I'm new to gravel riding. I've logged about 1000 miles since I started in June. So I'm experimenting with things. I was skeptical about a suspension seatpost since none of my more experienced riding buddies use one, but after two rides I'm a strong advocate. It's not a life changing experience, but it certainly helps smooth out the washboard roads. I am 165 lbs and find that the default setup works well for me. For my second ride, I raised the seat about 2 cm more than what I had used prior to the suspension seatpost to account for the preload on the suspension.
I've had carbon seatpost since they were available and swore by them due to their light weight and chatter absorbing nature. We got some steep rough roads on many routes and while it's a blast going 30mph+ downhill on them but always a white-knuckle affair whenever the surface rears its imperfections. What feels like a rodeo ride becomes downright scary with the possibility of going airborne if not for being clipped in.
I tried the original Redshift seatpost and found them to be unacceptable due to its weight and over the top sponginess for my 185-pound frame. For about the same price I paid for my Ritchey Flexlogic carbon, I tried the Pro but had to swap out the elastomer for the firmer one, which was easy to do.
Despite the weight penalty, what the Pro brings on my steed is the right amount of absorption and travel to greatly lessen the rodeo ride and increase my confidence when going fast over rough surfaces. Get it on sale if you can. Worth the cost and extra weight for long ride comfort.
Have not tried it on the gravel bike yet but it really takes the edge off my hardtail
