Need help on deciding which phazer

[CCCT]

Hey guys, looking to pickup a phazer as a sled for my kids, as well as a spare for when I have a friend who needs to use it. I currently have an Apex so kind of looking to get the phazer as something different. However, looking around there appear to be so many variations and not sure which one to go for or stay away from. Sled will primarily be used on trails and lakes. Not really any off trail deep powder riding unless its zipping off the trail for a min or 2 when stopped for a break. Anyways, from my research I see that the 07's had some recalls/updates which would need to be done if not done already so preferably I guess I'd be looking at 08's or up. Question is I'm not sure what the difference with each model within that given year. I see 09 Gt's which appear to be differnt that 07 GTs. CoNfUseD!

07 - GT or FX or RTX or MTX?
08 - GT or FX or RTX or MTX?
09 - GT or FX or RTX or MTX?

Found one guy selling an 09 "GTX" is there such a thing? One more thing, I see 121's and 144'' tracks are there any with a 136? Not sure if I'd be fine with a 121 or not.

I guess in summary, based on our riding conditions which year model and track length should I be looking for (reliability is very important too). Thanks in advance!!!

 

[biffdotorg]

RTX replaced the FX in 2008. So there is no RTX for 2007 and no FX for 2008.

MTX is the long track 144" with a 2" paddle and narrow front with wide skis. If you have no need for off trail, skip them. But putting a 1.5" track on any of the others is a great upgrade.

2007 - Be sure the updates are done on any model. The FX had the best shocks stock. The GT usually came with more wind deflectors and tall windshield. So for wind protection, the GT will be better. Don't waste your money on a standard of any model year. You want reverse, and in 2007, you want to be able to add the radiator fan.

RTX of any model year, should have had better shocks as well. Same goes for the GT of most years should have better protection. After 2007, I do believe the GT came with hooked handlebars and resy shocks,

Go for the best deal you can find, most other things can be added on.

 

[ATV PRO #11]

If it’s beginner sled, borrow to buddy kinda thing I’d look for a GT.
Warmer sled with taller windshield. 4 additional wind deflectors.
Not so jumpy like lower geared XTX/MTX
Little bit more newbie friendly imo.
Biggest thing to look for is a newer 1.5” track.
Won’t need to do anything but turn key and ride.

 

[CCCT]

Thanks guys for the feedback - that helps! Im not worried about having the shorter gears and it being jumpy as my 9 year old was out in the back 40 with my apex for a couple hours the other weekend and believe it or not he seemed to control it ok overall and thankfully didnt kill himself lol. I kept a close eye on him though. I guess I'll look for a 121 then and if it doesnt have a 1.5 lug, I'll do that when the time comes. As far as model I guess I'll just be sure to skip the "standard" model. Anyone hear of an 09 GTX? from the pics it looks to have a taller windshield and the front piggy back shocks. Perhaps the seller is mistaken about the model. not sure.

ps - if I did find a good deal on an 07 and it needed the "updates" so to speak, what kind of dough would I be looking at to have them done?

 

[MikeWalters]

Stay away from 07

I would never put a kid on a phazer. they are tippy and can be downright scary. They are a sled that needs a lot of rider input. Im not being a jerk just being honest about what the phazer is, in my opinion. Unless its with VERY close, constant supervision.

Having said that I really enjoy it for myself

 

[Macheater]

Stay away from 07

I would never put a kid on a phazer. they are tippy and can be downright scary. They are a sled that needs a lot of rider input. Im not being a jerk just being honest about what the phazer is, in my opinion. Unless its with VERY close, constant supervision.

Having said that I really enjoy it for myself

I would tend to agree. They can be skittish on occasion.

 

[CCCT]

How are these for installing a jack seat should I choose to? Any issues running 2 small-average sized people on these sleds for short-ish trips? (Setting aside any tippy issues) - the apex's can be tippy too.

 

[biffdotorg]

Once setup with the spacers properly on the skis, the tippyness is in your head. They sit high for sure, but can be managed by any kid. Our daughter rode a Phazer FX from 12-14 years old before moving to her current viper. Only you can judge, and keep in mind, many girls of that age are more developed in size.

There never was a GTX. All of the sleds were considered an FX chassis, thus the reason for dropping the actual FX after 2007. He could be blending the two, but if it says GT anywhere, it is a GT. The VIN can be checked by any Yamaha dealer or service center for model info.

 

[maim]

the rtx sleds are geared down deeper than the gt sleds. makes it torquey and fun for lifting the skis but kills the top end some and can kill the fuel milage when high speed running.

if the deal is good and yamaha is still willing to do the up dates to an 07, i would say go for it. they are a fun little sled even with their handling quirks.

 

[ATV PRO #11]

Everyone has summed it up pretty good.
The lil Phazer to date has held up very well. All models. Tons of feedback here to dial in anything you buy. Like I said earlier, if it’s been updated with 1.5er giver.
Just missed one here locally.
07FX. Updated. 1.5. Bunch of mods. $2500
Right in my town to boot. Average price here seems to be 3-45ish for used.

 

[CCCT]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Going Thursday to pick it up. Comes with a single trailer to boot. It's an 09 GT with only 4000 km's (2500 miles) . Owned by mature adult so it likely wasn't beat on. He send me a whole bunch of detailed pictures and I can't even see a single scratch on it. Looks new.

 

[ATV PRO #11]

GT!! Called it

 

[CCCT]

Only downside is it's red/black. Not blue but I can live with that.

 

[ATV PRO #11]

Easy to change out the red.
Ur gonna have a blast. Be sure to post pics!!

 

[CCCT]

Will do. Thanks bro. Thanks again to the others as well.