Those of our more studious readers will recognize that a review of Ron Ripple’s EZ Throttle was conducted by The Watercraft Journal’s correspondent and Jetski Junkies’ own Kev Hemingway back in November of last year. While much of this installation and review article will echo Kev’s previous story, we felt it pertinent to compose a second article for two reasons: 1) Kev’s installation was on a Kawasaki and Yamaha, so it felt appropriate to try one on a Sea-Doo, and 2) we were planning on putting some serious hours on this RXT-X 260, and wanted to see if the EZ Throttle was really all it was cracked up to be.
The EZ Throttle is targeted, primarily, at long-distance riders or those with joint ailments who find their hands cramping up while maintaining throttle. Holding the throttle steadily open at any extended length of time can cause fatigue in the index finger, hand, wrist and even forearm as lactic acid begins to swell in hand muscles and sensitive joints. The EZ Throttle, by comparison, extends the throttle trigger the length of the hand grip, allowing the rider to use all four fingers (or rotate between them) while riding.
Above left: The EZ Throttle kit is universal, including a small extension screw for those installing on a Yamaha. For those with Kawasakis or iTC-equipped Sea-Doos, disassembly is not required. Above right: All that is required for installation is a 4mm and 2mm Allen wrench.
Above left: The inner piece is precision-cut to fit exactly inside of the larger trigger. Above center: A pair of 4mm Allen bolts tighten the two pieces together. Above right: Installation requires only to tighten down the set screws.
The EZ Throttle itself is comprised of two extruded plastic pieces that clam shell over the trigger and fasten together. The pieces are precisely cut-and-grooved to fit together tightly, and really only need to be separated to fit over Yamaha’s throttle trigger, as the EZ Throttle effortlessly slides over both Kawasakis and all post-2009 Sea-Doos with iTC (or mechanical finger) triggers without needing to disassemble the EZ Throttle. Two positioning screws tighten down on the trigger holding the EZ Throttle in place, machining two pinpricks into the trigger itself.
With the use of two Allen wrenches (4mm and 2mm), the EZ Throttle literally took 4 minutes to install on our Sea-Doo RXT-X 260. The EZ Throttle simply slides all the way up the trigger until the stop. Holding it into position, use your Allen wrench to tighten the inside set screw first. Then tighten the outer screw. When secure, go back and retighten both screws to ensure a firm and secure installation. It’s literally that easy.
Above: The EZ Throttle slides on easily on the factory throttle trigger.
On the water, we found the EZ Throttle required a little getting used to, as it is surprisingly thick, giving you the feel of squeezing a garden hose pistol or trigger-style pepper grinder. But, after a few minutes, we found ourselves rotating through different fingers, taking quite a bit of tension from our index and middle fingers. The extended leverage on the throttle also makes it feel slightly more responsive, which too, takes some acclimation.
We did make two observations: 1) the design of the EZ Throttle can interfere with current factory Yamaha “pistol grip-style” hand grips, as well as the “bump stop” at the outermost edge of several other hand grips; and 2) will not tighten securely on aftermarket billet or cast aluminum triggers (such as from Blowsion or Thrust Innovation, or 2008-09 X-Series 255 Sea-Doos).
Above left: Make sure to retighten the set screws once more to secure the installation. Above right: With your EZ Throttle tightened down, you’re ready to ride without the hand fatigue that comes with long distance rides.
We even used the EZ Throttle while clipping along 2-to-3 foot chop while at this past weekend’s Greenhulk/PWC.life Mudbug event. It slightly mutes one’s ability to “blip” the throttle quickly, but works flawlessly when held at wide open throttle. Priced at $19.99, the EZ Throttle is a worthwhile purchase particularly for those who regularly venture out on long distance rides with their local club or group, or just love to go out alone. It’s incredibly simple and can be installed and removed even on the lake if you bring an Allen wrench kit with you.
