Artec skid plates - Any long term real world experience?

Hi All, greetings. I am new to the board and I have a 2017 4 Runner TRD Pro. Been thinking about Artec skid plates, mostly to protect the cats from thieves. Artec TY6800 seems to provide very good protection but they are more costly than other dedicated solutions. So I would like to learn as much as possible before I order it. Please share any experience you may have. I greatly appreciate it.

 

Welcome.

 

Thanks, nice to meet you.

 

Artec plates are well built and even though pricey option, it is quality of material and work that you are paying for. I bought them for my 5th gen Trail but ended up installing on 4th gen Sports Edition (yes it fits 4th gen perfectly) because Artec plates don't work for KDSS vehicles. Fuel skid is best I've seen for tight fit and solid protection (I kept that one on 5th gen) but ended up using CBI plates for front and mid because of KDSS sway bar clearance issues. My 2004 Sport loves this unexpected hand me down gift. No issues what so ever so far. I chose bare aluminum for both Artec and CBI because I don't want to deal with powdercoat chipping and touch ups down the road. Honest opinion: CBI is a better deal but Artec offers more protection (Front plate cross member support) and better quality. I have both but if I had to pick one I'd go with CBI.

 

Welcome! Lots of good choices.