]

Always great info Kev! But they didn't do much with this thing sadly. We need a good bad ass stx R fully upgraded. That's what we need. And a non SC with more power to beat on the new Yamaha engine.

[@PeterElliott-k7v]

I have a 310 LX already kitted out with the Garmin and Stability collars. This ski has me interested

[@Robgrace1964]

would love to try one out when they hit OZ

[@twobeagles1365]

I was browsing Kawasaki website , And came across this jet ski, I have had a interest in these fish / ski type water crafts, I am really liking the specs to this Kawasaki, I hope it can come with a light pole socket on rear for early morning excursions . Other than that it looks very well thought out !!

[@jasonmekush5280]

Great work Kevin, dont foret to replace that rod holder... lol

[@edwardbowles8613]

This is not available until 2025 or will it be a mid year?

[@MattyBoi386]

How does this compare to the Sea Doo Fish Pro Trophy?

[@alexmachine570]

I want to buy a set of those side flotation pods to add to my Ultra. It would be great if they offer them for sale.

[@Podchynok]

Nice ride, it reminds me of orca with its colours and shapes.

[@edwardbowles8613]

What is the red Ultra in the background?

[@watercraftjournal]

STX 160

[@edwardbowles8613]

There is a red STX but there is also a red Ultra when Kevin reviews the Garmin. Curious which trim and engine?

[@watercraftjournal]

There was an ORANGE Ultra 160LX-S behind me, a DARK GREEN Ultra 310LX to my left, and a white/red standup SX-R 160 further back.

[@edwardbowles8613]

Thanks. Must be my phone. Have not watched it on a computer screen. The STX and Ultra back there look to be the same color. Very happy to see Kawi doing something, anything new!

[@mikemayoral7356]

That's a nice looking Ski. Some great Quality of Life improvements over what Kawi currently have available but unfortunately it still falls well short with what Seadoo offers with their fishing line up. I feel that this angler model is for the "it's either a Kawi or nothing" fanbase and not so much towards the hardcore fishing demographics who want to fish off a ski simply because Seadoo's Fish pro line up is better suited for offshore fishing. This model is great for Kawi fanbase. Curious what the MSRP is for this model. Also curious how it would perform on the water with the out riggers and if there is any major noticeable difference vs. the standard Ultras. . The 3T3 hull performs the exact same (for better or worse) on the Fish pro as it does on the RXT and GTX. Kevin, did you know this model was going to be shown at this years boat show? The timing of your review lines up perfectly with this...😃

[@edwardbowles8613]

Thanks for this. I actually like the white upper deck and hull. Wish they would put a white upper deck on one of the other Ultras. Not as hot in the sun. Doesn't show water spots as bad. I bet it will have a ridiculous price though! If they don't price it less than the Fish Pro it will not sell very well I doubt. Other than to Kawi die hards and those of us that want American made vs Mexico. Thanks again. Did not see this coming.

[@jorbedo]

Now it's time to compare real offshore fishing fuel consumption between Yammy, Sub Doo and Kawi. Yamaha newest 1.9L 200hp looks more interesting for fishing, those extra 40hp makes it hard to choose Kawi. Basic Ultras 160hp are more expensive than yammy for a lot less hp.

[@jamesstrachan2288]

Thanks for the video. I do think the seadoo fish pro ans Yamaha fishing set up looks better to me. Why would you buy this over a fish pro?

[@edwardbowles8613]

Because it is made in the USA for starters.

[@jamesstrachan2288]

@@edwardbowles8613 oh ok thanks i didnt know it was made in the USA. I thought it was made in Japan. I understand in the USA there is a lemon law if something is made poorly it can be replaced is that correct? If so i get why u would buy it incase there is issues. It just doesn’t seem to be as good as the other 2 brands. I must admit i prefer the look of the Yamahas but it seems to me the seadoo is the best for what it offers. I think they are made in Canada

[@ericlechleitner74]

​@jamesstrachan2288 ...I totally agree that the Yamahas look the sexiest of all 3. I know Seadoo has more innovation but to me the skis look like ugly torpedoes in colored dresses. Not my taste at all....

[@edwardbowles8613]

Sea Doos are made in Mexico. Kawis have always been made in Lincoln NE. Yamaha was Japan but now mostly Newnan GA.

[@FireMedic1111]

It pains me to say this but I feel Seadoo still has the best fishing unit

[@stgnsw]

Any new 310R's ? Not a keen fisherman 😂😂😂

[@AlexanderTheGrateful]

100% brah!! Most anglers will buy a fish pro because they don’t know any better!! This won’t sell

[@reddzrzrrider1086]

🤔Wondering could we equip our Ultra 310lx with the Garmin???

[@edwardbowles8613]

I installed a depth finder on my Ultra. Transducer works great glued right in front of the engine. Mounting the Garmin itself shouldn't be an issue and running the wiring in the gullwing glovebox is pretty easy with the removable cover inside.

[@Keith.B]

@edwardbowles8613 what depth finder did you add? Did you just duct seal the transducer? Want to put one on mine. Thanks

[@edwardbowles8613]

Hawkeye Depthtrax 2B. Have them installed on 2 STX 160s and Ultra 160 lxs. Used epoxy to glue inside hull. Ultra has a great spot right in front of the engine. STXs I glued rear starboard side where the 2nd waterbox used to be on older 15fs. If you don't have the stereo controller on your Ultra, the spot where that controller goes is perfect for the display. If you have the stereo then it works on opposite side same spot but have to temporarily remove the phone case for better access to install. These have all worked very well. I installed a Humminbird on a 97 STX and it was still working when I got rid of ski 2 yrs ago! I tried several others in the years after that on other skis but all failed quickly due to water intrusion so I didnt try another til the Hawkeyes on the 2020 STX 160s.

[@Keith.B]

@@edwardbowles8613 thank you for the reply. I really appreciate it. Just got my 23 ultra 160lx. Really think its a smart idea to install a depth finder.

[@edwardbowles8613]

Good for you. Really liking my Big Orange ski. The gullwing storage has really grown on me. I should say u might want to test the transducer signal in case you have an air pocket or something in the area that might affect the signal. But I have installed 6 transducers inside 6 Kawi hulls over the years and never had an issue with transducer signal. Water getting into the head unit was only issue. The one in the Ultra 160 is extremely consistent because it is centered so well. My 160s are not in center and shooting at an angle due to hull shape so they might lose signal at higher speeds occasionally

[@ChadHughes_Rate_Ride_DIY]

It looks very clunky and a first draft ski. The Fish Pro looks like it was refined and carefully planned out. Kawasaki looks like they were racing to get the unit out to compete. Just my personal opinion which doesn't mean jack.

[@anthonyeconomides1722]

I agree because its a novice angler just come on the market compare to flagship fish pro way back to 2019

[@st5637]

Kawaski outght to do a carbonfiber hull, particulary for the sport models, would help performance and fuel consumtion!

[@edwardbowles8613]

Kevin would probably cringe at the thought of a comparison of the 170 Fishpro with this ski but it would be interesting to see which one handles better with these loads. Watercraft Journal consensus was liking the Ultra 160 handling over GTX 170. Kevin did not like handling of loaded Fishpro. Let's see how the Ultra does loaded.

[@watercraftjournal]

The comparison has already been arranged for fall of 2024 (production units won't be available until October).

[@AlexanderTheGrateful]

Yay, kawi has a fishing ski now too 🙄 Next........

[@bloorie87]

Quickly you have become one of my fav youtube channels. Not entirely new to jetskis but have definitely learnt alot from your channel. Love yhe kawi content too!

[@ryanhernandez2414]

I’d choose this for fishing

[@Threefiddyz]

If I had to have a fishing ski it would still be fish pro trophy or explorer pro.

[@fernandomartin624]

That rod holder is a knife on your leg waiting to happen also. What were they thinking there...

[@ClubMayview]

God forbid you need to get into these new skis on the water

[@TBird89]

I don’t understand why Yamaha and Kawasaki don’t ask Seadoo under licensing use the Linq system. Everybody wins.

[@timcanavan9268]

Steel rack, ratchet strap? That’ll last about 6 months in the salt, why they would bolt a rod holder to the hull is beyond me, I would think they could be more innovative, looks like a 160 with some afterthought accessories screw to it

[@Briandswinford]

Not a single kawasaki at the cleveland boat show this year.

[@edwardbowles8613]

That bites. Often of they are and are a multi brand dealer they might have 2 Kawis tucked in back and all the Yamis amd SDs out front.

[@MikeZ32TT]

neat

[@imx3001]

😂greetings from germany

[@watercraftjournal]

Bonjour!

[@imx3001]

@@watercraftjournal mercy mon frere 🫠😄

[@anthonyeconomides1722]

I did not like it...Sea doo fish pro are far better on cooler there is fixed rod holders unlike sea doo you can move rod holder anywhere...its not too bad but no match

[@rabbitskinner]

Disappointing, we need Kawasaki and Yamaha to bring out a DEDICATED fishing ski not a ski with add ons...

[@watercraftjournal]

And you don't think the Angler is dedicated enough? How is the Angler LESS dedicated than the Fish Pro? (And not the Trophy.)

[@SuperMassman]

CAMERA QUALITY IS POOR.,, low resolution, bad color, swimming / jittery/ panning is jerky and disorientating ... Almost like someone had 20 cups of coffee ☕, before filming

[@watercraftjournal]

Your profile pic is suiting.

[@robertgore8911]

Stupid move with the garmin fish finder and hard mount non adjustable rod holders in the footwell.Garmin base maps are garbage and require a subscription for anything better as they wont take navionics gold micro sd cards.Erase this again and I'll put it back up again!🧙‍♂️

[@51oldcrow]

Those side saddles are a very poor product to stabilize the Ski. It will affect fishing big times. Not a good idea guys. I would move on. It a VERY BULKY MACHINE.

[@edwardbowles8613]

How would you know? Nobody has ridden it outside of photo models. Looked as if it handled fine in the video. Maybe wait to trash it after someone rides it.

[@51oldcrow]

I have the fish pro. I know what to look for just by looking because of the room. When U are out there all that stuff will affect fishing. The fish Pro does.

[@51oldcrow]

I have the fish pro. I know what to look for just by looking because of the room. When U are out there all that stuff will affect fishing. The fish Pro does.

[@51oldcrow]

I have the fish pro. I know what to look for just by looking because of the room. When U are out there all that stuff will affect fishing. The fish Pro does.

[@51oldcrow]

I have the fish pro. I know what to look for just by looking because of the room. When U are out there all that stuff will affect fishing. The fish Pro does.

[@ryanrodriguez70]

Different colors. That’s the new model. What a joke