SumoSprings vs Airbags vs Rubber Bump Stop

You’re going to upgrade your suspension and fix the sagging vibration and body roll in your vehicle. You’ve got options, but do you have the answers? Here’s a little insight on what makes SumoSprings different from airbags and other bump stop replacements. Let’s look at the key differences between SumoSprings, airbags and rubber bump stops.

What makes SumoSprings different?

SumoSprings are not rubber and they’re not airbags. This is suspension enhancement built from micro cellular, never require maintenance, and don’t need any lines, or compressors. All SuperSprings International (SSI) products also come come with a lifetime warranty.

Because they’re not solid rubber or a rubber bladder filled with air, SumoSprings perform differently. They install in the same place as the OE bump stop, like most suspension upgrades. Where these differ, is that SumoSprings are a progressive spring in nature and they are designed to come into contact much sooner than bump stops, and some of the alternatives.

What this does, is provide a different level of load support while reducing body roll, stopping rear end sag, and taking vibration out of the chassis.

Multiple options 

SumoSprings are manufactured in three colors or densities: blue, black, and yellow. Having multiple densities allow you to pick the support that you need for your vehicle and your situation.

For a more in depth look at the colors, check out the meaning of the colors blog post.

SumoSprings vs Airbags

First let’s take a look at airbags and SumoSprings side by side.

Airbags are an impressive solution for their ability to level super heavy loads and provide ride support. Think of diesel motorhomes, semi-trucks, and school buses; they really shine in these applications. There’s some of things to remember about airbags though. First, they essentially replace your vehicle suspension so when you’re riding on airbags, they render your factory suspension a paperweight.

Second, they restrict, almost eliminating, the vertical travel on your vehicle. Stretching airbags can cause damage or leaks. Another thing to consider is the need to adjust the PSI in the airbags based on your current load – adding or bleeding air. To do that, you’ll need to run airlines or you might need an onboard compressor to avoid the hassle of filling it otherwise. All that equates to ongoing maintenance without solving for unloaded ride comfort.

SumoSprings, however, work in concert with your factory suspension. They don’t require lines, air compressors or any kind of maintenance. Our Solo and Rebel SumoSpring designs provide load capacity and support, while allowing for full unrestricted vertical travel. If you’ve seen our torture test video, you’ll know SumoSprings are virtually indestructible.

SumoSprings vs. Rubber Bump Stops

Now let’s look at a more common bump stop upgrade and SumoSprings side by side.

There are some decent bump stop replacements but most of them are made from rubber or a rubber composite. This solution might do particularly well in cold temperatures but here’s some of the things to remember.

First, no matter how much you say it, rubber is not progressive. It’s linear in nature. That means when they meet your frame it is going to be a harsh engagement. These bump stops push back hard right from the beginning of the compression. This is also why they work well in heavy, constantly loaded applications. With your vehicle unloaded, however, you’re gonna feel them. What we hear a lot, is that these rubber alternatives set you up to feel every jar in the road as they contact the frame.

SumoSprings on the other aren’t made from rubber. They’re a progressive spring with a very soft, almost unnoticed initial engagement. What that means is that the more weight is added, the harder they get and the more they push back, and they provide the support and control that you need with minimal impact to your factory ride when unloaded.

Check out this video where, Adam Weisner our President, talks about the key differences between SumoSprings, airbags and rubber bump stops.

Use our application guide to see what we have for your vehicle.