New fork

[hank scorpio]

I am new to mountain biking and have just bought a Haro Escape 8.2 but the forks suck. EXR Pro Coil 105. I am a bigger rider (220) and I am bottoming the forks off 5 stair jumps and some dirt jumps. They also top out too quickly. Can anyone recommend a good, strong fork? Weight is not a problem.
I was looking at these:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/product.ASP?wc=true&base_no=66013&dept_id=

or

http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=80068

Any help would be appreciated
James

[binary visions]

I believe the Sherman is the stronger of the two forks - there have been some issues with the crowns cracking on the 2003 Z.1's and DJ's.

I ride a Firefly and like it a lot. I don't think you can go wrong with either fork but the Sherman seems to have fewer issues with creaking and breakage.

If you're the type who will never even peek inside your fork or who will be changing fork oil once every 2,391 years, then the open bath design of the Z.1 might be a tad more reliable over time.

[DßR]

You don't need a new fork, you just need to put more oil in it - when Marzocchi's start bottoming out easily it's because they're low on oil. And when they're new, they're invariably low on oil, I have no clue why.

Being low on oil will also cause them to top out harshly.

Add a capful of 7wt or 10wt oil to each leg at a time until it stops.

You'd probably also do well to order up a set of Xtra heavy springs too, actually come to think of it, DEFINITELY do that.

[mcA896]

if you were going to get a new fork, i would say go with the firefly. it has the better damping, stronger, etc. but, make sure you get the correct axle, regular qr or 20mm thru axle. the escape 8.2 is a regular qr front axle

[hank scorpio]

Thanks for the responses. I missed out on the firefly deal but I got a flick for a good price. It has the t/a so I guess I am now looking for a strong wheelset.
James