I'm surprised to here they've added the metal skid plate. I wonder if there some warranty repairs caused by the original OEM skid plates?
Don't know. I imagine that those who ride around much more rock than I, have a much higher probability breaking those plates. I have skidded over a few logs, but most of the weight must have been at the frame rails.
One reason I went with the thicker UHMW is, when going over small log/big sticks, they break when the front tire goes over, and the inside edge whacks against the skid plates. Made some good noise, but no permanent damage. I had a few sticks find the oem holes in the skid plates, and get stuck, but didn't find any vital parts.
FWIW: The price for both the 1/8" plastic and metal were about the same, according to that parts fiche. $45-47ish, from memory.