[Joe V]

I have a Trek Fuel EX 80 that I'm upgrading. I have a Avid Code 2011 brakes (love'em) and put a RS Reba Race fork on it now it's time to replace the stock Bar rear shock. Of the 2 which is the better shock for just general trail ridding in the mountains with some light downhill, no drops just fast rough DH. Oh, I'm at about 230lbs now but losing weight.
Thanks Joe

 

[TNC]

I gotta admit that I don't know many technical details on the Ario, but the Monarch series is rated as the superior product. I have an earlier Monarch that compares to the RT3, and it is a great shock. It's ability for the owner to tune the IFP pressure is the major plus IMO over the Fox Float series shocks and many others. I notice the Ario appears to have this same feature, but I'll bet the damping elements and possibly the construction is a notch below the Monarch. If you're truly upgrading, don't cheap out at this point between those two shocks.

 

[Joe V]

I was leaning toward the Monarch but having a hard time finding out what "tune" I need, low-med or high, going to call Sram and see what they think.
Thanks for the info, Joe

 

[Vuco]

Monarch has better rebound damping - dual flow rebound as Rockshox calls it. It basically is a high speed rebound which is great for what you said - fast rough DH. It won't pack up on that sort of stuff .

 

[b-kul]

if your not big on fiddling with knobs and such honestly get the ario and save some coin. its a fine shock, get your air pressure and rebound set and forget it. but like i said, if you live to tune the compresion and stuff go for the monarch.

 

[Joe V]

Just got off the phone with Sram and he said med tune and told me how to measure leverage.
travel divided by shock stroke= 100mm/38=2.6
Thanks guys ordering soon