StreetFtry68 is right - neither of these two frames has been out long enough for much user feedback. That said, I just ordered the DSE sub. For what it's worth, here was my reasoning:
- Good engineers are going to get the basics pretty much right. There's not much rocket science to knowing what to do with FVSA, SVSA, camber gain, bump steer, roll center, etc. Some systems are engineered - I'd put DSE and Morrison both in that category - and some either aren't or don't make a point of proving it.
- The Tuckers are ride and handling engineers by training and experience. They have a particular philosophy about suspension design - about springing, damping, and anti-roll - that I agree with. Call it the European school.
- I wanted to buy a well-sorted front and rear (Q-link) combo that was thoroughly tested together, and supported by the same company. I really love the lat-dynamics 3-link, and clearly understand its theoretical advantanges, but I wanted a one stop shop when it came to getting the out of the box setup in the ballpark, as well as advice when it came to tweaking at the margins. (BTW, in a year or so, I'm sure the lat-dynamics folks will be there).
- I've been a customer of DSE for 7 years, since Kyle was the only employee. The personal character and professional service has been absolutely impeccable the entire time. And the fact that my wife and I are both MEs, like the Tuckers, probably accounts for the fact that I like their understated style of communication.
- The cost difference is not much in the total context of one of these projects, and it's partly deceptive - for instance, if you have DSE powder coat your frame, they assemble it for you. No biggy, but if you're paying a pro to do it, the shop time for assembly adds up.
At the end of the day, I can still understand anyone going Morrison instead. I have a Morrison Tri5 frame under my wife's 55 Belair, and it's a great piece of craftsmanship that makes the car drive like a late model sports sedan. And their customer service was also terrific.
I guess the bottom line for me is this - compared to the last full-on project I undertook 6 years ago, we now have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to choosing almost every major system of these cars. And there are so many great people building businesses on this hobby, you almost want to give them all some business. Flip a coin, you can't lose.
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