I have the 490s progressives13,5”, and I have nothing bad to say. I was first skeptical to the brand, I always had the expression that ps was a brand for the typical noobs and weekend warriors, haha, but they always had the slammed shocks which are lower down the line and not so performance based shocks. 490s is sport riding oriented and it’s budget friendly in my mind.

They do what they are meant for, fully adjustable and surprisingly light weight. They are rebuildable and comes in a lifetime warranty.
I ride a lot on the mountains and curves, and occasionally pop a wheelie. Hand threaded rebound springs makes it easy to stiffen it up whenever you want. They also comes with eye bearings like some of the more expensive ones, and not solid bushings.
They look cool in black, they’re not that expensive, fully adjustable and lifetime warranty.

I was like you, didn’t want to spend on something expensive and from the top shelf that I couldn’t fully appreciate. I was positively surprised by the performance of the 490s and the feel. Good luck

Thanks for all the recommendations. Write up on the DK Customs shocks sounds great. But also promoting their own product (understandable). Does anybody have an unbiased experience with the DK shocks?

Get some take off touring air shocks on eBay. Cushy ride, super cheap, adjustable.

I have a set of their shocks on along with race tech front springs. Only gotten in about 400 miles since putting them on and have been happy with them so far. The improvement in ride makes me wish I had gotten it knocked out sooner.

I put on Pro Action shocks today I got from DK. What a world of difference. I knew the stock shocks were lousy, but this made me think they are basically trash. I rode today after the install and they were set up perfect, so smooth. Very impressed with them.

Wether you go with Ohlins, Pro Action or Bitubo you will be well surprised...I opted for Ohlins 2-2b but wished I had gotten the step above... you will be under $800.