Huge improvement over the standard air shock. I was running a basic Fox Float R (base model Spicy 216) so I guess a better air shock would've been an improvement too, but after running coil on my DH bike I was converted. Generally the best word to describe the difference is 'plush': it absorbs the small bumps/sharp edges but still feels bottomless on the big drops. I've taken it to the Alps on 3 summer holidays so far, first two with the air shock and most recently with the coil and it was most noticeable on the tracks with f**ked surfaces like at Chatel, etc. I've played around with the step up a little so that it still pedals well enough.

 What does the spicy ride like on a coil rear? Been looking to try it and wondered what people think?

 Thank you very much for that! I will have to try and invest in one shortly! DHX RC4 is highly recommended I suppose?