Recommendations on A-Arms and Shocks? Experience? Pics?

[Rhino1]

I am now very seriously looking at upgrading my suspension. I'm catching enough air, and wanting to go through the whoops fast enough that I think I am finally taxing the stock stuff. I really want to hear from those that have done it to share their experiences, etc. I dune mostly, but I also hit the desert around California City, and off the 15 (Barstow, etc.).

For example, I know I "want" long travel, but do I really need it? Do I want to stick with Roll/Laegers, or are the other, lesser-knowns good options? What's the best bang for the buck?

Initially, I knew I wanted Roll Design LT arms with Elka Elite LT's. Now, I'm not so sure--maybe Roll with Ohlins? Houser? Laeger? WP shocks? Axis?

Any info would be appreciated! Thanks!!

[Extent Racing 21]

dont go elka's, there are way better shocks out there for the same money. I personally have the atv four play arms, with fox evol DSC's

[fays3]

I race desert at the pro level. You need Roll design long travel a-arms and the best elka shocks you can afford. This is the best setup! Don't forget set-up is key. I have two KFX 450 they are both setup exactly the same and the ride is better than any other quad Ive been on. Swing arms are also a good idea depending on what type of riding you do.

[ononewheel]

as far as shocks elkas is what id recommend they are the best!

[jigg14]

QUOTE (ononewheel @ Dec 8 2008, 06:14 PM)

as far as shocks elkas is what id recommend they are the best!

The only Elkas I know of that might be good are the factory series. I am about to buy a KFX, but I have 2 YFZs and I have Elka Elite LTs on one and they're not that great. Everyone on YFZ Central bashes Elkas. I'd much rather have Fox's or something besides Elkas. Unless you spend the money and get the Factory Series. OR after you recieve the shocks from Elka have them revalved by someone else, because they are mass produced and are not set you specifically for you. So either get the factory ones, get elites and have the valved for you, or get something different.

[thumperpwr]

I just placed Hydo Dynamics full long travel kit on my Honda. I am very impressed.In my opinion the arms and shocks are just as good or better than a Roll and Elka setup for $800 less.They make the kit for KfX and I will be getting it soon.

[walshyfz86]

hydo dynamics are a joke. thats why they are bankrupt.

Elkas. well. they make good product. they just dont care about valving them. The factory elkas the pros run are supposed to be great shocks. But thats it. and to even come close to getting those is buying a pro quad or spending a few grand.

personally fox/axis or pep are the top shocks out there. Ive owned fox axis and tcs. btw tcs i hated and where junk. the axis where great. and the fox where just smoother and easier to tune.

As for a-arms. I would stay away from lower grade a-arms such as SMC, JD, and so on. There are better a-arms for around the same price. Laeger makes a decent set for good price. Even atv fourplays are pretty cheap and jason connel is selling 2 used sets for pretty cheap. Housers, not a hugeeee fan of at all but never hear to many bad things about them, Roll and walsh and jb are great a-arms also but i dont think you need to go all out on stuff. Just need something that will last.


**** this is a old topic. i just saw that. owell

[dirk_411]

QUOTE (walshyfz86 @ Jan 16 2009, 11:27 AM)

hydo dynamics are a joke. thats why they are bankrupt.

Elkas. well. they make good product. they just dont care about valving them. The factory elkas the pros run are supposed to be great shocks. But thats it. and to even come close to getting those is buying a pro quad or spending a few grand.

personally fox/axis or pep are the top shocks out there. Ive owned fox axis and tcs. btw tcs i hated and where junk. the axis where great. and the fox where just smoother and easier to tune.

As for a-arms. I would stay away from lower grade a-arms such as SMC, JD, and so on. There are better a-arms for around the same price. Laeger makes a decent set for good price. Even atv fourplays are pretty cheap and jason connel is selling 2 used sets for pretty cheap. Housers, not a hugeeee fan of at all but never hear to many bad things about them, Roll and walsh and jb are great a-arms also but i dont think you need to go all out on stuff. Just need something that will last.


**** this is a old topic. i just saw that. owell

I don't agree with everything walshyfz86 said, atv fourplay arms are crap, they hit you with the price and then sting you with bushing and stuff, they were junk in the 90's and they still suck, roll makes nice arms, but they have the factory price tag on them, way over priced. houser and JD make nice arms, good quality and decent price, man the owner of of JD used to make frames back in the day, he knows how to fab. fox and pep do make nice shocks, I run fox on my tecate 4. what a lot of people don't know is fox shock company actually supply a lot of manufactures with there internal components....

[thumperpwr]

well i guess he dosnt know everything becouse Hydro Dynamics is not bankrupt and are doing business .Anyone can call them up and see for themselves. I have the kit with the aluminum uppers long travel kit . a definite improvement over the first set up they came out with. Fuel is selling them i believe.

[Kyle W]

JD Performance a-arms are not lower grade. Dave makes awesome products and his customer service is top-notch!
I would look into JD and Motowoz shocks- overall great package- you wont be dissapointed.