are shock covers realy necesary?

 

no, they're not necessary at all, and many of the cheaper ones are actually bad for your shocks because they will wear the paint off the springs and hold in moisture. Mostly they're for looks.

 

Actually, with shock covers, as i have, they are better than not having them, if you take them off after a wet or muddy ride and spray your shocks off. Its very beneficial when you cross water holes, then ride dusty conditions. They keep the sand and dust out of your shocks very well. If your not going to take them off though after wet or muddy rides and clean them and your shocks, the obove statement would come into play. I like them, and they keep my shocks free of debris and dirt

 

Like a bra on a car you need to take them off when you wash the ATV. They do offer protection but not without the added work of installing, riding, removing, cleaning, drying, and reinstalling. I have a set of Dirt Skins that are made of wet suit material. They are pretty water resistant, appear to protect well, and are well made.

 

It really seems like unnecessary work to do that though, especially when you consider how many quads from the 80's are still rolling around on their original shocks and still doing fine. The way you ride has 100 times more to do with how long your shocks will last.

 

I agree somewhat. I know that once summer comes and I am riding a lot more often I will probably not use them as much as it's a PITA.