Bit the Bullet - Axis Shocks

[cannondale27]

WD-40 works too. Best advice is keep the salt washed off them and if passing commit and go for it. Dont tailgate.

 

[cannondale27]

Ground is froze, we have literally a dusting of snow here, maybe .5". If I had at least 2" I'd be out somewhere doing something dumb.

Thats plenty! go for a rip but dont get it hot. No radiator and Fan remember. Just keep track spinning to throw some up there! I am just kidding. I would wait for a inch or so that Dont get it overheated is real important on break in.

 

[Beerman]

1300 miles on mine, it was broken in in the first 5 mins I rode it

 

[cannondale27]

1300 miles on mine, it was broken in in the first 5 mins I rode it

Then test those shocks!

 

[fxnytrortxkid]

19.5" to "top" of bumper?

Pretty sure it was bottom. I’ll check for sure when I get to sled again

 

[Beerman]

Then test those shocks!

 

[rnusr01]

I wanted to provide some feedback regarding the new Axis shocks and the stock Fox. The Axis are indeed insane quality and beautiful. The ride is better very plush but I would not make the investment again over the stock Fox shocks. Are they better? Yes they are just not 3500 better.

 

[s-moe]

Thanks for the update rnusr01. I have been wondering if the 3500 would be a solid investment for my stx-dx. thanks for your honest review.

 

[cannondale27]

I wanted to provide some feedback regarding the new Axis shocks and the stock Fox. The Axis are indeed insane quality and beautiful. The ride is better very plush but I would not make the investment again over the stock Fox shocks. Are they better? Yes they are just not 3500 better.

Especially vs revalved stockers!

 

[rnusr01]

The one thing I will say that is far better is the adjust-ability it really makes a difference when changes are made

 

[ROCKERDAN]

Good feedback.

I will just add that after a few rides breaking mine in(550miles) before this thaw, I was able to pound my stock Qs3r shocks and put them thru their paces....and all I can say is wow.

I actually have NOT TOUCHED any adjustments(except lengthened to last hole strap).....left it full soft(I'm 185lbs) and pounding it thru junk its set nicely, will bottom only on the most extreme hits, which is about perfect setup. Such a huge improvement in ride and setup "out of the box". Basically just as plush as my Rmo Doos were, yet can take more pounding longer and with more weight of this sled.

Its no wonder the dorks over at Snowtrax now all call the winder, the best handling 4 stroke period. Not too shabby when its also the highest HP, fastest production sled, and likely heaviest out there. LOL

Dan

 

[Phatboyc]

Any more updates on Axis vs QS3r upgrade for SE models? Hygear website just shows front shocks 42" wide Axis for Sidewinder at $1900. Can't see any for the rear.

 

[Boston RX1]

I too would love some updates on these Axis shocks. I just picked up my sled from the shop and they installed the 141" track kit and two Axis shocks. I found some snow in NH and will be testing tomorrow and will report back. I wish the season was another month or two.

 

[jonlafon1]

Any more updates on Axis vs QS3r upgrade for SE models? Hygear website just shows front shocks 42" wide Axis for Sidewinder at $1900. Can't see any for the rear.

Sent you a PM

 

[justinator]

Would be interested in hearing some feedback on the axis shocks as well as the elkas. Have a 22 ltx se on order and will be upgrading the shocks soon as it gets home. I looked at qs3r's but on back order of course and it sounds like fox is horrible on delivering anywhere near their estimated ship times......one place went as far as to say for me to not be surprised if I am still waiting on them when the snow flies. Ive reached out to hygear regarding the axis shocks and also to Ian at monster regarding elkas. Ian suggested stage 3 front and stage 4 rears as being the best bang for the buck with a discount for paying by check and free shipping which puts them at an attractive pricepoint being about $1300ish less. Even upgrading to stage 4 fronts keeps them About $900 less. The only difference in adjustability with stage 4 elkas vs axis is the rear shock on axis has high speed compression adjustment and all others are low speed/rebound only. You need to upgrade to stage 5 elka to have high speed compression adjustments. Ian at monster didnt try to upsell the stage 5 shock as he said its not needed for 90% of the trail sleds/rider out there. When researching shocks for my old polaris assault the custom axis were favored but most reports on the elkas were from users who purchased directly from elka and werent overly happy with the valving. Monster performance teamed up with elka some years back and I believe most if not all elka orders in the states go through him now. He does do good work so I trust that. This becomes a " is the juice worth the squeeze situation", the axis/hygear combo may be better overall but is it $900-$1300 better for the guy riding trails and not participating in snocross or cross country racing events?