Joshua Smith

Looking for a jet ski helmet? I’ve written an extensive buying guide showcasing some of the best helmets available plus great alternatives.

Is it worth it to get a jet ski helmet? I always recommend people, once they’ve moved past the beginner stage, to invest in a helmet when riding their personal watercraft. It’s certainly worth it!

Budget Option

Tontron Watersports Helmet​

Buy on Amazon

Best Value

WRSI Moment Full Face PWC Helmet​

Buy on Amazon

Most Secure

Dagger White Water Jet Ski Helmet​

Buy on Amazon

The biggest issue in the marketplace is that very few helmets, if any, are made specifically for jet ski riding. The closest you’ll generally find are BMX and MX helmets which in my opinion are often too heavy, but we’re left with limited choices.

The Best Jet Ski Helmet Features

When shopping around, there are a few things you should be looking for. These include:

1. Avoid anything that’s too cheap. You’re riding at fast speeds and need something reliable and of high quality. If it feels cheap, leave it at the shop.
2. Look for as lightweight as you can find. You’re going to be wearing a jet ski helmet for up to several hours in a day. Sometimes it’s a trade-off since the lower quality models are lighter.
3. You must have a breathable helmet. Chances are, even if you don’t fall off, you will get some water spray at some point. Your helmet must have the ability to air out effectively.
4. The best jet ski helmets have strong UV resistance. I often find the cheaper models aren’t living up to expectations.
5. Avoid dark colours if possible. On hot days, your black jet ski helmet is going to turn your head into an oven! This is why MX helmets often aren’t black, since those riders are competing in hotter conditions.

I would also recommend a neck collar. The Leatt neck braces are well known around the world for preventing neck and spinal injuries.

Even on a jet ski and the soft water, you have the threat of your 1000 pound machine impacting you when you fall off.

Jet Ski Helmet With Goggles

Some people like to choose a helmet with a visor. On the other hand, some people like to choose a helmet with goggles.

The thing is, I wouldn’t recommend ordering a helmet of any type online at all. Further still, I certainly wouldn’t recommend a helmet that has goggles.

This is because the fitment between helmets and goggles needs to be precise, otherwise it’s very uncomfortable. I would recommend going into your local PWC store and trying on some models with helmet + goggle combinations. Find one that suits you best.

I find that goggles aren’t designed to get wet. Unfortunately on a jet ski it’s very likely you’ll get wet at some stage, so you’ll be left with a wet set of goggles until you return to the boat ramp.

On the flip side, there is more work to change the visor on a helmet. Some days you might want a tinted lens, whilst on cloudy days you might want a clear lens. With a set of goggles you can simply change them in seconds and start riding again.

List of Jet Ski Helmets

Right! Let’s get into the list.

On the market we currently have:

1. Shark X-Drak Terrence Jet Ski Helmet (My #1 recommendation)
2. BMX / Downhill helmets for jet skis. These are very lightweight (less than 2 pounds) with a very wide viewing portal.
3. Motorcycle cruising helmet which has an open design. You’ll want to wear sunglasses or goggles with these.
4. SUPAir Pilot Helmet – it’s really for paragliding but some jet skiers love this design and padding.
5. Full face cycling helmet. These are even lighter than mountain biking helmets but have limited protection.

Let’s have a look visually at what’s featured:

There are very few exclusive jet ski helmet manufacturers. Let’s face it – most people riding personal watercraft don’t want to wear a helmet.

So some good alternatives for personal watercraft helmets are BMX, MX and motorcycling helmets. Even a bicycle helmet is better than nothing, but it would look really novice to be wearing one at the boat ramp. Trust me!

But what’s worse than wearing a helmet? A life-changing facial disfigurement and injury. Not only that, but simply knocking your head could render you unconscious in the water. If you’re riding but yourself (which is very common) then this is a recipe for disaster.

Pros vs Cons

Let’s look at some of the upsides and downsides of wearing a jet ski helmet for a day out on the water.

Remember that most people reading are recreational riders. Most people who race jet skis naturally will (or are forced to by racing rules and regulations) wear a helmet.

The upsides are:

1. You’ll feel more confident in riding faster and testing your abilities
2. Full sun protection for your head in most cases (no sunscreen needed)
3. A massive reduction in the severity of head injuries if you do crash
4. Allows you to be a bit more ‘stealth’ in your riding style on the water
5. If wearing visor/goggles, stops salt water from entering your eyes
6. Reasonably affordable to purchase from most jet ski dealerships

At the same down, the negatives are:

1. Adds more bulk and a little extra weight to your head and neck
2. Most models will corrode over time due to saltwater exposure
3. Not really that many models to choose from exclusively for PWC use

It’s still important that you get a jet ski helmet. Trust me – it’s worth it! The pros outweigh the cons. Most people who do buy a PWC helmet soon wonder why they didn’t get one initially.

Budget Option

Tontron Watersports Helmet​

Buy on Amazon

Best Value

WRSI Moment Full Face PWC Helmet​

Buy on Amazon

Most Secure

Dagger White Water Jet Ski Helmet​

Buy on Amazon

Final thoughts

I’d like to see more manufacturers such as Yamaha and Seadoo become more willing to manufacture jet ski helmets that appeal to riders. I’m sure there is a high demand for these since we don’t want to wear ordinary motorcycle helmets at all.

This is why riders look for alternatives to jet ski helmets. There simply aren’t enough people doing their part to bring a great product to the marketplace!

It’s great to see the riding community more conscious of the need to protect themselves. At the same time, we’re now riding faster than ever before, so protecting the head and neck is vitally important.

It’s getting cold but you’re still motivated to ride and while that chill factor has stopped you PWC riding before, a jet ski winter jacket can ease the pain.

We’ve come a long way in the last 10 years. Manufacturers are really trying to help riders enjoy the sport year-round with their clothing line-up.

I’ve compiled a list featuring the best jet ski winte20r jackets available for both men and women. I’ll even feature some for the junior riders too!

5 of the Best Winter Jackets for Jet Skiing

So let’s jump straight in with the list.

Currently, the best on the market are:

1. Jetpilot X1 Men’s Tour Coat (2019)
2. Jetpilot Allure Women’s Tour Coat (2018)
3. Ronix Wet/Dry Unisex Neoprene Jacket (2018)
4. Follow Men’s Zip Through Neoprene Jacket (2021)
5. Jetpilot Venture Unisex Outerwear Jacket (2019)

As you can see, Jetpilot is dominating this list. This company is the pinnacle of jet ski and watersports clothing so it’s not surprising that they are listed here. I really like their range as they’re always doing constant testing, evaluations and updates to their riding apparel.

But as you’ll see from this list, it’s not just Jetpilot offering winter jackets for personal watercraft. Let’s expand further why I like these 5.

1. Jetpilot X1 Men’s Tour Coat (2022)

I really love this jacket because it looks badass. You could get away wearing this at your local gas station and on the way to the boat ramp.

It has multiple pockets and excellent ventilation around the neck. If you wear a helmet when riding your jet ski, then you’re 99% covered in the upper body from the elements.

2. Jetpilot Allure Women’s Tour Coat (2022)

At JetSkiAdvice.com we’re all about the women-riders. You’ll never miss out! Seriously – how cool is this jetski jacket?

Jetpilot makes the leggings as well which are quite thick. You can often buy the two pieces together for a discount.

3. Ronix Wet/Dry Unisex Neoprene Jet Ski Jacket (2021)

Another badass jacket! It’s great to see that Jetpilot isn’t the only company offering a really great looking jacket. Some people also use this model for surfing too.

I really love the hoodie on this. It saves having to buy a helmet. The only drawback is that the hoodie tends to slip backwards above 40MPH.

4. Follow Men’s Zip Through Neoprene Jacket (2022)

If you’re looking for higher visibility, then this is the one I’d choose. It’s a basic winter jetskiing jacket but without any pockets. After all, we only store things in the jetski storage compartment anyway, right?

Featuring an adjustable drawstring, the hoodie tends not to slip back as much as the Ronix model above. It’s also a bit more affordable as well.

5. Jetpilot Venture Unisex Outerwear Jet Ski Winter Jacket (2022 model)

You wouldn’t think this is a jacket that you can use on your jet ski, would you? Jetpilot have delivered the answer to those who want complete protection.

I love the big pockets on the front though I wonder how effective they are. The good news is that you can use this jacket for hiking as well as riding your PWC in the colder months.

Choosing the best jet ski jacket for winter

Before we click ‘Order’ through our online cart, we want to make sure we’ve picked the right jacket. This is because not all are created equal.

So I decided to create a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one.

Let’s look at some key factors here:

Riding Conditions

Putting aside the clothing for a moment, here is a myraid of water conditions that we can ride in. Of course, it can be cool, cold and then the ice-breaking type of cold.

Then we have the swell. Riding in the open ocean swell in winter is vastly different to riding in the same temperature on a windless river system.

You really need to factor in your riding conditions. If you’re expecting to get wet every few seconds in the ocean then you’ll want to go for something thicker than someone who’s hardly getting a splash on them.

Also consider your likelihood of falling off. When you fall into the water and get wet, that’s going to be the end of the day for some people in winter. Being wet and riding in super cold conditions just isn’t fun.

Just like your riding conditions, if you’re the type that falls off your jet ski often, then go for a winter jacket that has greater insulation.

Thickness

I’ve touched on this point earlier. We want to be considering the thickness of the product we buy.

For some people, their winter is very mild. I live in a climate that is very similar to San Diego in the winter months. It’s not really cold apart from the early mornings, so a light jacket is all that I need.

Thickness can range from 1mm to 6mm. The thinner the materials, the more movement you can have, but also, the less likely you are to stay warm.

The thick jackets will restrict your movement on a jet ski. This isn’t so bad as you’re generally in stationary position riding anyways. On the downside, they can get really hot when the sun comes out.

If you do fall into the water at some stage, then a thicker wetsuit is a better option. This is because it has a greater thermal mass than the lightweight options.

Materials

Neoprene is the main material found in jet ski winter jackets and of course wetsuits too. It’s affordable as a material, can maintain good heat and certainly does a good job of cutting out the wind.

We’re starting to see some new materials come on the market. Jetpilot is starting to use waterproof materials on the front paired with some poly-poplin on the inside. This is a plain weave polyester fabric which is quick to dry.

Another material to look out for is Nylon Taslon. It’s certainly the most expensive but is similar to what you’ll find with motorcycle adventure jackets.

One overlooked thing is the zippers. If the winter jet ski jacket you’re researching has a front zipper, make sure it’s waterproof! You can tell by looking at zipper which should resemble and plastic line.

Pricing

I’ve seen so many times that jet ski riders have spent a fortune on their new machines, only to invest into cheap trailers, wetsuits and safety equipment. It’s really frustrating because you can get so much for if you spend up a little more.

A good jet ski winter jacket will cost from $100 to $200 USD. You can even pay more but often you don’t need to. You’ll get some good brands in this budget such as Jetpilot.

Instead of buying a cheap jacket off eBay, you could also look on Craigslist. Often people will sell their jackets that they have only used a couple of times for much less than the cost of a new (cheap) jacket off eBay. At least you’ll know that you’re buying a quality brand.

In Summary

If you’re riding in freezing conditions, then don’t let the winter months stop you from the thrill of riding. You’ll find the waterways to be much quieter, especially as many boat users stay indoors too. That’s the best part – minimal marine traffic!

Get yourself a winter jacket for your jet ski so you can keep riding when others can’t. On the other hand, if you only have mild winters, then a long-sleeve wetsuit is all that you really need.

If you choose to go jet ski camping, then taking a jacket will be a wise idea for the cold early mornings. This is especially helpful when it’s windy too.

Either way, invest in good-quality PWC clothing so you can enjoy year-round riding in your favorite spots.

One of the most overlooked things is navigation with jet ski GPS, either mounted or handheld. Having some technology can be really helpful.

Budget Option

Garmin eTrex​

Buy on Amazon

Best Value

Garmin 78sc​

Buy on Amazon

Most Features

Garmin 64sx​

Buy on Amazon

Some people get lost out there on the waterways. Things start to look the same and it’s easy to miss landmarks and waypoints. What you might have seen and studied on Google Maps from the comfort of home can be very different on your waterways.

For someone short on time, our best picks are here:

Getting a GPS is one very essential piece of equipment. You’ll find it useful not just for navigation, but also for camping and fishing.

Buying a GPS for Your Jet Ski

I’ve written a complete buyer’s guide showcasing the 12 best jet ski GPS devices available. This comparison list is specific to PWC owners.

I’ll showcase the key features and why these are important.

How to Best Choose the Right Model

Before we get into the list, let’s look at what makes up the best models on the market. This is especially important because unlike a car GPS or a hiking GPS, the type for the marine world need to withstand a lot more pressure and demands.

With jet skis now reaching speeds well in excess of 70MPH, that bouncing and saltwater can quickly destroy a normal household GPS.

What I look at is:

Pricing

You’ve already spent a lot of money on your machine and gear. It seems attractive to buy a cheap jet ski GPS but I would recommend spending up a little more.

Sure, you don’t need to spend thousands, but don’t go into the cheap end of town either. A few hundred dollars is all you need.

Ruggedness

As I just previously mentioned, you’re putting your GPS in some very less than ideal conditions. The conditions on a yacht doing 7MPH is different than a jet ski skidding across the water.

Obviously you’ll want waterproof-ness, but also it needs to be rugged. You should be able to drop it from 1 metre and it should survive. Most of the best options on the market have been certified for their drop-test ratings and waterproof capacity.

Ease of Use

You don’t want to spend months trying to learn all the functions and buttons. Something that’s easy to use and shows the main navigational functions is all you need.

I like the GPS models that have big buttons. When you’re wearing gloves it makes it so much easier to move between functions. Big screens that can still be seen in direct sunlight are also very helpful too.

GPS Features

Of course, the features available differ between models. For the basics, you’ll want to be able to set waypoints and locations. Zoomable maps are also helpful too.

Some manufacturers charge extra for their most recent maps, whilst others will give you free lifetime upgrades. This is good as there are still places in the world being plotted.

Right, so what is the best GPS for a jet ski? Let’s have a look:

1. Garmin eTrex 10
2. Magellan eXplorist 510 Marine
3. Garmin GPSMAP 78sc GPS with Chartplotter
4. Lowrance Hook2 GPS Fish Finder
5. Garmin eTrex 22x Handheld GPS
6. GPSMAP 64sx Handheld by Garmin
7. Garmin Striker 7SV Fishfinder
8. Standard Horizon HX870E VHF + GPS
9. Lowrance Endura Safari
10. Delorme PN-60 military
11. Garmin Rino 755t
12. Garmin Striver Plus 4 (inc Fish Finder)

Quite clearly Garmin dominates this list and they have done so for many years. They build devices based on reliability and accuracy, whilst also being affordable.

Creating this list wasn’t easy. Let’s go deeper into each model and what’s exactly offered here.

1. Garmin eTrex 10

This is #1 for several reasons. It’s affordable, rugged and has basic functionality. You can buy a special mount for your handlebars too.

Does it have advanced features? No. But you can use this for most jet ski trips without a problem. You can view your location and track your route, and for many riders, that’s all they want.

2. Magellan eXplorist 510 Marine

Some people say this one is the best. Yes – it has a color screen, but it’s also more expensive too. For many jet ski riders, the Garmin above is enough.

Need something a little more? Go for the eXplorist 510 Marine. It has so many more features.

I really do like what Magellan has offered here. If you’re prepared to pay up a lot more, you won’t be disappointed at all with the eXplorist 510 Marine.

3. Garmin GPSMAP 78sc

If you want a chartplotter, then this is your device. I love using these personally but for many riders, this isn’t a feature you’ll really need.

Everyone loves this device in the marine world! This is one great piece of kit.

It’s a great device that gives you even more than what the two models above offer. If you want a GPS for your jet ski as well as your boat, then this is my #1 pick.

4. Lowrance Hook2 GPS Fish Finder

For those who love jet ski fishing, you’re going to love this piece of equipment! Lowrance has a great jet ski GPS that also doubles as a fish finder.

Going jet ski fishing? Take the Lowrance Hook2 and you won’t be disappointed.

It’s bigger than just about any other model featured here, but it makes up for the size in the functions. You get a color screen that’s easily viewable, though mounting on the handlebars could be tricky.

5. Garmin eTrex 22x Handheld GPS

Looking at the eTrex 10 but want some color and more features? The 22x is my pick. Spending up a little bit more gives you a whole lot more.

This is definitely much better than the eTrex 10, but you’ll be paying a higher price for it too.

If you read the online reviews, just about everyone loves the Garmin eTrex 22x. It’s often mentioned in jet ski forums and Facebook groups as the best option.

6. GPSMAP 64sx Handheld by Garmin

Talk about offering the bells and whistles! The Garmin GPSMAP 64sx is the way to go if you’ve got some deep pockets.

I call this the ‘Rolls Royce’ of the Garmin sx range. My buddy has one and I seriously am jealous!

I’ve used this model a few times and love it. The larger screen and big buttons will be helpful for those who can’t deal with small devices.

7. Garmin Striker 7SV Fishfinder

Here’s another great fishfinder for those who love jet ski fishing. The Striker 7SV is one model that is heavily praised around marine communities.

Better suited for those who go boating, but this bit of gear is still found on some PWCs

Is it cheap? Not really. But it’s certainly great value for money as both a fish finder and a way to get yourself safely back to the boat ramp.

8. Standard Horizon HX870E VHF + GPS

Most people won’t need a VHF when out on their jet ski. In my experience, a VHF can certainly be very helpful to have in the event of an emergency. Now, imagine a VHF paired with a GPS!

Introducing the Horizon HX870E. This is one seriously awesome piece of equipment. If you already have a boat, then this which has 2 devices in 1 is a wise choice.

9. Lowrance Endura Safari

This is more of a pocket model for hiking and backpacking. If you’re looking for cheap, then you’ll find it here. This model doesn’t have good waterproof ability but is still a good choice to throw in the storage compartment.

The Endura is an older model but sometimes you’ll find these cheaply on eBay as pictured.

This is going to give you the basics: Location and waypoints. Don’t expect much else, but for the price you pay, it represents an affordable option.

10. Delorme PN-60 military

Chances are that if you’re into jetskiing, then you’re also into adventures and roughness. The PN-60 military from Delorme is one fine unit.

The PN-60 is popular with adventure motorcyclists. The orange color means you can find it easily in the storage compartment.

It has been tested to some very high military standards and is very rugged. Throw this around in the glove box, in your backpack or in the 4×4 and expect it to last a few years.

11. Garmin Rhino 755t

This is a smartphone with some GPS functionalities. It’s both expensive and not really that well known, but if you’re into adventuring, then this is a good alternative to the model by Delorme.

Need a big screen? The Memory Map Defender has you covered. Feels like an iPhone.

You’ll only find a very small handful of jet ski riders using this device for marine navigation. It’s more of a 4×4 and military model but can serve its purpose on the waterways too.

12. Garmin Striker Plus 4 (includes Fish Finder)

A great alternative if you don’t want the Lowrance above is the Garmin Strive Plus 4. It comes with a Fish Finder!

Garmin has yet another fishfinder/GPS combination on this list. One good bit of equipment!

I had heard great things about this model and had a chance to try it out last week at a group ride. It was awesome but also a bit pricey too.

The Best Jet Ski GPS Model

Budget Option

Garmin eTrex​

Buy on Amazon

Best Value

Garmin 78sc​

Buy on Amazon

Most Features

Garmin 64sx​

Buy on Amazon

There is no ‘best for everyone’ model. The best jet ski GPS is one that is right for you. Does it fit in your hand properly and can you read the screen? Are the features exactly what you need for your adventures?

Here’s what I also recommend for you:

1. Check that it floats when it falls off your handlebar mount
2. Make sure the battery life is enough for an entire day’s riding
3. Ask the manufacturer if you can buy an additional mount for it
4. Watch some online reviews on YouTube to gauge user experiences
5. Avoid anything too cheap. The < $70 versions are generally rubbish

I like the bright models – yellow and orange in particular. When these fall into the water, then they are easier to spot. The hiking models generally are much easier to spot in murky river water or even out on the open ocean.

My recommendation is that you protect your GPS just as you would your jet ski. Don’t just let it sit there unsecured on the handlebars when you’re away. I’ve written an extensive article already on jet ski theft. You can buy a small security cable on Amazon or eBay to stop your GPS getting stolen.

One model I haven’t mentioned is the SPOT device. You might have seen these previously in magazines or on YouTube videos.

Spot Tracker (Not ocean for open oceans)

This isn’t a GPS for you, but one that can help your family members track YOU in the event of an emergency. Just press one button and they will be notified that you’re in trouble and need assistance.

In Summary

Garmin is leading the way with many of the best boating and marine GPS devices. Their GPS offerings for the jet ski market are equally as impressive.

If all you need is basic maps and a location, then you can’t go wrong with the eTrex10. On the other hand, the eTrex 22 offers much more including a color screen, but it does cost much more too. Is it worth it? Depends on your budget.

Many riders prefer to leave the GPS stored away in the front compartment so they can simply enjoy a day of riding. They’ll look at it occasionally, but most riders are well aware of their general location and surroundings.

It’s good to not rely on technology entirely but also have a good sense of where you are and where you’re going. In other words, don’t get lost in the world of electronics, because most people are smart enough to figure out if they’re going upstream, downstream, east or west.

But a GPS can certainly be helpful, especially in emergency situations and tricky navigations. Would I still recommend one? Absolutely.

Sure, you don’t need to spend thousands, but don’t go into the cheap end of town either. A few hund