I think for what you're going to spend on the upgrade, you can get a decent air fork on closeout. You might not need this year's fork, (esp. if looking at upgrading your old one).
Back in '98, I would have highly recommended the upgrade to a Judy fork. Being it was at (or near) the top of the line. With all the developments now, the Judy is toward the bottom of the line-up.
Plus, you may be able to get MORE features in a new fork vs an upgrade to an old one.
L8R
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