Slayer VS Element

why dont you check out the etsx model from rocky. seems like it has benefits of both slayer and element.
I ride the slayer, mostly technical xc trail. prob. a bit overkill for me with the 5" travel and 8" front rotor, but i love it. It rides rock gardens like butter, is very balanced for both climbing and descending (i came from a gf sugar, which was a climbing machine, and believe me i was surprised at how well the slayer clims). My Slayer has given me so much confidence I ride stuff i wouldnt touch last season on my gf sugar.
keep us posted on what you decide, Rocky is a great company

I jnust read your post again, on second though, with the drops, I'd get the Slayer.
You WONT regret it.....

I agree with fishercat, get the slayer. I love my element, but it does not smooth out enough of the bumps for me. At the end of a long downhill my back still aches. The element is great for just cross country without downhill though.

As for problems, my bike is 2 years old and I haven't have any problems yet.

I love my slayer. It handles 4-5 ft. drops just fine. It was definetly a confidence booster. I have an 03 so I don't quite have the full 5 inches in the rear.

I'll keep looking for a Slayer then. It sounds like it will last me for a long time with what I want to do. Anyone with an 02 or newer in a 19" keep me in mind if you want to step up or unload it