Foam Cell Shocks

[LiveFreeAndRoam Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LiveFreeAndRoam]

Re: Foam Cell Shocks

Yep. And this is what makes things difficult for first timers like me buying decent suspension gear. Over the last few weeks I've spoken to quite a few people, and read that many differing reviews and experiences, each offering their own take on what is good and what has worked for them. More than one person stood there before me saying there is nothing significant to gain from buying Bilstein shocks. Then others have stories about bad fade problems and burnout with cheaper shocks. Some people have nothing but good reports from their Lovells coils and will keep buying them until they die, yet someone else has seen more than one set of broken Lovells coils and is cautious about recommending them. Some people say Foam cells suffer fade quite badly once they get hot, yet others say they've never had a problem with that happening. I think all people like me can do is talk to people who've had various experiences with different gear and then set a budget and get stuck in. The only real way to find out for myself is to get stuck in with a particular fitout and see what happens.

That is a nice summary of my experience also. For those who try to make an informed decision (as opposed to just throwing down the dough on the basis of hype or opinion), this is far more difficult than what it should be. (Just to be clear, I acknowledge that hype and opinion are valuable inputs, but they shouldn't have to be the only input into this decision).

Given the technology and the different performance characteristics/requirements of so many shocks/springs, I was hoping to find standardised test-data so I could make a data-driven decision. Surely the manufactures have this data from their development and testing. Though, this info is just not readily available; I'm still making inquiries.

LFaR.
PS: The coin is ready... heads-or-tails. Maybe I'll make my decision in the 2-up ring tomorrow

[Prado887 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Prado887]

Re: Foam Cell Shocks

I work on really corrugated quarry roads and rack up round 1200km a week on road as well,
factory 120 shocks were destroyed in a few months
the yellow 3 letter shocks lasted about a year before they faded badly
on call from a mate I stuck a tough dog adjustable 2inch kit under and on setting 4 they go well on road and dirt
I have mine set on around 3 for a bit softer ride and they seem to be going pretty well for 6 months of punishment. I was originally putting on Raw shocks (powerdown) with Dobinson coils and that is also supposedly not a bad setup so ive been told for around the $1500 mark. The Tough Dog full kit cost $1440 with med duty and $1470 for heavy duty coils no complaint yet, but we shall see in another few months...
Assassin do you know how the Tough Dogs performed overall on the independant testing?? I would be interested to know how they go long term, may have to start putting away for another different set

Ryan