Just purchased a 450 ES and I'm looking for a good aftermarket skid plate that will protect the drivetrain from sticks / stumps. I do a lot of riding in mud and need something that will be easy to clean afterwards. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

Blakesfav,
I purchased a bottom frame plate and rear differential skid from
www.prm-atv.com and a-arm and front bash plate from www.aluminumproducts.com. They offered great protection but required a lot more cleaning time than the stock protection. I have since sold my 2000 450S but I still have all the skid plates in my garage.

 

I had a Maier plastic skid plate on the 450ES I used to own. It took a LOT of abuse, and held up real well. They're about half the price of the PRM aluminum plate, and a lot lighter in weight too.

 

I am looking for a skid plate as well and am looking hard @ the plastic ones. The one difference I see between the two that I have found, Maier or Armordillo, is that Armordillo offers one that goes all the way up to the front of your ATV, where the bash plate would be. It appears the Maier ones don't. I guess you'd have to find a good bash plate as well if you go w/ Maier. Correct me if I'm wrong because I really like the looks of the Maier ones, price is right to. Cabelas.com has the Maier ones, ATVCharleys.com carries the Armordillo ones.

 

I had the Aluminum Products bash plate and Stick Guards on mine. They are easily as good as (if not better than) anything else on the market. You can't beat the price either. You can probably get both for less than Highlifter would charge for just the bash plate.

 

I am not trying to be a smart a$$ but have you thought about making your own? I have a 300 and 400 EX that I have made skid plates for both. The sheet of 3/8 aluminum 1 foot wide by 38 inches long cost 32.00$. I made a template from cardboard and traced it on the aluminum sheet and cut it out with the reciprocating saw. The hard part is lining up the bolt holes but if patient ( measure, check, remeasure and check again before cutting). Just a suggestion if you got the tools.

 

Thanks for the input- really helpful stuff. I don't have the tools or the skills to make my own (it would end up costing me more than the pre-built type, including the medical bills and loss of fingers).
Thanks again for the help.