what are your guys opinions on the ez-ride rear skids vs the new holz alpha x skid? im looking to make a project out of a iqr and thought id do a little research before i get into it. i was looking at a 155"
holz vs ez-ride
- Thread starter uncleduck
- Start date
I have rode Holtz rear suspensions for years. This time I went with an Ez-ryde 155". Hopefully, I'll be getting it back soon and give it a try. I'll let you know
~Rookie
~Rookie
Based on another thread I just spent an hour reading, I hope you do! After waiting as long as you have though do you really think you will be able to be subjective on reviewing the differences in suspensions or will you just be so excited to have your running sled back that you would be excited with 3 inches of travel?
Good point.
~Rookie
~Rookie
I
Insaneboltrounder/sjohns
Well-known member
you are picking between a ferrari and a porshe... i dont think you will be disappointed no matter which you pick. sj
i rode a rev with an ezyryde and the thing felt like I was on air, made the stock suspension feel retarted... either way, there a good choice. I personally like the way the ezryde looks, even though that is sort of a unimportant point.
T-Sled??
None of the above.....
Try Timbersled..
ive tested one on my assault since stock track and to stiff suspension sucks in powder.ive bought one for my iq 1200 project which is on ice...
i put on 155" powder track with ice age rails and timbersled set up.
we were not happy from the beginning some washers missing and
some rubbbing...but after some grinding and tinkering we were
done..
we got tons of snow and it really shines!! boondocking thru trees
and creeks and technical swedish chutes...jumping shelf to shelf..
it outperformed the others!! controllrd ski lift and good control when
the snow here varies from super fluff to windpacked concrete
in matter of feets when climbing..
Thumbs up to t-sled
pros:
installs in stock boltholes no drilling and templates
Super light
dont stack snow
great in bumps
low roll resistance
cheap about 1550$+450-500$ for rails
2k$
trick looking
easy to control wheelie on a climb.
cons:
some rubbing on rear arm easy fix thou.
little ski lift-friends like wheeelies...
Ed
None of the above.....Try Timbersled..
ive tested one on my assault since stock track and to stiff suspension sucks in powder.ive bought one for my iq 1200 project which is on ice...
i put on 155" powder track with ice age rails and timbersled set up.
we were not happy from the beginning some washers missing and
some rubbbing...but after some grinding and tinkering we were
done..
we got tons of snow and it really shines!! boondocking thru trees
and creeks and technical swedish chutes...jumping shelf to shelf..
it outperformed the others!! controllrd ski lift and good control when
the snow here varies from super fluff to windpacked concrete
in matter of feets when climbing..
Thumbs up to t-sled
pros:
installs in stock boltholes no drilling and templates
Super light
dont stack snow
great in bumps
low roll resistance
cheap about 1550$+450-500$ for rails
2k$
trick looking
easy to control wheelie on a climb.
cons:
some rubbing on rear arm easy fix thou.
little ski lift-friends like wheeelies...
Ed
M
M9onNOS
ACCOUNT CLOSED
A buddy of mine has a stage 2 SC Apex and put the EZ Ryde in it after everything else. His exact words were " If I had known how well that suspension would work I would not have super chargered it. It scares me now how fast it goes up the mountain!!" He also says it is unreal on the ride in, very smooth.
Ask yourself these questions as you remember that no two sleds are alike especially when you factor in rider weight, position, fuel on board for the time, ect ect....
if I don't like the setup, geometry or ride on my vehicle for weight, power, traction, and varying conditions what do I do about it. ANSWER...take it home and reset geometrical pivot or installation points..deal with it...hope for the rare conditions that it's right that day. (probably won't be on another)
or
Buy an ALPHA-X and in about thirty seconds twist a rebound knob, stiffen a compression knob, add or subtract air pressure for ride height or action of evol chamber, or forbid...adjust a limiter strap, and carry on. Far more tune-able...packs less snow...better in variable terrain...better in the side hill...lighter in action..packs less snow..tough..BETTER SHOCK PACKAGE....hey did I say packs less snow. HUGE! This suspension is awesome.
if I don't like the setup, geometry or ride on my vehicle for weight, power, traction, and varying conditions what do I do about it. ANSWER...take it home and reset geometrical pivot or installation points..deal with it...hope for the rare conditions that it's right that day. (probably won't be on another)
or
Buy an ALPHA-X and in about thirty seconds twist a rebound knob, stiffen a compression knob, add or subtract air pressure for ride height or action of evol chamber, or forbid...adjust a limiter strap, and carry on. Far more tune-able...packs less snow...better in variable terrain...better in the side hill...lighter in action..packs less snow..tough..BETTER SHOCK PACKAGE....hey did I say packs less snow. HUGE! This suspension is awesome.
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S
Supplicate
ACCOUNT CLOSED
Holy crap, the new Holz skid is $2200 without rails?
Damn, for that price I would rather go EZ w/ Exit shocks...
Damn, for that price I would rather go EZ w/ Exit shocks...
I believe the Holz suspension uses stock rails. At least the one on my o8 D8 did.
H
hatchers
Well-known member
IMO the EZ Ride and M10 are the only two suspentions that make any damn sense….the Holz looks very similar to an M…I hate my M skid, hope to be on an EZ Ride next year as the M10 is way over priced
the timersled also has the correct angles....but im not a fan of floats, multi springs is the way to go!!!
the timersled also has the correct angles....but im not a fan of floats, multi springs is the way to go!!!
Way overpriced.. What does the EZ Ride cost?
http://www.ftxmotorsports.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=29
RS
W
wweverett
New member
Ask yourself these questions as you remember that no two sleds are alike especially when you factor in rider weight, position, fuel on board for the time, ect ect....
if I don't like the setup, geometry or ride on my vehicle for weight, power, traction, and varying conditions what do I do about it. ANSWER...take it home and reset geometrical pivot or installation points..deal with it...hope for the rare conditions that it's right that day. (probably won't be on another)
or
Buy an ALPHA-X and in about thirty seconds twist a rebound knob, stiffen a compression knob, add or subtract air pressure for ride height or action of evol chamber, or forbid...adjust a limiter strap, and carry on. Far more tune-able...packs less snow...better in variable terrain...better in the side hill...lighter in action..packs less snow..tough..BETTER SHOCK PACKAGE....hey did I say packs less snow. HUGE! This suspension is awesome.
Looks like a stock skid with new paint and shocks!
An Ez-Ryde at full list is $2365, that is a complete suspension ready to go with mount brackets for your sled. The Alpha-X is $2200 for the kit, $2500 for the suspension with rails which still requires some parts off your current skid.
I have had a M-10, Holz coilover and the Ez-Ryde. In my limited time on the Ez-ryde, I will give it the nod over the others, it rides better in all conditions than my Holz or M-10. Granted I had an older Holz unit, but comparing between the 3 I would pay for the Ez-ryde. You know its good when the wife rides it less than 3 miles and DEMANDS you install one in hers.
As far as adjustibility goes, EZ ryde again, there is a compression adjustment, spring preloads and crossover points which are all easily accessible and easy to adjust. Performance in deep snow is excellent, runs on rough terrain I have been on is excellent. I looked back to see how the others were doing and they are going 1/2 my speed and dang near getting bucked off.
The holz works really well, but I found on mine that I could either have an awesome ride in on the trail, or just the perfect amount of transfer in the powder. I was looking for deep snow performance so my trail rides sucked, the holz shocks also seemed to fade if pushed hard for an extended period of time over rough terrain.
The M-10 in my sled rode great once it was dialed in. It was heavy, a 144" skid was over 60 lbs. I never seemed to be able to get the right/any amount of transfer. In hindsight, as I bought the sled with the skid installed, I do not know if it was mounted properly or if it suffered from some other issue. I do know it was an absolute pain in the *** to work on.
For performance/cost I feel the Ez-ryde is the better choice. You have a complete skid to use, you can keep your old skid for later or sell it complete to recoup some of the cost. I know it rides better than my Holz skid did and out performs it in the deep snow. And if you compare apples to apples, complete ready to ride skids for the 09's not recycling any parts I think the Ez-Ryde will end up approx $250 cheaper. I factored $100 in extra parts to make the Alpha-X skid a complete ready to use unit.
A friend I ride with has the timbersled, his rear arm is broken with less than 2 full season of riding on it.
Point of clarification..we are talking about the ALPHA-X Holz Racing Products rear skid. It's a complete rear suspension including custom ICE AGE rails! It weighs 40.5 with one limiter 41.5 with two and hardware (I run two). You can't even buy the old HOLZ coil over skid anymore as they have moved to this better generation product. Please remember to compare apples to apples. I HAVE THIS SKID AND HAVE NOW RAN IT FOR 600 MILES IN ALL KINDS OF TERRAIN AND IT IS FLAT OUT IMPRESSIVE. See my other comments...that is not BS. Actual real world testing in a Polaris IQ RAW RMK 155 format.
"looks like a cat suspension"..."looks like a stock suspension with paint and new shocks"....no offense here but you haven't ridden the suspension properly applicated so you really aren't qualified to comment. I have ridden them all including the high zoot M setup. Each has their merits and some their downfalls...none as easily flexible and versitile if you want the best in all worlds.
If any of you think springed shocks are superior you have never dealt with the EVOL X. You can't tune or even remotely have as versatile a springed shock setup like you can with these shocks without a shelf full of springs and constantly pulling the rear skid to test and replace or manually rotate compression rates. Explain how you are going to do this in the field as you encounter multiple types of terrain in a days free ride? The facts of the matter are you are limited in the field and EVERYONE who free rides simply hops on their buggy at the days start and heads out riding and you deal with your rear suspension as it sits.
Now here is the biggie and if you don't pay attention to anything else in this thread HEAR THIS.
There are huge performance variations dealing with rear suspensions from vehicle to vehicle taking into account all aspects of performance and how they relate to the said vehicle. THE HUGE benefit of the Alpha-X is the simple fact that because of the EVOL X rear shock you can both adjust "ride height" as well as multiple in field adjustments of dampening compression in association with ride height. He is putting this in a relatively unknown custom application. How many times will he have to reset rear brackets for correct geometrical position? How flexible will his setup be for variances in weight HP snow conditions? If he goes with the wrong suspension and doesn't hit it magically correct he ends up with an ill handling and ill performing sled. He still has to set his front suspension height and geometry to perform in unison with the rear. What if that setup is out of balance. Most guys simply put them together and hope for the best (you usually see them in swap a year later)...alot of time dealing with what they've done. Ride one that is actually spot on in all aspects and you'll see there is a huge difference and then MONEY WELL SPENT.
"looks like a cat suspension"..."looks like a stock suspension with paint and new shocks"....no offense here but you haven't ridden the suspension properly applicated so you really aren't qualified to comment. I have ridden them all including the high zoot M setup. Each has their merits and some their downfalls...none as easily flexible and versitile if you want the best in all worlds.
If any of you think springed shocks are superior you have never dealt with the EVOL X. You can't tune or even remotely have as versatile a springed shock setup like you can with these shocks without a shelf full of springs and constantly pulling the rear skid to test and replace or manually rotate compression rates. Explain how you are going to do this in the field as you encounter multiple types of terrain in a days free ride? The facts of the matter are you are limited in the field and EVERYONE who free rides simply hops on their buggy at the days start and heads out riding and you deal with your rear suspension as it sits.
Now here is the biggie and if you don't pay attention to anything else in this thread HEAR THIS.
There are huge performance variations dealing with rear suspensions from vehicle to vehicle taking into account all aspects of performance and how they relate to the said vehicle. THE HUGE benefit of the Alpha-X is the simple fact that because of the EVOL X rear shock you can both adjust "ride height" as well as multiple in field adjustments of dampening compression in association with ride height. He is putting this in a relatively unknown custom application. How many times will he have to reset rear brackets for correct geometrical position? How flexible will his setup be for variances in weight HP snow conditions? If he goes with the wrong suspension and doesn't hit it magically correct he ends up with an ill handling and ill performing sled. He still has to set his front suspension height and geometry to perform in unison with the rear. What if that setup is out of balance. Most guys simply put them together and hope for the best (you usually see them in swap a year later)...alot of time dealing with what they've done. Ride one that is actually spot on in all aspects and you'll see there is a huge difference and then MONEY WELL SPENT.
This is taken from Holz web site
"*NEW Alpha-X Rear SKid*. For Polaris IQ/RMK and Skidoo Summit XP.
The ultimate mountain suspension just got better!
It's been ten years since the introduction of our first coil over rear suspension that set the benchmark for aftermarket rear suspension. The new Alpha-X rear skid will redefine that benchmark, and prove to be the best mountain-riding/ boondocking rear suspension that HOLZ has ever developed.
New for '09:
- All new geometry for optimum traction & weight transfer without unwanted wheelies.
- All New Fox Float Evol rear track shock. Dual stage air spring allows you to adjust ride height independent from bottoming resistance. Externally adjustable hi & low speed compression and rebound for infinite tuning options.
Kit Includes:
- Front and rear torque arms. Bottom Scissor and linkage rod. Available in durable powder coat Red and Black.
- Fox Float front shock, and Fox Float Evol rear shock.
- Rails included. Available for 155" or 163" track lengths.
- Hardware. (some hardware from stock skid is re-used for install)
Models:
- '06-'08 Polaris IQ/RMK models. Avail Red or BLack, *Rails not included. #HRP3307R/B
MSRP $2200
- '09 Polaris IQ/RMK models. Avail Red or Black, * Rails included 155" & 163". #HRP3308R/B
MSRP $2500
- '08-'09 Ski-Doo Summit XP. Avail Black only, *Rails incuded 154" & 163". #HRP3319B
MSRP $2500
Retail price $2500, ($2200 for '06-'08 Polaris kit no rails)
All parts in stock and ready to ship!!
*Ice scratchers and 2-Wheel kit not included with kit
Rails are included, not the complete skid as pictured. I would say the $100 I listed was quite fair.
Also I understand the new Holz is different than the old Holz skid, I clearly stated that. I think what people may have a hard time with is the Alpha X resembles the last iteration of the Holz skid so slosely that people want to know what their money is going for. $2500 is a lot of cash, with an Ez-reyde it is simple to see that the skid is complete and different from what is currently under their sled.
Having countless adjustments that are infinite does jack if the changes are not applied in a linear fashion. A good friend designs suspensions for a living, a conversation with him might open your eyes to the application of shocks in suspensions. Their are certain vaules, shock speeds that if exceeded hinder suspension performance. These shock speeds are different for every application, kind of a sweet spot per say. PME's $270,000 suspension package for the C6R vette uses coil springs and a Penske shock, any reason they would do that if air shocks are so superior? Air shocks are in their infancy.
In a conversation with Steve @ EZ-ryde before purchase I questioned him about the shock choice on the suspension. He stated that they were unable to maintain consistent performance and durability with the air shocks. Now this may be changing, but was the info I recieved when questioning the shocks.
I think the Holz skid is nice, but truthfully it does not appear "worth" $2,200 as a kit. I feel upset as a customer when I talked with Holz about a new skid for my IQR they pushed the old skid with floats at full retail 1 month before they unveiled the Alpha X. It is also hard for me to find validity/truth in statements by an end user who is sponsored by one of the companies being evaluated. It negates your expierence with the product as your view is influenced by your sponsorship. I'm not questioning your integrity Rob, but it is hard for me to take the info as gospel from someone who is paid to promote the product.
"*NEW Alpha-X Rear SKid*. For Polaris IQ/RMK and Skidoo Summit XP.
The ultimate mountain suspension just got better!
It's been ten years since the introduction of our first coil over rear suspension that set the benchmark for aftermarket rear suspension. The new Alpha-X rear skid will redefine that benchmark, and prove to be the best mountain-riding/ boondocking rear suspension that HOLZ has ever developed.
New for '09:
- All new geometry for optimum traction & weight transfer without unwanted wheelies.
- All New Fox Float Evol rear track shock. Dual stage air spring allows you to adjust ride height independent from bottoming resistance. Externally adjustable hi & low speed compression and rebound for infinite tuning options.
Kit Includes:
- Front and rear torque arms. Bottom Scissor and linkage rod. Available in durable powder coat Red and Black.
- Fox Float front shock, and Fox Float Evol rear shock.
- Rails included. Available for 155" or 163" track lengths.
- Hardware. (some hardware from stock skid is re-used for install)
Models:
- '06-'08 Polaris IQ/RMK models. Avail Red or BLack, *Rails not included. #HRP3307R/B
MSRP $2200
- '09 Polaris IQ/RMK models. Avail Red or Black, * Rails included 155" & 163". #HRP3308R/B
MSRP $2500
- '08-'09 Ski-Doo Summit XP. Avail Black only, *Rails incuded 154" & 163". #HRP3319B
MSRP $2500
Retail price $2500, ($2200 for '06-'08 Polaris kit no rails)
All parts in stock and ready to ship!!
*Ice scratchers and 2-Wheel kit not included with kit
Rails are included, not the complete skid as pictured. I would say the $100 I listed was quite fair.
Also I understand the new Holz is different than the old Holz skid, I clearly stated that. I think what people may have a hard time with is the Alpha X resembles the last iteration of the Holz skid so slosely that people want to know what their money is going for. $2500 is a lot of cash, with an Ez-reyde it is simple to see that the skid is complete and different from what is currently under their sled.
Having countless adjustments that are infinite does jack if the changes are not applied in a linear fashion. A good friend designs suspensions for a living, a conversation with him might open your eyes to the application of shocks in suspensions. Their are certain vaules, shock speeds that if exceeded hinder suspension performance. These shock speeds are different for every application, kind of a sweet spot per say. PME's $270,000 suspension package for the C6R vette uses coil springs and a Penske shock, any reason they would do that if air shocks are so superior? Air shocks are in their infancy.
In a conversation with Steve @ EZ-ryde before purchase I questioned him about the shock choice on the suspension. He stated that they were unable to maintain consistent performance and durability with the air shocks. Now this may be changing, but was the info I recieved when questioning the shocks.
I think the Holz skid is nice, but truthfully it does not appear "worth" $2,200 as a kit. I feel upset as a customer when I talked with Holz about a new skid for my IQR they pushed the old skid with floats at full retail 1 month before they unveiled the Alpha X. It is also hard for me to find validity/truth in statements by an end user who is sponsored by one of the companies being evaluated. It negates your expierence with the product as your view is influenced by your sponsorship. I'm not questioning your integrity Rob, but it is hard for me to take the info as gospel from someone who is paid to promote the product.
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the holz AX, is only listed for the poo's and doo's! So if you own a cat or a yammi????
I run a complete Holz built prox 1200 watercraft based tripple. Its the older generation coilover though. Its a nice skid, a definate improvement over a stock skid.
I have tried em all, holz, CPC, M10, timber, EZ, KMOD, stock setups, aftermarket skids setup with axis/exit shocks etc. Hands down the skid I would buy tomarrow would be an EZ Ride/Exit shock setup! Nothing comes close to it!
I run a complete Holz built prox 1200 watercraft based tripple. Its the older generation coilover though. Its a nice skid, a definate improvement over a stock skid.
I have tried em all, holz, CPC, M10, timber, EZ, KMOD, stock setups, aftermarket skids setup with axis/exit shocks etc. Hands down the skid I would buy tomarrow would be an EZ Ride/Exit shock setup! Nothing comes close to it!
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