Fox vs Icon

Like I said, those that have them swear by them. And there the same price as a nice set of fox or kings .

 

This is from my email discussion with FOX:

Me: DSC only makes shocks stiffer, not possible to adjust (dials) softer than without DSC?

 

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This is from Fox? Or from someone who is in “aftermarket “ sales somewhere?
Because I just got off the phone with a rep who sales fox and read this to him and he just laughed.
I’m confused .

 

I got my FOXs from Accutune off road and they had me give weights and build type and custom tuned the shocks for me. Now, i still plan on doing a custom tuning session to get them dialed in perfect as i have added a bit more weight since then lol.

 

This is right from the Fox DSC page:
http://www.ridefox.com/technology.php?m=truck&t=dsc

"Dual Speed Compression
The Dual Speed Compression (DSC) adjuster provides added control and comfort tuning for on-road use while also offering more aggressive damping for use off-road. The adjuster allows for precise suspension tuning with the simple twist of two clearly defined knobs: No tools and no mess, just a way to easily fine-tune your suspension to best suit your needs in any conditions. The DSC increases both low and high-speed compression levels up to 25%, allowing you to maximize small bump compliance and traction while still having the extra damping required for big hits."

 

Ok so it adjusts up to 25% on both levels.
Soft and firm.
Not sure what your point is ? But that just proves that the “guy from fox” was wrong .

 

I'm not quite sure how that can get any more clear.
"The DSC increases both low and high-speed compression levels up to 25%"

I'm not sure what your definition of "increase" is. High speed, and low speed are not soft and firm, that is the velocity of the shock shaft.

With traditional bypass shocks, there is a lot more tuning you can do as there is a lot more porting to bypass the shock piston and valve stack, and you can bypass the piston and valve stack making them "softer". But when they are fully closed, the fluid is all routed through the piston and valve stack, at that point if you need more aggressive characteristics, you need to take them apart and adjust the valve stack itself.

 

Must be my definition classic

 

Crazy man, I figured you had icon stuff.

 

had them on my old truck, would have no issues running them again but went a different way this time lol

 

So in my opinion the biggest difference between the Icons and Fox shocks is the shape of the force vs velocity curve. Icons, as well as Bilsteins are generally what are refereed to as digressive valving where Fox and I think Kings are more linear or even progressive. Basically digressive shocks are stiffer at slower wheel speeds and resist quick movements proportionally less. This is why a lot of people probably perceive the Icon shocks as stiffer, especially at lower vehicle speeds. Progressive valving is the opposite profile, so they do not resist slow movements

Digressive valving is definitely the preferred choice for handling and controlling body, however. One can think of bumps as high speed suspensions moment where body roll, brake dive, ect. are definitely slower, which digressive valving will control better. They will be stiff over bumps at lower vehicle speeds but as the vehicle speed increases so does the wheel speed when hitting bumps and they will become a bit more smooth.

Off road it is somewhat different. The Icons are probably more suited to faster desert style driving where the Fox's will probably be a bit better suited on trails and rocks. Digressive valving's resistance to slow speed wheel movement has the befit on road if controlling body motion but off road it not going to want to flex/articulate quite as readily.

One might think progressive has a definite benefit that its increased resistance to high speed movement might help prevent bottom out during hard hits but this is the idea of a bypass shock. There are three zones, center which is where the truck might be at rest, and then a different zone in compression and extension. In compression the shock resists compression more than in the center zone and reduces rebound resistance to get the wheel back to the center more quickly. In extension there is a greater rebound resistance and less compression resistance, all with the idea of getting the wheel to return to center quickly and resist hitting the extremes of travel.

All will perform way better than average shocks so it is mostly a matter of preference. Would you be more comfortable driving every day a Cadillac or a Porsche? For me there is no question, I prefer handling and I will Icons when the I replace my current OME shocks.

 

Well said...Im more of a caddy guy but still prefer my speed.

 

All reservoir mounted compression adjusters are an additional restriction on top of the base valving. Therefore they are only capable of making the shocks stiffer.

Factory valved Fox and King shocks are very soft and bouncy, just like the stock shocks.