My friend Jake recorded me installing skid plates on my Trail.  Here are some highlights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnBpzC5DwXo

I have the same set and love them. Really saves the bottom of the machine on those rocky trails.

Yeah, they are so much better than the stock setup.

My friend Jake recorded me installing skid plates on my Trail.  Here are some highlights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnBpzC5DwXo

looks badas man

is it a pain if you go through mud? id imagine its like a huge catch for all mud easily but curious how your experience has been in regards to cleaning

I've had these for a couple of years. They take a beating.

They have a few holes for draining, but like any belly plate, they catch plenty of debris. Can't say I've noticed any issue going through the mud.

I've decided to drill a a couple of 2" holes in specific locations to aid in rinsing the mud out after a ride.

I have the same set. Money well spent, I have hammered those things on rock like a blacksmith wailing away on his anvil, and they take it.

Like you discovered. those flimsy metal baskets protruding down are a terrible idea. Weak as a pie plate, they get beat up and deformed as there's no stock protection at all and if they get beat in so they touch the gas tank then eventually they would wear through, I'm sure. Got to beat and pry some clearance all the way round before covering them up with the new skid plates. Then we're golden.