ricochet skid plate review

NMKAWIERIDER · November 25th, 2009, 10:55 PM

Review Of The Ricochet Off-Road Armor For
the 05-07 Kawasaki Brute Force

I would like to thank Gearslayer and Ricochet for the opportunity to do a review on this fine product.

First – Shipping. Within three working days of placing the order I had it sitting at my front door. Incredible!

First look; Clean, well packaged and organized within several individual packages placed within one larger as a set. Mounting parts for the sections were attached to their parts. Nice! Instruction were easy and clear.
Now, if you were under the impression that Ricochet Armor was something like sheet metal, you couldn’t be more wrong. All parts of this kit are constructed of 5/32 high-grade aircraft aluminum. Light weight yet stronger then any other standard grade plates out there.

Now that’s true Armor!!

Ricochet uses HD steel clips that go over the framework and taper-headed torx bolts to secure the plates to the vehicle. This type of head should reduce being caught and damaged while sliding over objects. They even provide the tool you will need for installing although one might consider using a torx socket on a ratchet.

Parts check; All parts were there with all mounting pieces.

Installation; Simple and straight forward. Although you can do this on the ground, it is much easier to lift the front end up. If you do it this way, be sure to use and additional device to secure it up. I used my wench and a come-a-long for safety.
Once up, we are reminded why we need something other then what came on it. I didn’t realize how beaten the old plastics had become.

Simply take off all your old stuff. This might be a good time to give it a power wash too. With nothing left on, they will look like this.

Start at the tail end and work your way back up. The clamps and bolts fit perfectly. Leave them a little loose until you and the complete assembly in place with all bolts. Check alignment and tighten down. They recommend a drop of oil in all the captured nuts as they are self locking and are a bit tough dry. I too recommend this. Just lay them out on the bench and give then all a drop.
When done, your Brute will look like this.

As you can see, it also protects the rear driveline area. Something the plastics didn’t to. I was impressed with the construction, the fit and finish and how tight it all came together. There sure won’t be any rattles with this one. This armor is so tough, I can’t imagine taking an impact that could dent them. If it were to happen, I sure don’t want to be the one riding it.
Back on the ground, here are a few more photos.

　
Now I just need a nice bumper to go with it...right?. I’ll do some rock-crawling in the next few weeks and let you know how it works. I am very sure my Brute has never been so well protected.

Ricochet Offroad Armor, a great product, built right here in the USA and trusted by professionals around the world.

Do your Brute a favor and get a set!

Ricochet Offroad Armor

GEARSLAYER · December 8th, 2009, 08:35 AM

Great review. We have been using Ricochet skids here at BC for years and they have never failed us. Best in the business IMO.

Slumlord · December 8th, 2009, 02:21 PM

Excellent review! Good looking set of skids! I ever get the chance to get another set This is them!

bustamove · December 10th, 2009, 01:38 PM

wicked skid plates i ride some rocky areas and i put some nasty gashes in them.. only thing id like to see is foot well protectors like the grizzly 700 got

Thom · December 10th, 2009, 04:25 PM

Great review and they look awesome. Keep us posted.

moneypit · December 10th, 2009, 08:31 PM

I installed this same product on my brute a year ago or so and they are excellent. I agree with this review 100%.
One recommendation would be to offer them in black anodized, would've been perfect for my camo brute and black SS108 rims.

fireman2214 · January 17th, 2010, 04:04 PM

Do you know how much they weigh?

NMKAWIERIDER · January 17th, 2010, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fireman2214

Do you know how much they weigh?

Not for sure, but as I recall, the whole box they came in weighed about 30- 35lbs...I think. I'm sure if you sent an email to them they could tell you. I don't notice the extra weight...and I thought I would.

I just sent them an email on the question. Should hear back shortly and I'll post.

Well, it is Sunday. Probably won't hear today.