Also it looks like there was some damage to the surface. OK for one hit but each time it will weaken it further. As I said, great for sand & light duty impacts but no good for bouncing along rocky tracks.
You keep saying this, but can you support your assertion?
I agree that the question needs to be asked, but one cannot just make such statements without at least some evidence to support them - just IMHO ...
Yep sure can :iconwink:
I have considerable experience with composites. I've repaired, designed & built using many types of fibres, resins & combinations, incl "S" glass, "E" glass, carbon fibre, Kevlar in plain weave, satin weave, twill weave & in many combinations. Also many grades of polyester, vinylester & epoxy resins. I used to be able to tell which resin was used just by the smell as I ground it back, lol.
I've been heavily involved in several forms of kayaking where these composites are used & abused to destruction so I know exactly what is involved as they are destroyed, the limitations & strengths of each material & combination of materials.
I've also done my own testing by creating samples & deliberately smashing it, much as you see in the video.
In the video you can see for yourself the surface layer is damaged by the sledge hammer. As this layer is damaged, the resin cracks away from the fibres & virtually eliminates its strength. The next layer is damaged with the next hit, destroying it & the cycle continues with each hit until a hole is created.
Rocks will further exaggerate this process as the stress is concentrated on sharp points instead of the entire face of the sledge hammer, plus there will be a cutting effect through the layers as the car moves over the sharp rock.
I'm not saying dont get the Ravolar sump guard, I'm just saying be aware of its limitations. Having severely cracked a SubaXtreme guard & broken the welds on a Crossbred guard, the Ravolar wouldnt last long with me lol. Also, because of its flexibility, it WILL flex in onto your sump in a decent hit, possibly causing damage.
But for others it may be the perfect solution. I like the full cover it provides against water, mud & sand, it looks good, is light & IIRC ADR compliant. Just dont expect it to stand up to hard hits. If you dont drive on rocky tracks where you often bottom out then IMO its great :biggrin:
I have seriously damaged a car (bent the subframe, and pushed it about 6" backwards into the car frame) by hitting something very hard with a very strong steel sump guard at around 90 mph ...
I'd suggest hitting anything at
90mph (150kmh) will do considerable damage regardless of the type of sumpguard lol :rotfl: