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Why are so many shocks digressive vs progressive?

wanderer

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in looking at shocks
These are the digressive ones
metal cloak black
Falcon
Bilstein
king
progressive
fox
the unknown
Old man, emu
icon

Why are the top brands all digressive vs progressive

What do you think is best for an off-road and why?
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BAKNBLK

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AI :

Digressive shocks offer high low-speed damping for superior handling, stability, and control, making them ideal for cornering and heavy loads, but they can feel stiffer over small bumps. Progressive shocks offer low initial resistance that stiffens with speed, providing better comfort and compliance over small, high-speed bumps but less control during major impacts or g-outs.

Or have quality shocks custom tuned for "your" Jeep from a expert. Will always be better than any off the shelf shock or suspension manufacturers shocks.
Take it further with Bypass shocks tuned ...
 

XJfanatic

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I have one set of each. Both work great, just depends on your preference.

The JT has Bilstein 5100s, the digressive valving is perfect for it with the cap weight high up. But it does ride much rougher over gravel and expansion joints.

The JLU has Rancho MX7s, they are progressive valving and work great. Super smooth on the road and really control everything in longer travel terrain. They would sway like crazy on the JT though.
 

3TV

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You skipped one :) . You didn't mention linear valving. I have talked to Accutune several times and have bought three sets of shocks from them. Accutune told me that they prefer linear valving, which is actually what most King shocks are. There are only a few specific King shock applications that use digressive valving, such as OEM replacement shocks for Bronco rear suspension.

I also have one set of each shock, at least the linear and digressive types. I have King shocks on a 4-door Jeep because I was most concerned with plushness. I have Metalcloak Black shocks on a 2-door Jeep because I was most concerned with handling on the short wheelbase Jeep. They both work very well. When I drive the Jeep with King shocks, I think that Jeep has the best suspension. Then when I drive the Jeep with Metalcloak Black shocks I think that Jeep has the best feel to it. I've been driving both Jeeps for the last 10 months and I have yet to pick a clear winner. Both are better than Fox 2.5 DSC shocks in my opinion.

I would move ICON shocks over to your digressive list and take King shocks off your digressive list.
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