Why Crutchfields over Elkas?

[Danno]

I'm starting my shock research for my Xmas present to myself and I'm having a tough time, can someone tell me the advantages of Crutchfields over Elkas? I would be looking at either the Stage 2 Crutchfields which have a dual rate spring setup, no rebound adjust for $700/pair or the Elka Stage 1 which have a triple rate spring setup with rebound adjustment for the same $700/pair. Both are setup to my weight and riding style, both are said to have great customer service, so what am I missing here?

[25TH INFANTRY]

There is no advantage IMO. The rebound on the Elka's is a plus. i would continue to do research and find something thats fully adjustable. "set up for my riding style" sounds like a sales pitch. if you ride on a multiple day trip and after the first day your beat up and want to soften up the ride, how can you do that with no adjustments? hows that set up for your riding style, i don't know about you but my riding style changes from time to time, and the terran. If i was you i would check all your options.
heres one, to add to the list.


FOX RACING SHOX :: ATV : UTILITY : PODIUM X

[Danno]

I would love the Fox but they are way out of my price range. I always keep an eye out for used but if I cant find a set at the time I'm ready to buy I will be buying new, and I wont be spending $2000. Its gonna be either the Elka or the Crutchfield if I cant find a deal on used, just looking for a nice upgrade from stock.

[smaug]

The Elka stage one also has the possibility to almost disengange the midle spring by turning the spring divider up or down. The way it is mountetd on the picture, the midle spring is almost not in use so all the springs together will act less progressive. Mount the divider the other way around and you have a more progressive spring setup. So it says in the Elka manual anyway.

The individual setup is not a sales pitch but of cause the shock can not be perfect in all condition and riding styles with a non adjustably shock, you have to choose what is more important for you. It's all about shimming of the shock piston. I would want a firm shock on the low speed bumps and pretty loose on the faster ones and rebound, so Elka could surley set it up that way for street use, but if I desided to do some GNCC style racing here where I live, the same shock would be useless I guess. Someone other would want something else.

[aclpro]

I just installed some Works G series shocks. They are triple sprung and should be in your price range. They use Eibach springs. I haven't been out for a good ride yet but the initial test ride was very positive. The only bad thing about non adjustable shocks is you have one type of setup for your riding style and terrain type. Be honest with whoever you get your shocks from, rider ability, terrain type and weight with all of your gear you normally ride with.

I looked at Elkas and Crutchfields. The Elka sales guy wanted to sell me their high end shock and that was not in my price range. He finally suggested the stage 1 with a rebound adjuster. I Tried to get a hold of Crutchfield and kept getting Erica's voice mail on her sell phone. I did get a a return call a few days later but it was too late. I had purchased the Works. I am kind of an impulse buyer and when I am ready to buy I get impatient.

I explained my needs to the Works salesman told him what I was doing and what I was comparing. I asked him about the Bilsteins and he said they were good shocks but used old technology, he felt he had a better product. As for his comment on Elka he said a rebound adjuster is nice but if he did his job right it was not necessary. He said Works can do the same thing it's just about how much you want to spend.

[jeffoutty800]

I am ordering Elka's right now. Call matt at atvoutfitters. He can sell them to you cheaper than elka can. I went with Elka because I had them before and know what I am getting, plus the shaft is 5/8" instead of 1/2" like the crutchfield. Another reason is there have been lots of guys on here who have popped cv joints running the crutches. I have heard ed is great to deal with but when the cv joint pops out does he pay to have that fixed? Another thing is the color of the springs. I know that doesn't make a difference in how the shocks perform but they are ugly IMO.

[aclpro]

Te cv joint thing bothered me too, about the Crutchfields, Works came with 5/8 shafts too and could get your choice of spring colors.

[jeffoutty800]

2 of my friends had works and were very happy with them. I just ordered the Elka's from matt at atvoutfitters and he was able to save me about 90 bucks per pair from what Elka wood sell them to me direct. Although I wood recommend calling Elka direct the woman who answers the phone has a very sexy French accent.

[jeffoutty800]

Last I knew one of the guys with the works was wanting to sell his. If interested let me know I will get you details

[camlaw]

Quote: Originally Posted by jeffoutty800

I am ordering Elka's right now. Call matt at atvoutfitters. He can sell them to you cheaper than elka can. I went with Elka because I had them before and know what I am getting, plus the shaft is 5/8" instead of 1/2" like the crutchfield. Another reason is there have been lots of guys on here who have popped cv joints running the crutches. I have heard ed is great to deal with but when the cv joint pops out does he pay to have that fixed? Another thing is the color of the springs. I know that doesn't make a difference in how the shocks perform but they are ugly IMO.

i got stage 2 fronts,,stock length,,,and stage 1 in the back,,,,haven't had any cv-joint problems,,,thought that was with the originals being too long in the back,,,,but anyway,,,if ya go with crutches,,,would get the stage 2 front and back,,,,but think for similar money,,,or close to,,,a more adjustable shock,,,is better,,,but the gal at crutches sounds sweet on the phone,,,couldn't say no,,,