The FRF Shock Shootout! All pre event details and discussion here

[keatonskidmore]

I will admit that I am totally biased towards the RPG tuned Fox 3.0's. I wouldn't go as far as saying that the factory tuning in them "sucks". That's a pretty strong claim with no actual facts to back up but I guess that's for another discussion. Touching on the 2.5" piston in the fox shocks is quite irrelevant too considering they're running an internal bypass which is absolutely huuuuge for our trucks when we're running a single coilover upfront. The spring rate in the Fox shocks is a much better setup compared to the competition but I'd rather let an expert explain the differences.

I know there's so much of this is better than the other and it's to the point where it's getting down right annoying. Yes, I'm fully aware that I'm probably adding to all the mess. I'm just waiting for an Icon or King equipped Raptor to get some videos out of them really hammering through some rough terrain. Everything I've seen this far isn't very impressive. Just my honest opinion and I'm not trying to be offensive.

Regardless though madcow, I really think any of big three shock companies will be a big improvement over stock.

I'll leave the conversation with one thought. Come summertime, my truck will be getting linked and I will be keeping the front end pretty much intact with where it's at right now. I'll be adding a bypass and will most likely pull out the internal bypass in the Fox C/O. I'm confienent that the front setup can hang with 28" of rear wheel travel but I guess time will tell. For the record, Chris and I have elected to call off our deal on his rear setup.

The video of you running through the woops at 80 and your truck is just floating completely sold me to RPG tuned 3.0s..when the time comes for me to upgrade thats the route I'll go.

 

[BlueSVT]

I will admit that I am totally biased towards the RPG tuned Fox 3.0's. I wouldn't go as far as saying that the factory tuning in them "sucks". That's a pretty strong claim with no actual facts to back up but I guess that's for another discussion. Touching on the 2.5" piston in the fox shocks is quite irrelevant too considering they're running an internal bypass which is absolutely huuuuge for our trucks when we're running a single coilover upfront. The spring rate in the Fox shocks is a much better setup compared to the competition but I'd rather let an expert explain the differences.

I know there's so much of this is better than the other and it's to the point where it's getting down right annoying. Yes, I'm fully aware that I'm probably adding to all the mess. I'm just waiting for an Icon or King equipped Raptor to get some videos out of them really hammering through some rough terrain. Everything I've seen this far isn't very impressive. Just my honest opinion and I'm not trying to be offensive.

Regardless though madcow, I really think any of big three shock companies will be a big improvement over stock.

I'll leave the conversation with one thought. Come summertime, my truck will be getting linked and I will be keeping the front end pretty much intact with where it's at right now. I'll be adding a bypass and will most likely pull out the internal bypass in the Fox C/O. I'm confienent that the front setup can hang with 28" of rear wheel travel but I guess time will tell. For the record, Chris and I have elected to call off our deal on his rear setup.

There WILL be some new videos coming out very soon, over some very harsh terrain. We'll be in Mexico for the San Felipe 250 in a few weeks, and Gordon Brown and myself will definitely find some good testing areas and get some video, both of us will have the Icons installed.

I agree that there isn't a lot of footage of many setups out there, but seeing a "testing" video where people pick and choose the best shots... on the best stretch... at the best speed... that's not really real life, where what's more important is all around performance, how it reacts to unexpected surprises, and overall comfort on AND off the trail. In all reality, likely less than 1% of owners even take their raptors on high speed whoop sections, let alone at 70+ MPH. Videos are entertaining, but show just a fraction of what's actually important for most peoples preference, especially considering what's shown in the videos is NOT what most owners are doing. And please don't feel like I'm pointing out your video spefically... I'm referring to any product promo video period.

 

[Madcowranch]

Good discussion guys. Both brands seem top notch. My truck is definately a daily driver so I have the adjustability to consider. Anyone else on why they chose what they did?

 

[Raptizzle]

There WILL be some new videos coming out very soon, over some very harsh terrain. We'll be in Mexico for the San Felipe 250 in a few weeks, and Gordon Brown and myself will definitely find some good testing areas and get some video, both of us will have the Icons installed.

I agree that there isn't a lot of footage of many setups out there, but seeing a "testing" video where people pick and choose the best shots... on the best stretch... at the best speed... that's not really real life, where what's more important is all around performance, how it reacts to unexpected surprises, and overall comfort on AND off the trail. In all reality, likely less than 1% of owners even take their raptors on high speed whoop sections, let alone at 70+ MPH. Videos are entertaining, but show just a fraction of what's actually important for most peoples preference, especially considering what's shown in the videos is NOT what most owners are doing. And please don't feel like I'm pointing out your video spefically... I'm referring to any product promo video period.

Looking forwad to your vids and I'm sure they will be fun to watch. If you've got a few hours to spare, come over, crack a beer and watch ALL the footage from our testing. The only things edited out were the boring sections where the truck was in 1' whoops and it looked like it was driving down the highway. Who wants to see that!!??

Agree that not a big percentage of owners will be pushing their trucks like that but it's sure nice to know the setup they ultimately choose can hang at high speeds in that type of terrain.

I'm sure we both agree that any 3" setup far exceeds stock and those of us who have them are lucky enough to enjoy what they can really do. I'm cool with stopping this back and forth discussion and maybe one day we'll get out there together and just have a good ol' time enjoying these trucks instead of being keyboard critics. It could be worse, one of us could be preaching the ram runner!!!

 

[BlueSVT]

Looking forwad to your vids and I'm sure they will be fun to watch. If you've got a few hours to spare, come over, crack a beer and watch ALL the footage from our testing. The only things edited out were the boring sections where the truck was in 1' whoops and it looked like it was driving down the highway. Who wants to see that!!??

Agree that not a big percentage of owners will be pushing their trucks like that but it's sure nice to know the setup they ultimately choose can hang at high speeds in that type of terrain.

I'm sure we both agree that any 3" setup far exceeds stock and those of us who have them are lucky enough to enjoy what they can really do. I'm cool with stopping this back and forth discussion and maybe one day we'll get out there together and just have a good ol' time enjoying these trucks instead of being keyboard critics. It could be worse, one of us could be preaching the ram runner!!!

Agree on all accounts! Not trying to do the back and forth... although it always ends up down that path, haha!

I'm not suggesting your footage sucks, or that you're hiding stuff... Just saying that even if we release an Icon video that looks AMAZING, people should still do their homework and choose what's best for them, because obviously any promo video is going to make you say "I want that" or it's intention has failed.

I have a trip up my sleeve that I'm working on for May... probably a 3-day "off the radar" trip with a small group of SOLID experienced guys that we can just have fun with, and not babysit. I'll most definitely be hitting you up, you'd be welcome to join in, no "testing" or competing involved, just a killer route and a kick ass time.

 

[Raptizzle]

Agree on all accounts! Not trying to do the back and forth... although it always ends up down that path, haha!

I'm not suggesting your footage sucks, or that you're hiding stuff... Just saying that even if we release an Icon video that looks AMAZING, people should still do their homework and choose what's best for them, because obviously any promo video is going to make you say "I want that" or it's intention has failed.

I have a trip up my sleeve that I'm working on for May... probably a 3-day "off the radar" trip with a small group of SOLID experienced guys that we can just have fun with, and not babysit. I'll most definitely be hitting you up, you'd be welcome to join in, no "testing" or competing involved, just a killer route and a kick ass time.

Sounds like fun, definitely keep me posted. May is a good month for me to get out for a three dayer.

 

[GBrown1867]

All very well said by everybody. Matt has pretty much said everything I would say so I will not repeat it. However, like Matt I have thousands of miles off road in my truck. I have ridden in and driven 3 out of the four offerings out there. I have said this many times before, I think the FOX 3.0 offering is the worst of the four. A truck equipped with them on one of the Raptor Expedition Runs performed so poorly the driver almost went home after the first day. (I do not have any experience with the RPG FOX revalved 3.0’s. If I were FOX I would be embarrassed that a company has to revolve my shocks to make them work right)

I have run Kings on my truck for about a year. After driving, ridding in, chasing and being chased by trucks with Icon’s I made the switch. (So yes I am the guy who decided there is a better product than the previous $5,000 purchase) I also agree both Icons and Kings will be a huge improvement over stock. They both perform great on the whoops (Not really the best test, just get going fast enough to stay on top and your all good) The biggest selling point for me is the ride going through the washes at 30 to 50 mph. The icons are 100 times better than the Kings. In order to get the kings to soak up the big hits, I have to set them at about 10-12 clicks, this works great at high speed and big hits but is horrible when you slow down. Our trucks are not Trophy Trucks and they cannot take the long term beating of pushing them hard all the time. (I have broken and bent enough to parts to justify that statement) The Icons with internal bump allow a plusher ride and can still soak up the big hits.

We are heading to Mexico for the 250 and plan on making a great video to show what these shocks are capable of.

As far as making a decision, try and get in trucks with all the setups and see which you prefer.

 

[Wilson]

fine be that way then I don't want to go on your silly trip anyway. ok may is my bizzy month any how.

 

[Madcowranch]

So I assume everyone who upgraded to 3.0's, regardless of manufacturer, also changed out the rear leafs for a progressive one? (Deavers or Nationals). Also wondering if I have one of the vendors do my install at TRR, how important is the alignment- since I won't be able to get that done til I get back home?

 

[BlueSVT]

You can get the alignment close... And in the dirt it's a non issue. It's your drive home that's going to possibly cause the issues and increases tire wear. How far is your drive home on-road?