STR Bypass shocks are a type of shock absorber designed to improve off-road performance by providing position-sensitive damping, allowing for a more comfortable ride and preventing bottoming out. They work by allowing oil to flow around the main piston through bypass tubes, offering different levels of damping based on the suspension's position.

Bypass shocks are available in a wide range of off-the-shelf configurations--each with its own impact on cost and performance. In Part II, we'll break down the various options and the benefits they offer for different applications.

Before diving in, it's important to note that one of the most common tuning issues we see with bypass shocks is insufficient oil flow through the bypass tubes. When flow is too limited, the soft zones aren't soft enough, and the stiff zones can't deliver the control they're designed for--leading to poor ride quality and reduced performance. Proper tube sizing and layout are key to unlocking the full potential of a bypass setup.