I'm tired of nearly getting getting my back nearly snapped in half when I ride across railroad tracks on my 2011 Ultra Limited, the HD stock air-shock are complete garbage so it's time to replace them. I already replaced the oil in them with a heavier oil and it still didn't make much difference, so I've come to the determination the HD air-shocks are simply a poor design.

I've been looking at Progressives, which from what I've read are amazing--but very expensive. But I'd rather pay for a more expensive shock then have to deal with bottoming out every time I hit a pothole or go across tracks, etc.

So here's my question. I've looked at Progressive 944, 444, and 412, they all see to be good replacement shocks, but I don't know if there is that much difference between the three. I'm a smaller guy (5'8", 157 lbs.) so I don't think I need a heavy-duty shock, but I don't want to bottom-out either. When I ride two-up with my wife we're probably at a combined weight of about 290, plus gear/luggage probably puts us at 320 max. But I ride solo 90% of the time, my sweetie only comes along on occasion.

The price difference with these shocks is quite a lot (944 - $684, 444 - $612, 412 - $270), but is there that much difference between the shocks? I'm assuming yes, but perhaps not. Does anyone have experience with this? I know they're all better than stock HD air-shocks, but is there that much difference between these three? Will I be pleased with the performance of the 412 or is it less expensive for a reason--it's simply not as good. Or should I just get the 944 and be done with all this nonsense?

Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

My 2016 Road King rides better with stock air shocks than my 06 did with Progressive 416 air shocks or 444's.
I wish I had the $$ back that I wasted on Progressives. Spend a couple bucks more and get Howard to custom make a set of Ohlins for you.

 

What he said.^^^^ Never had the 944's, but did waste money on the 412's and 444's.