[BobX2]

When it comes to skid plates, you just can't beat UHMW. I was a little disappointed that Kawasaki only offers HMW for it's a-arm guards and trailing arm guards. Their factory skid plate is also advertised as HMW, but I don't have one so I can't confirm that. That is why I went with Tusk for my skid plate. It's a 3/8" thick UHMW. Awesome stuff! Unfortunately, at the time, Kawasaki had the only a-arm/trailing arm guards available, in HMW, so I bought those. You can easily flex them with your hands, but anything is better than nothing. Trailing arms, not such a big deal to me, since they sit flat against the arm. Don't need a lot of strength to provide protection like that. The a-arms are a whole different animal. They do need some strength in the guards to try to protect them. Pulled my OEM HMW guards off yesterday in preparation for going in tomorrow for the upgraded a-arms and knuckles. I was surprised to see the wear on them. Glad I had them on there, but was truly surprised to see any real scarring. My Tusk UHMW skids basically have no marks or scars on them, and I have had the full weight of the KRX on them sliding over rocks.
The dark scars on the HMW (I know, not a great picture) are permanent. You can feel where it has ground down. Almost feels like it was done with hot steel and melted away the HMW material. UHMW is so much harder/stronger and durable, there would be no marks on it. Just no comparison between the two when it comes to true protection. I'm glad the scars are on the HMW and not the a-arms themselves, but it tells me it's time to find a UHMW replacement for them.

 

[BigParm]

I would think a lite weight aluminum skid for the control arms would also be a good choice for protection. 🤔

 

[Sandman_73]

Nah, Al sucks compared to UHMW. Dents, noisy, doesn't slide like UHMW.

 

[Rocky Heap]

I went with Axiom, and the hold up well to bashing. Saved my a-arms from dents yesterday!

 

[BigParm]

Yeah, I can see your point on the slideability (I just made that up) of UHMW vs aluminum. I was thinking along the lines of stone protection.

 

[BigParm]

I went with Axiom, and the hold up well to bashing. Saved my a-arms from dents yesterday!


View attachment 1204

I like those. Cost?

 

[Rocky Heap]

I like those. Cost?

$140

Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 (2 Seater) - A-Arm Guards • Axiom Side by Side

These a-arm guards are made from .160 (5/32”) thick aluminum and feature an attractive brushed finish. They add strength and protection for your a-arms and cv boots. Drain holes help prevent carrying excess mud and make cleanout easier. They install using square head low profile bolts that will...

www.axiomsidebyside.com

 

[BobX2]

I ran aluminum Ricochet skids and a-arm guards on my Sportsman 850XP. They did their job, but I wouldn't go the aluminum route again. They gouge and hang up on rocks, but the worst part was any time I had to take them off. They deform after banging them on the rocks, and had to use a floor jack to put them back on. Get one end started, then had to jack up the other end to bend it back up into place. Between that and the razor sharp shards, they were a literal pain.
UHMW slides over rocks, does not deform, bend or make little razor slivers.

 

[Ajb9]

The factory HMW skids are too soft and don't cover the front foot wells.. the factory a arm guards were the only option at the time but agreed Uhmw would be better.. I ended up replacing the waisted HMW skid after the first two rides with the Factory UTV skid.. The RM Atv UHMW one is a great choice because it covers the footwells.. here is a picture of what is was surprised happened to both foot wells crawling through a rock garden I have been on multiple times with my old maverick without damage..

 

[BobX2]

The factory HMW skids are too soft and don't cover the front foot wells.. the factory a arm guards were the only option at the time but agreed Uhmw would be better.. I ended up replacing the waisted HMW skid after the first two rides with the Factory UTV skid.. The RM Atv UHMW one is a great choice because it covers the footwells.. here is a picture of what is was surprised happened to both foot wells crawling through a rock garden I have been on multiple times with my old maverick without damage.. View attachment 1216 View attachment 1217

Wow, that rear section just wore right off. Big difference between HMW and UHMW. I ran FUTV on my General. Good stuff. Also pretty pricey. I talked to them a couple of times about a set for the KRX, but at that time, they didn't make them for it.