Zbroz Race Proven: Justin Thomas

Suspension is absolutely vital for RMHSA (Rocky Mountain States Hillclimb Association) racers because it directly controls traction, stability, and power transfer on brutally steep and unpredictable terrain. In hill climb racing, the sled is constantly fighting gravity.  If the suspension is too soft, it squats excessively, unloads the skis, and wastes power.  If it’s too stiff, the track can’t stay planted, causing wheelspin and loss of forward drive. Proper suspension setup keeps the track biting into the snow while managing weight transfer so the sled can climb efficiently without looping out or washing side to side.

Suspension also plays a huge role in line control and rider safety. RMHSA hills are often rutted, icy, wind-blown, or chopped up by previous runs, and the suspension must absorb these hits while keeping the sled predictable. A well-tuned setup allows racers to stay aggressive on the throttle, maintain steering authority, and make mid-run corrections without getting bucked or kicked offline. At the top levels, suspension tuning is just as important as horsepower—because all the power in the world is useless if the sled can’t put it to the ground.

Many RMHSA racers choose to use Zbroz Racing Exit shocks as their suspension for their hillclimb sled builds.  They provide the racer with a reliable suspension option to help them get up the course as fast as possible.  For us...it allows our product to be tested in the toughest duribility conditions.