2015 Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Review

The Sea-Doo for true off-shore performance enthusiasts

In a market where PWC models have become increasingly versatile, Sea-Doo continues to manufacture the occasional craft with a more narrowly defined focus. Tow sport enthusiasts get the WAKE models and introductory or price-conscious buyers the Sparks. Hardcore offshore performance types? They get a twist on the RXT-X line. The RXT-X aS 260 packages together the brand’s familiar top-of-the-line engine and large, stable (and yet nimble) hull, and the cool performance trappings that define all “X” models.

The aS 260 also gets something truly unique – a one-off take on the Intelligent Suspension concept.

Oh The Suspens(ion)

Sea-Doo’s RXT-X aS 260 is designed specifically for off-shore performance enthusiasts.

Like the brand’s other suspended models, the aS 260 separates the rider’s primary area – saddle, footwells, handlebars, and the surrounding upper deck – from the hull to cushion the jolts of rough water. The two main pieces are linked by pivoting arms, one forward and one aft, and a centrally located gas shock and coil spring. Bounce in the footwells and you can see the actual movement between the two components. The upper settles deeper into the lower hull by nearly six inches.

Suspension is a concept aimed primarily at those who ride in rougher bodies of water, but in the aS 260 it takes on a decidedly offshore performance slant, giving hardcore ocean types the ability to fine-tune the system beyond factory presets. The adjustability is found in the FOX Racing-branded, nitrogen-charged remote oil reservoir visible within the normal glovebox. By turning a trick anodized blue dial, riders can stiffen the suspension considerably to avoid the upper deck bottoming out in truly big offshore waves. Dial it the other way and the suspension gets more bouncy. The amount of preload on the suspension can also be manually increased if desired via an adjustment screw located below the seat.

Suspension can be adjusted by a dial inside the glovebox.

According to ‘Doo reps, the suspension is calibrated for waves between 2’-5’ from the factory. Compared to the normal suspension system, the actual compression dampening is as much as 115% greater.

In this case, a seat of the pants impression is appropriate. Launch off a big wave with normal suspension and you can feel the jolt in your spine when the upper overwhelms the shock and bottoms out with a thud. Stiffening the suspension up prevents that from happening, and results in a more performance-oriented, yet still impact-softening ride.

More Performance Trickery

An upgraded suspension isn’t the aS model’s only trick. The craft also adds sponsons forward, hidden below the bondline. They’re designed to keep the bow from plowing, or submarining, into big waves. They also add stability and improve steering response in tougher offshore conditions. Aft, you’ll find adjustable trim tabs which can be extended to increase the planing surface of the hull.

Sponsons are adjustable to the level of performance you are looking for.

And then there are all those “X” features that, while not big-wave specific, certainly enhance the craft’s performance pedigree. The handlebars are a stylish billet structure that are highly adjustable. Tweak them for both grip angle and overall width. The X seat narrows forward to get the legs in on the action and take some of the strain off the upper body. Sea-Doo’s High-Performance Variable Trim System (VTS) allows the driver to quickly raise or lower the bow to match conditions or load, and features a double-tap control that lets riders pre-set their favorite positions and then reach them with a no-look tap of the button. And then there are the additions to the display, including average speed, lap timer, and both time and distance-till-empty fuel reminders to make sure you don’t strand yourself.

Solid Foundation

Below the surface lies all the familiar Sea-Doo features. They start with a 1,494cc supercharged Rotax engine, with an intercooler to further condense all that incoming air. It’s powerful enough to push the boat to its electronically limited top end of 67 mph in the right conditions, and boasts a massive jolt off the bottom end. Those features continue with a performance-minded hull that, despite its substantial girth, can carve a knife-like turn in calmer waters. The suspension even assists in this latter regard, compressing in really aggressive corners such that the rider’s center of gravity is lowered.

Sea-Doo outfitted the RXT-X aS 260 with an aggressive, performance-minded hull.

Naturally, you also get all of Sea-Doo’s other greatest hits, including Intelligent Brake & Reverse. The system allows the boat to start in a neutral mode, and then be intuitively shifted into forward, neutral or reverse via the throttle and iBR lever on the opposite handlebar. Control happens with a driver’s eyes on the water, and it’s very intuitive. Squeezing the iBR lever at speed also rapidly slows the craft, as the reverse bucket and a spoiler drop into the water to act as a brake. Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) also lets the driver choose one of two primary acceleration curves, the aggressive Sport or tamer Touring mode, and also makes possible an ECO mode where the craft’s computer can choose the most fuel-efficient curve.

Drawbacks? Like all of the suspension models, the concept delivers at the expense of storage. There’s simply not room for a big bow storage tub, although it could be argued that the target consumer isn’t hauling a lot of extra gear along for the ride. At slow speeds, the taller seat profile can also make the craft feel a little top-heavy, although any experienced rider should be able to quickly compensate.

The Specialist

Clearly the RXT-X aS 260 isn’t for everyone. It’s designed for true offshore performance enthusiasts. Normal riders need not pay for the bells and whistles. But if your idea of fun is a salty day blasting to the Bahamas, racing to Catalina, or just battling up and over the ocean swells, you’ll appreciate that Sea-Doo has got your back.

And wants to save it from the abuse en route.