Help Picking Shocks

[M7SLEDHEAD]

Looking at putting different shocks on my 13' PRO RMK 163" and I'm looking for some feedback on some of the options I'm considering. I'm 6'8 and 260lbs(trying to get this number down to 240lbs) with gear on, I go out west 3-4times a year and also do ride in the flatlands of MN.

Option 1 - Send stock shocks (all 4) to Raptor, re-vale for my weight and put on his triple coil spring option on the stock Walker Evans.

Option 2 - Purchase all 4 new Raptor shocks.

Option 3 - Purchase the new Fox Float3 Evol R ski shock kit and Fox Float3 Evol R rear skid kit released this year for the PRO RMK.

These are the 3 options on the front of my list. I looked at Exit also but looking to try something different. Nothing wrong with them I just had them on my Cat prior to getting the PRO and looking to try something new.

I'm also not interested in any bashing of one brand to the next just honest feedback.

Thanks, Kyle

 

[wjl]

IMO I would have them re valved and add the triple rate springs.
Good bang for the buck and ready to ride.
There is nothing wrong with the other options except the extra money you will spend.

 

[tdblakes]

First decide if you want to go air or stick with coilover. Then decide how deep your wallet is.

Personally I went with option 1. Sent my Assault shocks (all 4) to Raptor, had them rebuilt, revalved, and the triple rate springs (all 4) for somewhere in the $500 range. They feel much different when garage boondocking... but as soon as I get out in the snow I'll actually know if it was worth it or not.

 

[M7SLEDHEAD]

Has anyone had experience with or tested the Float3 Evol R packages from Fox? Or talked with anybody that has?

 

[bossman15]

i do not have the float 3 set up but have last years with burandt valving and would not get anything other!!! love them easy 2 side hill but yet when you go skying off something plenty of shock not to bottom out.

 

[FatDogX]

I'll add in one more option for ya to try that will cost less then the ones mentioned.

I've been going back and forth with this decision as well. After speaking with Jake at Raptor, came up with the following. Per Jake's thoughts, I ordered his triple rate springs and I'm going to try this first and see how it works. If it works, great, if not then I'll move to the next step and either re-valve or go with a complete set of Raptors from Jake.

His triple rate springs come in a firm, which is what he would suggest for you. If that doesn't work you can then move onto the next step. If you decide to go with a complete set of Raptors, just let Jake know you already have the springs and it's that much less.

 

[AndrettiDog]

I think your budget really dictates what you do. If you have plenty of coin why not go for the best? After having Exit's, I would have a hard time leaving the coil overs. They are just awesome.

Last weekend at the Denver Snow Show I saw that EZRyde is now producing their own shocks. What caught my eye is that they have a compression add on for the WE's. I checked it out and liked it for the budget minded. I'm concerned that it could be a little bouncy w/o rebound adjustment but maybe I just spoiled with my X1's! I think the cost of that EZRyde upgrade was $189 a shock.

 

[damx]

Who is a good person to contact about the new fox 3 for the pro ? Thanx

 

[tdorval]

Timbersled has the 3's I think right?

 

[wjl]

Who is a good person to contact about the new fox 3 for the pro ? Thanx

Holz Racing in California http://www.holzracingproducts.com/store/snowmobile
Carl's cycle in idaho http://www.carlscycle.com/default.asp

 

[revrider07]

Raptors from Jake. I did this last year and it is great better than any engine mod I have done in a while. 163 pro

 

[Bandicoot]

The best solution if price isn't an issue is to put new raptor shocks on the sled IMO. I bit the bullet and put on 4 raptors with the Kmod set up and it is undeniably awesome. Sell your stock shocks or keep them and sell the raptors when you sell the sled. $2000 is a lot of $ for shocks but I smile from ear to ear every time I see those massive whooped trails.

 

[meathooker]

evolR's. they feel super smooth; pretty much like a coil. Being a bigger fella you will be able to easily ajust your air pressure if you need to; be it want to jump more or loose 20-40lbs and need to soften it up

 

[geo]

If you ride a lot, the stock WE's (revalved or not) will need a oil and nitrogen recharge a couple of times a season.

I needed to do mine about every 500 to 600 miles (3 rebuilds fro me). Nitrogen seals would leak due to body distortion and body wear would contaminate the oil (found scoring at floating piston area and slivers of aluminum every rebuild).
The fresh shocks were always an eye opener on how important they are for handling and traction (even with no bumps and virgin snow). Like putting in some fresh pistons lol.

I'm going to try and get my Pro to 400lbs (life long quest lol.) before I get another sled so I'm giving the Flt. EVO 3's a try this season. The Fox quality is not an issue (save me a couple three rebuilds this year) and they have been changing a lot of things to get rid of the limitations from the original Floats.
The stock WE's are good but were speced to be the lightest possible. Any aggressive rider that puts in time will benefit from 500 mile rebuilds.

 

[yooper 8]

Im 6' 2 and 225, ride hard and jump a lot. Evol Rs all around work incredible on my sled.. easy to adjust and work really well in all situations.

 

[M7SLEDHEAD]

Thanks for all the input guys. After looking closer at the "funds" I ordered the spring update kit from Raptor today. I had the shocks checked and they are still holding good charge. Going to try it first with the springs and see how it goes. I like the new Float 3 Evol R package for the Pro but not at this time. Still need money for gas and oil. Hey, I always need something to do next year!

 

[friscospices.com]

You will love the springs from them. I have a set on one of my sleds. I have a set of Fox evol R shocks off of my 11 Pro I would be will ing to sell for 650.00. Plus free shipping in the lower 48. Shoot me a PM if anyone is interested.

 

[m1kflyingtiger]

Pm'd

 

[Kcjepperson]

I really enjoy the raptor shocks. Had the exit shocks first, great shock and awesome costumer service, but could not get them to work right with the timbersled rear skid so I switched out front and rear exits shocks along with z bros front end and timber sled rear skid, and went with all raptor shocks, and cmx front end and k mod rear skid. By far the best suspension combo I have ever ridden on any ones sled. From huge whoops to coupling the suspension for a huge climb the suspension does it all. And I don't feel like I have had the crap beat out of me when I get back to the truck.

My vote raptors!

 

[sledheadd]

Another option is Elka shocks I have exit x1 and raptors on my nytro and Elka stage 5 on my pro. All are good shocks with the Elka's being the best in my opinion !! But they ain't cheap !