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Nimbus suspensions unboxing and first impressions
It’s finally time to share our first impressions of the Nimbus shocks with you! After overcoming the logistical hurdles of sending parcels to Africa, we recently received our custom-made Nimbus oleo-pneumatic suspensions. In this first write-up, we’d like to share our first impressions of the product, and will elaborate on the company and technology behind it. Made in France, these high-end shock absorbers promise to change how Rafiki handles and how we experience the tracks. We are super excited to try them, and hope they deliver what they promise. This three-part blog series discusses our first impressions and the company, the installation, and our first review after 5000 African kilometers. It’s time to unpack, as we’ve been anxiously waiting to receive our shocks from Killian (Nimbus’ CPO) and the team.
What are the Nimbus oleo-pneumatic suspensions?
Before we dive into our first impression, we think explaining what makes these shocks special is valuable. Suspension talk is not everybody’s cup of tea, for us it was quite new too, so we assume some background information will help you understand the benefits of this unique product. These shock absorbers are more than just a simple shock, they are a fully integrated suspension solution; combining the function of a standard shock with a progressive hydraulic spring. They combine the benefits of oil and pressurized nitrogen to do much more than minimize the bounce. This is also directly why its design and technology stand out, as these units improve the overall ride quality, and enhance off-road comforts and on-road performance. They act as an all-in-one suspension solution and we think that’s pretty nifty.
Nimbus promises the shocks work so well, as they take over some of the load from your standard spring by lifting the vehicle slightly. By reducing the load on your standard springs, Nimbus guarantees that these units can do their work perfectly. As a result, your vehicle is ‘floating’ on pressurized nitrogen, and it’s only until you firmly compress the system, that your springs will assist the Nimbus to cope with the added force. It takes over your entire suspension system, and should vastly improve comfort and riding quality.
Additionally to the tech, Nimbus guarantees high reliability as it works with aircraft-grade materials and high-quality seals, and comparing it to the original setup, improved mounting systems. Before the products ship out, they undergo rigorous testing to guarantee they are up to the task ahead. We got to talk to Killian, Nimbus’ Chief Product Officer, before we got our set and talked about the technique, the materials used, and their quality control process. You can find that Q&A on our YouTube channel. Although we focus on the Nimbus Suspensions for our Defender in the video and in these reviews, the information largely applies to their full vehicle range.
Ten Nimbus oleo-pneumatic shock features
- Premium product
- Tailored to your vehicle for the best performance
- Oleo-pneumatic (oil and pressurized nitrogen)– therefore highly capable of dissipating vibrations and cushioning impacts
- Enhanced comfort off-road
- Improved handling of the vehicle on-road
- Precision-engineered
- Made from aerospace-graded materials
- Improved mounting systems (no more strain on bushes)
- Fully serviceable – no need to buy new ones, Nimbus services them every few years (at cost), making them last a lifetime
- Global network of representatives – experts are ready to help wherever you are, global overlanders can hop in for a service
The company
Nimbus Suspensions is a French company at heart, with their factory beautifully situated at the edge of the Pyrenees. Catering to a global audience, every unit produced is crafted in France, before shipping out. With Nimbus expanding rapidly, their global representatives ensure access to their products and expertise is only a throw away. Although the company is relatively young, they have assembled a team with decades of combined experience in oleo-pneumatic technology, suspension design, and off-road driving. They deliver a high-quality product that satisfies customers and exceeds their expectations. We have experienced this firsthand, and are enthusiastic to call the team at Nimbus partners and friends.
Expert knowledge
In the past year, while leading up to the installation of our suspension, we have been in regular contact with Killian who is leading the product design department. Talking to him opened up a whole new world, as he got us excited about shocks and suspension in ways we never predicted. His expertise goes far beyond shocks, however, and his knowledge helped our African expedition forward numerous times. We love companies that are genuinely passionate about their product, and the projects their customers undertake. Throw in a personal touch and connection, and brands like this are set up for success. As overlanders, we rely on high-quality products and the support of others, and that’s exactly why we like to work with Nimbus. We can’t thank Nimbus enough for being there for us when we needed them.
The technology behind oleo-pneumatic suspensions
Most shock absorbers on 4×4 vehicles use hydraulic (oil) technology to absorb the impacts and convert kinetic energy into heat. Their main function is to keep spring movement under control and dampen impacts. This type of shock absorber is perfectly suited for off-road applications but might perform less well on tarmac. On the other hand, gas-filled shocks improve control and provide a steady ride, mostly used on the tarmac in a sports setting. Although theoretically, they would make a good combination, this is rarely seen due to the expertise required and the costs involved.
Nevertheless, this is exactly what Nimbus Suspensions does: combining both to create the perfect oleo-pneumatic suspension unit. It combines oil and pressurized nitrogen to ensure its product provides comfort, a steady ride, and a better driving experience on all surfaces. It offers the best of oil and gas-filled shocks and does so with charm – dissipating vibrations, dealing with high-velocity impacts, and managing extreme oscillation (washboards, etc.) very well.
Pressurized nitrogen in the system acts as a pneumatic spring (just like your metal spring, but without the vibrations) and its compressed oil absorbs the impact of bumps. Although you’ll be able to find this combination in other products, it’s hard to do it right for vehicles. That’s where Nimbus’ expertise shines. As the Nimbus units are tailored to each unique vehicle, they perfectly suit your setup and driving style. By custom-designing the shock’s internals specific to your vehicle (e.g. its weight), and adjusting the pressure accordingly, they provide the best result possible. This technology is destined to positively impact the driving experience of overlanders and off-road enthusiasts alike.
What else makes the Nimbus Suspensions setup unique?
Nimbus uses only extremely high-quality materials that undergo multiple checks to acquire aerospace-grade certification. Nimbus’ vision is to provide you with a shock with unparalleled performance and comforts, one that lasts a lifetime. According to them, it will be the last shock you ever buy. As full-time overlanders, we’ve learned to invest in high-quality gear the hard way. Over the past ten years, we’ve used three sets of aftermarket shocks on Rafiki, only to see them fail when the tracks got tough. Seeing Nimbus strive so hard to use the best materials and components out there is a relief, knowing that this setup will safely and comfortably get us to remote places, and back.
Our first impressions of the Nimbus suspensions
After a few months of struggling with logistics on our side, we finally received our shocks in Mozambique (September ’24). Designed specifically for our iconic Defender 110, we couldn’t wait to unpack the box and see what the set looked like. What immediately stood out was the scale of these shocks and the extremely sleek looks. These are not 3D renders on our photos, but the real product.
Talking about the scale, they are big. Unlike standard shocks, Nimbus’ shocks are pressurized and therefore extended. As a result, you can’t compress them by hand. It’s a unique aspect of this technology and something we’ve never seen before. We’re curious to see how that impacts the installation.
Above all, what stood out was the high-end design. The whole body is precisely CNC-machined and coated in a durable Cerakote. The construction of aircraft-grade aluminum, hardened chrome steel, and the coating makes it feel premium, sleek, and strong. There were zero imperfections on the body and coating, confirming the quality, and the quality control they go through. Additionally, the parts are milled in a precise CNC machine and therefore fit together perfectly. This means there’s no welding involved, eliminating known weak spots of traditional shock absorbers. The Nimbusses feel sturdy and capable of handling our vehicle. Of course, the coming months will be the ultimate test of that. Nonetheless, it’s already clear this is a premium product.
Nimbus also changed the mounting system for their shocks to ensure they are as reliable as the main body. on the Defender, they have polyurethane bushes on the front top, while the rear features a special water- and dustproof heavy-duty ball joint with a Kevlar bearing. All lower mounts feature a heavy-duty ball joint that provides freedom of movement at angles but basically eliminates wear, strain, and free play.
What immediately stands out
- Extremely well-engineered (zero imperfections)
- Premium look and feel
- Although lightweight, it feels sturdy and extremely capable of handling heavy overland vehicles
- Sleek design and coating (it looks like a physical 3D digital render)
- Upgraded mounting systems
Our approach for gear reviews
As long-term overlanders we fully understand the need for high-quality and reliable gear. We know that if gear isn’t up to standard it can hinder your adventures, resulting in discomfort or a dangerous situation.
We write our reviews after extensive testing and with you – an adventurous overlander – in mind. We hope you appreciate our information, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Comparing Nimbus to a standard setup
Nimbus differentiates itself from anything else we’ve seen. It’s not only the technology that’s different; it’s the entire design and emphasis on quality over quantity that stands out. Beyond that, the personal touch with the team and the fact that they are custom-made for our vehicle all lead to what we believe is a high-end product that will far outlast our adventures.
Let’s sum up some differences here:
- There’s no use of cheap or prone-to-rust materials, only highly certified materials and components
- There is no welding involved thanks to the CNC-machined aluminum, which also ensures everything fits together nicely
- They’ve eliminated known weak points by eliminating welds, rubber bushes, and strain-sensitive areas
- Instead of just absorbing impacts, their pressurized system acts as a progressive spring and a high-end hydraulic shock combined
- Where normal shocks can be compressed by hand, their pressurized system keeps the shock extended, impacting the ease of installation
- Besides dampening the spring’s movement, they take over part of the load, guaranteeing comfort and a smooth ride
We can imagine this three-part series with our first impressions, the installation, and our 5000-kilometer review of Nimbus Suspensions has sparked your interest, as it certainly would spark ours. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have. We’d love to share our latest findings and are happy to discuss the huge diversity of suspension setups.
Feel free to reach out to us on Instagram, or via info@rafikiontour.com, with any questions that come to mind!
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We hope our blog provided you with practical information that’s useful to your adventures. Want to dive deeper into this or other subjects, and plan a call? We are here to help!
Hi there adventurer! A quick heads-up: This product is provided (for free or at a discount) to us in support of our adventures. This review contains opinions of our own and is not influenced by the collaboration. We know the importance of high-quality gear and truthful reviews, as you will rely on it on the trails, and so do we. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Thank you and stay adventurous!
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