I have a 2003 Arctic cat 400 4x4 and was wondering if the stock skid plate is good enough or if I should go aftermarket. Hear is an aftermarket one that I was looking at (Moose ATV Full Skid Plate).

Made of tough 3/16" aluminum alloy plate
Full-body skid plates protect frame, engine cases and undercarriage
High-impact areas made from 1/4 in. extruded aluminum
Feature a clear anodized finish and an integrated, long-wearing chain guide
Custom fit for each model

I found it at this site www.denniskirk.com

 

The Arctic Cat skid plates are excellent. They flex when necessary and are slippery so that sliding over some object is easier. My 250 came with only a front skide plate and I added AC's rear plate, my 40 came with full plates. Even if I get high ventered the plastic slides easy when I push it off the object. I am not a fan of the ridged aluminum plates for quads, as the put all the stress into the frame which they claim they are protecting. The aluminum bends and stays bent, again stressing the frame. Aluminum doesn't have a slippery surface so resists sliding. Their "clear anodized finish" scrapes off the first time you tag a rock. Also they are heavy. The aluminum has only one place and that's on the sporties with a chain to protect. Mainly because the have no ground clearance to start with and need major protectiomof their drive train.

 

The Arctic Cat skid plates are the best in the business, they won't rust, rip, or tear. Bear hit it on the head.

 

I will never try to replace my stock skid plates, they cant be beat

 

I totally agree, plastic skid plate is the way to go.

 

another vote for the stock skid plates many many miles on them and never an issue.

 

The only advantage an aftermarket skid plate has over stock is probally the looks, and really if someone drives up to you and says that you have a nice looking skid plate on the bottom of your machine, I think you have other issues at that moment to deal with.

 

LMAO!!!!