Very happy with the RS5000X. It's the best value shock on the market, hands down. I would also like to break the mold of calling them "value". I would put it above many of the non-value shocks. I still really like the 9000XL's, and if maximum plush was my goal, that's what i would put on. But I think the damping characteristics of the 5000X are better and in a rating category of performance I would choose the 5000X.
You can Google RS5000X review and read the complete review posted on another forum that normally hates Rancho shocks... But here is a paste of some of the review, note that the comparison is the FOX 2.0 Performance series shock:
"I have been running the Rancho RS5000X shocks and steering stabilizer on my 2014 JKU for around 3 weeks now. In those 3 weeks, I have driven around 600 miles, hitting up 2 local trails here around Fort Jackson, driving on rough city streets, and on the interstate. The first thing that both my wife and I noticed is how well these shocks do at slower speeds (25-45 MPH). They do a great job of dampening all of the smaller bumps and vibrations on the road, giving the bumps a very ‘muted’ feel. On Ft. Jackson, where we live, there are lots of rough roads with asphalt that has been cracked, raised and cracked speed bump sized sections from tree roots growing underneath the roads, and washed out sections from all of the rain we get. The RS5000X has done a great job in these conditions. In comparison to the Fox shocks, I would have to say that the Rancho RS5000X shocks do a better job of absorbing all of the slower speed bumps and vibrations from the road. By ‘better’, I mean they ride softer and absorb slower speed bumps and vibrations with less of a ‘jolt’. For daily driving conditions, I was very impressed with the softer ride these shocks offered.
On the same terrain at slightly higher speeds, these shocks also did an excellent job of absorbing hits and bumps. They seem to stiffen up a little when pushed hard, and inspire confidence when cornering. Most importantly to me, although you can still feel larger high speed hits, they took the hard edge, or ‘jolt’ off of the bumps. In this respect, I was hard pressed to find any difference in ride quality between the Rancho RS500X and the Fox 2.0 Performance series shocks. In my opinion, that says a lot, considering the Fox shocks sell for a considerable amount more than the RS5000X’s do.
Off road, I have equally impressed. High speed washboard sections were absorbed very well. The shocks stiffen up just enough to keep you in control, yet still give the same ‘muted’ feel I mentioned earlier when going over washboard roads. In comparison to the Fox shocks, I would say that the Ranchos again offer a slightly ‘softer’ feel when running faster washboard sections as described. The Fox shocks do feel slightly more planted in the faster stuff, but also offer a slightly harsher ride. While flexing the Jeep out a bit, the Rancho RS5000X shocks were sized appropriately and offered a good amount of flex. I experienced no binding, harshness, or rebound issues while off road. The Rancho RS5000X shocks remained quiet and compliant throughout the trails I drove.
Overall, I am very impressed by the Rancho RS5000X shocks. I am not going to blow smoke at anyone and say that these shocks will make you drive like Robby Gordon, but they are impressive. At this price point, they are very similar in comparison to my Fox 2.0 Performance series shocks, which cost a considerable amount more. That alone is impressive to me. They offer a softer, compliant ride off road, and are very impressive on the road where most of us spend a lot of time. They do a great job of absorbing small bumps while still being soft, at least equaling the ride of the Fox shocks at slower speeds. At faster speeds, they offer just enough stiffness to remain planted, while still doing a good job of absorbing bumps. They may not rebound as quickly as the Fox shocks, but in my opinion do offer a slightly softer ride. Overall, I would have to say Rancho did a great job in the development of this shock. They managed to create a twin tube shock that offers a ride very close to that of a more costly monotube like the Fox 2.0 shocks. Two thumbs up from this guy!"