i have seen the new 2.5 chassis.. looks nice.. the guy using it.. said it was good.. i personally think the stock chassis will be fine.. so you can adjust flex with the braces..
not certain what you mean out of the box suspension.. kashima coated shocks from AE.. basically is a hard coated shock.. but.. with a fancy name on it..
i will say the machined pistons are nice.. wish Xray would go to the machined pistons away from tree pistons..
other than that.. the updated lower bushings help in life of the shock.. as well as smoothness.. very easy to build.. and mine stay smooth for very long time..