I am 5-6" 175-185 lbs with gear and helmet on. I have my stock shocks set to the softest setting and don't think I have ever bottomed out the rear shocks(front is a different story) but it's still a harsh ride. I love the seat height and don't really want to raise the rear height of the bike. I have the oportunity to get a great deal on a brand new set of 11" progressive 444 shocks AND a great deal on a set of 12" street glide air shocks that were take offs with only 200 miles on them. Question is what will be better, the air shocks with 1" drop blocks or the progressive 444's? I know 11" shocks don't have much travel to begin with and I'm wondering if either will drasticly improve the ride in the rear with me being 180 lbs. I ride 90% solo and 10% 2 up with the wife. Id rather live with the stock rear then change them out only to find out its about the same. Thanks for any advice.

 

There are plenty of fans of the touring air shocks in here, but they are cheap and poorly damped IMHO. I don't know 444s, but they appear to have separated gas and oil inside, which is good (the air shocks mix them) and a proper damper, so of the two that would be my choice! Make sure you get the most suitable springs for your weight, they have two options available.

 

Swapping springs is easy. Progressive sells them for $35 each.
If you are getting a good deal on them buy the Progressives.

 

I can get a pair of 11" 444 standard(not HD) brand new in box for $300. Do they make softer springs then the standard 11"?

 

Standard and heavy duty. At $300 that's a great deal. I have a set of low mileage (400) Chrome 11" 430's with both sets of springs for sale $300 shipped.
Looks like you found a fantastic buy.

 

I have take off air shocks on my sportster and love them (170lb plus bag) and they are way cheap...you can get them on ebay for under $100 regularly...they may not be much good on touring bikes but they sure do work good on sportsters..I am not so sure you will get a better ride with the progressives.. well maybe a little better.. I also have a roadking and upgrading the shocks made a huge difference, but that bike is much heavier .

 

I have an 11" set on my 02 and they are excellent. They replaced a set of Progressive 412 Cruise shocks and it was a pretty nice upgrade. I weigh 150 so 30 lbs less than you but I think you will like them.