[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]I have been checking sources for new skid plates for our 500 Rubicons. Our 2004's have two piece metal ones and in 1200 miles I have beat the (&*$^&^)*^ out of mine. I figure one more oil change (tomorrow) and one more session with the rubber hammer (tomorrow) and it will be time for replacement. I have found a couple one piece metal that will fill the bill but many folks have suggested I replace with one of the new "plastic" plates. My only concern is protection of the underneith of the machine like the oil pan and so on. Do the new jplates offer the same level of protection as the metal ones the machines came with?.......Thanks for any information...Tass

 

Well with Honda's R&D i would say they gave it a metel one for a reason. think about it you can cut plastic with a knife. do you realy want something of that stature trying to protect your 7000$ atv???
just my $.02

HR

 

And that HR is part of my confusion . The new Rubicons have the synthetic skid plates as do many of the other machines now. As a branch manager for a Freightliner dealership I know that often engineers come out with items that increase profits but do not always enhance performance. I am of the old school I guess, it seems to me metal might deliver more protection but????????????????? I have considered building a one piece from 1/4" T1 metal ,it would be heavy but would lower the center of gravity. If the synthetics offer better protection though I would want to go that route. Unless someone offers evidence the synthetic is better though I will do as your message suggests. I will go with the metal..........Tass[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

By the way HR, your extra message at the end of your entry is right on track....Tass

 

i have a set of ricochet plates on mine work real good take abuse and are around $260