shock question

[Flyin Iowan]

Whats the difference between base valve and non base valve shocks?

[teamtan15]

A basevalve shock is going to have a fixed basevalve installed either in the shock body or the canister. Usually, the basevalve has another set of valve discs on it that the oil has to pass through before it gets to the floating/separator piston. This reduces the pressure applied to the floating piston resulting in a lower gas pressure required behind the floating piston.

[JR. MECHANIC]

I must say; I was quite amazed by the first answer. He is 100% correct!