RC Shock Cover (Socks) Protection 101

Although our Shock Covers may look cool, this is not their reason of origin. We have been using them for years due to the simplicity of minimizing shock rebuilds. As most avid RCer's see the need to rebuild their shocks for maximum handling performance, we have yet to meet anyone who enjoys doing it, particularly on an eight-shock RC Monster Truck. As with any scale of vehicle, shocks make all the performance difference in the world, with the power-to-weight-ratio's we have these day's if you can't put it to the ground and keep it there, what's the point? Because of this very reason, we pay just as much attention to our shocks and suspension as we do our nitro content or battery conditions.

The problem with RC shocks

All RC shocks share an open-element design factor. Whereas the shock oil must pass between the o-rings and the shock shaft in order for the shock to actuate smoothly, continuously. When the shock shaft is cycled through its range of motion, shock oil is drawn from the shock body leaving a thin coat of oil on the shock shaft at all times. When the shock is extended, the oil-coated shaft is open to the elements where it then becomes a dirt magnet. As the shock is compressed and the shaft is drawn back inside of the shock body, dirt is then introduced to the volume of oil in the shock body. This is why your shock oil is always dirty when you drain them during a rebuild. This very contamination is the major cause of o-ring failure and leaky shocks.  Bad Horsie Shock Covers act as a filter to reduce this dirt build-up and keep your suspension in tune longer.


Importance of design quality and how it effects you

It takes a certain type of stitching method to correctly produce a quality Shock Sock. Many different stitches exist that may work, but with compromise. Intended use, material weight and composition dictate the required stitch pattern and very few machines offer more than one, if any, stitching capabilities for this type of Lycra material, thus, Buyer's Beware! Incorrect stitching as well as incorrect materials will always guarantee an inferior Shock Cover that will fall apart, fit incorrectly and/or cause inconsistent spring rate fluctuations between your shocks.

Bad Horsie Shock Covers are designed for a specific size spring as to offer truly uncompromised functionality without hindering spring rate performance. This is a modeling hobby so aside from functionality, keeping things to "scale" is a huge part of what we do! Which is why a properly made Shock Cover for an RC10 is not going to fit a T-Maxx or a Losi 8ight.

The use of party balloons as a shock protector is and always has been the dumbest thing we have ever seen! It would be a cheap and easy alternative if it worked but it does not. Been there, done that. An RC shock cover must reduce dirt build-up on your shock shafts for prolonging shock rebuilds while not hindering the spring-rate performance of your shocks. Balloons cause inconsistent spring-rates, rip and tear very easily and then retain moisture and dirt around your shock shafts. Why would you do that?


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