So i've got the 2021 ZFORCE 500 Trail. as anyone with the Trail knows how stiff they ride, I went with recommendations last year to upgrade the stock coil springs to the ones from Bandit. Those made a great,fairly inexpensive upgrade.
   Couple weeks ago I ended up blowing a front shock and instead of dealing with warranty for a new one right now, I upgraded to the Elka Stage 1's. All i can say is wow!! its like a whole new machine,the improved ride is incredable. The front is just a tad stiff but big improvement from stock, the rear is perfect. Much better suspension travel due to the longer shock travel with the Elkas. I'll deal with getting a warranty replacement later.
    The front springs are rated for 252 lbs/inch and I've got Bandit springs that i put on last year that are either 175 or 200 lbs/inch so i'm goint to swap those onto the new front shocks and it should make things even better.
    If anyone is on the fence about shelling out the money for the Elkas , I say gor for it!

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Yeah I ran Elka stage-3s on my Brute Force and couldn't believe the improvement as well. I also did the same thing on springs after working with Bandit on exactly what the Trail needed..bought a set for the back and was gifted the front test prototypes-night and day difference, but also like you I blew one front shock and wasn't about to replace it with another CFM. I'm a Elka-guy 100% all day. However after reviewing the Bandits and Elkas and seeing the Stage-3s didn't have rebound adjustments any more..and that Bandit did..and I could put my old springs on the Bandit shocks if necessary, I went with them even though the cost was almost the same. After some time and adjustments I can say they are all I was looking for and have not had to change the springs. Still have just the springs on back and still loving the ride...and more importantly, so does the wife. In short, Elka or Bandit...you won't believe the improvement they make in your ride. They truly do make it a different machine. They are the best investment you can make in your ride, especially if yours is the trail-chassis like the 500s and 800 trail. Just do it!