Compression Assemblies are the major players in correct damping. All suspension Compression Assemblies are mounted solid and they do not move around. The NOST Compression Assembly opens smoothly to allow flow yet resist the oil that is forced thru it by the forks slower movement. The NOST compression assembly is designed to control the shaft size and shaft diameter per depth of travel, so it remains consistent on every bump (meaning the shaft does not change in size, but the oil volume does!). The standard systems on the market do not have mid-valves that open completely, and require more volume displacement in the compression valve to compensate. This is why KYB and Showa both use high volume compression pistons (which are identical within 2-3 percent). What is unique about NOST’s new OD3 compression valve is the absorbent speed control which is a function of the sliding plate technology combined with precise volume control of the piston.

As the mid-valve assembly approaches the compression valve it uses three different levels of tension. The Low-speed damping is very light and yet as it moves becomes very stiff. The mid and high-speed damping are equally progressive, yet if you hit a sharp bump or a slap down it does not spike or lock up because it is saved by the new absorbent NOST mid-valve assembly. This is absolutely the key to keep you going straight, even if the big nasties get in your way. It is amazing how it controls the oil by pressurizing the stack, surface drag of the sealing edges and 3 stages of control (low/mid/high). 95% of all current suspension companies’ use only drag style damping. This leads to the big problem of shim fatigue, thus losing the sealing edge of the shim; which is only tight and strong when the shim is new. This industry standard design fails to approach the pressure effect and provide staged control.

Our original SS valve has four external stages of control whereas the NEW OD3 is more refined and has more accurately placed internal control with four stages. Yet NOST accomplished this with a simple single adjustment screw. The current suspension design of oil flow is controlled by thin shim washers that easily fatigue and a free flowing adjustable bleed hole. Unfortunately, when you want these shim stacks to be more than just flat shim washers — they are still simply flat shim washers…