New Product: ARB/OME BP-51 Bypass Shocks

I can’t help but  give my $0.02 on ARB’s recented debuted Old Man Emu  BP-51 Bypass Coilovers and Shocks.  I mean, this is ARB taking a direct shot at the incumbent high-performance coilover and shock manufacturers (Read: King, Fox, Icon) – I’ve got to have an opinion!

First, the 30-second summary of what I’m blathering about: ARB just announced ~2 days ago that, after 4 years of development they are releasing in-house-built internal bypass front coilovers and rear shocks featuring independently tunable rebound and compression.  They look fantastic, and the hi-res slow motion video they used during the release featuring Aussie Toyotas tearing through the desert is worth watching at least 3 times.

Yes, they look great! (photo credit: ARB)

So, here are my my initial reaction to the announcement:

• Awesome!  ARB has been in the suspension game forever with the tried and true (but basic and plain-jane) Old Man Emu nitrocharger shocks and coil springs that have a cult-like following worldwide – it is great to see the brand expand with a more advanced performance-oriented model, hopefully while maintaining the quality and reliability the brand is revered for. Competition is always better for us, the end users.  I personally have had nothing but excellent experiences with the ARB products I use and they stand behind their stuff 100%.

• Aren’t they a little late to the party?  The adjustable high-performance shock marketplace has really emerged in the past 5-7 years as racing-specific applications from the likes of Fox, King, and Radflo trickled down to aftermarket OEM applications, and other like Icon have built their business and brand on racing/performance-style applications for OEM fitment.  I’m pretty surprised it took ARB this long to get into the market (I’m not sure I buy that they took 4 years to develop the new shocks) – where they could have probably owned the space trading on their name, they’ll now have to compete on merit vs. the incumbents!

• How much $?  From what I’ve seen on the internet rumor mill, the $AUS pricing is $850 per coilover and $550 per rear shock.  Assuming a 1:1 $AUS to $US conversion, we’re talking $2,800 for a complete set.  A ton of money, yes, but actually in-line with the pricing you’d see from King, Fox, or Icon for a similar setup with adjustability.  With no cost advantage, the BP-51’s are going to have to compete on performance and reputation.

My Verdict:

Better late than never!  It appears on the surface that ARB has done their homework and brought to market a well-thought-out solution.  My guess is that they’ll sell a ton of these based on the specs and the reputation for durability and reliability that Old Man Emu has.  I’m personally excited to see these in person and drive some trucks outfitted with them.

Here’s the more detailed, specific info from ARB on the BP-51 shock absorbers.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
RACE TECHNOLOGY FOR EVERY DAY APPLICATIONS
BP-51 (Bypass 51mm diameter bore) shock absorbers feature revolutionary, patent pending technology developed to deliver unparalleled on and off road performance for your 4×4.
Developed and extensively tested under the harshest conditions in Australia, these big bore, position sensitive bypass shock absorbers with remote reservoir are designed to bolt onto your vehicle without any vehicle modifications and combine considerable ride comfort around town with significant amounts of end-zone damping for exceptional chassis control and handling off road.
Both rebound and compression damping are easily adjustable, resulting in significant changes to the ride performance of your vehicle, enabling a custom tune to suit the conditions and vehicle set up.
The body, reservoir and components are all made from 6061 T6 aluminum, Type 3 40 micron hard anodized ensuring exceptional heat dissipation, corrosion resistance and resistance to stone damage.
Not only is the BP-51 shock designed, developed and tested entirely by ARB’s team of Old Man Emu ride engineers, all BP-51 shock absorbers are manufactured in-house by ARB. Significant investment has been made in state of the art machinery and hard anodizing equipment, allowing ARB total control of the manufacturing process and ensuring the highest possible quality.
DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT:
The OME engineers were tasked with a challenge to design a high performance shock absorber for the modern day vehicle. Independent front suspension designs create unique challenges, as they have limited travel and space restrictions to what can be fit within a coil over strut package.
With traditional velocity sensitive shock absorbers, achieving exceptional ride quality and the balance between comfort and control tuning requires a compromise with either a slightly firmer controlled set up or softer comfort orientated result.
Bypass technology exists to overcome some of these ride quality challenges. However, a new challenge presents itself as traditional multiple bypass tube products simply won’t fit in the confined space of a independent front suspension or many rear shock absorber locations.
Other areas that had to be considered in development were corrosion, heat dissipation, durability and adjustability for individual ride preferences or vehicle loading scenarios. It was also imperative that the end product easily bolts into a vehicle without modifications to the actual vehicle.
After 4 years of extensive design, development and testing the challenge has been met and it is called the Old Man Emu BP-51 High Performance Bypass Shock Absorber.
FEATURES:

KIDNEY BYPASS PORTS & 51MM BORE DIAMETER:
• Large bore size (51mm, 2.0 inch) & bypass diameter
• Greater oil volume
• More tunable, ability to generate force
INTERNAL BYPASS, SHIM CONTROLLED, POSITION SENSITIVE DAMPING
• Provides comfort at ride height
• Damping increases as you get closer to the end zone
• Increased control at end zones
• Patent pending

EXTERNAL COMPRESSION AND
REBOUND ADJUSTMENT:
• Independent adjustment of compression and rebound
• Adjustable while installed on the vehicle
• Ultra wide range to suit ride preferences
VEHICLE SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS:
• No fitting modifications required
• Fit kits included

BODY/RESERVOIR/COMPONENTS 6061 T6 ALUMINIUM:
• Heat dissipation
• Corrosion resistance
TYPE 3 40 MICRON HARD ANODIZED FINISH:
• Corrosion resistance
• Abrasion resistance to stone damage

DASH 6 HIGH TEMPERATURE TEFLON HOSE WITH HIGH FLOW FITTINGS:
• No restriction of oil flow
LARGE TEFLON LINED SPHERICAL BEARINGS:
• Durability

NOTE: Coil over applications only

ADJUSTABLE SPRING PRELOAD / RIDE HEIGHT:
• Cater for varying loads
NOTE: Coil over applications only
HIGH PRESSURE NITROGEN RESERVOIR WITH ALUMINIUM, ANODIZED FLOATING PISTON:
• Increased oil volume
• Maximise travel

IMPACT RESISTANT, REPLACEABLE SHAFT GUARD:
• Protects against stone damage
19MM HARD CHROMED GROUND SHAFT:
• Low friction
• Strength
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
QUALITY OVERSIZED RUBBER BUSHINGS:
• Durability

100% RE-BUILDABLE AND RE-VALVEABLE:
• Longevity
• Tunability
HIGH TEMPERATURE VITON AND TEFLON SEAL PACK:
• Durability of seals
HIGH PERFORMANCE, HIGH VISCOSITY INDEX OIL:
• Durability and consistency of performance
51 MM BORE DIAMETER:
• Greater oil volume
• More tunable, ability to generate more force
1900MPA POLISHED, HIGH STRENGTH, HIGH FATIGUE SHIMS:
• Durability
• Strength
3 YEAR / 60000 KM WARRANTY

Applications: To be announced