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Scubajet vs. Bixpy: What is the Difference?

Whether you are going for a snorkel, dive or headed out on your stand-up paddleboard, having a Scubajet or Bixpy paddle board motor can make it more exciting.

Both the Scubajet and the Bixpy are waterproof electric motors but the Scubajet does not need an extra attachment to use it on your board or boat. The Scubajet is also faster than the Bixpy. But the Scubajet is two to three times the price as well. 

There are several factors to consider before buying a Scubajet or a Bixpy SUP motor. Read on to find out the main differences between the two before spending any of your hard-earned cash. 

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The Scubajet 

The Scubajet is a multifunctional water sport motor that can be used on different watercrafts or for diving and snorkeling. This jet pack has some amazing statistics in the run time and speed. For example:

  • Can take you up to seven miles per hour
  • Lasts two hours at full speed or four hours at minimum speed
  • Dives up to 196 feet under the water
  • Generates 44 pounds of thrust
  • Just 22 inches in length
  • Only weighs 5.2 pounds 
  • Charge time under two hours
  • Ranges from $1,825 to $2,720

Four hours of diving is a major bonus and the Scubajet attaches to your scuba tank, so you do not have to hold it. It even has a remote control that you can use to accelerate and dive. 

Being small and lightweight, you can toss it into your backpack before heading to the beach. And since it is not heavy, adding it to your scuba tank will not weigh you down. 

If you need more power or run time, no need to worry because the Scubajet has an optional external battery pack that can give you up to 12 hours of run time. For just a bit more weight, attach the battery pack and stay in the water all day. 

Showing the versatility of the ScubaJet for multiple uses

The Bixpy Jet

Like the Scubajet, the Bixpy motor will get you going in the water no matter what water activities you are enjoying. However, it is listed as a sea scooter, mainly used for pulling the user along underwater. The original Bixpy is easy to use and has three speeds to choose from. Other features of the Bixpy include:

  • Takes you up to six miles per hour
  • Up to two hours of run time at slow speed
  • Can dive up to 100 feet
  • Has 32 pounds of thrust
  • Compact at only 31 inches long
  • Weighs about seven pounds
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
  • Camera mount on battery housing
  • Additional light attachment
  • Has a plug-and-play kit for Hobie kayaks with MirageDrive
  • Price ranges from $725 to $1,100

The Bixpy is a bit larger than the Scubajet with less thrust, but it has other benefits such as the price. That is the main difference because the Scubajet is almost three times the price of the Bixpy. 

With a camera mount and light attachment, the Bixpy has more cool special adaptions to make your dive a more exhilarating experience. You may not be able to go for 12 hours with this one, but there is an optional battery pack that will give you an additional 10 hours.

In addition, the Bixpy has an impeller driven motor instead of a propeller driven motor. This makes it much better in terms of drag and decreases the risk of hitting underwater things as well as other debris like fishing line. And because of their unique design, it is more easily fitted to different types of watercraft.

What These Differences Mean for Users

The differences may not seem like much, but it all depends on what type of water activity you are planning. Each of these underwater jet motors have several types and adapters to give users a variety of choices. 

Diving and Snorkeling

The Scubajet is an excellent choice for deep sea diving. Not only does it dive deeper, it also attaches to your tank so you can use your hands for other things like uncovering treasures and taking underwater selfies. 

Another bonus for divers with the Scubajet is that it is so powerful it can go faster and last longer. Also, this one has six speeds for diving and snorkeling. However, the faster you go, the less time you will have. At the highest speed, you are likely to run out of juice in about 20 minutes.

You can also go diving and snorkeling with the Bixpy, but you will not get as much speed. Also, you have to hold the Bixpy so you only have one hand free for selfies. However, the Bixpy has a camera mount so it can take photos for you with the click of the remote control. 

Diving with the ScubaJet Pro 200

Boating and Paddleboarding

The Bixpy is the best choice as an outboard motor. It can be used on just about any small vessel such as:

  • Kayaks
  • Canoes
  • Paddleboards
  • Floats
  • Dinghies
  • Rafts

At slow speed, you can cruise around the water for up to 10 hours. At top speed, you can enjoy the wind in your hair for over an hour. The Bixpy outboard motor has 12 different forward speeds and three reverse speeds. The Scubajet is not as versatile with only three speeds. The maximum length of time on the lowest speed is much less than the Bixpy at only three hours while using the max speed will only get you 20 minutes. 

iRocker sells the Bixpy kit as a center fin replacement.

The Construction and Performance Differences

The construction of the two are similar in ruggedness as well as performance but they are both fairly new, so the long-term performance is not yet known. The housing and connectors on the Bixpy work well in both freshwater and saltwater while Scubajet does not specify. 

The Scubajet has a dive controller display that shows essential information as needed. For example, you can see:

  • Battery runtime
  • Water temperature
  • Dive depth
  • Power consumption

Here’s the Bad News

You always have to take the bad with the good. So, what are the cons of each of these products? They each have many benefits, but there are a few cons with each as well. 

Bixpy

  • Does not have a dive controller display 
  • Cannot dive as deep
  • Motor is not as powerful
  • Battery does not last as long when diving
  • Larger and heavier than the Scubajet
  • You do not have both your hands free

Scubajet

  • Does not have a camera mount
  • Not adaptable to as many different types of motor craft
  • Cost is much higher
  • Battery does not last as long when used as an outboard motor
  • Has less speeds when used as an outboard motor

Some Things Are the Same

Both the Scubajet and Bixpy are easy to operate so anyone can learn to use them. They are also both eco-friendly since they do not use any gas or other harmful chemicals. Here are some other similarities between the two water jet engines. 

  • Both have rechargeable batteries
  • They both weigh under 10 pounds
  • Both are small enough to fit in a backpack
  • They both are adaptable for scuba or boating

Connelly SUP Electric Drive

For those looking only for an electric drive for their paddle boards and don’t need the scuba, snorkeling or kayak options, Connelly created an electric drive system for their paddle boards. It will fit any paddle board with a US Fin box. You just replace the center fin with the electric drive and go.

Like all the others, it comes with a waterproof remote. It sports 3 forward speeds up to 3 mph and one reverse speed. Stated range is 2-4 hours, obviously dependent on speed and weight being driven. You can see the Connelly drive on Amazon at this link or order from Marine Products here.

What is an Underwater Scooter?

Also known as diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs), these machines are built to give divers and swimmers a boost in the water to propel themselves. All you have to do with most of these is hang onto the handle or handles and let the motor pull you through the water at up to nine miles an hour. 

Many varieties like the Scubajet and Bixpy can be attached to a boat or paddleboard to help you get around without paddling. Similar to a trolling motor but better for the environment, these eco-friendly motors push you through the water without polluting it with fuel and other chemicals.

Checking Out the Competition

Of course, there is always going to be competition. In this newly emerging field, the big names include Yamaha and Sea Doo but there are many others joining in that have great reviews. Here are the alternate options:

Outdoor Master Sea Scooter Marlin

This $460 scooter boasts a top speed of 3.5 mph. It is waterproof to 100 ft (or 30m), meaning it can be used by most recreational divers as well as snorkelers. Charge time varies from 2-3 hours, and the unit will give you 35 minutes of use at the slowest of 3 speed settings. If you order from Outdoor Master, our discount code ASP22 for 15% off.

First released in 2019, ODM has now made it easy to purchase directly from their web site Some of the other products here are more difficult to find. Several require a trip to a scuba dive shop rather than being sold online. With a lightweight package at 7.7 lbs and designed to float rather than sink, the Marlin is a good choice for a first time water scooter user.

Asiwo Underwater Scooter

You get a lot for under $500 with the Asiwo scooter. Whether you are snorkeling or diving, this three-speed scooter can get you where you need to go. Although it only lasts for a little over a half an hour per charge, you can bring along extra batteries to stay down longer. The specifics on the Asiwo are as follows:

  • Lasts 35 minutes per battery
  • Speeds up to 3.35 miles per hour
  • Takes you down 131 feet
  • Weighs less than eight pounds
  • Self-floating so it won’t sink
  • Can connect to any waterproof camera
  • Comes with a free carrying bag

Tusa SAV-7 Underwater Scooter

This one can pull up to three divers at a time and dives deep, so it is the most popular with serious scuba divers. The Tusa can take you over 200 feet down and has a maximum speed of about three miles per hour. The ride is smooth, and the design is sleek. However, the price is steep at over $3,700 and it is heavy at 45 pounds. Here are some of the important specs:

  • 80 minutes of battery life
  • Goes up to 2.6 miles per hour
  • Rated up to 230-foot depth
  • Has three speeds
  • Battery indicator

Seadoo Aqua Ranger Sea Scooter

For all water lovers, this sea scooter is fun for all ages. If you want a smaller but powerful sea scooter, this one is great. However, it does not dive very deep, so it is more for the snorkeler than the diver. It has excellent safety features like an auto shut-off and caged propeller too. Some of the main perks include:

  • An hour of run time
  • Speeds up to 2.5 miles per hour
  • 30 feet diving capacity
  • Weighs less than 12 pounds
  • Has a camera mount

Yamaha RDS300 Sea Scooter

Yamaha has several sea scooters on the market ranging in price from under $400 to over $1,000. Their most popular is the Yamaha RDS300, which runs for longer than most and has a decent depth range at a good price of under $600. The weight is a bit much at 18 pounds, but it has a neutral buoyancy. Check out these other details:

  • Runs up to 90 minutes
  • Can go up to three miles per hour
  • Dives about 98 feet down
  • Has leak sensors
  • Auto thermal shut-off

Sublue Whiteshark Mix Underwater Scooter

If you like Star Trek, you may recognize this as a Starship Enterprise lookalike. But it is just a coincidence. You cannot fly through space with the Sublue Whiteshark but it will certainly pull you through the water pretty fast. It has a short run time, but the price is right at under $500. Here’s some of the details:

  • Run time of 30 minutes
  • Goes up to 3.35 miles per hour
  • Dives down to 131 feet
  • Weighs under eight pounds
  • Has a camera mount

Geneinno Trident Sea Scooter

This two-speed underwater scooter also looks similar to a space vehicle and comes in two different colors. Although the battery does not last very long, the price is decent at under $800. The depth is excellent, and it floats when the battery dies. You can use it with one hand, leaving you with the other hand to dig for treasures. The Trident Sea Scooter specs are:

  • Run time of 45 minutes
  • Can speed you along at four miles per hour
  • Takes you down to about 164 feet
  • You can mount a camera or light
  • Only weighs eight pounds
  • Comes in orange or white

Torpedo 3500

The Torpedo is an excellent choice for divers who want to go deep without breaking the bank. You can get this one for under $1,000 and it can take you for a good long ride. Sturdy and streamlined, its main drawback is its weight at 50 pounds. Here are some of the main specs:

  • Lasts up to 45 minutes
  • Speeds up to 3.5 miles per hour
  • Can dive up to 170 feet
  • Has a handrail for attaching gadgets

Apollo AV2 Evolution

Another one for serious divers, the Apollo can dive deep and run long. The variable speed pitch propeller can be operated with one hand and the safety features are exceptional. However, it costs more than $2,000 and is heavy at 45 pounds. The rest of the details are as follows:

  • Can run up to 120 minutes
  • Speeds about 2.6 miles per hour
  • Takes you down to about 230 feet
  • Has an auto shut-off device

Aquarobotman Magic Jet

One of the best underwater scooters for under $700, this one is made for a nice deep dive that can last longer than most. The speed is decent, and it weighs less than many so you can carry it in your backpack or bag with no trouble. This one has a secret bonus of being able to attach another scooter to it to make it go faster. Here’s the details you need:

  • Runs about 100 minutes
  • Speeds up to eight miles per hour when using two
  • Dives to 164 feet
  • Weighs less than eight pounds

Jerry Rat Underwater Scooter

The superfast Jerry Rat is streamlined like a manta ray and although it does not go down far, it can zip you along pretty well. It is not suited for scuba diving though. The price is not bad at under $1,000. Just hang onto the two handles and enjoy the ride. Check out the other details:

  • Runs up to 120 minutes
  • Speeds up to 5.6 miles per hour
  • Dives down to about 16 feet
  • Has automatic buoyancy when battery is low

Aquaprop L Scooter Subgravity

Another one shaped like a torpedo, the Aquaprop is a bit high-priced at over $2,500, but it has some amazing specs. Perfect for the professional diver, you can get down past 260 feet with this nice and light scooter, making it the deepest diver. The details include:

  • Can run up to 200 minutes on a single charge
  • Pulls you along at two miles per hour
  • Dives up to 262 feet down
  • Only weighs 14 pounds
  • Single hand controls

Tengchang 300W Electric Diving Sea Scooter

A bargain at just over $250, this Tengchang scooter is one of the most affordable on the market. This one is a great choice for newbies or younger divers. However, the run time is short, and it is a bit heavy at 24 pounds. Also, there is no data on how fast it goes. Here are the main specs available online:

  • Runs up to 30 minutes
  • Dives up to 100 feet
  • Comes with a free carrying bag

Decide What You Want to Do

No matter what kind of watersport you are enjoying, either one of these water jet motors would be great. The main differences in the two depend on what you are planning on using it for and how much you want to spend.

For the scuba diver with a bit more money to spend, the Scubajet is the one. But for the boater or paddleboarder on a budget, the Bixpy would be the best choice. However, both brands are constantly upgrading and coming up with more adapters and additions, so the specs can change as they do. 

And for those of you who might not be quite serious enough to spend big bucks on the Scubajet, there are some nice economy options directly from Amazon that may serve your purposes well. On the other end of the spectrum, check out the new electric surfboards and how they work.