Don't have a clue what Polaris mud guards do.
But I have NEVER, EVER, had a problem with the stick stoppers.
Ours has never tore anything. They have done nothing but help.
I know for a fact. If it was not for the stick stoppers. I would have
kept mine in the barn replacing boots.
I don't know of anyone in on this forum, or any other forum, that
has put their machine in as mud as we have in these swamps.
I also wash the mud out from my machine when needed.
Think bordercollie, peanut, and maybe some others can verify this.
Gumbo mud in Louisiana is some of the ruffest mud in the world. It
will stick to you in certain stages. That is why we try to keep out tires wet in gumbo. The more they roll, the more builds up. It will build up on your tires (and feet) on machine where they can not even turn. And some cases, it only take less than 10 feet. They have even built up so bad, that it's pushed fenders out of place. BUT, in return. When gumbo dries. It is there. Set up like a rock. So with all this being said. I can honestly say, our gumbo mud
DON'T get behind the stick stoppers and tear boots.
............. two guns
Exactly what Two Guns said..... I look at them (Peanut Brand) like seat belts for the boots.. it would take a rare instance for them to catch that much mud. and then, it should fall over the back . I have been through some terrible-terrible mud lately on the RTV here on the cattle farm where my rear tires looked like Two Guns picture but not my front.. I never let the mud get hard- That would cause grief for any circumstances...... I only use the front guards on my RTV and have the small opening there by the ball joint for the mud to fall through...
What would be concerning would be a separate issue from any stick stoppers and that would be in the rear where the outer joints are "hidden" up in the axle area..That area sometimes goes unnoticed so I make a point of cleaning them out even when my knees or the cold say to wait- if the mud appears bad..... Of coarse, I am full of opinions and that is just what they are. Good Luck with the RTV, it is a great machine . bordercollie