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DVO Jade vs Jade X

53K views 59 replies 28 participants last post by  Jayem  
#1 ·
Can anyone explain the differences between these two shocks? And if there is any difference in how they perform? I know the X has the 3 way lockout switch that works really well to go from fully open DH type feel, to the mid being great for trail riding and a bit firmer, and then just about full lockout and like a hardtail in the last setting.

If I'm riding all around or enduro type trails where I need to pedal at least 50% of the time, but also want my bike to perform well in steep fast DH trails (like Bike Parks or other gnarly steep fast trails), is there any difference between the two? Other than the 3 way lockout lever? I'd be running this shock on my Megatower. I think I saw somewhere that a review of the Jade X mentioned that the 3 way lever is amazing for having more options. That if you run it open, it's like a mini DH feel, then the mid setting is more like a trail bike (firm but still supple), and then the full lockout makes it like a hardtail for fireroads or just flat riding. Anyone that owns either shock find that to be the case?

I see the regular Jade has the large piggyback and the X doesn't. What kind of performance differences will you notice with one over the other? I know that in general a piggyback shock will run cooler over a longer time period, and reduce harsh feelings under fast compression and large repeated hits. So meaning, a piggyback shock usually is better for descending.

And then what kind of control setting differences are there? I can't seem to find much of any info or reviews on either. I know most good or high end shocks have LSC, LSR, HSC, and HSR adjustments. Does either the Jade or Jade X have these as well?

Also would just love to hear people's thoughts on either shock if you own one? What kind of bike is it on, what type of riding do you do, and how does it work compared to other shocks you've owned? I know DVO makes good stuff, and has amazing customer service, but there's not many reviews or info at all about either shock. So just looking for more real world experience with them.

Thanks
 
#3 ·
The main piston end of the shocks are identical, but the Jade has a better compression circuit with adjustable high and low speed copmpression

Jade X is the same as a Topaz 2, but even with way more oil displacement from the larger shaft the middle setting has no increase of damping at low speed and a huge increase at high speed. The climb mode is rock solid though.

I would take the Jade (or jade DH I think they call it now?)
 
#4 ·
I know the X has the 3 way lockout switch that works really well to go from fully open DH type feel
That's like one of the biggest pieces of wool ever draped over our eyes by the industry, that "DH" should blow through the travel like that and offer no real LSC support. Partially because most of their stuff makes the shock an un-ridable jackhammer when you do this, but that's because they refuse to use the damping circuits and tunes that allow for it, like Push and a few others use...
 
#8 ·
So in your opinion DVO and other companies are just blowing smoke up our a$$e$? And this Jade X shock is a POS? From the little I know about DVO, they seem to be the exact opposite of that. They are a small hardcore company making high quality suspension parts. Can you elaborate in detail about your opinions, provide facts, etc? I'm curious why you're so against them, yet almost everything I read about them is great. Thanks
 
#5 ·
I have owned and used both.

Jade was on a 2012/2013 SC Heckler a few years ago and it was really good as a shock and still would be really good on various frames.

Jade X was used on an Insurgent and Mojo 4 HD this past summer.

Also very good, very much like a Topaz and Jade had a baby with elements of both ending up in the Jade X.

The three way switch on the Jade X is actually handy and useful which surprised me to be honest as sometimes the positions aren't that different or are hard to use effectively.

In actual use with the Jade X I tended to use the open position most of the time with middle position as the climb switch as the firm position is pretty firm so less useful for my preferences.

You can't really go wrong with either in my opinion and if I was in the market for a coil I would take either without hesitation.

If I had to choose one I would probably go Jade X because it is newer but that is like picking between blueberry pie vs cherry pie.

Pie is pie (yummers) and personal preference drives that decision...if that makes any sense at all.
 
#9 ·
I have owned and used both.

Jade was on a 2012/2013 SC Heckler a few years ago and it was really good as a shock and still would be really good on various frames.

Jade X was used on an Insurgent and Mojo 4 HD this past summer.

Also very good, very much like a Topaz and Jade had a baby with elements of both ending up in the Jade X.

The three way switch on the Jade X is actually handy and useful which surprised me to be honest as sometimes the positions aren't that different or are hard to use effectively.

In actual use with the Jade X I tended to use the open position most of the time with middle position as the climb switch as the firm position is pretty firm so less useful for my preferences.

You can't really go wrong with either in my opinion and if I was in the market for a coil I would take either without hesitation.

If I had to choose one I would probably go Jade X because it is newer but that is like picking between blueberry pie vs cherry pie.

Pie is pie (yummers) and personal preference drives that decision...if that makes any sense at all.
So you're saying the 3 way switch actually works well and has noticeable differences, but then above two master tuners are saying they think there is little to no difference between open and mid settings? Wonder why there is this discrepancy? I've also read a few other reviews of the Jade X, and they too are glowing and state that it is a fantastic shock and better than any other brand/model they've tried. Wondering why riders are saying they work so well and yet tuners are saying it's not that great and sort of gimmicky? Not that they are saying it's bad, just that it's not all DVO claims it is.

Is it because of the lack of adjustability on the Jade X and this: "the Jade has a better compression circuit with adjustable high and low speed compression." Is the compression circuit tunable from DVO through their custom tune program? And if so, then wouldn't that allow you to get the Jade X running as good or better than a stock Jade?

And how big of a deal is it to not have adjustable high and low speed compression? I know if a good tuner gets into a shock, they can change/tune the internals so that it almost doesn't even need external adjustment ability. So would that be the case here as well with the Jade X? If DVO did a custom tune for me, would it then perform much better and be a worthy shock? Or still be limited and have issues?

Just trying to get a sense of HOW important is it to have the ability to adjust the LSC/HSC and LSR/HSR? And same question about the compression circuit. Can't DVO just tune the Jade X to be as good or better than a stock Jade? Or is that not how it works?

I'm strongly considering getting a Marzocchi Bomber CR custom tuned, or something like the DVO Jade/Jade X or CC DB Kitsuma Coil? I know getting ANY shock custom tuned to me, my weight, height, riding style, bike, trails, etc is always going to be better than a stock shock. But how much am I loosing by not having the 4 adjustable parameters of LSC/HSC, LSR/HSR? That is one of the reasons why DVO or CC is attracting me. And DVO can custom tune the shock to me, so that plus having lots of adjustability would give me lots of control over the shock for different conditions.
 
#6 ·
I went for the jade x on my Megatower (still haven't ridden it, but weekend is coming). From open to trail infinf it to have significant difference. Lock mode is making the bike ride like a hardtail.

I've read somewhere that the regular jade, will not fit, due to the bigger reservoir.

I believe the best thing to do, is call dvo and ask them directly. You'll have all your questions answered.
 
#10 ·
I went for the jade x on my Megatower (still haven't ridden it, but weekend is coming). From open to trail infinf it to have significant difference. Lock mode is making the bike ride like a hardtail.

I've read somewhere that the regular jade, will not fit, due to the bigger reservoir.

I believe the best thing to do, is call dvo and ask them directly. You'll have all your questions answered.
I did just that this morning and asked them a bunch of these questions. In regard to the reservoir being too big possibly, isn't it the same size aprox as all other shocks with a reservoir? Like the bike came with a RS SD Ultimate Coil shock, and it has a large reservoir that obviously works just fine, as the CC frame comes stock from SC with that shock.
 
#13 ·
Off the shelf suspension has to cover a wide variety of bikes with different leverage curves. And a wide variety of rider weights. So having a lot of adjustability is great but the difference between each click of a dial is to drastic (or doesn't do anything really) so you'll be stuck with a shock that only works for you in a small range with no ability to fine tune. Since you're not changing the internals you're only choking off oil flow. Most of the time this just causes the shock to either have to be run open without support or it will get overwhelmed and feel harsh. DVO and Manitou are better because their is assistance in getting in the shock and changing shims. But if the piston isn't shaped well you're still going to have issues.
 
#15 ·
I originally ordered a Jade but from their Covid manufacturing delays it would have been a very long time before I got one. They offered me a Jade X for the same price as the Jade instead so I took it. I really did want the externally adjustability of the Jade but figured I can just call DVO and ask for a recommended tune I can do myself.

I only have about a dozen rides on the Jade X so far thanks to wet weather but it's a monumental improvement over the two air shocks I've tried on my Rune. The DPX2 was mediocre at best and a Topaz T3 was a slight improvement over the DPX2. The Jade X is drastically smoother with small bump which I expected since it is a coil but the bike feels much more predictable and glued to the trail on rough downhills. It performs great everywhere except it's a bit soft for landing from some fairly large drops. I do think I'm a little under sprung with how much preload I need to put on the shock for 30% sag but it probably wouldn't hurt to have a little more HSC for me.

The two firmer switch positions are very firm. I'm 160lbs so if you're heavier the middle position might be a good trail position. For me it's to firm and I just leave it open unless on gravel or pavement. The firmest position is completely locked out unless you bounce hard into the bike.

A custom tune is always going to perform better than an off the shelf shock. Unless that stock tune just happens to match up perfectly to your bike, your weight, your riding style on your local terrain. DVO makes it pretty easy to do that yourself but since most of us aren't experts it might take some trial and error to find a good setup.
 
#19 ·
I guess one of the differences is actually owning and using one versus pontificating on what it could do, should do, or in theory does not do.

As far as the master tuners go one is a Manitou stan and the other is an Avalanche stan.

That has been pretty consistent if you look at their posting history and that doesn't mean they don't have valid opinions at times or that either product isn't good it is just that wasn't what you were asking about which is Jade vs Jade X and how that all works.

I wasn't sure about not having HSC/LSC as an adjustment because I feel like that potentially means someone else has decided what you need which might work out and it might leave you wanting more/something different to adjust.

On the Topaz and Jade X that hasn't been an issue and what surprised me with the Jade X was that the overall concept felt more refined or more pronounced maybe is a better way to describe it.

The net effect was that the did feel unique and the Jade X was very set and forget and flip the switch from time to time depending on the situation.

Maybe being a coil has something to do with that, maybe DVO has made some adjustments to the Jade X based on what they saw on the Jade and Topaz.

I could see at the far ends of the spectrum - weight, riding style, both - the Jade X approach might need some consultation with DVO to adjust but it is a very comfortable shock and other than flipping the switch for climbing and descending it blends in and handles business.
 
#20 ·
I've owned a Jade X for 5mo and actively ride aggressive enduro with it. It's a nice shock. The 3-position switch has very noticeable differences between open/trail/lockout. I don't even use lockout on a fire road because of how locked it is. Trail mode is very solid for all types of climbing and lighter trails.

Although I've never tried it, I would go with the Jade if it fit my frame because I would like to have HSC/LSC adjustments. If you don't want to futz around with tuning, though, the Jade X would be the better choice.
 
#21 ·
Cool, thanks for all the info everyone. Good stuff. I'm just going to get my shock I have (or buy the Bomber CR) custom tuned by Avalanche like I had already planned on doing months ago. I was just curious about DVO as it seemed like they were making really cool stuff that was better than everyone else (same with Ohlins). But the more I talk with you guys on here, the more you make me realize that NO stock shock, no matter how good it is, or claims to be, can beat a well tuned shock for you, your bike and your terrain. I don't know why I keep thinking some new shiny brand I discover would be better, haha. Thanks for setting me straight
 
#22 · (Edited)
I'll start my reply by calling out Jayem because I consider most of his posts accurate and I consider him an "influencer"... states that he's tried "DVO" but not specifically the Jade X. Well I own one. It is, WITHOUT QUESTION, the most foolproof coil shock I've ever used (just make sure you get the spring rate right) and a NIGHT AND DAY improvement over any stock shock I've ever ridden. I've owned Avy modified coils. PUSH modified coils and airs, World Cup modified X-Fusions, you name it. The Jade X is the best trail/enduro shock out-of-the-box that this planet has seen and I'll put my reputation on that statement. You can change the IFP pressure with an air pump trailside, shim stack it any way you want (GOODBYE $300 custom tunes!!!) and rebuild it entirely at home no problemo. The old school BS in this thread makes me want to hurl. I am in no way sponsored by DVO but I do TELL IT LIKE IT IS as most of you already know. Apparently Remy Metallier also thinks the same...
But hey, what do we know?

Have FUN!

THE G MAN

PS - My advice is to only comment on things you have actually tried. I've been guilty of jumping to conclusions before and have eaten crow... doesn't taste good!
 
#23 · (Edited)
LMAO... I'll start my reply by calling out Jayem because I consider most of his posts accurate and he's an "influencer"... states that he's tried "DVO" but not specifically the Jade X. Well I own one. It is, WITHOUT QUESTION, the most foolproof coil shock I've ever used (just make sure you get the spring rate right) and a NIGHT AND DAY improvement over any stock shock I've ever ridden. I've owned Avy modified coils. PUSH modified coils and airs, World Cup modified X-Fusions, you name it. The Jade X is the best trail/enduro shock out-of-the-box that this planet has seen and I'll put my reputation on that statement. You can change the IFP pressure with an air pump trailside, shim stack it any way you want (GOODBYE $300 custom tunes!!!) and rebuild it entirely at home no problemo. The old school BS in this thread makes me want to hurl. I am in no way sponsored by DVO but I do TELL IT LIKE IT IS as most of you already know. Apparently Remy Metallier also thinks the same...
But hey, what do we know?

Have FUN!

THE G MAN

PS - My advice is to only comment on things you have actually tried. I've been guilty of jumping to conclusions before and have eaten crow... doesn't taste good!
I have the Jade.

My favorite right now is the Bomber CR, but that's mostly due to a bad EXT tune I believe. None of these matches the old Avy Chubbie I had. The transition to HSC was so seamless and effortless, despite having large amounts of LSC/LSR. The tuned RC4 I had was decent, better than both the Jade and the Bomber, but on that bike the LC was too low and it would use too much travel no matter how stiff the damping was set. It wouldn't bottom, it would just use too much for bigger hits. With a better LC, that issue is gone. I will say the Jade is not bad, it's my 2nd favorite big-bike-shock that I own right now out of 4. Ironically the EXT and Vorsprung SD are last. I have more tuning to do with the SD since I just got it back and have to play with air cans, bands and tokens some more.

I haven't even thought about digging into the Jade yet. I did re-valve the Bomber CR with their light main piston setup, that seems to work decently (finally) for my bike. I re-valved the SD and thought I was getting close. but wanted to try Vorsprung...now it kicks pretty hard on impacts and it seems that I have to run the rebound at a max of 2-3 clicks. These things I can address if need be, as the SD is super easy to work on, but I gotta play with it to see if the Vorsprung tune is good or not. I do not recommend re-valving a Bomber CR at home. I did it, but it's a nightmare without special equipment. Night and day with the RS Super Deluxe. That is MADE to be bled at home. No stupid strange fittings, normal metric internals, bleed screws for proper air-free bleed, etc. No special tools to buy (I bought the IFP spacer and shaft clamps, but you don't really need those). So hopefully the Jade is the same way.

The biggest issue I'm seeing right now is aftermarket shocks are just screwed up for many of the bikes they are being put on. With so much stuff moving to metric, lower LR are now more common and most bikes need pretty light tunes. IMO, these light tunes should be the "medium" tunes that all the aftermarket shocks are coming with. As it is, these are mostly ending up very over-damped IMO. This may just be the way they want to err, so a fatter rider won't blow the shock to pieces due to the high speed circuit not choking off enough flow, but again, I think with metric things need to shift down a step and IME, they haven't. So you can always tune, but there are so many variables that it's really hard to get it right. Pre-packaged tunes are probably the best to experiment with for most people, as when you start re-stacking on your own you should really pay for restackor, because seemingly small mods make huge differences and you end up just shooting randomly in the air with little chance of success.
 
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#27 ·
Hi all!
Just to add to what Gman said, I also own a Jade X since last year and I am still amazed at how well it works. I am 180lbs with kit and it's installed on a '20 Meta AM with a Cane Creek progressive spring. I have used te3-position compression lockout once and turned it back to open a few seconds after. Rebound is around 3/4 out from closed (can't remember exaclty how many clicks) and it's quite fast, which I like.

I initially wanted the regular Jade for the added adjustments, but due to supply issues in June last year, the Jade wasn't coming in stock until July. Wanting to finish my new build, I decided to get the Jade X and see what happens. I then bought the regularJade when they came back in stock and never installed it yet. I sent it to DVO recently so they could instal the new thicker black shaft and rebound needle on it since I have a clevis driven shock and wanted the strongest setup possible.

The Jade x will be due for a service this winter but I haven't had any issue with it at all, and it still feels like new after 80hours. I check the bladder pressure once in a while and it never changed. Buying the regular Jade was probably unnecessary as I don't know if I could find the same sweet spot as the Jade X haha. But I like to try stuff so it's part of the fun and it will be something new to try next summer.

All in all, if you want a set and forget shock that works awesome, the Jade X is excellent. Oh, and I also ride a Diamond D2 with the OTT st the softest setting and it feels perfect too. Open compression, rebound 1 click from open, nothing to say. I had a Cane Creek Helm Coil Mk1 this summer and never gelled with it before sending it to warranty. We'll see if it's better afterwards, but the Diamond feels so much better. I think that DVO really nailed their tunes for the kind of riding that I do : Black and double black trails in rocky and often wet Quebec terrain.
 
#33 ·
Hi all!
Just to add to what Gman said, I also own a Jade X since last year and I am still amazed at how well it works. I am 180lbs with kit and it's installed on a '20 Meta AM with a Cane Creek progressive spring. I have used te3-position compression lockout once and turned it back to open a few seconds after. Rebound is around 3/4 out from closed (can't remember exaclty how many clicks) and it's quite fast, which I like.

I initially wanted the regular Jade for the added adjustments, but due to supply issues in June last year, the Jade wasn't coming in stock until July. Wanting to finish my new build, I decided to get the Jade X and see what happens. I then bought the regularJade when they came back in stock and never installed it yet. I sent it to DVO recently so they could instal the new thicker black shaft and rebound needle on it since I have a clevis driven shock and wanted the strongest setup possible.

The Jade x will be due for a service this winter but I haven't had any issue with it at all, and it still feels like new after 80hours. I check the bladder pressure once in a while and it never changed. Buying the regular Jade was probably unnecessary as I don't know if I could find the same sweet spot as the Jade X haha. But I like to try stuff so it's part of the fun and it will be something new to try next summer.

All in all, if you want a set and forget shock that works awesome, the Jade X is excellent. Oh, and I also ride a Diamond D2 with the OTT st the softest setting and it feels perfect too. Open compression, rebound 1 click from open, nothing to say. I had a Cane Creek Helm Coil Mk1 this summer and never gelled with it before sending it to warranty. We'll see if it's better afterwards, but the Diamond feels so much better. I think that DVO really nailed their tunes for the kind of riding that I do : Black and double black trails in rocky and often wet Quebec terrain.
According to your input,
*every new bike with it's original suspension needs to be custom tuned for the rider
*every newly bought suspension needs to be custom tuned for the rider and his bike

That's one of the reason that I've got my fork and shock fully tuned for me and my bike from DVO.
And it really does make a difference.
 
#29 ·
So you are saying they’ve done something that no one in the history of suspension has achieved yet?
 
#30 · (Edited)
Let's just say that their damping tune is about as "universal" as you can get and I'll leave it at that. This business of sending every shock to PUSH or AVY or even the OEM is no longer a requirement and I'll put my reputation on the line with that statement because anyone can shim a Jade X to their liking easily at home. There is NOT another shock like it at the moment and all this old school thinking is just flat out wrong (keep in mind I'm talking about a shorter travel trail/enduro bike with a shorter shock stroke which is probably part of the equation).

Have FUN!

G MAN
 
#31 ·
So I've just picked up a Jade X, and from a non-expert but theoretically-minded perspective, it is an absolute hell of a shock. I fitted it to a 2020 Commencal Meta AM 29, replacing an admittedly underspecced RS Deluxe Select +

The "Open" mode is incredibly smooth, responsive, and supportive when you need it. The "firm" mode is quite literally making this 160mm enduro sled into a hardtail. This is just insame IMO. The "mid" option is a bit of no-mans land. Probably good for rough climbs or super smooth flow trails.

This shock in particular was rebuilt by the awesome NZ DVO dealer out of the box so I expect it will last for quite a while compared to regular factory builds.
 
#32 ·
I’ve owned multiple DVO suspension products, including a Jade on a previous Banshee Prime and a Jade X on a Ripmo. Overall outstanding products. I try not to be a hype machine, but the Jade X is at least AS GOOD as any other off-the-shelf coil shock on the market.

And it’s generally cheaper and user serviceable. Not important until you get the news that the turnaround time on your DHX2 service is 8 weeks.
 
#35 ·
I weigh 195lbs with kit and run a 525/650 Prorate spring on my JadeX. Bladder at 185 to 190psi, based on values recommended online. What I am after is a 'softer' feeling rear end. It's almost as if I have too much support (running 30% sag now already).

Would changing to 180psi be an issue with my weight? Thinking of cavitation... Any opinions welcome!
 
#37 ·
FYI If you buy the Jade or Jade X from DVO, they will do a custom tune for $100.

I had them tune a Topaz T3 for me for my me and my Tilt and it feels amazing. Not sure how it would have felt in stock format.
 
#38 ·
I have a Bomber cr which I already Liked in my 140mm reartravel trailbike. But I send IT to M-suspensiontech which Exchanges all Pistons and valves in the shock inclusive custom valving For 150 Euro. You do Not have a climb Switch but around 12 clicks lsc. It really Made the shock a whole Other beast. As the Bike ist already really progressive I do Not Need an HBO in this Bike. But nevertheless ,ou would Not Need more shock For this Applikation. Recommend
 
#39 ·
Jeff Lanosky did a great Jade X review in 2020. Be forewarned he got the left and right video panels reversed at 6:15 on the drop. Watch the switch position so you don‘t confuse his narration. Otherwise great.


Does anybody have comments about Jade X valve reliability or other failures 3-4 years out?

(Ripmo V2 owner coming off a Fox FF X2 shock.)
 
#48 ·
I ordered a used Jade X at an attractive price (well under 50% of MSRP). It gets me in the door at the coil club. The Jade X should arrive this week, then I’ll start the process of coil selection – or I will cut bait if I hate it. Good to have a backup shock if for no other reason.

Jade and Jade X replacement parts are getting sparse at the DVO webage, so when this shock fails it’s a throwaway.
 
#49 ·
Just ordered a Jade X for 350. Wondering if I should have gone Prime for 420...I'm not much of a tuner, just coil curious. Gonna be using a Sprindex coil.
 
#51 ·
Darn, well I'm cheap and I'll probably just roll with the Jade X. I bet $70 that I wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyways. I'm pretty jaded when it comes to MTB tech marketing :)