Should You Buy the 2020 Sea-Doo GTI 130 or 170? We Compare Top Speed, Acceleration, Price And More!

[@brianrice6993]

Pretty sure Steve has the best job at tfl.

[@WW-wf8tu]

Certainly the warmest at this time of year. lol These videos are a tad old right now since he has his beard here. He did a LOT of these water vids before he moved on. Editing has just taken this long to be able to throw them up on the channel.

[@danbskyguy]

@@WW-wf8tu He moved on? Is he no longer with TFL?

[@BlueOvals24]

@@WW-wf8tu Wait so is Steve no longer on TFL? I was just gonna say he's the only presenter on TFL worth watching. Everybody else just seems so biased and you can see that countless times on TFLTruck.

[@pajamatime5750]

Neutrally Neutral He hasn’t gone anywhere haha

[@SRM9110]

Thank you for adding the stability test ! I always wanted to know how stable they are but no one ever checks

[@ameremortal]

The difference between my 155hp and 215hp was ridiculous. I would never buy a low HP jet ski, acceleration is way more important than cruising or top speed. The most fun is jumping waves, and you need instant torque for that. It’s why I go with naturally aspirated instead of supercharged . Kawasaki 160x does it all.

[@Wavelover33]

I agree with you. Trusted engine - no bells and whistles to go wrong. Good power and speed.

[@Jaudet65]

Hi Steve, my girlfriend and I really appreciate your video, we both bought the 130 today. can't wait to put these babies in the water

[@Pilot545]

I’m torn between the 2. This would be our second one in addition to the Sea Doo Wake (170 version)

[@chaletsanssouci7756]

Just ordered a GTI 170, I had a modified RXT for years, but my son is a teenager and it scared me, I think the 170 should strike the right balance. As another commenter posted, a side-by-side acceleration test would be really helpful to see the actual difference between both skis... either way, 130 or 170 - both amazing fun rides for sure Also, I don't trust the spedo on the Seadoo, I always use a GPS to validate speed, that spedo is off by at least +5% in my experience

[@quickstep00]

Thanks for this, I'm currently finalizing my purchase of a 2020 GTI and was really torn / I'm buying the 130!

[@joedenisco6033]

I am 56 yrs old and I will get my 1st PWC in the spring. And it will be this one. I must say, Your videos are OUTSTANDING. I love your spirit, you make GREAT points and I trust your opinion. GREAT job buddy!

[@ljefferies2012]

I have a 2016 GTI SE 130, it looks identical to your old Sea-Doo, and I'm very satisfied with the power and speed. My thought was that the 130 would end up being more reliable long-term because the engine isn't working at max capacity. As far as speed, if you are coming from an older ski (or you are used to riding in a boat), it will be plenty powerful, especially in Sport mode.

[@ryanrake2714]

I agree. But the Sea Doo GTR using a 230 horsepower rotax 1630 is more or less the same engine that you’ve got. The difference being it is supercharged. I bet you will be fine if you put on a tune.

[@erkiplumer1247]

@@ryanrake2714 yepp!!! so true. 2021 with newer 1630cc rotax engine has 200hp tune for 500.- or less and that transforms this ski verymucho. Add some right hardware ontop and once letargic 130 becomes quite lively. For reasonable buck. AND IT WILL LAST, not like those boosted 300+hp beasts. Cheap to maintain. No reasons not to have one....

[@ilancaballero-educacionfin8908]

Great video man. Only suggestion I’ll point out is that it might be better to notice (at least for us) the 20% diff if you compare both models at the same time on the screen, maybe with a drone and another buddy riding the other one? Anyways, keep up that good work!

[@BoredAtWork2000]

Sobreviviendo en USA- Educación Financiera it just start in the same spot and overlay the shots? Side by side comparisons are better with the same operator (skill and size/weight)

[@ilancaballero-educacionfin8908]

BoredAtWork2000 true. Both will work for me

[@xtune5731]

Seeing these videos make me glad I still own my 96 hx, they will never be made the same again

[@Sour75]

They'll also never make a '76 Yugo again, either. 🙄

[@shellcracker18]

I agree. These new PWC are ugly and bulky

[@viajes80]

Just got a 2021 gti se 130 Price has gone up $12200 ski $799 dealers fee $1400 trailer $3500 extended warranty (3years) $1000 3life jackets, accessories, linQ gas tank We have a 7 years old so 130 works for 3 of us very well

[@leonardlaing6733]

Always interested in your reviews. Informative and thorough. You really do have a great job.

[@zacharycampbell06]

It's not how fast it is, it's how quick it gets there. People shouldn't get hung up on top end speed because it's how quickly it gets to that top speed is what matters. Even if they both had the exact same top speed, one gets to that top speed a lot sooner than the other, and that's a big part of the fun factor when your riding one.

[@cowlumbus]

meh...if there is one think I learned there are three people in the world on this topic. There is a whole clan of people that top speed is everything. They must be on lakes made of glass. Then there is the crowd who doesn't care about speed (or accel) because they are clueless or just goofing off doing tricks...then there is my crew which are long distance cruisers on big water and bumps. Top speed is for 3% of our journey and it's about stability and comfort vs. price but acceleration is important when we tube or (try) to ski which is infrequently. Many different people in this world.

[@kimm7391]

We had no choice but get the 130 because all the dealers are sold out of everything!!! Looks like it might not be a bad thing. Thanks for the video. Cant wait to get it.

[@wrecktifier1]

My 1998 Tigershark 1000 does 51 MPH at 5,000 ft. built 22 years ago all stock, well used. Has real glass covered gauges, speed, tach, fuel, trim still look perfect. Oh, paid $175.00 for it.

[@henrypuckett2201]

I mean I have the 96 tiger shark 640 and a spark and I would still choose the spark everyday, to each their own

[@wrecktifier1]

@@henrypuckett2201 I believe 1997 was all new on the Tigershark "The models made from 1997-1999 were fan favorites", and I haven't ridden a 640, the 640 engine is rated at 62 HP, the 1000 engine is rated at 115 HP, I would think 53 more HP would be a lot more fun and with a better hull design, but, to each their own.

[@noahlippert7571]

98 bombardier 720 goes 55

[@wrecktifier1]

@@noahlippert7571 At sea level or at 5,000 ft elivation? At sea level Tiger Shark 1000 stock, 58 mph. I'm at 5k.

[@FastlifeTodd]

I’m ready to sell my 2017 RXT 260 and get the Limited 300 because who ever said they don’t want more power

[@square348apple3]

Haha

[@mannygarcia1810]

He nailed it at the end. The point is to be in the water and enjoy it no matter what your ride is.

[@JetSkiBuyFixPlaySellChannel]

I think it's crap when manufacturers limit the horsepower by detuning the ecu just to get you to spend more for a higher model. I can understand if they charge more for a bigger engine, a supercharger or a bigger jet pump. But charging more just for the tune is pure baloney!

[@tackdriverCA]

Welcome to the world of computers lol this shouldn’t surprise you how they do things now. It’s like iPhones, newer ones basically just have slightly better ecu

[@ralphkeith501]

If you're spending that kind of money and those are the only two color choices, I'd spend the $600. I think the blue is a much "richer" looking machine. You don't gain much in performance, but you will get most of the price difference back at resale.

[@nametaken2392]

Blue or black don't show up on the water as well as other colors- Just something to consider "Visibility = Safety"

[@ec6933]

Dude .. you have the best job on Earth lol

[@Ras-wisdom]

Nice reviews & try test all the models in mpg and put a chart up will fuel capacity also and max travel distance!

[@adsysammy3712]

Hi Steve any chance of doing a comparison and review of the Seadoo GTX 170 and 230 model, there's very little to none around especially on the 2020 GTX models. Also many people carry eskies and equpiment on the rear it would be great see a comparison with the above having abit weight on the back of seadoo too, especially when it comes launching. It be of interest please.

[@ameremortal]

“If you put a hole in this thing you just replace the entire hull” Wtf? How is that a good thing?

[@speedball10169]

It's an $1,800 difference between the 2, about 5 mph and a 40 hp difference. Very minimal difference in price so you might as well go for the 170. It really would come down to color preference really. I'm 6'1, 230 lbs and I can stand on 1 running board with full weight on my 14 GTI so the new hull makes no difference in weight ratio.

[@speedball10169]

@Gary Dorfner Yup, but beware that most dealers aren't going to be able to fulfill your order in a timely manner. The 2023 lineup was just announced today but people are still waiting on their orders from 2022. Bombardier and Sea Doo seem to be having major supply chain issues.

[@Minella_7]

Love the videos Im looking to buy a SeaDoo soon going to use your videos for information. Thank you!

[@bigdh2os814]

It's really weird to see a 130 HP only achieve that top speed. My 2 stroke 1998 GTX ran an honest 54MPH at high altitude lakes, ( the slowest recorded) and upper 60's at sea level. This was tried & true using other professional ski boats speed input for accuracy. Thanks for the videos, enjoy them!

[@mojo904]

If you look at his trim on both runs the 130 had the trim all the way up and the 170 in the middle. We have both skis and are able to hit 55-56 on the 130 and 60-61 on the 170. On glass of course!

[@davesmith5425]

We have two sea doos, GTI 130 SE and usually don’t travel much over 35 mph for an extended period of time. We have fibreglass hulls and my top speed is 54 mph. You won’t be on the lake very long if you run wide open.

[@juniorcontagio]

Here in Brazil the 150 is Green turquoise and the 170 is the orange one 2020 model. My wife love the turquoise but I think I’m going for the 170 orange one. Nice review tho

[@JohnnyRebKy]

Maybe it’s just me but being in a boat always feels WAY faster than your really going. 50mph feels like 80 to me lol. I’m sure the slowest jet ski would be plenty fast for this old land lover 👍🏼 Fastest I went was 70mph in uncles nitro bass boat with 200hp mercury. I thought I was going to die!

[@joes.7536]

Agreed. I once had a ride in a twin big block fountain boat on lake st. Clair and at 80+ mph my life flashed before my eyes. I felt like about 200 mph on the highway.

[@TravelExpert11]

Thank you for this. Very well produced- and excellent info (we are in the final decision stage on features. This was fantastic- and GREATLY appreaciated.

[@DougLarsenMN]

Great review as always Steve! Man PWCs are so fun. Sadly I’m in MN so I have like 3 days to use them before we are in a blizzard the rest of the time

[@Number1HockeyPlaya]

Been saving for 4 years for one of these. Only at $1,000 since I gotta pay for college but I hope this is worth it lol. I don't even have a car yet.

[@alexgriggs6394]

Number1HockeyPlaya heads in the wrong place..

[@johngraham8052]

Unless you live on the water it's pretty hard to get a pwc between places without a car. Focus on getting a car and better PT job before one of these. If you're broke you won't be maintaining it right anyway. Do well in college good things will come later.

[@zkilla4611]

At that rate you will be able to get one by the time you are 35.

[@javierechevarria1548]

I love your honesty and clear POV. Thank you!!!

[@firee7]

I love these videos. I’m buying a seadoo spark trixx next March can’t wait!

[@noahjohnson999]

Yesss! I just bought the 2020 GTI 130 SE

[@noahjohnson999]

Pandacat 666 yes I already have it I’m just waiting for it to warm up!

[@calebmoore9964]

Noah Johnson what color and how did u get it so soon?

[@noahjohnson999]

Caleb Moore I got the Blue and grey, it was available already in my city, I got it at Reno’s Powersport in Kansas City

[@TheEvilways101]

I just got a blue one too.. in NY

[@noahjohnson999]

CleanSlateForge. Nice!

[@GBsPitstop]

I have a 2017 130 and a 2015 155 and for $600 i'd get the 155 over the 130 all day long. the real world price difference was close to $2000 when i bought mine though. and my 130 will run 52-53 mph and my 155 will run 55 mph. I personally HATE that seadoo has limited the new ones so much that the 130 will only do 50 and the 170 will barely do 55. I feel the 170 could easily be a 60 mph machine with a impeller and tune. I will be watching to see how well the polytec 2 holds up and what tunes the aftermarket will come out with. I wouldn't be surprised if with a tune the 130 could easily be a 55+ mph machine. it will be interesting to see how Seadoo has locked down the tuning.

[@nametaken2392]

How much does top speed factor into insurance cost? Even worth considering?

[@GBsPitstop]

@@nametaken2392 not really. they ask for HP for watercraft and i told them 130 for the 130 and 141 or 142 for the 155. the 155 is not 155hp based on a lot of online reading i have done.

[@שמרבןמאיר]

Hey Steve, what's the difference between GTI to GTI SE?

[@slyvesterDIZZLE]

I'm a big dude myself, would you choose the GTI over the Kawasaki STX 160X? Just the obvious power increase in the Kawasaki for a bigger person sounds more appealing. This is mainly for typical lake use. Thanks for your input!

[@arthurv4401]

Would love to see a compare between the gti 90 vs 130 Great video.

[@normanhenderson9290]

I had the 2017 130 and the wife had the 2017 90, guess who was mad every time "who" got passed... also the 90 is a smaller engine as the 130 and 170 are the same engine.

[@juliorubalcava95]

@@normanhenderson9290 lol I got the 2021 Seadoo se 130

[@billpettengill9273]

My uncle saw this video and bought a 170 because of you thanks

[@_deango]

Good luck even finding one at a dealership in Florida.

[@TravelingKory]

I've heard they're sold out all over and dealerships are accepting deposits for 2022 now. My wife visited three dealerships here in the Northeast and they kinda laughed at us. :D

[@sarwatahmed3850]

We love your reviews!! Keep up great stuff

[@PhongNguyen-vo2vf]

Hi sir. Can you do review on 2020 sea doo GTX 170. Thank you

[@super1million11]

Honestly even if there is no noticeable difference for $600 I’m just gonna go for the 170. Now if there is some rebate that makes the price difference more like $1500 then I’d go for the 130.

[@DrivenWithPassions]

Awesome video brother, super helpful but also just entertaining 👏🏼

[@jjs8046]

Advice needed: GTI 170 SE or GTX 170 STD?

[@ExplorerOfLife318]

Great video! Nice attention to detail.

[@CP-kb1du]

Sea Doo Jet Ski's from the 90's early 2000's were Nimble Light Weight machine ....now they are Heavy Bulky floating Harley's and GoldWings in the Water ...2Stroke Era hands down ....

[@nametaken2392]

Agree new ones are huge in comparison to that era, and cosmic colors on many don't do much for me. Had a 1995 GTX. 85HP, did 47mph and was OK for slalom skiing (180lb) without ripping turns. That 1995 GTX was fun on the water, and EZ to maintain/store. Progress is Progress, but I'd be happy with something similar to that 1995 GTX.

[@TFD1982]

NameTaken2 we’ve gone full throttle on out 95 gts and it sure doesn’t feel like 50 sometimes more but it does depend on how calm the water is

[@clarknawrocki3851]

I'm thinking about buying the 170

[@bmurph7187]

He reminds me of the abominable snowman from Monsters Inc.

[@verynearlypure]

He reminds me of the sandwich kid from bad Santa, just grown up.

[@hugohernandez2362]

Welcome to the Himalayas!

[@MelvinRHawkins]

I have a brand new 2020 Gti 170. Tilts to the left a lot

[@Bis4Bryson]

love that you guys are doing pwc reviews ! can we get into some bayliner boats and that type of thing too

[@joes.7536]

Can’t you just buy a 130 and get the ECU remapped for more power? There’s plenty of sea doo tuners out there.

[@Steve-tf1wv]

At a $600 difference in price, it's likely going to be very close to the cost to do it 3rd party. i know to buy the tuning software yourself would cost much more than the $600 price difference to just buy the 170HP model from the dealer.

[@zkilla4611]

@@Steve-tf1wv Wouldn't the ECU programming upgrade shorten the engine life?

[@Chris101209]

M D that’s all they did on the 170. Same motor as the 130 it’s just tuned for higher rpms. I think it’s bs that they can do that.

[@zkilla4611]

@@Chris101209 I think it would affect engine life running it at higher tolerances. That's why I went with the 130. It's plenty fast.

[@TTSetters]

GPH is everything. Having 4 skis gas adds up QUICK. 55 mph on my yamahas, ok sure could get a 65mph model, but 8 gallons per hour wide open vs 15-22 gallons per hour screw that. Once you are on the water having fun, your'e not paying attention to top speed. 10mph diff is nothing so stop freaking out people and enjoy your time. If you want 65 mph you have to look at super charged, but then you're looking at premium fuel and that's another level altogether.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I’ve always thought it would fun to travel rivers on a jet ski. Is it even possible-legal?? Like riding the Mississippi River from its source all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico. Pack some stuff like on a motorcycle trip and go. I know guys do it on canoes 🛶

[@peetydontpass8309]

I want to try the "Great Loop" on a jetski. (There are many routes to go.) I want to drop in in St. Louis.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

Peety Dontpass what is the great loop?? I dunno what it is but it sounds fun lol 👍🏼

[@peetydontpass8309]

@@JohnnyRebKy it is an adventure that circles the eastern U.S. using a series of waterways intercoastal waterway erie canal and the great lakes. It can be 5K or 9K miles long. Start in St Louis. End in St. Louis. Look it up to explain more.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

Peety Dontpass cool thanks!! Sounds like a blast!

[@wmason1961]

@@peetydontpass8309 I am wanting to go from Hannibal to Paducah as soon as I get brave enough. I was planning on buying a boat for that but that isn't going to happen anytime soon. I just started thinking about it on my GTI.

[@seadoo4life127]

Just get the ecu re-mapped and a re-pitched impeller. About $500. The 130 will have more snap and higher top speed compared to its stock form. Then again the 170 is only $600 more

[@brooksoakland-hs1th]

i have a gti se 170 also and got mine up to 58mph

[@139580medel]

I'm waiting for the 230 reviews

[@nickjames6737]

Same! i bought one and it will be ready in april :) soo excitedd

[@sethgolla8376]

Same here! I just bout a GTX 230 that I will take delivery on soon. I am eager to know what those extra horses deliver.

[@brebner772]

The gtx230 scares me ahaha, i just bought one and struggle to hang onto her

[@steelhorseman6883]

I would get the 130 and flash the firmware to the 170, if it's possible.

[@Riley_1955]

Yeah and that take off you refer too is probably because the 170 has a different impellor that is pitched for a better take off.

[@christofferschulz1417]

Great video, would love one on the gtx 230

[@TM-tw1py]

Awesome review! Thanks so much.

[@chrisrogers24]

Sea doo should make the horsepower in those models a bit higher. Driving anywhere between 50 to 58 seems fast, is fun, exhilarating, and is a way to cool off when it's hot out. I firmly believe in my personal experience, that driving under 60 mph for a jet ski is what I consider slow. I'm about thrill, and feeling the g forces! The sea doo sparks don't have the many features of the GTI platform models, however with the sparks...you can perform that "wheelie" maneuver. Now that looks fun! I'd much rather own 2 spark trixx jet skis vs a 170 h/p model. The only tricks you can perform with the GTI models is wake jumping "woop-de-do."

[@TravelingKory]

A fantastic video, thanks! :) Since my wife and I are both looking to purchase our first Sea-Doo, I'm thinking the 170 might be better to "haul" both of us versus a 130 for just one of us. Perhaps the next one will be the 130 to go alongside the 170. :D I even thought about a 230 but prefer to stay away from supercharging for our first vessel. Keep up the great work!

[@relaxation2380]

I've been in pwcs all my life if you want a supercharged one keep a naturally aspirated one for when it's in the shop trust me

[@locustblud]

I have a 2015 155 and love it. Great overview of the 2020s. You have a sub from me.

[@vincenth1622]

Really good review. Thanks man

[@chrisrogers24]

Despite the difference in top speed and everything else in between (the bells and whistles), what I find a bit sweeter is my model jet ski model. The elder 10' or 11' GTI SE 130 can hit 61 to 64 mph. It obviously doesn't have sport or eco mode but the acceleration is pretty intense. While cruising in the 60's mph is very good for a water craft and years of use..it seems kinda slow compared to the newer skis that top between 65 to 78. *Don't get me wrong those are very nice skis that has/have all the latest features and I do like that a lot. My only downfall is the lighter engines inside that's 130 or 170 hp.

[@eliunkn7451]

I’m a 13 year old and I can’t wait intel I get older and hopefully I buy one.

[@user-ux4kk8xw5z]

I’m 14 and same

[@Gman-qm6bv]

Excellent review!

[@74beeper97]

If you're pulling a tuber or skier and have a passenger, $600 for the 170 is a bargain and a must

[@brownfox6523]

thanks man... ill definitely buy the 130...

[@musntang1]

Great video; very informative. 👍

[@stevehoronzy6919]

For that money you can get a Kawasaki stx 160 or stx 15-f and you can do 68 mph don't get me wrong I have a seadoo RXT 255is 09 Like driving my couch on the water its fast I also own a 2018 Kawasaki STX F - 15 love it and that puppy can Run circles Around the 130 and the 170 and can keep up with the 255is

[@GIGABACHI]

How much is a replacement Hull ? Half the MSRP ? 1/3 ? 🤨 Stuff like that would nice of you to report at the time of these "reviews". 170HP for sure, is nice to have it a not use it than finding yourself in need of it and not having it.

[@TFD1982]

JIGA BACHI exactly I was wondering if someone would mention that it’s not worth having a plastic haul if it’s just gonna cost more to be fixed

[@shellcracker18]

I’m sure it’s crazy expensive to replace

[@jacktownvillan]

That's crazy.. 50mph? I have a 2014 GTI 130 and I can get 60mph on a smooth glassy day.

[@socalnsx]

I think the color scheme alone is worth the extra $600 :)

[@zambakates761]

This guys videos are very complete

[@K_H-Channel]

I get sea-doo notifications from tfl and it's -5C outside in Toronto. How about some winter camping/ winter offroad truck videos instead?

[@TFLoffroad]

We're trying to help you think warmer thoughts! Plus, if you want wintry videos, we've got plenty of those: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6m0pqqJpKuFrcU

[@supralover92]

Should I upgrade from a 2019 130 gti to a 2022 gti se 170?

[@user-tu6lt7ko4x]

Just curious, what did you have to do to achieve 75mph out of your 2015 130?

[@eugeneabreut960]

Supercharger

[@reynierarias7478]

Got a 130 se best machine ever without brake the bank

[@Number704]

Power should be an option with a switch if it's the same engine. If I'm paying more I should be getting a better engine and real hull.

[@johnsnow617]

I have two 130’s and they’ll do 55-60. They’re 2011

[@drcarslife8753]

On the old 155 and 130, the 130 had a different cam and injectors. I wonder if the same is true on the 1600cc engine and it’s not just a different ecu tune.

[@johnfpv6989]

hopefully i can have the money to buy the gti 130 in a year ! seems perfect for enjoy ride travel economy and price !!!

[@elmiguelmx]

Would the 130hp be enough to get out of my marina inlet with some incoming rough waves? Or is it worthy to go for the 170hp? I don't care very much for top speed, i'm more a safety fan, thanks.

[@RyanMiller3039]

How much does a hull replacement cost?

[@scotthooper4170]

Do you still have your old GTI? How many hours on it. How’s it running now? Anything you want to share about it? Would you consider an update on the ski as you have ridden it? With some dos & don’t. And or maybe some must haves.

[@CRACKHEADLLC]

2022 GTI’s are now 72mph 😊

[@captainsteve5475]

I think the extra hp would mean more when you add 2 riders and gear. But ya, unless your racing top speed with your buddies, the smaller would be great to go play.

[@Mendoza619chris]

Love your video & thanks for the info👍

[@TFD1982]

See what I don’t like about the new haul is that it’s not repairable which is going to put lots of boat businesses out of business and it’s going to be more costly which is just another reason to get Seadoo owners to upgrade

[@thatguy9154]

I love the 130 for me that’s the perfect ski

[@boydlakecrew772]

Finally A big dude reviewing! Tired of the 130lb jockeys.

[@jacobodonnell5584]

Will you get better long term reliability from the de tuned 130 ?

[@daveclausner]

Those top speeds are terrible for that HP.... Super slow. That new hull sucks

[@RPG_RicePaddyGod]

I say if you’re already paying that much, might as well pay $600 more for 40 more horses.

[@colinsmith3610]

I had a quick question. I am contemplating between two new PWC and would like to see your opinion between the two. The two I have narrowed it down to are the Sea-doo GTX 170 or the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO. I value handling, comfort, and acceleration the most. I ride in light chop often and occasionally moderate chop or wake jumping. Would love to hear your opinion.

[@shellcracker18]

Hopefully you went with the reliable as hell Yamaha

[@jjs8046]

I wonder why here in Europe, we don't get 130 SE!? There's only 170 SE which is WAY more expensive than 130 STD.

[@ES-pr8bt]

If the ECU is the only thing giving it the extra 40 hp you can just reflash the ECU.