We only had a couple snows here in Indiana that allowed getting the sleds out and riding for 2-3 days before it all melted.
This was mostly on County Roads and bean stubble fields....all pretty smooth stuff. The best test of the gas shock would be riding down some rough trails.
So, I wasn't able to say it is a huge improvement, although it might be, if tested in bumpier conditions.
It certainly looks like a high quality piece. The box says "Made in S. Korea".....which sounds a lot better to me than China or Mexico...
This shock bolted in place of the original with absolutely no modification or "fiddling" required.
This might be a good option for another reason.....if you are a heavier rider, or you often ride your Intruder/Invader 2-up, and you can't find the heavier, optional coil spring, the high gas pressure certainly increases the spring rate.
I only weigh about 175, so I left the spring pre-load near the full soft position.......gotta get up to your neck of the woods someday gixxer6 so I can put the Invader....and the Sidewinder....and the 9500 through a good test on the trails with my sons.