Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S Angler Reviewed in 2025

Overview of the Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S

The 2025 Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S Angler marks Kawasaki’s pioneering venture into fishing-specific jet skis, tailored from the robust STX 160 series.

It is sold with all the accessories needed to fish from day one.

The Orca cooler, Garmin chartplotter, 5 fishing rods, side storage for easy access, and floatation pods are some of the included accessories. The flat seats for bench seating and Kawasaki steering technology are also notable features.

This model is not supercharged but focuses on stable and efficient performance suitable for fishing activities. It features a powerful 160-horsepower engine and is designed with additional flotation pods on the sides to enhance stability, making it ideal for anglers who need a steady platform on the water.

This jet ski offers ample space and agility, measuring 132.7 inches in length, 49.4 inches in width, and 45.3 inches in height. With a fuel capacity of 21.1 gallons and the ability to seat three, the Ultra Angler has the biggest tank in its class and great range, even loaded up with plenty of gear.

Performance on the Water 

The Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S showcases exceptional performance on the water, boasting lightning-fast acceleration and a potential top speed of up to 65 miles per hour.

Extra floatation pods, designed for casting stability, will add a degree of rigidity on the turn. Though the 1498cc engine is respectable with 160 horses, it’s not a PWC designed for racing.

Built-in driver features, including cruise control, smart reverse along with fuel efficiency profiles make the Angler ideal for less experienced riders too.

Design and Comfort Features

The Ultra Angler is designed with both comfort and functionality in mind. The seating is spacious, providing plush cushioning and ample legroom for those long journeys.

A more boxy seat shape creates a bench that has twin benefits: with the larger footwells and flotation pods, a fisher can sit sideways with space enough and without fear of tipping; and the boxy shape increases storage capacity inside the seat.

Another standout feature is the optional Jet Sound audio system, which provides premium sound quality for a truly immersive experience. The thoughtful addition of features like simple controls and side storage compartments (at the helm) further improves this personal watercraft’s usability.

Advanced Technologies and Safety Features

The Ultra Angler has all the control features that the best PWCs have. Kawasaki’s proprietary steering enhancements are worth mentioning here. Specifically, the Kawasaki Smart Reverse with Deceleration (KSRD) features are great for smooth approaches, maneuvering at slow speeds and docking.

In addition, the integrated GPS feature enhances navigation by offering real-time location tracking and route planning capabilities. The 7” Garmin Chartplotter display doesn’t have touchscreen capability, but the buttons work just fine. It happens to be the same one on the SeaDoo Pro Scout.

With intelligent braking systems and emergency shut-off switches, you can ride confidently, knowing that safety is a top priority. Additionally, proximity sensors keep you informed about any obstacles in your vicinity. These cutting-edge technologies boost performance and prioritize rider safety, ensuring worry-free adventures.

We’ve experienced these features on other Kawasaki jet skis with approval.

Comparisons with Competitors 

The Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S Angler compares well to the Sea-Doo FishPro and Yamaha FX Cruiser HO. I’ll be very interested to learn the price of this boat to better compare the value on a side-by-side basis.

That the Ultra Angler is sold as a complete package is definitely a one-up on the FishPro, which requires purchasing the fishing add-ons to make it fishing-ready. On the other hand, Sea-Doo’s fishing jet ski comes with a sound system.

Beyond the accessories, on design the Ultra Angler’s flotation pods and square bench seating has immediate benefits for stability and for fishing. The swivel seat on Sea-Doo’s Trophy model, is hard to beat, it must be said. Having tested this seat out, I’m quite partial about it.

But on quality and reliable performance, Kawasaki has done a good job with its first fishing jet ski.

Conclusion

With a very capable platform, Kawasaki will no doubt make the fishing PWC more competitive. The Ultra 160LS-X Angler has some very interesting features that are included on this boat.

From the day of purchase, there are all the accessories you need for fishing including cooler, rod holders and pods for casting and standing.

All the storage lockers with ample space, ample fuel capacity and a respectable 160-horsepower engine are great.

Steering and handling is top-notch Kawasaki, and the Garmin chartplotter adds some awareness–and security–to the experience.

When Kawasaki reveals the price, we’ll have a better sense of how it measures up to other players. But already, for my personal fishing needs and my families other PWC habits, this is a very attractive jet ski.