It does remove some action from the IRS, but it's an improvement. I mean, every road course type race car in the world is IRS, and they always have a heavier, stiffer sway bar than their stock counterparts. It's a great upgrade, and is COMPLETELY worth the small change you might notice in ride quality. I can't speak to the quality of the 525, I've never been around one. But, I would've probably bought one of those if I could've gotten the same price as I my 700. But now, I can't imagine having anything other than my 700, it's a blast to ride. The XX is an animal on the really technical stuff at Keystone (it will lumber up anything if you're in the lumbering mood), but still shines at hauling down trails. I mean, I'm not a fast rider by any stretch, but this bike will do far more than I'm capable of, and be very stable in the process. Not bashing the 525, but give the 700 a couple hundred bucks, and you'll love the balance it strikes.
And ALWAYS listen to K1500, he speaka da truf!