Ride quality - shocks

[CFster]

I've seen lots of threads regarding shocks and track performance, but I'm more interested in ride quality on the street.

I have Varishocks, and am looking for a smoother ride. I'm sure these are great on the track, but if I hit a rut, or manhole cover in the road it's jarring. Feel it through the wheel. If I turn the damping down to the point it's halfway acceptable, then it starts wallowing around like a pig.

I've heard people say the ridetech's ride better - mostly from ridetech employees though. I have dyno charts for Varishocks, Ridetech HQs and Vikings. It seems like in higher velocity movements the Ridetechs actually offer more resistance than the Varishocks.

For example, at 12 in/sec shaft speed (which I think is appropriate for a quick transition like a rut in the road):

The Varishocks are at 220lbs compression / 575lbs rebound full firm and 95lbs compression / 135lbs rebound on full soft.



The Ridetechs are at 155lbs compression / 640lbs rebound full firm and 125lbs compression / 340lbs rebound at full soft.

The Vikings are at 320lbs compression / 450lbs rebound full firm and 75lbs compression / 100lbs rebound at full soft.

I'm no expert in shock technology. It does seem to me however that (on the street) we would want a softer compression and stiffer rebound to soak up those bumps and prevent packing. In this case, should I in fact be looking at the Ridetechs do to their higher rebound numbers?

I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks,
-CF