Protection
Skid plates & armor
Full skid plates, A-arm guards, CV boot guards, handguards and bumpers: what to protect first on a trail ATV.
Quick answer
Protect in this order: full-length belly skid, A-arm and CV boot guards, rear trailing-arm/IRS guards, then handguards and front bumper. Material choice is a tradeoff: UHMW plastic slides and is quiet, aluminum is light and stiff, steel is cheapest and heaviest.
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What to protect
- Belly / frame skids: protect the engine cases, exhaust and frame rails.
- A-arm and CV boot guards: a torn boot leaks grease and kills the joint.
- Rear arm/IRS guards: independent rear suspension machines expose more.
- Handguards: brush, cold and roost.
- Front/rear bumpers: also protect the winch and racks.
Materials
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| UHMW / HMWPE | Slides over rock, quiet, will not dent | Thicker, can gouge |
| Aluminum | Light, stiff | Dents and grabs on rock |
| Steel | Strong, inexpensive | Heaviest, rusts |
Many trail trims include some protection (for example, Polaris and Can-Am "XT" style trims often add a front bumper and winch). Check the specific spec sheet before buying.
Sources
Researched Oct 25, 2026. Rules, specs and prices change; confirm with the source.