Don’t change, i find your directness and ‘advanced’ sarcasm refreshing! - “when your sarcasm is so advanced…people think you are stupid” Remember, when it comes to hurting feelings…it’s not that you don’t care, it’s just that you don’t care that they care! Keep it up!
Hey I want to report back that I watched your fork review video and got a Mezzer and Mara combo. Much better feeling than my Fox 36 grip2 and DHX coil. Mara is amazing at how low pressure it needs. I’m 190lbs fully geared.
I love what you're doing here, not many ppl would go out and buy all these shocks and forks to have a single tester go through them! I think that's a great concept (as opposed to diff people testing diff setups). However, the problem here is... the tester. I don't want to be mean I just want to give you some food for thought, the first few mins you said some things that I believe are incorrect: * Bigger volume always better: depends on definition of "better". For linear leverage ratio bikes, you'll need to volume reduce a ton anyway if you're riding aggressive, hence why Ohlins made their suggestion of smaller can for linear bikes (if you're not riding aggressive or bottoming out then smaller can also works well there). * Ohlins comes pre-installed with tokens, everyone should: actually, most vendors do that, depending on the bike setup. BUT tokens depend heavily on the bike and also the rider, so unless the shock vendor knows which bike shock will be installed on, there isn't a best starting point. What worked for you on that bike might be terrible for others on different bikes. * Less settings is better - I think there are some cases (e.g. when a shock is pre-tuned for a specific bike and you can narrow down the desired settings by valving). But generally more settings = more flexibility, especially if you're buying an aftermarket shock that can go on every single bike. * Shock is better than coil - different is more accurate. AND on very linear leverage ratio bikes (e.g. less than 18%, like the Levo SL) coil would actually be worse w/o modifications * You lock out pro-pedal on chunky trails - uhhh, I would've thought that's a joke if I didn't think you're serious. But you definitely want your shock open on chunk, you probably don't have enough air in your shock that's why it feels harsh. I could go on, but generally I think what you're doing is describing your feeling and initial impressions and that's fine. Maybe that's good for novice riders that don't like tuning their bikes - just go out and ride. But I'm not sure the benefits go beyond that. Regardless, THANK YOU for this video!
I’m only interested in making better videos, so the harsh comments are appreciated , what would have made it better? Gotta have tough skin to be on internet. 🛜. The lever on x2 is firm mode not lock out, it’s absolutely amazing, with lower pressure, try before bashing it. Will not back off that 😎
@@OtterMTBtech to each his own. IDK why you'd consider this "tough skin" I was being respectful and just offering my POV w/o taking away from your work. Everything I said IS backed up (I own X2 on one of my bikes). I know it's not lockout but you're welcome to call Fox and find anyone who'd suggest switching to "firm" the more gnar you get. I can turn that suggestion around: try pumping more air in your X2 if you feel it's bottoming out or "wallowing" in the rough. It will open up a whole new world - many many riders think that when the feeling is "harsh" they should let out air when often it's the opposite. And by switching to firm which is ONLY meant for pedaling, you're compensating for something else. As for the rest of my comments - I stand by them. Not taking away from anything you said, just offering a POV on pre-installed tokens, bigger volume not always better (sometimes worse), and coil shock not always better (sometimes worse). Lastly - we all want to learn. If you do try some of this stuff out and it changes your opinion, I'm the first one to watch and like your video (as I did here) to see what your revised opinion of the shocks are once you get a canonical view of tokens and air pressure. Thanks!
@@amir_mtb You are 100% right, I feel like the shock felt better under pressured and firm mode on. If I was lighter no need for this band aid. Thanks for comment, I always dig into them for insight on new vidoe's. Any idea how I can make a shock video better?
@@OtterMTBtech it would be interesting enough if you added a quick details of your settings (tokens, psi, etc) and then tested with same bike, although I understand that's very hard to do since you're paying for the units. That's probably the reason nobody is doing that, and then we're left guessing and experimenting ourselves. BTW I do agree with you about the X2 drama, I like my 2024 warranty and use it on my Specialized Enduro but I did have to make adjustments and I think if they could've made the older one work w/o the reliability issues it would be tough for other air shocks to contend in the enduro/downhill category.
Gotta love my Intend Hover Opt damper. feels really coil like and with the small stanchion almost no breakaway force needed. Normal RockShox SuperDeluxe Ultimate rc2t was okayish. But the initial suppleness in my frame was not really good.
I’ve been running the Ohlin's RXF 36m2 and TTX 2 for about 4 seasons now, and I’ve used them on two completely different suspension setups: a very progressive YT Jeffsy with a 4-bar Horst link, and a Yeti SB130 with its much more linear ratio in the Infinity Switch system. One thing I really like is how the High-Speed Compression adjustment works on both the fork and damper-it’s definitely a standout feature. That said, for better understanding, I think the adjustment levels would be easier to grasp if Ohlin's switched from numeric labels to something like "Cruse," "Party Time," and "Hard Work." It would make things much more intuitive for riders. I completely agree with your thoughts on this suspension. In both setups, I noticed that the damper felt a bit too active at first glance. I made adjustments and tried to fight it initially, but over time I learned to adapt and now I really enjoy it. It’s been a great experience overall. For reference, I’m 175cm tall and weigh 85kg fully geared up. My riding is about 70% red natural trails, with a mix of uphill's and downhills. Thanks for making such a thorough review-it’s clear you put a lot of effort into it! If you’re ever looking for more topics for future videos, I’d personally love to see a suspension review backed by telemetry data. That would be super insightful. Keep up the great work!
Totally agree, simple is the best, like the Manitou work and party. But only ohlins can make damper so good at the time. The telemetry system 🤔. Will work on that
i had a jade x coil on a Tyee. magical shock. now i'm running super ultimate coil but we're here to talk about AIR. i think the vivid is a great shock, im not overly crazy about it and i think it's hyped up, but it's better than the fox X i removed. also running super deluxe ultimate. the BEST and FREE shock i've run so far is non existent, because it's on a hardtail 🥇
Coil on a Tyee, you must be a very light rider? That bike has an insane leverage ratio (210 x 55 for 160 travel), probably the least friendly enduro bike to heavy riders.
Would you consider trying smaller / less well known brands like Formula or X fusion or Intend? It could be interesting to see how those stack up, you have one of the most thorough suspension reviews I've seen of any of these shocks.
I know this is air shock video but hot damn those DVO Coil shocks are out of this world! Props to DVO for making some amazing coil shocks and what appears to be a very good air shock too.
The Topaz is trash, the bladder in the piggyback blows out, and it his ZERO mid-stroke support and not much bottom out resistance. Like most DVO, flashy looks, crap QC
@ Just my personal experience with the Topaz, the bladder would pop out on a semi-regular basis, but I know the trick to reseat the bladder (pump it up to 230psi then drop back to normal pressure).
It’s actually doesn’t in the air shock. It had a micro small IFP, that almost feels like a bladder. I’m making a video bladder shock vs not. The smaller the IFP the faster they move. The bladder is not as critical in air since they already move fast. But it does help it. Coil it’s like day and night.
thats why i love the DNM RCP2s shock. Very simple, Very Cheap and made for heavy rider. 2nd is the DVO Jade Downhill, basically the same as DNM. super simple to set up.
Just out of curiousity, when you got bucked hard enough on the X2 to need to use the climb switch, which trail was that on? I'm familiar with the trails in the PDX area so was wondering which trail did this. I could see maybe getting bucked on the step downs on Thrillium or the bigger hits at Post Canyon, but definitely not on anything in Sandy Ridge or at Timberline. I wonder if taking the negative token out caused that issue? I have a 2023 Altitude with an X2 so also insanely progressive frame, and absolutely never get bucked and I also weigh 220, I run the 35% sag RM recommends on the 2023 Altitude, keep the LSC/LSR on the light side and enough HSC/HSR to take the bigger hits and run zero tokens in the positive chamber and never touched the negative token, rides almost as smooth as a coil and takes big hits like a beast. It's also the specific tune for the RM Altitude and is a 2024 warranty special.
It’s Nestor, but let’s not talk about which trail 😉. Hiding from the Karens at Post. That was on Kenevo. 15% less progressive, but recently I just dumped the x2 to 240 psi and added firm mode lever, it’s not a climb switch, it’s a 2nd base valve, I couldn’t find any documents that said you can’t ride on it. Rides like a legend I think. Also I got mullet link on the bike to cure the pedal strikes
@ Oh I know for sure you can ride on it haha, I've forgotten to open it a few times and was just like "why's my bike so chattery, oh I forgot to unlock the shock"
I really dislike how the piggy backs take up space where you put a drink bottle currently have a fox float dps seems rough - its only couple rides old might need to have a fiddle
I have that 2024 X2 and wondering about removing the negative air token. I'm 160-165lbs and average rider, not hitting big jumps. You think it would make much difference for me removing the token or just run it stock?
Don’t let me change your mind, if you like the current setup. For sure what 3nd comment said, it jumps better with it in and needs no positive tokens with negative in.
@@JJMassar disagree, this review covers 9 shocks. If you want some instant food type reviews, they are plenty elsewhere. I really appreciate this non-sponsorship and detailed content. This helps me when buying a new shock, unlike other mediocre reviews says everything is great. Also the video has sections you can pick.
Don’t change, i find your directness and ‘advanced’ sarcasm refreshing! - “when your sarcasm is so advanced…people think you are stupid” Remember, when it comes to hurting feelings…it’s not that you don’t care, it’s just that you don’t care that they care! Keep it up!
37:35 "The HBO is clutch on the Vivid. And if your a boomer, clutch means cool I think" - The Otter.
I couldnt stop laughing 😂😂
Lmao 28:57 “I have the climb switch on to make it slower moving and safer down this chunky trail”
It’s firm mode. So don’t bash tell you try it 😉
@ you’re riding an x2 with tons of compression adjustment available and you choose to flip the climb switch. RTFM - don’t bash it until you try it 🤣
@@jlh530i1 ITS NOT A CLIMB SWITCH ARE YOU ABLE TO COMPREHEND THAT????
My jaw kept dropping lower and lower. You're crazy man.
Hey I want to report back that I watched your fork review video and got a Mezzer and Mara combo. Much better feeling than my Fox 36 grip2 and DHX coil. Mara is amazing at how low pressure it needs. I’m 190lbs fully geared.
🍻
Thanks for the excellent video, glad to know I can stop looking at other shocks and stick with the float x factory!👍🏻
I love what you're doing here, not many ppl would go out and buy all these shocks and forks to have a single tester go through them! I think that's a great concept (as opposed to diff people testing diff setups). However, the problem here is... the tester. I don't want to be mean I just want to give you some food for thought, the first few mins you said some things that I believe are incorrect:
* Bigger volume always better: depends on definition of "better". For linear leverage ratio bikes, you'll need to volume reduce a ton anyway if you're riding aggressive, hence why Ohlins made their suggestion of smaller can for linear bikes (if you're not riding aggressive or bottoming out then smaller can also works well there).
* Ohlins comes pre-installed with tokens, everyone should: actually, most vendors do that, depending on the bike setup. BUT tokens depend heavily on the bike and also the rider, so unless the shock vendor knows which bike shock will be installed on, there isn't a best starting point. What worked for you on that bike might be terrible for others on different bikes.
* Less settings is better - I think there are some cases (e.g. when a shock is pre-tuned for a specific bike and you can narrow down the desired settings by valving). But generally more settings = more flexibility, especially if you're buying an aftermarket shock that can go on every single bike.
* Shock is better than coil - different is more accurate. AND on very linear leverage ratio bikes (e.g. less than 18%, like the Levo SL) coil would actually be worse w/o modifications
* You lock out pro-pedal on chunky trails - uhhh, I would've thought that's a joke if I didn't think you're serious. But you definitely want your shock open on chunk, you probably don't have enough air in your shock that's why it feels harsh.
I could go on, but generally I think what you're doing is describing your feeling and initial impressions and that's fine. Maybe that's good for novice riders that don't like tuning their bikes - just go out and ride. But I'm not sure the benefits go beyond that.
Regardless, THANK YOU for this video!
Disagreeing without being disagreeable. Supporting your point with brief, relevant reasons... Is this what UA-cam comments is coming to? 😂
I’m only interested in making better videos, so the harsh comments are appreciated , what would have made it better?
Gotta have tough skin to be on internet. 🛜. The lever on x2 is firm mode not lock out, it’s absolutely amazing, with lower pressure, try before bashing it. Will not back off that 😎
@@OtterMTBtech to each his own. IDK why you'd consider this "tough skin" I was being respectful and just offering my POV w/o taking away from your work. Everything I said IS backed up (I own X2 on one of my bikes). I know it's not lockout but you're welcome to call Fox and find anyone who'd suggest switching to "firm" the more gnar you get. I can turn that suggestion around: try pumping more air in your X2 if you feel it's bottoming out or "wallowing" in the rough. It will open up a whole new world - many many riders think that when the feeling is "harsh" they should let out air when often it's the opposite. And by switching to firm which is ONLY meant for pedaling, you're compensating for something else.
As for the rest of my comments - I stand by them. Not taking away from anything you said, just offering a POV on pre-installed tokens, bigger volume not always better (sometimes worse), and coil shock not always better (sometimes worse).
Lastly - we all want to learn. If you do try some of this stuff out and it changes your opinion, I'm the first one to watch and like your video (as I did here) to see what your revised opinion of the shocks are once you get a canonical view of tokens and air pressure. Thanks!
@@amir_mtb You are 100% right, I feel like the shock felt better under pressured and firm mode on. If I was lighter no need for this band aid. Thanks for comment, I always dig into them for insight on new vidoe's. Any idea how I can make a shock video better?
@@OtterMTBtech it would be interesting enough if you added a quick details of your settings (tokens, psi, etc) and then tested with same bike, although I understand that's very hard to do since you're paying for the units. That's probably the reason nobody is doing that, and then we're left guessing and experimenting ourselves. BTW I do agree with you about the X2 drama, I like my 2024 warranty and use it on my Specialized Enduro but I did have to make adjustments and I think if they could've made the older one work w/o the reliability issues it would be tough for other air shocks to contend in the enduro/downhill category.
Gotta love my Intend Hover Opt damper. feels really coil like and with the small stanchion almost no breakaway force needed. Normal RockShox SuperDeluxe Ultimate rc2t was okayish. But the initial suppleness in my frame was not really good.
I’ve been running the Ohlin's RXF 36m2 and TTX 2 for about 4 seasons now, and I’ve used them on two completely different suspension setups: a very progressive YT Jeffsy with a 4-bar Horst link, and a Yeti SB130 with its much more linear ratio in the Infinity Switch system.
One thing I really like is how the High-Speed Compression adjustment works on both the fork and damper-it’s definitely a standout feature. That said, for better understanding, I think the adjustment levels would be easier to grasp if Ohlin's switched from numeric labels to something like "Cruse," "Party Time," and "Hard Work." It would make things much more intuitive for riders.
I completely agree with your thoughts on this suspension. In both setups, I noticed that the damper felt a bit too active at first glance. I made adjustments and tried to fight it initially, but over time I learned to adapt and now I really enjoy it. It’s been a great experience overall.
For reference, I’m 175cm tall and weigh 85kg fully geared up. My riding is about 70% red natural trails, with a mix of uphill's and downhills.
Thanks for making such a thorough review-it’s clear you put a lot of effort into it! If you’re ever looking for more topics for future videos, I’d personally love to see a suspension review backed by telemetry data. That would be super insightful. Keep up the great work!
Totally agree, simple is the best, like the Manitou work and party. But only ohlins can make damper so good at the time.
The telemetry system 🤔. Will work on that
i had a jade x coil on a Tyee. magical shock.
now i'm running super ultimate coil but we're here to talk about AIR. i think the vivid is a great shock, im not overly crazy about it and i think it's hyped up, but it's better than the fox X i removed. also running super deluxe ultimate.
the BEST and FREE shock i've run so far is non existent, because it's on a hardtail 🥇
Coil on a Tyee, you must be a very light rider? That bike has an insane leverage ratio (210 x 55 for 160 travel), probably the least friendly enduro bike to heavy riders.
@@mrvwbug4423 what's that got to do with anything? springs are made to support heavy riders.
Would you consider trying smaller / less well known brands like Formula or X fusion or Intend? It could be interesting to see how those stack up, you have one of the most thorough suspension reviews I've seen of any of these shocks.
I know this is air shock video but hot damn those DVO Coil shocks are out of this world! Props to DVO for making some amazing coil shocks and what appears to be a very good air shock too.
The Topaz is trash, the bladder in the piggyback blows out, and it his ZERO mid-stroke support and not much bottom out resistance. Like most DVO, flashy looks, crap QC
Let’s keep it positive here. The bladder is the boss. Don’t forgot to fill it.
@ Just my personal experience with the Topaz, the bladder would pop out on a semi-regular basis, but I know the trick to reseat the bladder (pump it up to 230psi then drop back to normal pressure).
Loved it! What pressure did you end up riding in the piggyback of the Mara? I've been on one for 3 years now and rate it as next level!
Good and enjoyable test.
Thank you!
You know Ohlins is having a blader, so it's having the secret sauce
It’s actually doesn’t in the air shock. It had a micro small IFP, that almost feels like a bladder. I’m making a video bladder shock vs not. The smaller the IFP the faster they move. The bladder is not as critical in air since they already move fast. But it does help it. Coil it’s like day and night.
thats why i love the DNM RCP2s shock. Very simple, Very Cheap and made for heavy rider. 2nd is the DVO Jade Downhill, basically the same as DNM. super simple to set up.
Yes, it’s like roll up windows, never breaks
I just bought a Fox DHX
Just out of curiousity, when you got bucked hard enough on the X2 to need to use the climb switch, which trail was that on? I'm familiar with the trails in the PDX area so was wondering which trail did this. I could see maybe getting bucked on the step downs on Thrillium or the bigger hits at Post Canyon, but definitely not on anything in Sandy Ridge or at Timberline. I wonder if taking the negative token out caused that issue? I have a 2023 Altitude with an X2 so also insanely progressive frame, and absolutely never get bucked and I also weigh 220, I run the 35% sag RM recommends on the 2023 Altitude, keep the LSC/LSR on the light side and enough HSC/HSR to take the bigger hits and run zero tokens in the positive chamber and never touched the negative token, rides almost as smooth as a coil and takes big hits like a beast. It's also the specific tune for the RM Altitude and is a 2024 warranty special.
It’s Nestor, but let’s not talk about which trail 😉. Hiding from the Karens at Post.
That was on Kenevo. 15% less progressive, but recently I just dumped the x2 to 240 psi and added firm mode lever, it’s not a climb switch, it’s a 2nd base valve, I couldn’t find any documents that said you can’t ride on it. Rides like a legend I think.
Also I got mullet link on the bike to cure the pedal strikes
@ Oh I know for sure you can ride on it haha, I've forgotten to open it a few times and was just like "why's my bike so chattery, oh I forgot to unlock the shock"
running ohlins ttx, have to say it is magic shock on my canyon spectral with rs lyrik fork
Good to hear, don’t let me change your mind on it
I really dislike how the piggy backs take up space where you put a drink bottle currently have a fox float dps seems rough - its only couple rides old might need to have a fiddle
Legend!
Legend riders, wish I could get that out of my head from Sam’s bikes
I have that 2024 X2 and wondering about removing the negative air token.
I'm 160-165lbs and average rider, not hitting big jumps.
You think it would make much difference for me removing the token or just run it stock?
Take out the positive tokens if there are any, then run your LSC/LSR on the light side. The negative token gives the X2 a lot of its mid-stroke.
Don’t let me change your mind, if you like the current setup. For sure what 3nd comment said, it jumps better with it in and needs no positive tokens with negative in.
Damn guess I gotta throw my 2025 x2 in the trash and get ohlins.
Don’t let me change your mind, If you enjoy it 😉
@OtterMTBtech Haha nah I haven't even gotten a chance to throw it on the bike yet. This month for sure though.
I would say good overall review but at the end show a summary of all shocks and there scores.
Hi, so floatX (not x2) is the best supportive to 250 lb pig friend of mine?
I’m not far off 250, manitou does the best
Mmmm some decent and long day out can change shock pressure of more than 3 psi. Too sensitive to air pressure is definitely getting a thumb down
Trump OUT / Otter IN
😂, videos are becoming the equivalent of a Trump post.
56 minutes? I give you props for reviewing these but dang man, shorten it up. Too long of a video for the content.
You know you can fast forward right?
@ Very well aware. Still, too much info. All of it could have been delivered in about 20 minutes max.
@@JJMassar disagree, this review covers 9 shocks. If you want some instant food type reviews, they are plenty elsewhere. I really appreciate this non-sponsorship and detailed content. This helps me when buying a new shock, unlike other mediocre reviews says everything is great. Also the video has sections you can pick.
@@JJMassar you should do a short version and show everyone how it's done 👍🏻
@@CatLife0 That would be sick!