When I first purchased my 01 400 ex I wanted to protect the vulnerable underneath of the quad and I did little research and just purchased all DG skid protectors. My a-arm and frame plates have held up quite well and I am happy with them however the swing arm plate had to be removed twice and pounded back unto shape on the third time I was going to remove it to put it back into shape I noticed a fracture in the weld after taking it off I noticed it was a broken weld about two inches long. Yes I could have had it re-welded but this had been bent and gouged so many times I decided to look into a replacement. First off I was interested in the Armadillo plate because of the thickness 250 VS 190 on the DG but it was still made of the same material that did not hold up well on my DG.

I was reading thought on of the many ATV magazines I subscribe to and noticed a tiny ad for Stainless Steel skid plates, right away I was interested because of the properties of stainless steel strength,flexibility and being stronger then aluminum alloys it can be thinner and provide more ground clearance. I ordered my plate for $145 delivered and it is definitely everything I expected it would be. I beat the hell out of this thing punishing it far more then my DG was ever exposed to. It has only a few scratches not gouges and is in perfect shape. I have not notice the extraweight of approximately four pounds during any riding or jumping. I t certainly cost more but if you are looking for purchasing one and only one skid plate go with the stainless it will outlast your quad!

01ytrx400ex