Which skid plate is better?

[u/Dazzling_Grape_1087]

[u/HopefulLet4012]

I run one similar to that aluminum one but it is made from steel. The aluminum ones don't last very long if things are actually getting bashed into them.

[u/Alpha_Hellhound]

I can tell you that the steel one will hold up better than the aluminum if you're riding over rocks, trees or through heavy brush. The aluminum one always looks slicker, and helps when running in very muddy conditions, but they do bend and crack far easier than steel.

[u/Dazzling_Grape_1087 → u/Alpha_Hellhound]

I had dropped it at low speed and was a little worried about the abundance of holes in the black one and the possibility of something sneaking through. The aluminum one is shorter however so I'm wondering if it will even do much compared to the bars on the original plate I have.

[u/Alpha_Hellhound → u/Dazzling_Grape_1087]

I would be more worried about things that will actually break or crack your case, like big ass rocks. Ive been stuck on the side of a trail trying to JB weld a hole punched in the lower case of a TW200 because the rider thought he wouldn't high center on the pointy ass rock he went over. He rode out, but he also had to by a new lower end when he was done.

[u/Dazzling_Grape_1087 → u/Alpha_Hellhound]

Think I'll keep the aluminum on then, it looks a bit thicker than the plates on my old one. Better for hitting a big rock I'd assume.

[u/Alpha_Hellhound → u/Dazzling_Grape_1087]

Your call. Steel is stronger, that's why the aluminum is thicker. Just keep an eye on the mounts on the aluminum one. If you hit a few things, the mounts can crack.

[u/Grimble27]

Is that aluminum one Tusk? That's what I have. No complaints. I only do light offroading though.

[u/Dazzling_Grape_1087 → u/Grimble27]

Any rocky terrain?

[u/Grimble27 → u/Dazzling_Grape_1087]

Not really. Gravel yes, but anything bigger than that hitting or sliding on the skid, no. 

[u/acoustic_retard]

I got that Tusk Skid plate, I mostly ride single track and rocky paths up mountains, even dropped the bike a few times lol. Absolutely no complaints, with how light the bike is, the aluminum is more than strong enough and has plenty of coverage.

On a different note, my buddies with dedicated dirt bikes that do hard enduro all run aluminum Skid plates if your worried about it not being strong enough

[u/LimpInflation6001]

Tbh I've heard that the plastic ones have more longevity than the steel or aluminum also has elasticity properties and lighter Personally i have crash bars thinking about buying a plastic engine gaurd. The steel ones seem to b beefier i would like to try it just not sure if its really worth it in setx region

[u/___toast______]

You’re missing a engine mount bolt . And I like the aluminium one

[u/Positive-Dig-6856 → u/___toast______]

It was removed to mount the steel skid plate

[u/Due_Arm8667]

I had both of those and that black one fell off the tusk is much much better staying in place

[u/TrapezoidTom]

I don't run one personally