captras
Jetboaters Captain
- Messages
- 1,224
- Reaction score
- 1,347
- Points
- 242
- Location
- Lake Livingston, Texas
- Boat Make
- Yamaha
- Year
- 2016
- Boat Model
- 242 Limited S E-Series
- Boat Length
- 24
Just ordered a set of Cobra AK Magnums with the AK Fangs from Jeff this morning. Looking forward to getting them on my boat, though it wont be for several months. I have been considering the Cobras, or the TVs or the Hydrojets for at least a year, and only had the boat about a year and a half. It didn't take long or much research to eliminate the Hydrojets! I am sure both Jeff and Will are tired of my litany of questions. However, both have been extremely patient, and willing to help. Also, many thanks to members here that have done their reviews. They have been a great help in learning about each product. The major problem, however, is it seems that whatever system you have, you like! It is very difficult to find somebody that has had both systems, and can make on the water personal comparisons.
I still am reading questions on this forum about which is better. Because I presently have neither, I cant answer that, but I can tell you why I decided on one vs the other.
Quality: I think both are quality products and are backed up by the company. Decision - TIE
Customer service: Again, from all I have read, customer service from either Jeff or Will is probably as good or better than you will find with ANY company ANYwhere. Decision - TIE
Warranty: Both give you a 30 day return option. The TVs have a lifetime warranty. Other than the 30 day warranty on the Cobras, I did not find anything else. Decision - TV
Extended Product Protection: I could not find anything written about repair or replacement of the TVs other than for a manufacturers defect. Cobras, however, do have the extended protection plan that will repair/replace any component that gets damaged, even if it is your fault, for $49 max plus shipping. Decision - COBRA
Durability: I do think the metal products would be more durable. I accept that the material used on the TVs is very durable, as is the metal. The only issue I would have is that if the TVs truly are damaged from striking an object, I don't see a way to repair them, which means they would have to be replaced. Not an inexpensive proposition. The metal fins, if a minor strike, can certainly be straightened by the owner, or inexpensively repaired/replaced, especially with the extended product protection that Jeff provides. Decision - COBRA
Price: Both are on sale at the present time. Prices are comparable (within $20), although the price for the Cobras does include the AK Fangs and the additional steering rod....so price wise I think the Cobras are a better deal. Decision - COBRA
Slow speed maneuvering: From what I have read, both do an outstanding job of enhancing the slow speed maneuvering ability of my 242. Decision - TIE
Maintaining original Jet Boat handling at speed. Because the TVs move up and out of the way above plane speed, there appears to be no difference with or without the TVs. The Cobras stay in the water at all times so high speed handling is different with the Cobras installed than with the boat strictly OEM. Decision TV
Straight tracking at speed: Again, based on reading and research, the Cobras tend to keep the boat on a more stable heading at speed, although the difference is not as great with the newer models that have the new hulls with the keel and the articulating keel. Not to mention more response and maneuverability when throttled down. Decision - COBRA
Ease of installation: Simply because of less parts, the TVs would appear to be less of and effort and take less time. Decision - TV
Maneuverability in reverse: This is not quite black and white. I have read that the AK fangs do give some help in reverse, but not nearly as much and the newer version fangs, however they are considerably more in price. The TVs have little to no reverse affect, However there is now available the lateral thrust vectors, but they are expensive. Since the reversing aspect is not a major factor in my decision, I have to give this to Cobra, since they do provide some degree of reverse assist. Decision COBRA
All of the above decisions were based what I personally was looking for, and what I was able to determine from product research and personal reviews. so they should not be taken as scientific or factual. If you disagree, you are obviously welcome to comment. So I went the the Cobras. I have found that, for me, it came down to, not an issue of product quality or customer service, but more about what I felt I wanted from the product. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, both products appear to have a niche and perform as advertised.
I still am reading questions on this forum about which is better. Because I presently have neither, I cant answer that, but I can tell you why I decided on one vs the other.
Quality: I think both are quality products and are backed up by the company. Decision - TIE
Customer service: Again, from all I have read, customer service from either Jeff or Will is probably as good or better than you will find with ANY company ANYwhere. Decision - TIE
Warranty: Both give you a 30 day return option. The TVs have a lifetime warranty. Other than the 30 day warranty on the Cobras, I did not find anything else. Decision - TV
Extended Product Protection: I could not find anything written about repair or replacement of the TVs other than for a manufacturers defect. Cobras, however, do have the extended protection plan that will repair/replace any component that gets damaged, even if it is your fault, for $49 max plus shipping. Decision - COBRA
Durability: I do think the metal products would be more durable. I accept that the material used on the TVs is very durable, as is the metal. The only issue I would have is that if the TVs truly are damaged from striking an object, I don't see a way to repair them, which means they would have to be replaced. Not an inexpensive proposition. The metal fins, if a minor strike, can certainly be straightened by the owner, or inexpensively repaired/replaced, especially with the extended product protection that Jeff provides. Decision - COBRA
Price: Both are on sale at the present time. Prices are comparable (within $20), although the price for the Cobras does include the AK Fangs and the additional steering rod....so price wise I think the Cobras are a better deal. Decision - COBRA
Slow speed maneuvering: From what I have read, both do an outstanding job of enhancing the slow speed maneuvering ability of my 242. Decision - TIE
Maintaining original Jet Boat handling at speed. Because the TVs move up and out of the way above plane speed, there appears to be no difference with or without the TVs. The Cobras stay in the water at all times so high speed handling is different with the Cobras installed than with the boat strictly OEM. Decision TV
Straight tracking at speed: Again, based on reading and research, the Cobras tend to keep the boat on a more stable heading at speed, although the difference is not as great with the newer models that have the new hulls with the keel and the articulating keel. Not to mention more response and maneuverability when throttled down. Decision - COBRA
Ease of installation: Simply because of less parts, the TVs would appear to be less of and effort and take less time. Decision - TV
Maneuverability in reverse: This is not quite black and white. I have read that the AK fangs do give some help in reverse, but not nearly as much and the newer version fangs, however they are considerably more in price. The TVs have little to no reverse affect, However there is now available the lateral thrust vectors, but they are expensive. Since the reversing aspect is not a major factor in my decision, I have to give this to Cobra, since they do provide some degree of reverse assist. Decision COBRA
All of the above decisions were based what I personally was looking for, and what I was able to determine from product research and personal reviews. so they should not be taken as scientific or factual. If you disagree, you are obviously welcome to comment. So I went the the Cobras. I have found that, for me, it came down to, not an issue of product quality or customer service, but more about what I felt I wanted from the product. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, both products appear to have a niche and perform as advertised.
