A Ride on Sea-Doo’s 2026 Performance Models
We Spent a Day Touring with Sea-Doo to Give You an Honest, Watered-Down Review
When shopping for a personal watercraft, it can be hard to know the difference between a RXP-X and an RXT-X and all of the other letter jumbles that delineate one PWC from the next. Even if you have a fact sheet of the models right in front of you—or are at the dealer physically looking at a side-by-side comparison—the differences are pretty minute, and also one-dimensional. So how do you tell the difference between PWCs? You ride them.
I was fortunate enough to join Sea-Doo on Amelia Island in Florida for a full on-the-water day on the brand’s performance and touring models. We were lucky enough to have optimal weather for testing—glassy, flat waters, virtually no wind, and stellar, sunny conditions—and therefore, we were really able to feel one model’s tiniest difference from the next. With a full day ahead of us, we set off on our Sea-Doos.
A few disclaimers to combat any qualms: If you’re looking for the nitty, gritty mechanical tweaks that separate one from the next, go to Sea-Doo’s website—they do a great job of that. I’m here to tell you what each one of these machines rides like. I’m not an engineer, and I’m not a professional PWC racer. I ride for fun (and for my job), so what I look for in a watercraft might not be what you’re looking for.
So without further ado, I present to you my breakdown of Sea-Doo’s performance models.
This is your super bike. It’s aggressive, it feels like a race car, and you’re going to be hitting the capped 68 miles before you even realize it. While this PWC was designed for riders that want to achieve peak performance, it’s also pretty fun for the recreational user that wants to live out their F1 fantasies and hit some top speeds.
The best part about this particular machine is that I didn’t feel like I was out of control, either. Sharp, precise control meets race-ready handling for a ride that made me feel like a racer without the actual fear of going up against ten pros. It wasn’t just the steering and handling that made me feel secure; the Ergolock Cockpit System makes a big difference. Essentially, the seat is crafted in such a way that it locks your thighs and knees in, and then there’s adjustable saddle positions to ensure that you’re snug. You feel like you’re part of the machine—and that’s pretty cool.
Similar to the RXP-X, this machine is built for fast, adrenaline-filled rides. It’s less for racing, and more for casual, adventure touring. You are still going to go fast, but you aren’t making those abrupt turns that require ultra-precise carving. Of course, if you need to turn quickly, you can absolutely do that. This one has a similar racing seat design as the RXP-X, but it also has a removable rear seat that gives you versatility.
I liked how this particular PWC achieved the perfect balance between speed and control. It made me feel like I could near top speeds and round a corner without feeling like I was on a bucking bull. With a slight performance edge to this craft, it definitely brought exhilaration to the adventure.
This is the drift car of PWCs. While Sea-Doo’s other crafts have a steeper dead rise, the GTR-X sits more atop the water. You feel every move, and your turns feel as smooth as can be, with low-rise handlebars that make you feel even more dialed in. It has a roomy carrying capacity for cargo, so you can take this one on a longer trip, or you can just play around doing donuts in front of your lake house. It does it all.
This was my personal favorite of the group, because I loved how anatomical it felt. The GTR-X felt like an extension of me, and it seemed to move at my beck and call. It was loose, fast, and nimble. Oh, and it’s on the lower end of the price spectrum (starting at $17,899), so if I was to purchase one of these performance products, I’m probably going with this one. You don’t sacrifice any quality or enjoyment for affordability.
Ah yes, here is your super-charged Bentley or Porsche Panamera. It’s the luxe ride, the one with the bells and whistles that justify every single penny you spend. A large 10.25” touchscreen display is customizable, with its compatible BPR GO! App allowing you to connect and plan extended trips with guided navigation. A stable hull and powerful engine give you an effortless ride. The Sea-Doo exclusive iDF system lets you clear your clogged intake in seconds—all without leaving the seat.
Speaking of the seat—that was the feature that really stood out to me. It was so plush it felt like sitting on a memory foam bed. I could have sat on the GTX Limited and rode for hours on end, in peak comfort. It’s just that good.
