I have used 3 sets of the hy gear dual rate front track shock springs.
They make a noticeable difference.
Now the bad...
They wear the shock body. Some dont feel this is a big deal. But, Buy a XCR Hi Low shock from the accessory catalog and it looks like a work of art. Now lets wear the side of the body with the spring. Not cool.
I have experimented with a homemade sleeve that i glued to the body of my 2" XCR FTS to stop the wear and it works.
Also Hy Gears setup instructions are vague at best.
My experience with Raptor springs is on IFS ski shock triple rate springs. Nice pieces as well. They actually send instructions with them! They also include tuning tips etc.
From what i can see the Raptor triple rate FTS spring is a fair amount cheaper than the Hy Gear pieces.

 

I also found HyGear lacking in customer support and instructions.

 

Nothing fancy at all...
I used a clear windshield washer jug. Cut a piece to length and to fit tight around the shock body. I used super glue then using 3 appropriate size hose clamps I clamped the plastic to the shock. Let dry for 24hrs. Remove clamps. Sliding sleeve from the high gear dual rate fits over top the plastic. Lasted 1850miles before the glue let go and slid the plastic off.
It worked and kept the wear of the shock. Either a different glue or its something that needs to be done every season.
Or just let it rub... ?:dunno:

 

As stated, xcr accessory shock is a great shock and comes with a spring that works really well. May just try it first before going with spring change.

 

I put one in beginning of the season, totally agree, works great.

 

"mid-season" repairs

I noticed a bad jack shaft bearing on my last ride....so I brought the sled home. I change all drive/jack shaft bearings and seals. While the skid was out, after calling hy-gear, I ordered and then installed a FTS dual rate spring. My stock pro S FTS spring was coil bound and the ride was too stiff. I also have the 150# RTS spring installed. I can't ride until the weekend, but just jumping up and down on the running boards, the suspension seems much softer throughout the travel.... we will see. I am not happy about the shock wear, but will figure it out. I also replaced all the wheels and re-shimmed the skis.

 

I know there is an aftermarket shock body protector available. I will look it up today.

 

protector

There is a protector for the RTS, but not sure if there is one for the FTS...I hope so. Hygear says to remove any stickers from the FTS shock body because the clearances are so tight.

 

Best FTS I've ran was the Exit x2 with the dual rate spring. Much nicer then the XCR FTS which I thought was to stiff and had to run real loose on preload and on like click 2 and 3