Hi there, I have the x01 vala and initially I didn’t get on with it. I ditched the 160 fork and fitted a fox 38 factory x2 170mm which I already had with the geo in high, I have found this makes the bike slightly slacker, more stable at speed and gives me the support needed for the steep Devon/Somerset trails I ride.
Fork settings for me at 78kg are 94psi with two volume spacers. Hs comp 8 from closed, low speed comp 11 from closed, Hs rebound 5 from closed, LS rebound 6 from closed, (Recently serviced fork)
The rear has been tricky! I found it firm and difficult to use any travel. After investigation I found there was a 0.4 volume spacer factory fitted. I swapped this out for a 0.2 with has meant I use more travel but it’s still very difficult to bottom fully. 204psi and I run the LS comp open. I found the bike too glued to the ground so I took the shock to TF Tuned and had the high speed comp increased outside of fox’s recommended valving, this has made the bike have incredible rear traction but still has a lovely amount of pop to hop across obstacles or lift off a root to change lines. One thing to note is I don’t do large jumps but charge hard on chunky steep terrain the bike rides very well with this setup and actually outshines my kenevo sl which I always thought was the dogs dangles and is always my benchmark.
Not sure if you’ve experienced it but my other gripe with the bike was the rear stepping out under hard braking into a turn. I have all but eliminated this with this suspension set up and changing the front brake to a larger rotor 220 front 200 rear. I run Magura MT 7’s. Balance is great and I’m very much liking riding this bike and according to Strava the times are not too shabby either lol.
I hope this helps and good luck finding your sweet spot!