The Ext was apparently too plush for what he liked. The Float X was nice and poppy and the X2 was somewhere in the middle – but kept going wrong. I’m not sure if it’s the trunnion or what – but the X2’s on current model transitions don’t seem to be very happy.
Its not Transition or Trunnion specific really, although all those bent alloy frames from the factory didn’t help & trunnion is actually a stupid idea/design because of the load it puts through the shock unless everything is perfectly aligned.
The 21/22 Float X2 (and DHX2 to be fair) have a few design issues which has caused quite a few failures. The ‘23 shock has a redesigned head on it, which you can tell the difference on as the bleed port is on the ‘back’ now rather than the spine on the top, which is meant to mean it’s reliable & works.
In terms of feel, the X2 is still one of my favourite shocks, it’s really good, just not been reliable.
That said, the Super Deluxe Ultimate Thru-Shaft on my Rail feels bloody amazing, genuinely one of the best shocks I’ve ever ridden. However there is again a big question mark on reliability there. I really rate the Trek ABP system, for what is essentially a linkage driven single pivot & the Slash is a really good bike, I’d be tempted to run a stock SDU & have a spare, just in case there is an issue to take advantage of how good it feels.
