# Looking for input on brand of shocks **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [September 19, 2013, 3:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-input-on-brand-of-shocks/81402 "2013-09-19T03:19:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ST1168](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea666f/32.png) [@ST1168](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ST1168)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2013, 3:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-input-on-brand-of-shocks/81402/1 "2013-09-19T03:19:08Z")
I’m looking to replace my shocks/struts on my 2003 Mazda Protege5. I’m looking at possibly Monroe, KYB, or Gabriel. I don’t want to spent a great deal of money though I’d like something that is well built. Any thoughts on good brands? How much of a difference does it make? I’m open to other brands as well. It looks like I’ll be spending $50-70 per shock. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2013, 3:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-input-on-brand-of-shocks/81402/2 "2013-09-19T03:29:56Z")
All the brands you list are top-of-the-line brands. Now the only difference between them is price. Tester ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 3:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-input-on-brand-of-shocks/81402/3 "2013-09-20T03:50:31Z")
@ST1168 i have only had bad luck with Monroe I’m a pretty gentle driver, but my Monroes blew out within 20K ---
**Author:** ![UsedEconobox\_2\_UsedBMW](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/8491ac/32.png) [@UsedEconobox\_2\_UsedBMW](https://community.cartalk.com/u/UsedEconobox_2_UsedBMW)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 4:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-input-on-brand-of-shocks/81402/4 "2013-09-20T04:57:44Z")
> **[Amazon.com: Shocks & Struts - Shocks, Struts & Suspension: Automotive: Shocks, Struts & More](https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=au_pf_sx_re/133-0235501-8543071?_encoding=UTF8&node=46325011&vehicle=2003-80-2393------------)** ---
**Author:** ![BillyC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e495f1/32.png) [@BillyC](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BillyC)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 5:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-input-on-brand-of-shocks/81402/5 "2013-09-20T05:35:50Z")
KYB’s are firmer than Monroe’s. If you want a sportier ride, then get the KYBs. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 5:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-input-on-brand-of-shocks/81402/6 "2013-09-20T05:56:14Z")
I’d prefer the KYBs. They’re about $55 each at Rockauto. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 6:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-input-on-brand-of-shocks/81402/7 "2013-09-20T06:34:22Z")
I’ve had bad luck with Monroe’s with my Trucks. They never failed…but after a just a few years the ride became very harsh. KYB’s would be my first choice. ---
**Author:** ![mark9207](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71c47a/32.png) [@mark9207](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mark9207)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2013, 7:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-input-on-brand-of-shocks/81402/8 "2013-09-20T07:43:15Z")
Another vote for KYB. They are probably the most popular OE supplier for shocks and struts. Your car probably has KYB struts on it right now. ---
**Author:** ![ST1168](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea666f/32.png) [@ST1168](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ST1168)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2013, 6:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-input-on-brand-of-shocks/81402/9 "2013-09-21T06:42:54Z")
Thx for the input. That’s exactly what I needed.