Pro Comp Suspension, along with Pro Comp Tires and Smittybilt, each agreed that an early-December test session was in order to generate photography for upcoming marketing brochures. Each had a beautifully prepped SEMA JK to play with. Lucky for us, we got an early tip-off about the trip and subsequently weaseled our way onto the invite list. The outing was masterminded by Pro Comp Tires' day-to-day operations manager, Chris Bolger.
Aside from photography, the purpose of the trip was to provide each companies' R&D department with some real-world feedback on new products. Our venue: beautiful Moab, Utah. We packed our bags for the tag-along trip of a lifetime. Who wouldn't want to hit the trail with some of the biggest names in the business to better understand the methodology behind the products they build? From start to finish, the trip was awesome.
Snowcapped mountains made for a stunning backdrop while the region's normally unpredictable weather cooperated with us. A completely deserted trail system provided a plethora of opportunities to test and photograph the latest product offerings from each brand. We took home a newfound respect for Pro Comp Tires and Smittybilt, a further reinforced opinion about Pro Comp's tag line, "Suspension systems that work," and a whole new understanding about the direction of each business.
Moab's spectacular scenery can only truly be appreciated in person. Despite numerous trips, there is always something special about simply parking the Jeep and getting out on foot to take in the magnificent vistas and humbling drop-offs found in this surreal landscape. If you've never been before, consider Moab this year - the trails are challenging and open for you, your family, and your friends to enjoy. | 
The new Pro Comp JK dual-sport suspension system was inspired by Baja race-truck technology. Notice how the bellypan features flush fasteners and reinforced skidplates with deflective angles. This prevents snags and allows the underside of the JK to glide over obstacles. | 
We noticed two of the Jeeps on our trip had an all-new winch we hadn't seen before. This is the XRC8 by Smittybilt. It is designed to offer enthusiasts an affordable option for light-duty extractions. Rated at 8,000 pounds and priced less than $300, we bet it'll be really popular amongst the entry-level crowd. |