Poll: Cobb Sway Bars vs. Hotchkis Sway Bars

[ndedomin]

Simple Question: COBB Sway Bars or Hotchkis Sway Bars?

[SPEEDYHANS]

o I like this i say cobb

[ericrapp]

They look very very similar. I have Hotchkis and just installed rear. no drive yet

[ericrapp]

These are before

[CHIEFSMS3]

HOTCHKIS.

They manufacture both bars so they have similar specs.

Hotchkis rear bar is actually stiffer.

Hotchkis is cheaper.

They are not blue.

What more could you want?

[FrequentFlyer]

I like Cobb because you can buy them separately. Some people don't want to run a front bar for various reasons.

[MikeHTally]

The front bar looks to be a bit more involved to replace. I'm seriously considering a Cobb rear bar. I put a rear sway bar on my Ram pickup last fall and it really helped. The truck's pretty lively, considering 5,300# and tall. It corners very well.

[mazdaspeedster3]

Did you just say your Ram handles well?

[MikeHTally]

Did you just say your Ram handles well?
Considering the weight and the fact it's 6'6" tall, yep.

[blue-sun]

I had Suspension Technique bars (F/R) on my 93 MR2. Loved em.

the MP3 that I sold after I got my MS3 had the stock Racing Beat bars and I think it outhandles the MS3 stock vrs stock.

I think sway bars are my next/only mod (once I get wife approval)

[ZooMIN3]

i've got the hotckis kit sittin in my garage.....i'll be installing them once i get home... although i think i'm going to be upgrading my springs to cobble....

[BSTD3]

I bought a Cobb RSB and couldn't be happier...

[GhostMercury]

As far as I know I heard that the 2 bars are the exact same. The cobb bars are actually made by hotchkis.

[Kain]

I bought a Cobb RSB and couldn't be happier...

+1. COBB RSB for me and that's all I need.

[Yoo Shin]

Don't think it's been mentioned yet, but IIRC the Hotchkis are hollow and actually lighter then the stock, while being significantly stiffer. You wouldn't think weight is much of a factor and I didn't until I went from stock sways on my WRX to a 25f/27r which weighed 10lbs more! Then factor in upgraded endlinks and you add a few more.

Doesn't sound like much but it's something to think about. IMO any time adding weight can be avoided it should be done especially once you factor in a spring or strut upgrade, both of which will add a bit more weight also but can be avoided by going with a good built coilover which can be lighter then the stock set up.

The weight on the Hotchkis website isn't posted but they should be barely, if at all, heavier then stock.

http://www.hotchkis.net/c-833-07-mazda-speed-3.aspx

[haberdashery]

i'm sort of skeptical of the front sway bars, get cobb's rear sway and put the rest of the money towards an intake or springs!

[Kurt07]

I am torn on this too. Hotchkis or Cobb? Cobb or Hotchkis?

While we are on the subject of sway bars, is there any upgrades for the endlinks yet?

[MikeHTally]

I put my Cobb RSB on tonight. "Cave man easy" and it really helped an already great-handling car. Very satisfied. If I could find some RX-8 wheels, I'll be 'bout done.

[phillyb]

I am torn on this too. Hotchkis or Cobb? Cobb or Hotchkis?

While we are on the subject of sway bars, is there any upgrades for the endlinks yet?

yes, there are a few sites that have end links. some of the vendors on here have them. i'm sure you could pm them and find out if the end links are in stock ;)

i'm also torn. i would like to just add a rsb, and i want the hotchkis. i'm considering purchasing the set and possibly selling the fsb. i wish they would sell them separately

[Boosted333]

Cobb for me, there was a kid in college that I couldn't stand with a last name of Hotchkiss and I refuse to buy their products now. (upyours)

[ericrapp]

I weighed my 'H' bars before install at the calibrated scale at work for fun. But I cannot remember, yoo shin the #s 11 and 9 seem to stick but not sure. I should weigh the stock bars and the Cobb springs before I put those in! And 333, its Hotchkis. one S. it's ok now to move forward! haha

[ericrapp]

I am torn on this too. Hotchkis or Cobb? Cobb or Hotchkis?

While we are on the subject of sway bars, is there any upgrades for the endlinks yet? yes Kurt, there are a couple but I do not have them so will not offer opinion on those. What does an upgraded end link do? is it strength or adjustability? oops this is a poll sorry nd

[MicaSp33d]

As far as I know I heard that the 2 bars are the exact same. The cobb bars are actually made by hotchkis.

from what i read from a different tread, don't remember which one, but cobb did not have the machines to bend the bars so they had hotchkis bend the bars for them and soon after hotchkis came out with sways bars for the ms3 ...

[GhostMercury]

yeaup thats what i mean. So this thread is basically talking about the same products.

[ericrapp]

Does the Cobb have the second set of holes for the different stiffness setting?

[turbo23]

yes, one hole is 50% stiffer and the other is 90% stiffer FWIW I tossed on the cobb rear bar before this past weekends autox. I had to run some different tire pressures but the rear feels good. I ended up running 42-45 front, and 28-30 psi rear which enabled me to get the rear to come out. It took some tossing, but I was able to basically slide through a few corners. I tried a higher rear pressure, but it actually made it grip more

[ericrapp]

My hotchies are on the stiffer setting and I can get the car to rotate nicely with throttle. i am trying to see if she will come all the way around but not yet. 23 are you running stock tires?

[turbo23]

no kumho spt's 225/40/18 they are good street tires but not great autox tires. Ive been able to get the car to rotate basically full 90 or more, but had to use more then just throttle

[snuggles1300]

cobb because me fav color is blue

[ericrapp]

no kumho spt's 225/40/18 they are good street tires but not great autox tires. Ive been able to get the car to rotate basically full 90 or more, but had to use more then just throttleif you say ebrake rally style well thats one thing, but if you have a different method let me in on it! I drive the pavement!

[SwampAss]

I went with Cobb. I don't know if anyone can really say which is better unless they've had both installed.


I went with just the rear bar. It's been my experience that the rear bar makes the biggest difference. The front bar install is a small PITA.

For cost per performance amount....just get the rear Cobb bar. It's easy to install and for the money, you'll be very happy.

[Boosted333]

Can you buy just the rear Cobb sway bar by itself?

[Boosted333]

Ahh, nevermind...

971230 Mazda Speed3 2007-08 ; Rear Bar Kit $165.00

[snuggles1300]

cobb's is blue there should be no debate here >.<

[happy and angry]

Very sorry for the thread-jack, but this needs to be said:


cobb's is blue there should be no debate here >.<Alright I think I've had enough of reading any of your posts ever. Every thread I've seen you post in, your posts have been insanely irrelevant, boring, stupid, or all three.

I've finally found someone I want to ignore, but I don't know how. Anyone here know how to ignore people?

[Ghost Rider]

Very sorry for the thread-jack, but this needs to be said:

Alright I think I've had enough of reading any of your posts ever. Every thread I've seen you post in, your posts have been insanely irrelevant, boring, stupid, or all three.

I've finally found someone I want to ignore, but I don't know how. Anyone here know how to ignore people?

Have you tried PM'ing him / her? It's sort of rude to call someone out like that without trying to deal with it on a personal level first.

[SwampAss]

I hate that stupid bear! Worst fabric softener evar.


H and A I think you can only be friends with people. This site is to promote love, peace, and uneven moderation! (k)

[snuggles1300]

yep i agree and u take this way to serious ...relax have fun ....lol...well u are realy happy and angry ...any way back to the sway bar ..so i m not off topic ..i would go with cobb because on the fact the if the hitackis did take cobbs ideas and design then the original is the best ...hugs and kiss to you sir

[happy and angry]

I hate that stupid bear! Worst fabric softener evar.


H and A I think you can only be friends with people. This site is to promote love, peace, and uneven moderation! (k)That sucks, I can't even be friends with you, you wouldn't buy me a pony.

To MS3077: I am not going to e-mail someone who posts like that with something like "Hey so can you translate your posts to english please? They don't really make sense." I didn't waste my time doing it with you, and I won't do it with this guy for the same reason: it'll be a waste of time.

If it's possible to ignore posts from certain people, I would really like to know how. If anyone who knows can PM me with details, I will make sure they receive one (1) appreciative thank you PM. This is a fantastic deal, and I don't know how long it will be available! ACT NOW!

[ericrapp]

1300 i am not sure who made who on this, but with the engineering resources available to Hotchkis!!! they probably designed it. But Cobb ties the Mazdaspeed 3 package together as a dedicated tuner. That why I feel strong that to do it right, Cobb springs and either Hotchies or Cobbster bars will bring the most out of this car in the handling and balanced chassis. And H and A I think you are in love. or it is a Canadien thing. I sure miss Molson Brador and from the eastern Canada Moosehead Dry, oldest brewery in the the country . To die for. You Canadiens have the best beer in the world, and I have tried a couple. Some twice

[SPEEDYHANS]

and cobb takes the lead lol

[blue-sun]

Very sorry for the thread-jack, but this needs to be said:

Alright I think I've had enough of reading any of your posts ever. Every thread I've seen you post in, your posts have been insanely irrelevant, boring, stupid, or all three.

I've finally found someone I want to ignore, but I don't know how. Anyone here know how to ignore people?

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/profile.php?do=addlist&userlist=ignore&u=59056

click there and save and he'll be ignored.

[Kain]

hitackis

I once had this at a Benihana. Delish.

[happy and angry]

click there and save and he'll be ignored.Oh no, Swampass already pulled this one on me :P NOT THIS TIME.

[ericrapp]

On the graph the colors throw me off, shouldn't the Cobb be blue and Hotchkis red! And how did the Cobb get ahead, no body seems to want to install the front bar. I wonder how many Cobb front bars are for sale?

[gbalanced]

Has anyone noticed a ride quality difference after installing the sway bars due to increased rigidity? I'm personally leaning towards getting the cobb sway bars, but I can't decide yet on both or just the rear.

[ericrapp]

Oh heck yes, but I have springs too

[ericrapp]

All is installed and I am still feeling the stuff out.

[saranya]

hotchkis is even now :)

[ericrapp]

Go Red team!

[Hank3]

Over a year later, I voted "Other" as I'm getting the Progress RSB :)

[Saskatchewan17]

Hah. Bump from dead Hank?

I'm probably going with either Progress or Hotchkis.

[mazdaspeedster3]

Ultimately I think they are all comparable. It just comes down to who you want to support and cost. I wouldnt pay more for one than another when they all do the same thing.

[ericrapp]

I forgot about this one. May i mention two things? well sure i can. The Hotchkis has two stiffness settings. and the Cobb does not i think. I have the H's obviously. I have not seen the Progress bars. Besides that i would agree, speedster 3. But i must say that the rear sway bar was one of my favorite mods and a great bang for the buck. So whichever you get Hank you will be pleased. Ok that mighta been more than two things.

[Hank3]

The Cobb also has two settings (its stiffest setting being the Hotchkis soft setting). Reasons I went with Progress is due to the beefier bushing mounts and the powdercoated gray for a less flashy look. But they all do perform the same I reckon and they seem to be about the same price. Could've purchased Cobb for $165 shipped, but I went with the Progress GB for $165 shipped :)

There's a review for it here:

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123758937

[b00bs for n00bs]

hotchkis bars. both of them.
rsb gets all the credit for adding such a great feel to the car. it feels shorter, comes around turns quicker...blah blah blah.
the front keeps it flat in turns and that is underrated.
both bars.
hotchkis ftw

[ericrapp]

The Cobb also has two settings (its stiffest setting being the Hotchkis soft setting). Reasons I went with Progress is due to the beefier bushing mounts and the powdercoated gray for a less flashy look. But they all do perform the same I reckon and they seem to be about the same price. Could've purchased Cobb for $165 shipped, but I went with the Progress GB for $165 shipped :)

There's a review for it here:

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123758937
The bushings and keepers are much better that is for sure. Thanks for the link to pics. Do you have it installed yet? It does look trick. Just installing the rear bar allowed my car to drift! It was a riot. It will come out at the limit but very controlled. I ended up with both Hotchkis bars and Cobb springs. The front bars a pain to install though. You will notice a big difference with just the rear. Take her to an open parking lot and do some figure eights at about sixty and let us know what you think. Have fun!

[Hank3]

Haven't installed it yet. Waiting for the GB to end so the production of these will start. Should be a few weeks from now.

[ericrapp]

oh i guess i should have read further. Any hoo, be sure to report back. Do the install on ramps to keep the suspension loaded is one of the things i recall and try to center the bar using the links as a guide. I did have one of my brackets shift abit so take alook and retighten after a week or so. And i did add more grease at the fittings after some driving time.