Oftentimes, price is a factor in evaluating whether to purchase a UHMW skid plate or an aluminum skid plate. Generally, aluminum plates are most cost effective and while they do provide great protection, many riders lean towards a UHMW skid plate which is regarded as better quality. Typically, aluminum plates can get hung up on rocks or stuck on a root, whereas a UHMW plastic skid plate has more absorbency and can slide over rocks more easily, and also more quietly.