AIRHEAD JET FIGHTER

AIRHEAD JET FIGHTER

$415.99

Though it sports a camouflage exterior, you can’t miss the Jet Fighter as it screams past on the water. With a sleek fuselage, vertical tail fin, and aggressive, swept-back wings, it looks every bit its namesake. Heck, the graphics even add details like rivets, wingtip missiles, some tongue-in-cheek identification numbers, and a fiery-red jet blast coming out the back. Yo Maverick, I feel the need for speed.

That unique jet-fighter shape not only looks cool but also makes possible a wide variety of rider positions. One or two riders can straddle the 8-foot-long fuselage, sitting tandem-style like on a classic banana tube while the wings add additional stability. Or add another pair of passengers atop those wings, lying prone while their feet dangle behind. The versatility makes the Jet Fighter fun for anyone, from a single passenger up to a group of four.

Underway, our trio of testers found it best with one person atop the fuselage while two balanced the load atop each wing. Riders weren’t able to really manipulate the Jet Fighter’s path, but some basic S-turns by the driver soon had them skidding in and out of the wake. Small, inflatable wingtip bolsters may seem like a style point, but they actually keep those wingtip riders from sliding off the edge. Multiple padded grab handles with neoprene knuckle guards keep everyone feeling secure. Just be ready to get some spray; riders low on the wings particularly noted a wet ride.

The wings, fuselage and bolsters all blow up individually via two-part Speed Safety valves. Pull the larger base plug when you’re done, and the tube rapidly deflates. For all but the small bolsters, flaps cover valves and stay put with hookand-loop closures. A nylon quick-connect makes it simple to quickly and securely anchor the towline.