Evol Rs or X1s?

[B2]

I have a 2012 163 coming, and am torn between getting the Evol R's in front and Evol R/Zero Pro for the rear, or the X1's and X1/XO rear. I have read a lot of the posts on here, and am not trying to start an argument between the two, but has anyone had the chance to ride both on the Pro who can comment about the performance of each?

Thanks in advance!

 

[hyperduc]

I've rode both on an M8, all that I'm going to say about your question is I snowchecked a pro-rmk and a set of X1's this year.

The x1's roll up under with consistency, makes side hilling effortless. Triple rate springs are top notch for controlling travel without compromising initial stroke compliance. The X1's are also not as sensitive to altitude and temperature as air springs, and have far less stiction than the seals required to keep an air spring from leaking.

Call Michelle at OTS, she can get you with either of these products at prices much lower than other dealers.

 

[IQRIDR]

The one thing I will comment on is the slightly more linear, as opposed to a progressive, compression and rebound with the Exit's when compared to the Evols. I have the Evol r's on the front of my 2011 Assault right now and while I do like them, they certainly require more fine tuning than an Exit x1 does. They are also lighter though. The Evols seem to have a little more bottoming resistance, but the compression and rebound at the very bottom of the stroke are also more progressive, as I said..

I would say that depending on the king of riding you do, both shocks have their pros and cons.. Although there's isn't really much of a down side with either of those pricy options, haha. I think there is more bang for the buck in the x1's than the Evol R's as well..

 

[AndrettiDog]

I just replied to your PM.

You'll find out quickly that comparing shocks can be like comparing AC vs. Polaris. People will defend their opinions quickly.

I have had both sets of shocks and they are both better than stock. I think both make that Pro setup an awesome package. I just liked going to the X1's for something new and they really are a sweet shock. I got really good service from Code Red and Zbroz as well.

Oh, the X1 is 2.5 lbs heavier (on each side) than the Walker Evan coil over that comes on the Pro. So it isn't too much more than the Evol R. I'm guessing 1.0-1.5 lbs heavier than the Evol R on each side.

 

[green_denali]

shocks

I ride a 2010 D8 with evol-x's in the front and an alpha-x rear suspension.
I love them and cant complain about a thing. As mentioned above, the evols and the X1's are premium shocks and you would definitely like both over stock. Ive read alot of shock threads also, and it seems to me that its more of a personal preference thing, some people like the feel of an air shock, while some like the feel of a spring shock. I went with the evols because I wanted to be able to adjust the pressure of my shocks whenever I wanted rather than having to send them in and spend more money having them revalved or resprung and have more downtime waiting to get them back.

 

[AndrettiDog]

^^^Keep in mind that the X1's are adjustable. The compression is adjustable with a knob on-the-fly. Preload is done very easily in your trailer or shop (I don't see the need to adjust this on the trail). Rebound is not as adjustable as the air shock. But as I always say, you are putting air into a shock - how stable and precise is this? Anyway, once I had my Evol R's setup, I didn't do much to them anyway. I might have adjusted the rebound when spring came, but that was about it.

 

[hyperduc]

^^^Keep in mind that the X1's are adjustable. The compression is adjustable with a knob on-the-fly. Preload is done very easily in your trailer or shop (I don't see the need to adjust this on the trail). Rebound is not as adjustable as the air shock. But as I always say, you are putting air into a shock - how stable and precise is this? Anyway, once I had my Evol R's setup, I didn't do much to them anyway. I might have adjusted the rebound when spring came, but that was about it.

Adjusting preload on the x1's is just as fast as the floats, though who really changes preload after the sled is set up the first time?

 

[B2]

Thanks for the input and valuable information posted! I have decided to go with the Exit's all the way around, and they are currently getting built. Talked to Nate at Zbroz and was very impressed with his personalized service...can't wait! And thanks to Michelle at OTS!

 

[gman086]

The gap between coil over vs air is closing rapidly. The stiction thing, for instance, is basically a non-issue now for today's air shocks with the use of syn gear oil for the air chamber lube (G Man tip of the day). You really do need to consider service too. Air shocks can get by with an air-sleeve maintenance every year (oil change as needed) which can be done easily at home. OTOH you'll need to get your coil shocks charged with Nitrogen EVERY year and most of us don't have a tank or filling tools which means packing them up and sending them back again and AGAIN (NO THANKS - been there, done that)! And if you're a big hucker, air shocks, with their more progressive finish, are a better option.

Have FUN!

G MAN

 

[mountainhorse]

Gman... Coil shocks have nitrgen behind the IFP... Float shocks have nitrogen behind the IFP... why would one leak more than the other and require more service?

What Gear lube are you using in the air-sleeve? It works better than the green "Float Fluid" that FOX provides with the shocks? (Thanks for the tip BTW)

 

[colorado_matt]

Great choice with the EXIT's. You will not be disappointed. ZBROZ is a top notch company to deal with.

 

[mountainhorse]

The EVOL R's give you control over the rebound side of the valve stack as a needle-valve bleed that bypasses the valve stack. Which also has a minor effect on the compression side... but they are tied together you cant adjust the rebound without affecting the compression.

In 99% of the cases.. once set, the Evol R will not need to be adjusted. For most people a model specific set of Float-2's will give you all that you need... especially if you buy them from a dealer that will valve them specifically for you with a valving satisfaction guarantee.

For hucking... it is true that the the floats can ramp up if you put a good amount of pressure behind the IFP in the EVOL chamber.... Triple rate springs, like the ones that come with the EXIT shocks do the same thing... plush initial ride with a stiffer finish.

I have had the Float shocks, Float 2's, Float EVOL X's, EXIT X1's, Ryde FX rebuildables, Zero Pro's, Walker Airs, Walker Piggyback Needles...

I have had great luck with all but the Walker Air shocks... all of them were made for my machine specifically and valved for my lighter weight..

There are plus's and minus's to both shocks.

If you blow an air sleeve seal on a float.... you are limping home... less likely to break a spring. An air shock gives you the ability to adjust the pressure and, with an EVOL chamber equipped Float, give you the ability to fine tune the end of stroke character of the shock.

The X1 gives you precise control over the compression side of the shocks travel, the EVOL R gives you control over the rebound... (as I said before, some compression changes, but they are tied together... stiffen the rebound and you will slightly stiffen the compression.)

 

[FCR112]

These shock threads are great, thanks for the education guys. My questions go out to the guys using the Exits. How noticeable is the added weight on the front end? I do not like the idea of adding weight to my sled.
Also are you guys still running the swaybar with them.

Have heard nothing but great things about the company and the shocks, I am just kind of stuck on the 3ish lbs of added weight right up front where I do not want it.

Thanks

 

[NapaMatt]

The EVOL R's give you control over the rebound side of the valve stack as a needle-valve bleed that bypasses the valve stack. Which also has a minor effect on the compression side... but they are tied together you cant adjust the rebound without affecting the compression.

In 99% of the cases.. once set, the Evol R will not need to be adjusted. For most people a model specific set of Float-2's will give you all that you need... especially if you buy them from a dealer that will valve them specifically for you with a valving satisfaction guarantee.

For hucking... it is true that the the floats can ramp up if you put a good amount of pressure behind the IFP in the EVOL chamber.... Triple rate springs, like the ones that come with the EXIT shocks do the same thing... plush initial ride with a stiffer finish.

I have had the Float shocks, Float 2's, Float EVOL X's, EXIT X1's, Ryde FX rebuildables, Zero Pro's, Walker Airs, Walker Piggyback Needles...

I have had great luck with all but the Walker Air shocks... all of them were made for my machine specifically and valved for my lighter weight..

There are plus's and minus's to both shocks.

If you blow an air sleeve seal on a float.... you are limping home... less likely to break a spring. An air shock gives you the ability to adjust the pressure and, with an EVOL chamber equipped Float, give you the ability to fine tune the end of stroke character of the shock.

The X1 gives you precise control over the compression side of the shocks travel, the EVOL R gives you control over the rebound... (as I said before, some compression changes, but they are tied together... stiffen the rebound and you will slightly stiffen the compression.)

in Bold

This is what makes me want to stay away from them..


Even though i have have a set of Float 2's On a sled for 2 year now.. Going on Season 3.. I really hate limping out of the back-country!!

Hmm Choices!

 

[hyperduc]

The added weight is very low in the chasis, so I wouldnt be too concerned. I went from floats to x1's and even though you would think it would be noticeable, the only thing I really payed attention to is the better handling.

that was on an M series. I haven't even got my pro yet, but toward the end of last year i did get a chance to demo them on a pro back to back with a stocker and the difference left me impressed.

The shocks I snowchecked were set up to run without a sway bar, which according to zbros is the most common set up.

 

[gman086]

Gman... Coil shocks have nitrgen behind the IFP... Float shocks have nitrogen behind the IFP... why would one leak more than the other and require more service?

What Gear lube are you using in the air-sleeve? It works better than the green "Float Fluid" that FOX provides with the shocks? (Thanks for the tip BTW)

Fox's recent rebuild vid shows that you can use either nitrogen or air in the IFP chamber (not as critical as for coil overs and leak less anyway). Any syn gear oil in the 75-85 weight range works well as they contain "slip" aids that improve seal life and dramatically reduce stiction in air shocks. I'm using Valvoline Syn 75W-90 which is worlds better than Fox Float fluid (dirty lil secret I learned from Chris at Enduro Seals).

Have FUN!

G

 

[NapaMatt]

I'll add to G mans..

Valvoline Syn. Gear Lube.. Part # 975... About 11$ a Quart..

Can be Found at all NAPA Stores!!

 

[gman086]

>>If you blow an air sleeve seal on a float.... you are limping home... less likely to break a spring. An air shock gives you the ability to adjust the pressure and, with an EVOL chamber equipped Float, give you the ability to fine tune the end of stroke character of the shock.<<

This is the big air shock myth. I have never EVER seen anyone do this. Sure seals go bad and you can leak or have a burp (these are becoming more and more rare with better seal technology) but you'll still have some air trapped in the air chamber and there is NO limping home (been there, done that). I HAVE limped home on blown coil-overs that now have NO damping and are basically pogo-sticks which is much worse to me! Bottom line - air shocks are not like balloons peeps!!!

Have FUN!

G MAN

 

[NapaMatt]

OK Ok Good to KNOW!!

Thanks..

So really.. there really isn't a Neg. Side to the Air shocks. At all But the Price!


Good Deal!

 

[AndrettiDog]

My questions go out to the guys using the Exits. How noticeable is the added weight on the front end? I do not like the idea of adding weight to my sled.

I have not noticed the weight either. Like I said before, the X1's are 2.5 lbs more on each side over the stock WE's. I figure about 1.0 heavier than the Fox Evol R on each side. My water bottle weighs that much.

In 99% of the cases.. once set, the Evol R will not need to be adjusted. For most people a model specific set of Float-2's will give you all that you need... especially if you buy them from a dealer that will valve them specifically for you with a valving satisfaction guarantee.

I found this to be true. That's why I roll my eyes when people talk about the adjustability factors. Once my shocks are setup I ride the piss out of them. The one exception is going from the winter fluff to the spring concrete. I'll sometimes work on compression and/or rebound.