Dobinsons MRR Might NOT be Worth It...

Summary

In a detailed and candid review, Overland Outfitters' Bradden and Ian from Wheel every Weekend delve into the performance of Dobinsons MRR shocks in the Shock Value series. Despite initial excitement, their experience with these shocks was less than stellar. They conducted blind tests, following manufacturer recommendations, only to find performance issues. The shocks were either too stiff or too bouncy, revealing shortcomings in the recommended settings. Despite these challenges, the hosts remain optimistic about tuning the shocks for better performance and plan a follow-up test, hoping to provide viewers with the best possible advice.

Highlights

• The much-anticipated Dobinsons MRR shocks fell short in performance when put to the test. 🤯
• Despite their impressive build and adjustability, the shocks either felt too stiff or too bouncy based on recommended settings. 🚧
• Hosts plan to manually retune these shocks to unlock their potential in a new video episode. 🚀
• The build quality is a plus, with durable paint and innovative design praised by reviewers. 🏆
• Future tests aim to better align shock performance with expectations through hands-on adjustment experiments. 🔄

Key Takeaways

• Dobinsons MRR shocks had disappointing performance in blind tests, being too stiff or too bouncy. 😕
• Initial manufacturer-recommended settings did not deliver the expected results, making the shocks challenging to rate. 📉
• The hosts plan to manually adjust and retest the shocks, hoping to improve their performance in future tests. 🔧
• Overall build quality of the Dobinsons MRR shocks is praised, with highlights on adjustability and durability. 🛠️
• Viewers can expect a follow-up video where the team aims to optimize shock performance through hands-on adjustments. 🎥

Overview

In their latest video, Overland Outfitters and Wheel Every Weekend take a deep dive into the capabilities of Dobinsons MRR shocks. Despite a promising start featuring beautiful Tiffany blue coils, the shocks didn't quite live up to expectations. In blind tests following Dobinson's guidelines, Bradden and Ian found the performance lacking, with the shocks being overly stiff or bouncy. This was a surprise given the build quality and adjustability touted by the brand.

In an earnest attempt to give the shocks the best chance to shine, the duo plans another test round where they will manually adjust the settings themselves. By doing so, they hope to uncover the true potential of these shocks and provide viewers with accurate, firsthand results. They're motivated by their deep commitment to offering the most reliable product insights to their audience, acknowledging the complexity and intimidation consumers might face with adjustable shocks.

Bradden and Ian remain hopeful and excited about the upcoming hands-on adjustment test, which they promise will be showcased in a future video. They aim to optimize the shock's performance, encouraging viewers to stay tuned for more reviews as they strive to bring only the best of the best in automotive products. The detailed, methodical approach not only reflects their dedication but also their respect for the viewer's investment in quality gear.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 00:30: Introduction to Shock Testing The introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of shock testing, specifically in the mid-budget shock series 'shock value series 3.' They conducted blind tests on various shocks, including the Dobinson MRR models. The hosts, Bradden from Overland Outfitters and Ian from Wheel every weekend, express their intent to delve into the specifics of these tests and their outcomes.
• 00:30 - 01:00: Tiffany Blue Coils and Initial Impressions The chapter titled "Tiffany Blue Coils and Initial Impressions" discusses the speaker's affection for Tiffany Blue color, particularly in relation to coils that are of this color. The speaker expresses a strong desire to like the product, but is puzzled by the paint on the coils that is described as being incredibly resilient and impossible to remove.
• 01:00 - 01:30: Durability of Paint and Expectations The chapter discusses the durability of shocks, specifically how some from the previous season have lost half their paint after just one installation. The expectation was that they would be impressive and mind-blowing, but the reality fell short. Despite multiple tests, the shocks did not meet the anticipated performance, leading to disappointment.
• 01:30 - 02:00: Blind Testing and Manufacturer's Recommendations In this chapter titled 'Blind Testing and Manufacturer's Recommendations', the speaker discusses conducting a blind test on shocks with high-speed, low-speed, and rebound adjustments. They reached out to the manufacturer, Dobinson, for advice on optimal settings to ensure an unbiased and effective test. The aim was to set the shocks correctly to provide them with the best opportunity to perform in the tests, given the specific conditions of the truck and weight.
• 02:00 - 02:30: First Test Experience and Adjustments The narrator discusses an initial test experience with a recommended truck setup. The initial setup, including the addition of certain recommended specifications, was found to be unsatisfactory, described as 'awful.' The narrator recalls that the previous season's tests on non-reservoir versions yielded rough results, and expresses skepticism about whether reservoir versions with adjusters would offer any improvement, based on the performance of the normal valving systems.
• 02:30 - 03:00: Retesting and Blind Test Challenges The chapter discusses the challenges faced during retesting and blind testing of a mechanical system, specifically focusing on the valving configurations. Initially, the system's settings, which were recommended, resulted in a much stiffer response than anticipated. This led to the hypothesis that perhaps the incorrect settings were applied, or that the components needed softer adjustments to perform optimally. The conversation highlights the need to reevaluate the recommendations and adjust the valve stack to alleviate unintended stiffness.
• 03:00 - 04:00: Plans for Further Testing and Video The chapter discusses a testing scenario where initial instructions indicated a single turn was needed for adjustments, but one participant noted the instructions actually suggested eight turns. Upon retesting the item with the recommended settings, the results remained unsatisfactory as the item was too springy, causing issues of bottoming and topping out.
• 04:00 - 05:00: Build Quality and Design Features The chapter discusses the challenges faced in balancing the build quality and design features of a product, particularly focusing on the suspension system. The initial test revealed the suspension was too stiff, not even hitting bumps, suggesting inadequate travel. The revised version, however, seems to lack proper valving, causing excessive travel. The chapter concludes with a plan for a future video where adjustments will be made to the truck's suspension to achieve optimal performance.
• 05:00 - 06:00: Rear Shocks Length and Installation Observations The chapter discusses the challenges of testing rear shocks accurately. The team acknowledges that conducting a blind test is practically impossible. They are filming late at night and plan to re-install the shocks on the truck for testing early the next morning. Despite potential criticism about improper adjustment, the team is committed to ensuring the quality of the product.
• 06:00 - 07:30: Performance Ratings and Adjustability The chapter discusses the attempt to evaluate performance ratings and adjustability of shocks without prior bias. The speaker plans to create a separate video for redemption. Observations on build quality include praise for the shock's high-quality paint and design, such as the machined bottom piece and dual lock nut that holds the spring, as well as the bushings. Overall, the initial impression of the shocks is positive.
• 07:30 - 09:00: Complexity of Adjustments and Next Steps The chapter discusses the complexity and critical evaluation of shock absorber systems, particularly focusing on their adjustability and next steps in their usage.
• 09:00 - 10:00: Conclusion and Call to Action This chapter concludes with a discussion on the shock coil bucket and its mounting setup. The narrator is not a fan of the big wrap of hose associated with it, suspecting it might be due to restrictions from using a stock top hat or perhaps related to rebound adjustment. Despite this issue, overall, there's a positive inclination towards the shock. The chapter closes by hinting at an interesting aspect of the rear part, although details are not provided. It serves as a call to action to explore further or consider these insights in practical applications.

Dobinsons MRR Might NOT be Worth It... Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 [Music] hey guys thanks so much for tuning in this is another deep dive into the shocks that we tested in series 3 of shock value which is a mid-budget series this time around and we blind tested a whole bunch of shocks this being one of them these are the dobinson mrrs so we're going to get deep into the nitty-gritty about what we thought about these shocks I'm bradden from Overland Outfitters this is Ian from Wheel every weekend and we're here
• 00:30 - 01:00 to to do the thing perfect so here's the thing about doson I love Tiffany blue so these coils have a special place in my heart because these are perfectly Tiffany blue coils I would like to say um I I really wanted to like these Braden I really wanted to I don't know what this paint is but this cannot come off it's insane it's so strong um
• 01:00 - 01:30 meanwhile we had shocks last season that are missing half their paint from being installed once and these things like you I don't know you'd have to take a file to it to take the paint off it's awesome I was expecting to like these shocks honestly I came down here with the intention of leaving these on this truck because I I seriously thought that these were going to blow our minds and they didn't they just didn't we actually ended up testing them two times once
• 01:30 - 02:00 with the so if you didn't know these have high speed low speed and rebound adjustments so I emailed dobinson directly and I asked them hey we're doing this blind test I want to give your shocks the best possible opportunity to perform well this is what we're doing these are the test we're doing this is the truck we're doing on this is the weight we have what should we set these at because we're doing it blind and we can't tune them on the
• 02:00 - 02:30 truck and they sent me a list of specs and they said this is what we would recommend we threw those on the a we drove it it was awful yeah it's it was just too bad and we did test the non-reservoir versions of these last season and they were pretty rough and I think I said during it I was like I don't think that the reservoir ones with adjusters will be any better yeah because if there if the normal valving is like that then adding in like options
• 02:30 - 03:00 to tweak the valving isn't going to help although these must have a lighter valve stack mhm in the main piston because you can just make them so soft that's right like so we so after we tested them with the first settings which were recommended to us we were like we honestly were just like these must be the dominon and they must be just adjusted wrong because they're way too stiff yeah and their adjustments like
• 03:00 - 03:30 one of them I remember you told me was eight turns whereas in the instruction sheet it said one turn exactly and I was even then I was like wa dude this is going to be like it's going to be a pogo stick exactly so we tested them a second time blind and had them adjusted at what the instructions recommend and then they were equally awful just in a different way they were way too springy you're bottoming out topping out bottoming out
• 03:30 - 04:00 topping out and it was so rough just because you're blowing through the travel is like there's no valving at all whereas on the original test it was way too stiff I'm certain that we didn't even hit bump a few times so it's yeah it's really interesting I think what we're going to have to do is do a separate video where we take these back out on the truck and we adjust them ourselves for the truck because that's the only way that we can get a fully
• 04:00 - 04:30 representative uh you know test of these shocks it's just impossible in a blind test yeah and full disclosure it's like 10: p.m. and once we're done shooting this we are putting these shocks back on the truck and tomorrow morning early we are going out to test them because like we don't want to just leave it like this because it could be such a good product and we just don't know and we know that you guys are all going to be commenting saying you guys don't know what you're talking about you didn't adjust them correctly blah blah blah even though we
• 04:30 - 05:00 tried our best to do it blind so we're going to go back out we're going to make a totally separate video trying to redeem these so that's the plan but you know as far as the shocks go the build quality is nice m and I think that they could be good yeah they're great I think I mean cite bushings we've already talked about the paint which is phenomenal they have this nice machined like bottom piece that holds the spring um and then with like a dual lock nut
• 05:00 - 05:30 system infinitely adjustable yeah should be good it's a good and they're one of very few shocks that have a rebound adjustment yeah they have it on the smooth body as well on the bottom of the shaft so this must be a hollow shaft yeah it is I've taken them apart and they are definitely Hollow so the reservoir is Goofy on the front though where it mounts to the bottom that's a bit weird yeah I do hate the routing of the reservoirs on these shocks the way you have to I think how it goes is like
• 05:30 - 06:00 comes up over the top of the shock like behind the shock coil bucket and then this mounts here and it's it's got this big wrap of hose for some reason not a big fan of that but maybe it's something to do with restrictions due to using a stock top hat or something like that or maybe it's the rebound adjustment but yeah that's the one thing that not a big fan of for sure yeah but besides that man another shock I really want to like so something interesting about the rear
• 06:00 - 06:30 shocks on these and these are the only ones that we noticed this with is their shock bodies are way longer than anybody else's and they have way more stroke so when these were installed on the truck with a we're using a stock leaf spring with an ad Leaf in it these shocks we had to compress them probably three maybe four Ines to get them to to mount and then we measured it and this shock
• 06:30 - 07:00 will probably bottom out about an inch and a half before the bump stop hits the frame yeah and it's like the the amount of shaft showing is like 2 in less than the distance from the actual Bump Stop to the frame but in a leaf spring application the leaf spring actually lengthens as it travels up so it is also moving backwards which will help on one side and HT it on the other yeah so I don't know man it doesn't look like these have been smacked
• 07:00 - 07:30 too hard but I'm I'm very interested to see we had a GoPro under the truck facing right at these shocks so I'm really interested to see the footage of that maybe we'll be able to cut that in here and see if they're actually smacking but if I were to guess they're definitely bottoming out on the shock yeah and what's interesting is all these shocks were specified for the same amount of lift for the same truck or at least the same lift range MH um so yeah I don't I don't really understand why there's a big discrepancy in overall lengths even in the fronts there's maybe
• 07:30 - 08:00 a quarter or a half inch difference between all of them which seems odd to me but again we're going to take these out we'll have a video posted soon about it and um I'm excited to see how good we can make these things yeah so bradden with five is our Baseline what would you rate these out of 10 I gave these a 6 and 1 half out of 10 6 and A2 that's quite good yeah I mean they have adjusters they have rebound have high
• 08:00 - 08:30 and low speed compression I'm 100% certain that we can get these performing better than we did maybe once we do the video where we you know give these a a better shot you know intentionally trying to adjust them correctly I can increase that score but for now a 6 and A2 what about you uh I gave him a five just based on the performance that I saw with the two adjustment settings that we tried during the test I just don't feel that it was much better than our
• 08:30 - 09:00 Baseline to be totally honest and they have adjusters and everything which is great but the adjustment that they recommended and then the adjustment that's in their instruction manual were both pretty rough for this application so I think we can probably get these things pretty dialed and that's the benefit of having external adjusters is if you don't like how they ride you can change it but also you can get yourself into trouble cuz I know a lot of customers don't necessarily know what they want in that they don't know if they need more or less compression
• 09:00 - 09:30 damping more or less rebound damping cuz it's kind of complicated like we do this for a living and it's normal to us but if you're just an off-the-shelf consumer like it's intimidating to get all these knobs you got this crazy thing you got this little Flathead deal here yeah it's true and if you already own these shocks you are going to definitely want to watch our next video where we show you how we adjust the shocks in the field and we're going to get these going as
• 09:30 - 10:00 good as we can that's going to be super fun yep really looking forward to it and I hope you are too if you do want to see that definitely like do the Subscribe thing all that and if you're looking for shocks we would love it if you considered buying from either of us we every weekend Overland Outfitters we're going through a lot of effort to put these out so that you guys can buy the best products for your money and you know it just helps us be able to do this more often so thanks so much again for watching and we'll see you in the next one ah
• 10:00 - 10:30 [Music]