When we first installed the Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Sport shocks on our 4x4 test vehicle six months ago, I’ll admit I was skeptical. Sure, the brand has a stellar reputation in the off-road community, but how much of a difference could a set of shocks really make? Fast forward to today, and I’m happy to report these shocks have completely transformed how our rig handles everything from rocky trails to highway driving. From the looks of it, an even bigger crowd will be on hand this Friday at our local off-road meet—partly because word got out about how well these Nitrochargers perform. I’ve had at least three fellow enthusiasts ask me about them just this week.

Let’s start with durability, because that’s what most people worry about. We put these shocks through some pretty brutal conditions—mud, sand, sharp rocks, and even a few accidental curb hops in the city. Over six months and roughly 5,000 miles of mixed driving, there’s been zero fluid leakage, no noticeable fade, and the bushings still look almost new. I was particularly impressed during a weekend trip to Moab, where temperatures swung from 45°F at night to 95°F during the day. The shocks remained consistent, whether we were crawling over sandstone or flying down a washboard gravel road. On one particularly gnarly trail, I remember thinking how much smoother the ride felt compared to the stock shocks—fewer jolts, less chassis shake, and way more control when descending steep inclines.

On-road performance is where the Nitrocharger Sport shocks really surprised me. I expected them to be overly stiff or noisy, but they’re neither. Highway driving is comfortable, with just enough damping to absorb expansion joints without feeling boat-like. I’ve measured body roll reduction at around 18-20% in corners, which might not sound like much, but it makes daily driving noticeably more planted. There’s also less nose dive under braking, something my partner appreciated during her commute. That said, they’re not perfect. On really broken pavement, you do feel smaller high-frequency vibrations—not harsh, but present. If you’re looking for a luxury SUV ride, maybe look elsewhere. But for a balanced, do-it-all shock, these are hard to beat.

Off-road, the Nitrochargers shine. The digressive valving does an excellent job controlling rebound, so the wheels stay planted even when you’re hitting whoops or ruts at speed. I’ve taken this setup through deep sand, mud up to the axles, and rock gardens that would make any shock sweat. Not once did I feel like the suspension was overwhelmed. One thing I love is how predictable they are—you can push harder because you know how the truck will respond. I did notice a slight increase in noise over sharp impacts compared to some competing models, but it’s a trade-off I’m willing to make for the extra control. And installation? Straightforward. Took us about 2.5 hours per axle with basic tools.

So, after half a year of testing, would I recommend the Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Sport shocks? Absolutely. They’ve held up better than I expected, both on and off the pavement. They’re not the cheapest option out there—you’re looking at around $650 for a set of four—but the performance and durability justify the price in my book. Whether you’re planning a cross-country overland trip or just want a more confident daily driver, these shocks deliver. Just be ready for your friends to ask what you’re running—because from the looks of it, an even bigger crowd will be on hand this Friday wanting to see them in action.