If you’re looking to add some adrenaline-packed action into your life, riding a jet ski or a snowmobile is a great way to do so.
However, you may be wondering what the difference between these two vehicles is and which one is best for you.
Read on to find out the answers to these questions.
Jet ski vs snowmobile, let the games begin!
Jet Ski vs Snowmobile: Side-by-Side Comparison
Jet skis and snowmobiles are two very different vehicles. Each of them is designed for use in a specific type of terrain.
Suitable Terrain for Snowmobiles
As their name suggests, snowmobiles are ridden on snow. You should also note that they can be used on thick ice too.
Although snowmobiles aren’t exceedingly heavy, it’s definitely not recommended to ride one on thin ice. Doing so involves a high risk of breaking the ice and falling into the freezing water below.
Snowmobiles are a great choice for those looking for an adrenaline rush. Additionally, they’re also considered a mode of transportation in some parts of the world.
In areas with snowy conditions throughout the majority of the year, people consider snowmobiles as substitutes for cars.
Snowmobiles have two front skis and one track in the back, making them more practical and effective in dealing with snow than even 4×4 cars.
Suitable Terrain for Jet Skis
Jet skis are aquatic vehicles that you can ride in lakes, seas, and oceans all year round. They’re a great way to have an exciting adrenaline-packed adventure on the water. That said, it’s important to not get carried away and do stunts that are overly risky.
You should also note that it’s not advised to take your jet ski out for a cruise during storms or other unpleasant conditions. Falling off the jet ski into frigid water can be incredibly dangerous.
Required Gear
It goes without saying that riding such vehicles involves a lot of risk. When on a jet ski or snowmobile, you’re susceptible to the danger of serious injury if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Having the proper safety gear is arguably the most essential of these precautions.
In addition, you should make sure to purchase high-quality gear from trusted brands. Prioritizing lower prices over quality in this situation can have grave consequences in the form of serious injury.
Since these vehicles are driven on different terrains, the gear required for each one is quite different.
Snowmobile Gear
The gear needed to ensure safety when riding a snowmobile includes:
- A helmet
- Goggles
- Long pants
- Gloves
- Boots
- A Jacket
You also need to take into consideration the conditions specific to your area. It’s important to choose the right gear so that you don’t get too cold or too sweaty when riding your snowmobile.
Jet Ski Gear
Here’s a list of the gear required when using a jet ski:
- A wetsuit
- A helmet
- Goggles
- A life jacket
Your choice of wetsuit should depend on the weather. If the weather is on the chilly side in your area, you may want to consider a long sleeve wetsuit.
Is a License Required?
To avoid any trouble with the law, you should make sure that you’re in compliance with licensing laws before you ride a snowmobile or jet ski.
Such laws can be different across states. Therefore, you should conduct your own thorough research regarding the licensing requirements for snowmobiles and jet skis specific to your state.
In some states, you may not need a certain license. You just have to be above a certain age to legally ride these vehicles. However, you need to make sure of this. Riding a jet ski or snowmobile without a license can be grounds for imprisonment in some states.
The easiest way to go about this is to consult someone with experience in this matter. You can ask a friend or family member who’s a long-time owner of a jet ski or snowmobile about the legal requirements.
If you don’t know anyone who owns one of these vehicles, you can also approach someone you often see riding a jet ski or snowmobile to shed light on this information.
Generally speaking, you’ll likely need to take a test to ride a snowmobile. In the case of jet skis, you’ll most likely need a boat license.
Prices
So how much do snowmobiles and jet skis typically cost?
Let’s establish right off the bat that these vehicles aren’t exactly cheap. However, they’re great long-term investments that will infuse a great deal of action-packed excitement into your life.
Snowmobiles typically last longer than jet skis. However, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your jet ski through proper storage and maintenance.
You can also buy these vehicles used. This is a common course of action for beginners or those who just don’t want to spend too much money on such vehicles in general.
Snowmobile Prices
For snowmobiles, the average price of a new one is about $10,000. You can find more affordable options but that will come at the expense of quality. This is an ill-advised compromise considering the risk.
If you’re looking for a premium model, you can expect it to cost you around $25,000.
Jet Ski Prices
The cheapest jet ski models start at around $5,000. In contrast, a top-of-the-line jet ski will typically set you back about $25,000.
The price of almost any jet ski lies within this range, which depends on the jet ski’s build quality, engine power/performance, and any additional features.
Which Is Better?
The better way to ask this question is which is better for you?
First off, you must consider an obvious factor when answering this question: the conditions in your area. For example, if you live in an area where it seldom snows, then you’ll have very little use for a snowmobile.
However, if the conditions in your area are suitable for both vehicles, which should you choose? The answer to this question is highly subjective. The best way to know for sure which experience you prefer is to try them both out.
Since purchasing one of these vehicles is a significant investment, you shouldn’t take this decision with haste. Make sure to spend sufficient time deciding which one you prefer.
Conclusion
Jet skis and snowmobiles are vehicles that are each designed for highly different terrains. Jet skis are made for zipping through the water, while snowmobiles are meant for zooming through the snow (or ice).
If you’re thinking about buying one of those vehicles, you should first make sure you’re well aware of the legal requirements in your state, as well as the safety precautions and gear that are needed.