Marz 66 vs RockShox Totem vs Fox Float/Talas 180 RC2

I'm looking at 180mm forks and was wondering what the major differences were between these 3 forks. I'm leaning towards the Marzocchi 66 RC2 1.5 Ti but wanted to know more about the other guys before I bite the bullet.

 

I have a Totem and my Co-worker has a Fox 180 Van, the Totem is ****ing heavy. Just get the Fox 180 RC2 Talas you won't regret it. Adjustable travel comes in handy. Fox stands by all there products, and I really think that with any fork you can get a great one or a bad one its just luck of the draw and all three manufactures are going to fix/replace anything as fast as possible for a "shop employee" like you. Marz just showed us this week "Ti Nitrate Stanchions" http://www.pinkbike.com/news/marzocchi-ti-nitrate.html which should be finding their way to the 66 in the next year so if you want the "gold stanchions" the Fox RC2 with Kashima Coat .

 

the difference is the totem and fox will come brand new with compression damping and rebound working. the marz is a crapshoot

 

Rockshox forks are generally far more dependable than Fox, and easier to work on yourself. Fox has proprietary tools, and if your seals are leaking, have been known to blow-out while on the trail... in which case the hapless rider is SOL. I have had Fox, Marz, and now have a Totem. The Totem is my fave, although the Italian made Marz forks were awesome too.

 

I think it really depends on if you want air or coil and travel adjust. Compare features and prices.

I've had really good luck with a 36 mm Fox Van and Totem Solo Air so I don't think you can go wrong with either. I think the Fox is a little more plush than the Totem but the Totem feels more burly through the chunky stuff.

No experience with Marz 66.

 

I have had the Fox 36 (160 mm) and the Marz 66 ata. (140-180)The Marz is a good fork, very plush, but it is heavy compared to the Fox. I have not tried the Totem, but I have heard the coil version is pretty nice.

 

I hope this info helps you out.
For what it is worth - I have always been a "marzocchi guy". I've been riding their shocks almost exclusively for 12 years, and currently own 7 of them. However, if I were to buy again today, sadly, I would be looking at something else. Over the years, I have seen the quality dip, but have always been able to figure out the shock and get it to work (and when they work, they work great!).
The experience with my latest purchase has pushed me over the edge though....I stuck with the brand, and was hopeful that the quality was back up to par, but I just don't think it is.
My newest fork (66rc3 -$900 -6months old) has had issues right out of the box...not what I would expect from a fork costing almost a thousand dollars. Sure, I will pull it apart and figure it all out - but I am getting tired of it.
With this, I am now seeking out info on fox and rockshox as well, and am hearing positive feedback on both. I have had a chance to ride the totem, and was actually impressed - it performed very well. I also had a chance to ride the fox, and unfortunately both seals failed on the same ride....not sure this is typical, but it didn't leave me with the best impression.
Again, I hope this helps.

 

Hey mike, Just put the 180 van on my nomad not to long ago. If you want to take it for a test spin drop me a line.