Today I’ll be showcasing the best 5 jet ski radios for safety on the waterways in 2021. The best part – all of these cost less than $200!

I’m a big proponent for safety when riding. When you’re buying a jet ski, you often forget about the additional outlay that you’ll need to factor in.

Things like life jackets, a wetsuit, insurance, registration, the actual trailer (if you need one) and even a marine GPS soon will add up several thousand dollars to your already large investment. Then we have the VHF radio which is a real after-thought.

In my opinion, it’s one of the most important things you’ll ever buy. Sure, you won’t need to use it much at all, but knowing it’s there will help you enjoy a great day out there on the water.

Jet Ski Radios Guide

Many people in the boating market already know just how important having access to a VHF radio is. It gives the user the ability to send and receive verbal or even text-based messages across the waterways from many miles away.

Let’s look at some more of those advantages:

1. Allows you to quickly contact 911 and rescue teams
2. Easy contact with lock/weir operators and harbormasters
3. Users can listen in on emergency situations and respond
4. You can easily receive weather forecasts in real-time
5. When without a cell signal, you can call your friends at the boat ramp
6. Most importantly, you can get a great jet ski VHF radio for under $100!

But it’s not so easy to simply pick up a radio at the store and run with it. There are numerous models on the market, but not all are created equal.

Some are best suited towards hikers and 4×4 enthusiasts, instead of jet ski owners. Others are just too big and bulky so commonly they are just left at home or in the tow vehicle.

Routinely I see these challenges:

• Some radios that cost well over $1,000 but provide little added advantages
• Others aren’t so waterproof as they claim during beta-testing stages
• The battery life of the cheaper models is insufficient for an entire day
• Easier to damage VHF radios on a jet ski due to harsh riding conditions
• Warranty information is often quite vague with some hoops to jump through

So it’s quite clear that jet ski enthusiasts do need to shop around for a reliable marine radio. One that is backed by a strong warranty and reputable brand which has consistently delivered for years.

Best Jet Ski VHF radios

I’m going to detail exactly the radios that I have come across in my searches. Two of these models I have owned and the other three I have used after borrowing to create this list. All are listed in merely my own opinion.

	Model	Best For
1	Retevis RT55 Marine Radio	Long Range
2	Standard Horizon HX210	Budget
3	Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld	Budget
4	Standard Horizon GX1300B	Long Range
5	Uniden UM415 Fixed Mount Marine VHF	Offshore

That’s just 5 of the 30 or so great models available for jet skis. One thing that I would recommend is a protective and cushioned sleeve. You are bouncing around at 70 miles per hour and these radios are more-so designed to be stored in bags.

Now let’s have a look at these models in greater detail:

1. Retevis RT55 Marine Radio

This is an excellent VHF radio that represents great value for money. I would recommend keeping the Retevis in a waterproof pouch and avoid using it with wet hands.

That said, it is waterproof and it’s floating too. You can even get weather alerts and this comes with a cool vibration water draining function. The online reviews show great feedback from users.

Pros: All the functions you would expect, really good visual design, has a locking button so it won’t switch channels.

Cons: Isn’t the cheap model out there.

2. Standard Horizon HX210

For the price you pay, you get a fantastic compact jet ski VHF radio known as the Standard Horizon HX210. This 6 watt radio is very easy to operate.

It comes with a 3-year warranty with IPX7 waterproof rating which essentially means you can submerge it for 30 minutes in 1 metre of water. You can even broadcast FM frequencies so you can listen to your favorite radio station too.

Pros: Well reputed as one of the best overall marine radios you could buy. Has several advanced features. Excellent waterproof capabilities.

Cons: Small screen and buttons.

3. Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld

If you’re looking for the cheapest jet ski VHF radio on the market, then the Uniden Atlantis 155 is exactly what you want. Often it’s found for around the $65 mark and has the basics you would expect.

The cool thing I like about this radio apart from the price is the antenna. It’s strong enough to store in the front storage compartment of your jet ski, plus it’s much smaller than just about any other handheld model.

Pros: Basic design but does the job. Currently the cheapest VHF marine radio available in the market with a 1-year warranty.

Cons: Looks like it has been delivered from 1993.

4. Standard Horizon GX1300B

Now if you’re looking for something built into your jet ski so it doesn’t get lost, the GX1600B is a great model. The issue of course is where to mount the microphone.

Generally not as popular on jet skis, this VHF radio has a bigger range than most other handheld devices. Given that jet skis generally don’t go offshore, this isn’t as important, but at least it’s harder for it to get stolen unlike jet skis.

Pros: You’ll find this model inside thousands of boats worldwide. Big screen and easy to use buttons.

Cons: Requires a large mounting spot.

5. Uniden UM415 Fixed Mount Marine VHF

This is one of the most well known marine radios around. If you’re looking for immense value and reliability, then Uniden has it made.

Just like the Standard Horizon mentioned above, it’s going to be harder to mount this on a jet ski. I’ve seen a few jet ski enthusiasts mount one of these in their tow vehicles. This way they can call their pals who might already be out adventuring so you know their location. Likewise, you could try mounting on the inside of your forward storage locker.

Pros: Very straight forward design. Clear to see all menus.

Cons: The white design could get dirty.

Other Marine Radios Worth Mentioning

As I mentioned at the beginning, this is just 5 of the dozens of VHF radios that are suitable for jet ski use. You might not like the look or pricing of these, so I’ve highlighted some more.

As a quick summary, you might also wish to consider the:

• Cobra Floating VHF long-range radio
• Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld 2-Way
• Standard Horizon Handheld with GPS (expensive)
• Cobra HH350W Handheld (Really cheap but OK)

Cobra is really coming out of the far left field with these two radios heavily promoted on Amazon.

If you wanted an alternative to any of the 5 I’ve mentioned, then the Cobras would be an ideal pick. Among Facebook groups it seems to be a great choice.

Tips for Success with VHF Radios

Now once you’ve bought your new marine radio, you’ll want to consider some things. After all, many people simply don’t read the user manuals anymore. Apparently our attention spans are too short for that.

I didn’t want to just create this list of the best jet ski radios without sharing some tips and advice for you. When I was starting out I wish there was someone to show me how to navigate the world of marine communication.

Here are 7 things I’ve learned over the years:

1. Buy yourself a spare battery when you order your radio initially, which is especially helpful if you go jet ski camping. You can charge this spare battery with the same charging dock.
2. Don’t worry about a clip on the back of the radio, since it will live in your storage locker anyway.
3. Wrap it up with a towel to protect it against knocks when riding but don’t forget that it’s there. Nothing is worse than getting out your towel on the beach and dropping your radio on the sand or rocks.
4. Don’t leave your VHF radio in a hot car, as the batteries will corrode or could explode. Even the front storage locker on your jet ski can get too hot for some models on the marketplace.
5. Learn the rules and regulations of VHF radio use. Depending on your county, state or country, you might actually require a licence to either own or use a marine radio.
6. Don’t leave the radio with little children as they often love to play games with it. This is a serious adults communication device that isn’t designed for horse-play.
7. Always remember that your VHF radio should have a spot in your jet ski, so you know where it is at all times. Also remember to pack it before leaving home.

And despite all of that, you won’t use the radio all that much. It’s just a great device for peace of mind, so you can reach areas without the fear of getting stuck and without assistance.

Remember that many areas that you’ll ride do have patchy cell phone coverage, hence the market for marine radios is very big even today. You can expect an audible range of 10 nautical miles generally at the minimum with most marine radios available today. They sure have improved over their performance over the last 2 decades.

Summary

I would for sure recommend my fellow riders to purchase a VHF radio for their jet ski or personal watercraft. This is especially important if you’re riding solo because help and assistance might be miles or hours away.

Choose a radio that is waterproof of course, but protect it with a soft bag or even your towel. Keep it charged and don’t forget to pack it in the longer before you hook up the trailer.

See you out there on the water!

If you’re a passionate jet ski rider, then you’ll want to invest in some decent jet ski riding gloves. Here are the best 5 for 2022.

Often people who ride for the first few times don’t think about gloves. It’s only after getting blisters, sunburn or even slip off their grips do they think about purchasing PWC gloves.

But at least they’re now away, so now it’s time to find a great pair that stands up to your demands behind the handlebars.

Let’s have a look at what is available.

Jet Ski Gloves – My Best Picks for 2022

Most types of riding gloves are suitable for the most part when riding jet skis. Luckily, unlike jet ski helmets which are well under-served, manufacturers have come out with some great jet ski gloves.

I mean…we’re really spoiled for choice here. So much so that you can leave ordinary cycling or gym gloves at home. To be honest, I used them in the early days and they went well for a cheap DIY option.

If you didn’t like the 3 options I presented above, then here are some additional personal choices are the following jet ski riding gloves:

1. Jetpilot RX Superlite Jet ski gloves (2022)
2. Jetpilot Matrix Heatseeker Gloves (Men’s)
3. Neosport 3/4 finger Neoprene gloves
4. Jetpilot race jet ski gloves
5. Navis marine sailing gloves

It doesn’t surprise me that Jetpilot holds 3 out of the 5 titles on this leaderboard. They simply want to deliver the best for the personal watercraft community.

Jettribe Jet Ski Gloves

I like these gloves. They’re thin and quite affordable too. Ideal for summer riding!

One thing you’ll find is that they don’t hold your fingers back. You can reach your IBR brakes without stretching too much. So if freedom of movement is your thing, but also protection of your hands from blisters, the RX Superlite’s from Jetpilot offer great value.

Jetpilot Matrix Heatseeker

If you’re riding in colder conditions, then jet ski gloves are almost mandatory. Otherwise, you just won’t have that much fun out there with frozen hands.

These have a thick neoprene design that is popular with those who enter marine environments in the colder months. On the back of the hand is hard protection to also stop the wind chill.

Neosport 3/4 Finger Neoprene Gloves

For outright affordability, you have to get a pair of Neosport 3/4 finger gloves…even if they turn out to be a spare in your front storage locker. These are quite basic but you get what you pay for.

One of the best things about these gloves is that you can comfortably use them for sailing and snorkelling. Since they are very affordable, get yourself a 2nd pair and you’ll still pay less than the Jetpilot offerings!

Jetpilot Race Jet Ski Gloves

Right, so you like to ride more than 50-knots? You’re definitely going to need a pair of high-quality jet ski gloves. No one can provide such quality as Jetpilot.

I love the designs on these. You can choose a color that matches your hull color and these have all been updated for 2022.

Navis Marine Sailing Gloves

I couldn’t let Jetpilot have another award on this list. Navis has a great sailing glove that doubles as a reasonably great personal watercraft glove.

If you’re into other water sports such as boating, then this pair is great as you only need to buy one pair. Certainly, there is a reason why these are at the bottom of this list…mainly due to the higher pricing.

Why You Should Wear Jet Ski Gloves

It’s very practical to just buy a good set of gloves, but we need to think a little deeper first. I want to share why I believe they are very useful.

1. Allows you to get a grip. Slipping on the throttle especially when jumping waves becomes a thing of the past.
2. Provides protection when anchoring. Both the chain and anchor can be rusty or simply abrasive, so wearing gloves can help reduce the risk of a cut.
3. Provides a wind barrier. When you’re riding in cold conditions, nothing is worse than frozen hands. Even the thin Neosport version is great to at least stop a bit of the wind chill.
4. Excellent barrier to sunburned skin. Wearing sunscreen on your hands is terrible because it leads to throttle slippage.
5. Provides more confidence when riding, because you just feel more secure. With bare hands, you actually feel a sense of nakedness when riding.

As you can see, many upsides for such a minimal capital outlay. Buying a pair of jet ski gloves was the best accessory I’ve personally bought.

Deciding To Buy PWC Gloves

Now that we have the reasons out of the way, let’s look at what you should look for when buying jet ski gloves:

1. High quality. You really want to assess that the materials used are premium-spec that stand up to UV damage and abrasion from salt water and your handle bar.
2. The right gloves for your riding conditions. There is little value in choosing winter gloves when you ride in Florida all year long. You’ll just end up with hot hands all day which lead to fatigue.
3. Well known brand in the marine market with strong reviews. Check on Amazon to see the feedback from other riders.
4. Is designed for wet environments. Some marine gloves are mostly for boating or fishing where you really won’t get that wet.
5. Finger movements. You shouldn’t have much of a restriction in the movements of your fingers when reaching for the throttle, brakes and reverse functions. If it’s too restrictive, you’ll get numb fingers early on in your riding.
6. Pricing or your budget should be considered last. After all, even the most expensive gloves are less than $70 which is merely a tank of gas, but these gloves will last for several years as opposed to months.

Some people like to order online whilst others go into dealerships. Personally, I just got mine online.

Knowing your hand size first before ordering online is a very good idea. You can ask other riders at the boat ramp if you can try their gloves on first before ordering, so you can assess sizing, but the diagrams online are pretty reliable.

In Summary

I would highly recommend gloves to stop blisters when riding a jet ski. Don’t let your fun day be spoiled by those nasty burns and blisters.

For less than $50 you can pick up the Jetpilot gloves which are well known as being very comfortable and long-lasting. This is a key reason why they feature as 3 out of these top 5.

It’s not just riding but also loading/unloading your jet ski at the boat ramp. Getting your fingers jammed in your trailer winch is a fear that we all have.

I look forward to seeing you out on the waterways!

If you’re searching for a gas can for your jet ski, then I’ve got you covered! I’ve researched the best PWC fuel storage pods available for 2022.

Having an extra bit of fuel when riding for an entire day is a great idea. It really helps you reach those locations that would otherwise be out of range.

Many people don’t have the luxury of supporting boats or having marine fuel stations on the journey. This is why taking a jerry can or gas can is a great idea.

So let me showcase my 3 best recommendations.

Best Jet Ski Gas Cans

Fuel storage on a jet ski is already reasonably good, giving riders 2 to 3 hours of fun without stopping. But what if you could increase that range? With a fuel cell, you certainly can! (alright, that was a bad dad rhyme!)

Now unlike motorcycles where you can swap the factory fuel tank out for a larger one, it’s near-on impossible to do this in the PWC market.

Luckily, bolt-on PWC fuel cans have become a thing. They are a little dangerous in some ways. They could explode on hot days or simply fall off your water ski and not be seen again, creating an environmental issue.

But that aside, there are some great advantages to be found.

Here’s my top 3:

1. SureCan Gas Can

This is definitely my favorite on the market. It really has an intelligent design to avoid any spilling when refueling. I like to think of this like simply refueling at the gas station since you don’t really have to pour anything.

You can buy this in 2.4 gallon and 5-gallon styles. Certainly more expensive, costing up to $49.99 each, but can be worth the cost and frustration when compared to traditional gas cans. These might not be available in your state.

Pros: Total splash-free design. Very high quality. Customers leaving rave reviews.

Cons: Hard to take it with you when riding. A bit expensive.

2. SeaDoo Clip-On Gas Can

This is the 2nd best option. This is a clip-on gas can that I hope more manufacturers would adopt into the marketplace. I have seen this on some of the higher-end Sea-Doos recently.

These aren’t cheap especially as they are $100+ but certainly, they are reliable. Again, check your state laws to see if these are permitted.

Pros: Clips on securely. Very high quality as it’s made by the manufacturer.

Cons: Expensive. Doesn’t work for Yamahas and Kawasaki’s.

3. Briggs and Stratton 1 Gallon Jerry Can

This is a great little gas can that you can even store in your car for emergencies. It is EPA and CARB compliant with the design available in all states.

Now, I don’t generally recommend these at all. Some other riders have used their PWC storage compartment to store little cans like these without trouble. It will be good to wrap an old towel around it, in case it leaks from the cap.

You can use a ratchet strap on the swimming platform though this isn’t that safe or secure either, especially in rough sea conditions.

Other Alternatives

Now taking a gas can on your PWC is a great idea. But many riders don’t think of alternatives where they won’t need to carry additional fuel.

Because when you’re riding with extra fuel on board, you’re a little more apprehensive in your riding approach. I find this too when I ride with extra fuel. I’m more conservative, playing it safe whilst others are flying right past me. That’s even more true when it’s choppy on the lake or ocean.

So here’s what you could do instead:

• Create a route that takes into account marinas where you can fuel up on the go. You might even get some food and drinks whilst you’re there!
• Organize fuel drops in advance. If you know that you’re going into a remote area, you could drive in and secretly drop some fuel a few days in advance.
• Use boat support. The big organized rides always have some support boats that have fuel onboard so jet ski riders don’t need to worry.
• Consider if it’s even worth it. For most riding areas, you’ll still get a few hours of decent riding in before the empty warning light comes on.
• Simply ride more conservatively. I know that no rider wants to be told this, but if you ride more ‘eco’ then you’ll simply get a bigger range. Plus, if you’re riding that far, you won’t want to be going 70 miles per hour all day long, otherwise your arms will tire quickly.

All of these will eliminate the need to take that extra jerry can. Remember that the extra fuel at the back is going to affect the performance and handling of your jet ski. Ask yourself: Is this worth it?

Closing Thoughts

In some instances, taking the extra fuel will be worth it. In other times, you can find ways around it which are much safer, plus you’ll have a more enjoyable day out on the water.

My recommendation for SeaDoo owners is to use their own fuel cans if you decide that you need that extra range. This is because these clip-on pods are much more reliable than any other model out there, albeit at a higher cost.

Either way, additional fuel can really help to have more fun out there on the water!