I was comparing them to the JRZ RS, RS PRO and Moton Clubsport. I agree that valving clicks that are large limit fine tuning, however I haven't had an issue with this.
I find the stock valving on the KW3 to be more limiting and if you don't like your car setup with KW3 valving you have a much more limited range to work with (and are particularly limited on spring changes).
If you were to go to unbiased professional race teams (not sponsored by or a vendor that sells any particular product) and force them to choose between the KW3, Moton Club Sport and JRZ RS PRO... I would be highly surprised if a single one chose the KW3's.
The problem with the above comparison is that the Motons and JRZ's are at vastly different price points, so its not completely fair. My point is, if you have money to drop and want the best then get the JRZ's or Moton's. If you want to spend $2500 or less, yes the KW3's are probably one of the best available shocks.
Don't forget the KW Clubsport which is more track-oriented (like RS Pro or Moton Clubsport) with higher spring rates.
The range between each click on the Moton Clubsports is generally twice as big (or equivalent to 2 clicks) as the Moton 3-way motorsports damper. Fine tuning the setup becomes difficult when searching for a middleground between two clicks. Also the Motons only adjust the highspeed damping (not the lowspeed) but you can play with canister pressures.
I will say that I agree that the first half of the valving of the KW V3/Clubsport is somewhat useless for compression and the softest 1/3 of the rebound adjustment is useless for rebound on the KW V3. But the rest of the adjustment for the V3's rebound is usefull from a compliant street to a very aggressive track setup. 1 click on the V3 IS NOTICEABLE (unless you're at the softest setting, then its too soft to feel much of a difference).
I've had no problems running 200lbs higher spring rates on KW V3s or Clubsport's base spring rate. IMO this is more than enough to add balance to a given setup (which can also be done with swaybars, alignment, aero, etc...) and be more than enough for most people who track their cars.
I tracked my
V3-equipped NSX a couple days ago at Buttonwillow (
EDIT - Video posted below) and without having enough time to set the
dampers from the
soft, comfortable street setting because I was only given 1 flying lap between run groups, the car was fantastic with great balance, and I felt the dampers were good enough for anyone to track aggressively. Having tracked Penske 2-way, Moton 3-way, JRZ 3-way, Tein, KW V3, KW 3-way Motorsports, and more NSXs, the V3s were very impressive with great damping characteristics:
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IMO the KW V3's have more potential in them than most drivers can get out of them. Unless you are but a handful of people who can get more time out of a 3-way Moton/JRZ/KW, I think the V3 is more than enough for anyone's street or track use.
Also, in yesterday's
Redline Time Attack at Buttonwillow. (Off the top of my head)
KW Variant 3's finished:
1st - Street Class RWD (Berk Technology's 135i)
2nd - Street Class RWD (EVOlution Racewerks 135i)
1st - Modified Class RWD (AFI Turbo's S2000)
2nd - Enthusiast Class RWD (S2000)
-That says alot when the competition in these classes are within tenths of seconds.
Scin - It's KW "V3" or "Variant 3" - not "KW3"
(There was a confusion of "KW3" in the past referring to the 3-way motorsports dampers).
