Agree with the gap in the front wheel well. It will definitely get little rocks and mud in it. That said, you are correct Red, they are very solid. I also like that they don’t stick out far like a running board. That just adds opportunity to hit things and bend. Like I mentioned in previous messages, I am happy with purchase and quality.
Thumper were not available when I purchased the Polaris sliders. I have looked at them since, but I like the Polaris better, because they don’t stick out as far and seem to be heavier gauge material. Hard to tell gauge from pics, but Polaris, I think, has a better design. Usually aftermarket seems to have thought things through more, but in this case, it seems thumper was going for a little running board, guard combination. I don’t care for that as much. Purely opinion and some speculation on my part.
Not in person but I did review the install video a couple of times. I thought they looked a little light duty for rock guards and really didn't like them sitting out past my wheels, just one more thing to catch a tree or rock on. They were also more expensive, and my dealer had the Polaris bars in stock with 10% off. So it seemed like the better choice for me.