Emulsion vs. Remote Reservoir Coilover Shocks: Understanding the Differences

Choosing between emulsion and remote reservoir shocks is a key decision for any off-road build. Both have distinct advantages depending on your driving style and budget.

What is an Emulsion Coilover?
An emulsion shock houses both oil and nitrogen gas within the same chamber. As the shock's internal piston moves, it mixes the gas and oil together.

• Performance Characteristic: At slower speeds, the oil and nitrogen stay relatively separate, but they mix more as speeds increase.
• Best Use Case: These shocks are ideal for slow-speed trail riding and rock crawling.
• Advantages: They are more budget-friendly than reservoir shocks.
• Disadvantages: Inserting the shock shaft into the pressurized body can cause a "spring rate increase" effect, which can sometimes act as an unwanted bump stop or cause the vehicle to spring back on steep climbs.

What is a Remote Reservoir Coilover?
A remote reservoir shock uses a separate canister to house the nitrogen gas. A sliding "floating piston" inside the reservoir keeps the nitrogen and oil completely separate.

• Performance Characteristic: Because the nitrogen is separated, the main shock piston always operates in a "clean oil bath," even at high speeds.
• Best Use Case: These are necessary for high-speed driving, jumping, or any terrain where significant heat is generated by rapid shock movement.
• Advantages: They provide consistent damping performance and handle heat much better than emulsion shocks.
• Disadvantages: They are more expensive and require additional space for mounting the reservoirs on the chassis.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Heat Management: Remote reservoirs excel at dissipating heat from friction, whereas emulsion shocks can "burn up" oil faster if pushed to high speeds.
• Maintenance: While regular trail riding doesn't show a huge difference, the oil in an emulsion shock may need to be changed more frequently if used for high-speed tasks.
• Upgradability: It is possible to convert a Radflo emulsion shock to a remote reservoir system by adding a few fittings, a hose, and the reservoir canister.