i've ridden a yeti 5.5 & starling (both reviews on NSMB) - though not back to back. the starling did have a bit less end stroke ramp for sure, but not something that couldn't be tuned around. pedal feedback / braking were non issues for both bikes. both fun bikes, though i preferred the handling of the starling a bit more (esp. in corners), which trumped any difference in suspension performance. one man's opinion, of course.
Feb. 28, 2020, 12:01 p.m. - Perry Schebel
i've ridden a yeti 5.5 & starling (both reviews on NSMB) - though not back to back. the starling did have a bit less end stroke ramp for sure, but not something that couldn't be tuned around. pedal feedback / braking were non issues for both bikes. both fun bikes, though i preferred the handling of the starling a bit more (esp. in corners), which trumped any difference in suspension performance. one man's opinion, of course.