I've been working on my platinum shocks for my Ultima and I just can't get them to work as well as golds. I'm thinking of either finding some used golds or going for something more current. Any ideas would be helpful.

I like golds. I have also used quite a few duratrax over the years, just as smooth and look very similar. Iirc they only use one oring but mine never leaked. Newer kyosho shocks are even smoother but not sure if cost or performance is more important for you, as well as if your wanting to keep in an era

I've looked at the velvet shocks but the price is pretty high. I'm looking for decent performance at a decent price. This is my runner, so era doesn't matter much to me.

You can't go wrong with 3Racing dampers for the Kyosho Lazer. A full set of 4 for under $30 shipped. They do require minor modification, I believe the fronts are a bit too long but that's easily remedied by inserting 5 or 6mm of plastic spacers inside the pistons to limit the shock travel, and/or changing the ball ends to shorter units. I personally hate the 5.8mm balls and open ball ends Kyosho uses, they wear out too easily and shocks are always popping off. I swap those out with 4.8mm alloy balls and ball-cups, also available dirt-cheap.

The shocks are also a bit stiff as-is, but lighter weight shock oil and opening up the plastic piston ring holes takes care of that. Once you've dialed them in, they work just about as nice as the Golds do...for a fraction of the price. (I'd avoid the Duraleaks shocks.)

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/3Racing-Aluminum-Front-Rear-Damper-Kyosho-Lazer-ZX-5-ZX5-01-BU-/200695277039?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2eba5ee5ef

This pic makes the fronts look way longer than they are, but keep in mind this car has very short front control arms, not the Optima/Ultima's stock-length arms:

The platinum is the most advance shocks ever produced for 1:10 scale and it’s almost impossible to dial them for off-road sins the track constantly changes.

I have plenty of pairs of Gold shocks in varying used conditions. When you make trade status keep me in mind and I will look at a trade if you are interested.

what length are the shocks you need ? i have a set of golds off a ultima rb that i no longer need, any other parts you need ? and what country you from pal ?