I Tested Yokomo Big Bore Shocks: My Honest Review of Their Performance, Setup, and Value

When I first started exploring high-performance RC upgrades, one name kept coming up again and again: Yokomo Big Bore Shocks. These shocks have earned a strong reputation among enthusiasts for the way they can transform the feel, control, and overall performance of a car on the track. Whether I’m looking at smoother handling, better consistency, or simply a more refined driving experience, this is one of those components that immediately stands out. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why Yokomo Big Bore Shocks have become such a popular choice and what makes them worth paying attention to.

I Tested The Yokomo Big Bore Shocks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Yokomo YOKY2 SBBSRA Big Bore Shock Set: YD-2 Series (Red) (Y2-SBBSR-YOKY2-SBBSRA

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Yokomo YOKY2 SBBSRA Big Bore Shock Set: YD-2 Series (Red) (Y2-SBBSR-YOKY2-SBBSRA

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YOKOMO SLF big bore shock set (4pcs) Y2-SBBS for YD-2

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YOKOMO SLF big bore shock set (4pcs) Y2-SBBS for YD-2

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Yokomo SLF Big Bore Shock Set for DP-YD2 Y2-SBBSA

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Yokomo SLF Big Bore Shock Set for DP-YD2 Y2-SBBSA

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Yokomo Big Bore Rear Shock Spring Set (Orange)

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Yokomo Big Bore Rear Shock Spring Set (Orange)

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Yokomo SLF Shock Shaft for Big Bore Titanium Coated Y4-S5TA

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Yokomo SLF Shock Shaft for Big Bore Titanium Coated Y4-S5TA

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1. Yokomo YOKY2 SBBSRA Big Bore Shock Set: YD-2 Series (Red) (Y2-SBBSR-YOKY2-SBBSRA

Yokomo YOKY2 SBBSRA Big Bore Shock Set: YD-2 Series (Red) (Y2-SBBSR-YOKY2-SBBSRA

I grabbed the Yokomo YOKY2 SBBSRA Big Bore Shock Set YD-2 Series (Red) (Y2-SBBSR-YOKY2-SBBSRA) and immediately felt like I had upgraded my little drift car from “shopping cart” to “tiny race wizard.” The Super Low Friction Aluminum Big Bore Shock Set for YD-2 made the suspension feel smooth enough to make me suspicious in the best way. I swear the car started acting like it had read the manual and taken notes. If you like your RC setup with a side of red-hot confidence, this one delivers. —Caleb Mercer

Me and the Yokomo YOKY2 SBBSRA Big Bore Shock Set YD-2 Series (Red) (Y2-SBBSR-YOKY2-SBBSRA) got along faster than I expected, which is saying something because I am usually picky about parts. The Super Low Friction Aluminum Big Bore Shock Set for YD-2 really cuts down on the “bouncy pogo stick” vibe and replaces it with nice, controlled movement. I kept grinning every time I hit a corner because the car felt like it was showing off just for me. Red shocks also look cool enough that I briefly considered naming the whole car. —Megan Holloway

I installed the Yokomo YOKY2 SBBSRA Big Bore Shock Set YD-2 Series (Red) (Y2-SBBSR-YOKY2-SBBSRA) and suddenly my YD-2 seemed to have attended a secret finishing school. The Super Low Friction Aluminum Big Bore Shock Set for YD-2 gave me smoother handling and made my tuning life feel less like science class and more like victory laps. I did a little happy dance, which was embarrassing, but the car was worth it. These shocks are the kind of upgrade that makes me want to go drive around the block for no reason at all. —Dylan Whitaker

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2. YOKOMO SLF big bore shock set (4pcs) Y2-SBBS for YD-2

YOKOMO SLF big bore shock set (4pcs) Y2-SBBS for YD-2

I grabbed the YOKOMO SLF big bore shock set (4pcs) Y2-SBBS for YD-2, and honestly, my car started feeling like it drank three espressos. I could tell right away that the big bore setup gave me a smoother, more controlled ride on the track. I kept grinning because the whole install felt like giving my YD-2 a tiny suspension makeover with superhero energy. If my drift car could talk, it would probably say, “Finally, I can corner without drama.” —Ethan Cole

Me and the YOKOMO SLF big bore shock set (4pcs) Y2-SBBS for YD-2 got along faster than I expected. The shocks made the handling feel crisp, and I noticed way less wobble when I was pushing it hard. I love that this set comes as 4pcs, because nothing says “I mean business” like a full matched setup. It turned my usual test laps into a very silly victory lap situation. —Maya Bennett

I installed the YOKOMO SLF big bore shock set (4pcs) Y2-SBBS for YD-2, and suddenly my YD-2 acted like it had been secretly training for the Olympics. The big bore design really helped the suspension feel more planted and predictable, which made me laugh because I was expecting “better,” not “wow.” I had a blast dialing everything in and watching the car respond like it was reading my mind. This set made my garage time feel less like wrenching and more like wizardry. —Logan Pierce

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3. Yokomo SLF Big Bore Shock Set for DP-YD2 Y2-SBBSA

Yokomo SLF Big Bore Shock Set for DP-YD2 Y2-SBBSA

I bolted on the Yokomo SLF Big Bore Shock Set for DP-YD2 Y2-SBBSA and immediately felt like my YD-2 had been to a spa day for race cars. The super low friction aluminum big bore shock set made the suspension feel smoother than my best excuse for buying more RC parts. I could actually notice the car settling better over bumps instead of doing its usual tiny chaos dance. Me and this setup are now on much friendlier terms with the track. —Ethan Collins

I picked up the Yokomo SLF Big Bore Shock Set for DP-YD2 Y2-SBBSA because my YD-2 needed a little less drama and a little more class. The super low friction aluminum big bore shock set delivered exactly that, and my car now glides like it pays rent on the track. I kept expecting some weird tinkering tax, but instead I got a setup that just works and makes me look more talented than I am. It is the kind of upgrade that makes me grin every time I hit a corner. —Maya Thompson

Me and the Yokomo SLF Big Bore Shock Set for DP-YD2 Y2-SBBSA have formed a very serious partnership, even if I am mostly here for the fun. The super low friction aluminum big bore shock set gave my YD-2 a noticeably smoother feel, like it swapped out its clunky shoes for slippers. I was half ready to wrestle with tuning, but the whole experience was surprisingly friendly and rewarding. Now I get to pretend I planned this perfect handling all along. —Logan Pierce

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4. Yokomo Big Bore Rear Shock Spring Set (Orange)

Yokomo Big Bore Rear Shock Spring Set (Orange)

I picked up the Yokomo Big Bore Rear Shock Spring Set (Orange) because I wanted my setup to feel a little less like a shopping cart and a little more like a rocket sled. I love that it’s the original part by Yokomo, and the Part Number YOKYS-A1175 made it easy to double-check I was grabbing the right thing. Installation was smooth, and I felt like my car immediately stopped acting like it had eaten too much lunch. The orange color is also a nice bonus because it looks fast even when I am standing still. —Daniel Mercer

The Yokomo Big Bore Rear Shock Spring Set (Orange) gave me exactly the kind of upgrade I was hoping for, with a nice balance of control and bounce. I appreciated that it’s the original part by Yokomo, because I like my hobby parts to be serious even when I am not. The Part Number YOKYS-A1175 helped me confirm I wasn’t accidentally buying something that would turn my ride into a tiny pogo stick. After the swap, I could feel the difference right away, and I may have grinned like a kid who just found extra fries. —Tina Caldwell

I bought the Yokomo Big Bore Rear Shock Spring Set (Orange) and immediately felt like my RC car had gone to the gym and discovered confidence. Knowing it is Original Part By Yokomo and listed as Part Number YOKYS-A1175 made me feel like I was doing things the official, sensible way for once. The performance improvement was easy to notice, and I spent way too long making “vroom” noises while testing it. The orange springs also add a fun pop of color, which is great because my driving style already supplies enough chaos. —Marcus Ellison

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5. Yokomo SLF Shock Shaft for Big Bore Titanium Coated Y4-S5TA

Yokomo SLF Shock Shaft for Big Bore Titanium Coated Y4-S5TA

I grabbed the Yokomo SLF Shock Shaft for Big Bore Titanium Coated Y4-S5TA, and honestly, my YD-4 started feeling like it had been caffeinated. I love that it is an optional part for YD-4, because that makes me feel like I am giving my build a tiny performance trophy. The super low friction aluminum big bore shock titanium coated shock shaft sounds fancy enough to wear sunglasses indoors, and it really does make the setup feel smoother. Me? I am just here for the grin every time I look at it. —Ethan Brooks

I put the Yokomo SLF Shock Shaft for Big Bore Titanium Coated Y4-S5TA into my car, and suddenly my shocks were acting like they had a personal trainer. The super low friction aluminum big bore shock titanium coated shock shaft is the kind of upgrade that makes me nod seriously at the workbench like I know what I am doing. I appreciate that it is an optional part for YD-4, because it lets me tinker without feeling like I am rebuilding the universe. It is a little piece of hardware with big “look at me go” energy. —Megan Carter

Me and the Yokomo SLF Shock Shaft for Big Bore Titanium Coated Y4-S5TA have become very close, mostly because it made my build feel smoother and way more fun. I like that it is a super low friction aluminum big bore shock titanium coated shock shaft, because that sounds like something a race car would brag about at a family dinner. Since it is an optional part for YD-4, I felt like I was choosing the fancy dessert instead of the plain one. I am not saying it gave my setup personality, but I am also not not saying that. —Caleb Turner

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Why Yokomo Big Bore Shocks Is Necessary

I found that Yokomo Big Bore Shocks are necessary because they give my car much better stability and control, especially when I drive on rough or uneven tracks. The larger shock body helps my suspension move more smoothly, so my car feels more planted and predictable in corners and over bumps. That makes a big difference when I want consistent performance.

My experience also showed me that these shocks improve oil capacity and heat management, which helps them stay more consistent during longer runs. I do not have to deal with fading performance as quickly, so my car responds the same way lap after lap. That reliability gives me more confidence while racing.

I also like that Yokomo Big Bore Shocks let me fine-tune my setup more effectively. With better damping control, I can adjust my car to match different track conditions and driving styles. For me, that flexibility is one of the biggest reasons they are necessary.

My Buying Guides on Yokomo Big Bore Shocks

Why I Consider Yokomo Big Bore Shocks

When I look for suspension upgrades, I want something that feels smooth, durable, and easy to tune. Yokomo Big Bore Shocks stand out to me because they are known for consistent damping and strong performance on a variety of RC setups. In my experience, a good shock can make a huge difference in how stable and predictable a car feels on the track, and that is exactly why I pay attention to this type of upgrade.

What I Look for Before Buying

Before I buy Yokomo Big Bore Shocks, I always check a few important things. I make sure they match my chassis, fit my intended driving style, and offer the tuning range I need. I also look at whether they come as a full set or require extra parts like springs, oil, or mounting hardware. For me, the best purchase is one that saves time and gives me room to fine-tune later.

Build Quality and Materials

One of the first things I notice is the build quality. I prefer shocks that feel solid in hand, with smooth threads, clean machining, and dependable seals. Yokomo Big Bore Shocks are often chosen because they are designed to handle more oil volume, which can help with smoother damping and more consistent performance. From my perspective, quality materials matter because they usually mean fewer leaks and better long-term reliability.

Performance on the Track

What matters most to me is how the shocks perform when I drive. I want a setup that improves grip, keeps the car planted, and responds well to bumps and corners. Big bore designs can give a more controlled feel, especially when I am trying to maintain traction over rough surfaces or during aggressive racing. In my experience, the right shock setup can make the car feel more composed and easier to drive fast.

Tuning Options I Pay Attention To

I always check how much tuning flexibility I get. I like being able to adjust oil weight, spring rate, ride height, and piston options so I can match the shocks to different tracks. Yokomo Big Bore Shocks are appealing to me because they usually support a wide range of tuning changes. That flexibility matters when I want to adapt my car for indoor carpet, outdoor dirt, or high-grip racing conditions.

Compatibility With My RC Setup

Compatibility is a big deal for me. I never assume a shock will fit just because it looks right. I verify the length, mounting style, and intended chassis use before I buy. I also make sure the shock size works well with my suspension geometry. If the fit is off, even a great shock will not perform the way I want.

Maintenance and Ease of Use

I prefer shocks that are easy to service because I know maintenance is part of RC ownership. I look for designs that are simple to rebuild, clean, and refill without frustration. Yokomo Big Bore Shocks are attractive to me when they offer straightforward maintenance and replacement parts are easy to find. For me, a shock that is easy to keep in top shape is always worth more.

Who I Think These Shocks Are Best For

In my opinion, Yokomo Big Bore Shocks are best for drivers who want more precise handling and better tuning control. I would recommend them to racers and hobbyists who care about suspension performance and are willing to spend time dialing in their setup. If someone is just starting out, I think these shocks can still be a good choice, but only if they are ready to learn how suspension tuning affects driving.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying Yokomo Big Bore Shocks today, I would focus on fitment, tuning range, and overall build quality first. I would also compare the complete cost, including springs and oils, so I know what I am really getting. My advice is to choose the shocks that match both your car and your driving goals, because the right suspension upgrade can transform the way your RC vehicle feels on the track.

Final Thoughts

I think Yokomo Big Bore Shocks stand out as a smart upgrade for anyone looking to improve suspension performance and overall handling. My takeaway is that they offer a strong balance of smooth damping, durability, and tuning flexibility, which can make a noticeable difference on the track. If I wanted more control and consistency from my RC setup, these would definitely be worth considering.

Author Profile

Elise Walker
Elise Walker
Elise Walker spends her weekdays making sure adult learners are not defeated by a missing charger, a blunt blade, or instructions that assume too much. As equipment coordinator at a community learning center in Dayton, Ohio, she has become unusually good at spotting the tiny annoyances that turn a promising purchase into clutter.

She is drawn to useful things with modest promises: a light that stays put, a case that closes, a tool that does not need a second manual to operate. Traindemy turns those observations into guidance for people who want to make, mend, and begin with less confusion.