Hey Don,
440's have a better valving system is why the increace $$$. The 812's a re a 412's in a fancy wrapper. And yes they are better than stock, markedly so. I am currently on the road riding a bike with 440's I really notice a difference on teh bumps and handling when loaded down with gear. But to be honest, unless I did a side by side with the 412's I am not sure I could give an honest assessement between the two. But clearly there is no comparrison between the stock and either of these two shocks, they out perform stock hands down.
eddy
