Elka Suspension recently released three complete shock packages aimed at three distinct types of riders ; the Recreational Kit, Sport Kit, and ProKit. The idea was to simplify the pro-cess for customers in determining which shocks suited their needs and budget as well as to offer a bit of discount for buying a complete package all at once.
After discussing the differences between the packages with Accelerated Technologies, a well known suspension performance shop and Elka dealer in Buckhorn, Ontario, Canada, I was intrigued by the Sport Kit. This kit seemed ideal for those who enjoy spirited to aggressive riding and either weren’t content with the performance of their worn-out stock shocks or simply wanted to upgrade to a product that offered more adjustability to fine-tune ride quality and handling. The package also seemed like an ideal way of upgrading value-based models to shocks that equal or exceed those found on more expensive trail performance sleds.
The Sport Kit consists of a pair of Stage 4 ski shocks, a Stage 4 rear shock, and a Stage 2 centre shock.The Stage 4 ski shocks feature rebound adjustment, low speed compression adjustment, threaded spring pre-load adjustment, and dual rate springs while the Stage 4 rear shock features rebound and low speed compression adjustment. The Stage 2 centre shock features rebound adjustment, threaded spring pre-load adjustment, and dual rate springs.I chose a2012 Ski-Doo MXZ TNT to use as the test sled for the Elka SportKit as it represents a large number of late model sleds that are due for updating as well as popular value-based models. The 2012 MXZ TNT features a 120″ track around the SC-S rear sus-pension, dual A-arm front suspension(commonly referred to as RAS-1), and is based on the REV-XP chassis.Prior to ordering the Elka Sport Kit,Accelerated Technologies spent quite a bit of time with me discussing my riding habits and tendencies, what I liked and didn’t like about the stock suspension performance and handling of the 2012 MXZ TNT, what my current suspension settings were, and what my weight was.
As well as being anElka Suspension dealer, AcceleratedTechnologies is a suspension specialtyshop so when they place the order foryour shocks they are manufactured andcalibrated specifically for you and howyou ride your sled. Once the shocksare installed Accelerated Technologieswill spend some time with you, either inperson or over the phone, to help set-upthe sled and achieve the handling andride quality you want. This is a definite added value as suspension upgrades aren’t a small investment and know-ing how to get the best out of your new shocks ensures you’ll never second guess your purchase.Before I installed the shocks I took the TNT out for a ride and logged 275km (171 miles) in a wide range of trails and noted my suspension settings.