09/01/2026
SMART SHOX Stage 2.0 — Quick Read
Stage 2.0 goes beyond revised shock firmness. It now recalibrates the Smart Shox system’s advanced auxiliary maps so damping responds more effectively to suspension position, acceleration, braking, and steering input.
Key changes:
-More usable rear suspension travel for better comfort and bump absorption.
-Reworked acceleration/anti-squat damping so the rear doesn’t unnecessarily stiffen under throttle.
-Improved position-sensitive damping to eliminate the harsh “wall” around mid-stroke.
-Refined braking and rebound maps to reduce forward pitch during corner entry.
-Progressive ski-shock rebound that better matches spring force throughout the stroke, improving ski grip and predictability.
-Better cornering support through steering-angle-based damping, which progressively firms the outside ski.
Three more evenly spaced modes:
-Comfort: Supportive but compliant, with greater usable travel.
-Sport: Approximately 10% firmer with more control.
-Sport+: Approximately another 10% firmer, with stronger active cornering support.
-Front and rear damping are better matched in every mode, keeping the sled flatter and more balanced.
The biggest improvement is in the rear suspension. Stage 1.0 could still feel soft initially, then abruptly firm near mid-travel—compressing the rider into the seat and pushing them back out. Stage 2.0 addresses the base damping and the auxiliary maps contributing to that behavior, allowing the suspension to move through more of its travel smoothly.
Bottom line: Stage 2.0 should provide greater comfort, better ski traction, more predictable cornering, and improved bump capability without relying on one mode being too soft and another being too stiff.
Price: $575 USD at release, or $150USD to upgrade from Stage 1.0. Dual-rate springs and the rear compression adjuster are recommended but not required.
