ZX2, Expert X, or Diamond Airwave??

[yamahaapex07]

I want to change my suspension on my 2007 Apex RTX. What do you guys recommend I use? A ZX2, Expert X, or Diamond Airwave??

I ride on the aggressive side and really don't want to sacrifice performance but definitely want an improved ride.

I know the Expert X well, I have it installed on my 2002 SRX.

Thanks for any info!

 

[subaru2006]

Ive only used the zx2. So thats my vote. Also try searching tons of info to help you decide.
Subaru2006

 

[kinger]

I'll never have a metal skid again after running the ZX2 for the last 4 years. On top of that if it performed marginally I would say the mainteance (or lack there of) is worth it, but the ZX2 skid is a total performance skid, I friggn love it. Makes the big apex go through moguled out trails like your a proffesional racer. I ride aggresive but not stupid and no brand can hang with me with the exception of a younger guy I ride with he keeps up on a rev or I should say I can keep up with him.

You may like the ride of the diamond air wave but its not a performance skid, loses top speed, no transfer, etc. but rides like there is a groomer attached to the front of your sled. If your at all aggressive you would be better on the ZX2.

 

[yamahaapex07]

Durability is ok on this skid?? I ride hard and want to have a suspension that can take the abuse.

I have an Expert X on my 01 SRX and love it. It digs hard out of the hole, great top end, and handles the bumps.

How hard was it to install on your Apex? I have anti ratchet Wahl Bros drivers on mine. Do you know if that will effect the installation?

Thanks for the input!!

 

[kinger]

I run anti ratchet drivers no issues with the ZX2. Durability is the best of any skid out there. Search for posts by MDKUNI he has close to 20,000 miles on his with only wheels and hyfax as the wearable parts, that is insane!

I have 4000 miles and it looks new with one set of hyfax on it and one wheel lost the rubber.

 

[subaru2006]

The install is fairly simple and straight forward. As for being strong, I would say this is a very tough skid. The only negative I can see about the skid is the current price. You are looking at somewhere around 3000 plus shipping and customs... Depending on extensions or not, take 300 off.

Subaru2006

 

[kinger]

$3000? Thought they were closer to 2K on the high end???

 

[BigDog05]

Quote: $3000? Thought they were closer to 2K on the high end???

The price has gone up about a few hundred since last year. Think they are $200-$300 more this year.

Got mine in July of last year and they had a free mounting kit offer back then. Mine is a standard 121, and cost about $1800-$1900 back then after you add all the customs fee's and shipping.

Just make sure you ask what all the fees are prior to purchase. Because about a week or two after you take delivery you will get additional bills from UPS and other one that I don't remember. Ballpark around $100-$150.

Only got to ride about 325 miles this past season, but am very happy with the ZX2. My mono shock had the 6.5 spring and a Pioneer revalve and it was much better than a stock mono.

My ZX2 is set at 1/4 on revolver and #5 on spring preset. Not quite as smooth on morning groomed trails, but much better on the beat up late afternoon trails. It also would ride better at 2/4 if I remember the setting chart, but with the turbo I can't keep the skis on the ground at 2/4

 

[DUTCH OVEN]

I just bought ZX2 two weeks ago 136" cost was 2,049$Cdn. and free shipping. thats everything included.

 

[yamahaapex07]

ZX2

Thanks guys!

It sounds like the ZX2 is the way to go. Hey Kinger, so I should be able to install the suspension on my Apex based on the instructions by AD Boivin even though I have larger anti-ratchet drivers??

I was worried that I would have to slightly relocate the suspension to make it fit properlly. I was even more worried that I would have to take the drive shaft out to measure for some odd reason. I just put new bearings in last year when I installed a new track and drivers and I don't want to tear it down so soon!

How ajustible are the settings on the suspension in tearm of weight transfer? I know that the skid is able to transfer a lot. Can you also set it so it transfers only a minimal amount?? If the trails are packed tight I would like it to hold the skis down so I can pound through the corners?

Thanks for the input

 

[kinger]

Yes use the mount kit from AD and it will go in just fine with your drivers. I have had 10T extros and it fit fine then as well. I run 9T extros now.

The skid is very adjustable and its also sensitive to where your butt is, when your railing corners hug the tank as tight as you can and it wont pop a ski. In a drag race get your butt waaaay back gas and lean make and it will give you about 1-2' of ski lift. I have made one adjustment on my skid in 3 years! It just works.

Wow they really got expensive probably couldn't afford one now!!!

 

[yamahaapex07]

thanks

Yeah, they really did jump up in price! I was quoted $1800 total including mount kit, shipping, and tax from one of their distribution company's. They quoted me $1650 on an Expert X. A dealer in South Dakota is going to call me back with a price. I also sent AD Boivin an email as well. Hopefully one of those can do a little better.

At this point spending a couple grand to enjoy my Apex for another 10,000 miles is worth it. There is nothing else I can do to it except a turbo or supercharger or suspension. So the suspension will happen for sure.

I think I am leaning towards the ZX2 at this point. I will order in about a month.

Thanks for the input!

 

[kinger]

ZX2 is such low maintenance plus they work great I wouldn't even look at a expert x

 

[JROCK]

The Expert x is a very durable and low maintenance skid. I think it worth the look especially if you can find a used one with low miles for more than half the price of a ZX2! Just my 2 cents seeing as i own one and beat the crap out of it!!