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Does anyone have experience with the Smack Stack from The Shock Howse for the DPX2? Smack Stack — The Shock Howse
Does anyone have experience with the Smack Stack from The Shock Howse for the DPX2
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Given Vorsprung and Avalanche don’t tune them because they say what can be done is very limited, I am suspect. The lack of any detail as to what is done also makes me question it. I would proceed cautiously.
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That's why I am asking if anyone has any experience. I sent them an email asking what exactly is being tuned or replaced in the shock. I have read Craig's paragraph on his page about the limitations in tune DPX2 shocks which made me very curious about this tuning process.
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Funny timing. I emailed Mike about this just a few days ago, below is what he sent me about the smack stack.
What the Smack Stack does in the DPX2 is force more oil through the low speed compression circuit, so you get more chassis stability through g-outs, cornering, and off lips. It then also supports the high speed compression circuit so when you hit something hard, it generates more compression force to resist bottom outs. (Hence the name, Smack Stack). Basically, it's speed-sensitive valving so the faster the shock is compressing, the more compression force it generates. This allows you to run smaller volume spacers in the air can so you get a more linear feel, like that of a coil, for added traction when the going gets rough. The softer initial feel is also supported by the inreased low speed compression so you don't get the pedal bob, and poof, that's the Smack Stack.
I've read a few very short positive Google reviews that mention the smack stack, as well as a post on the Orbea thread here (post 745). I made an appointment for him to do it to my DPX2 next month but I'll be watching this closely to decide if I actually go through with it. He did mention that whatever he does can be undone if you don't like it.
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This seems to be very similar to what Craig at Avalanche is describing for the DPX2 with his SSD and HSB mod.
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Last I checked, all dampers were speed sensitive. The real question is if it position sensitive, i.e. true bypass racing shocks used in baja racing.
All they are doing is putting a stiffer shim stack in. The problem is that in that shock, the oil goes both ways through both low speed needles (low speed compression adjuster affects both compression and rebound, same goes for the rebound adjuster) So now with the stiffer stack most oil flow will go through the needles (if the stack is stiff enough, it will never open and all flow will always be only through the needles) which will require the low speed dampening to be run more open, which will make the funky rebound that already has too much high speed and not enough low speed, even worse.
The only benefit of doing this mod I can see is if you are bottoming hard regularly and have already maxed out on volume spacers.
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I may go for an Ohlins TTX2AIR or TTX1AIR for my Stumpjumper Evo and keep the DPX2 as a spare. His price for the mod is about the same as a 125hr service at most places so I may send it out to him anyways and get the mod as part of the service. Dougal's comment on the shock confirms what I feel about the DPX2 as a very compromised and inflexible shock.
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I’ve had Mike tune a bunch of stuff, including smashstacking. Mike does a great job with his tuning. Give him a call—he’s a suspension tuner, and he’s willing to talk with you and explain what he does.
Personally, that was the only way i could get the DPX2 feeling right. It was a great backup shock i had for my megatrail.
I still prefer coil, so that’s all I’m running now is coil forks and rear shocks. Mike now tunes all my shocks and forks, and does a fantastic job. I know a lot of people dig Craig, and that’s cool (haven’t tried his stuff to know) but find someone who can tune things the way you like and use them.
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Fork and shock is due soon for the 125hr service so I may use his service and get a tune at the same time and see how I like it.
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He’s really communicative. If you have an issue with his tune (I think 90 days), i think he guarantees and retunes so you’re happy.
He's been really good with working with me too, especially with some of the questions I have. I have to send one of my forks off for service, and it's worth it to me to send it to him since I have to have him firm up the compression tune a bit anyway.
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I just replaced the DPS that came on my bike with a TTX 1 Air. After only one ride it's a huge difference. No more random spiking / kicking and the TTX feels both more supple and supportive at the same time. Definitely worth it.
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Love the Ohlins suspension. Solid stuff.
I had the Shock Howse tune mine, and it’s been amazing, but I’m sure stock is just as good.
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Ive also heard through an extremely reputable source at Maverick in Denver that Howse is the man for Ohlins tunes. That's high praise considering... Also, Howse has his biz model in really tip top shape: turnaround, sustainability, communication as echo'd by others...
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