Digressive shock valving?

[Jesse IL]

Does anyone have any experience with shocks of this nature? Ground Control makes a line of shocks called Advance Design that use digressive shock valving. From what I've read about them, sounds like its the way to go. Basically, they are very stiff at low shaft speeds to give excellent body control in transitinal movements, like a very stiff shock. But then at higher shaft speeds, the damping does not increase significantly, supposedly keeping the car more composed over larger bumps, unlike a stiff traditional shock, which will get much stiffer at high shaft speeds.

[Raymund]

intresting. in others words, it gives a false sense of stiffeness? sounds scary!

[nxracer]

KYB AGX's do the same thing

[pitcrew]

This type two stage valving is used in advanced shocks. Low speed dampng is important on the race course where you are dealing with small excursions and weight transfer. High speed damping only comes into play on the highway, RR crossings, potholes, patches etc. Low speed damping is the usual third adjustment on professional racing shocks. Most low speed adjustable shocks are not recommended for street use.

[Jesse IL]

What about them makes them "racing" and not suitable for street use?

[pitcrew]

The precision valving that makes them sensitive and reactive to low speed (think small) movements takes a beating when subjected to a lot of high speed (long) excursions. Note I was refering to triple adjustable racing shocks, Not one designed for dual purpose. The type I was talking about are often belcrank mounted to increase the travel compared the suspension movement, since the suspension travel range is very short.