I bought this shock used about two months ago. I've been in touch with stratos a couple of times since then, with a few questions, and about getting another spring and shock bushings, and I must say, that it seems as though their customer service is starting to come back around. I've got some more stuff on order though, and we'll see how they come through on that.
I own/owned avy's, romics, 5th's, and dhx5.0's, and must say that this shock is on par with the avy. It's fricken huge too. I literally cannot tell the difference in the ride between the avy and the stratos. It's that same very heavy damping feel that the avalanche has, that feels dead in the parking lot, but awesome at speed. Adjustments are very noticable, and easy to use. pedaling is not bad, on par with romic and avalanche, but not as good as a 5th or the new fox. Downside is the weight, though they offer a titanium spring, this thing would still be a pig. May not be the best choice for the weight weenie racer type
The quality of construction is extremely high as well, and has some features that i wish were available on other shocks, like the sperical shock mounts. Right now, it's a toss up between the dhx5.0 and the el jefe as my favorite. The DHX definately feels more lively (though it still pedals better), and is a good bit lighter.
All in all, i'm very pleased. This shock makes a great option for some one looking at the avalanche. it's a tad bit cheaper, and they'll do wholesale, so for shop employees, it's a whole lot cheaper than the avy.
I own/owned avy's, romics, 5th's, and dhx5.0's, and must say that this shock is on par with the avy. It's fricken huge too. I literally cannot tell the difference in the ride between the avy and the stratos. It's that same very heavy damping feel that the avalanche has, that feels dead in the parking lot, but awesome at speed. Adjustments are very noticable, and easy to use. pedaling is not bad, on par with romic and avalanche, but not as good as a 5th or the new fox. Downside is the weight, though they offer a titanium spring, this thing would still be a pig. May not be the best choice for the weight weenie racer type
The quality of construction is extremely high as well, and has some features that i wish were available on other shocks, like the sperical shock mounts. Right now, it's a toss up between the dhx5.0 and the el jefe as my favorite. The DHX definately feels more lively (though it still pedals better), and is a good bit lighter.
All in all, i'm very pleased. This shock makes a great option for some one looking at the avalanche. it's a tad bit cheaper, and they'll do wholesale, so for shop employees, it's a whole lot cheaper than the avy.
