You’ve probably noticed that your Yamaha Raptor 350’s footpegs don’t offer enough protection during aggressive rides. That’s where nerf bars come in – they’re essential add-ons that shield both you and your quad from impacts and debris. While the market offers numerous options, choosing the right set can be tricky. Let’s explore five top-rated nerf bars that’ll transform your riding experience with the perfect blend of safety and style.
JY Performance Nerf Bar for Yamaha Raptor 700
JY Performance’s nerf bars for the Yamaha Raptor 700 offer reliable protection for riders seeking to upgrade their quad’s safety features. Made from heavy-duty alloy steel tubes with a black powder-coated finish, these bars are built to last and come in black, red, or blue options.
While the 4.3-star average rating from customers shows overall satisfaction, you’ll want to note some reported installation challenges. Some users suggest welding the bars for extra stability, and you might need to make adjustments for proper fitment. At 15 pounds, they’re substantial enough to provide good protection, and they’re compatible with all years of the Raptor 700, 700R, and YFM700R models.
Best For: Yamaha Raptor 700 owners looking for durable quad protection who are comfortable with potential installation adjustments and have basic mechanical skills.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty alloy steel construction provides reliable protection
- Available in three color options to match different style preferences
- Compatible with all years of Raptor 700/700R models
Cons:
- Installation can be challenging and may require modifications
- Some users report need for additional welding for optimal stability
- Netting durability concerns mentioned in customer feedback
Nerfbars ATV Side Bars for Yamaha Raptor 350
Riders seeking premium protection for their Yamaha Raptor 350 will find these black and red nerf bars exceptionally well-designed. Compatible with 2004-2013 YFM350 models, these bars feature thicker 1-1/2 inch netting that outperforms standard 1-inch competitors.
You’ll appreciate the upward sweep design that maximizes ground clearance while staying within the 50-inch ATVA width regulations. The bars work seamlessly with your OEM heel plates and fender extensions, making them a perfect fit for your Raptor. Installation is straightforward with included hardware and instructions, giving you a complete protection solution for your ATV.
Best For: Yamaha Raptor 350 riders who want superior protection with thicker netting and maximum ground clearance while maintaining compatibility with stock components.
Pros:
- Thicker 1-1/2 inch netting provides better protection than standard 1-inch competitors
- Swept-up design maximizes ground clearance
- Compatible with OEM heel plates and fender extensions
Cons:
- Limited to 2004-2013 Raptor 350 models only
- Maximum width of 50 inches may be too wide for some trail riding conditions
- Only available in black bars with red nets color combination
Raptor 125/250 YFM Compatible Nerf Bars with Black Net
These premium nerf bars from Alba Racing are specifically designed for all Yamaha Raptor 125 and 250 models, featuring durable 1-3/8 inch aluminum tubing with a polished, anodized finish. You’ll get chrome-plated mounts and installation hardware with your purchase, though you may need additional parts like a 5″ stainless steel screw and M10 x 1.5.
While installation requires some drilling for spacers, customers praise these bars for their aesthetic appeal and proper fitment. The 9-pound set includes both left and right sides with black nets, though other net colors are available. Despite the lack of mounting instructions, these nerf bars have earned a respectable 3.8-star rating from riders.
Best For: ATV riders with Yamaha Raptor 125/250 models seeking quality protection and style upgrades with customizable net color options.
Pros:
- Durable construction with polished, anodized aluminum tubing
- Compatible with all years of Raptor 125 and 250 models
- Includes chrome-plated mounts and comes as a complete set
Cons:
- Installation requires additional hardware not included
- No mounting instructions provided
- Drilling required for spacer installation
DG Performance Alloy Series Nerf Bar for Yamaha Raptor 350
Engineered with a blend of lightweight aluminum tubing and robust steel brackets, the DG Performance Alloy Series Nerf Bar delivers premium protection for Yamaha Raptor 350 owners who demand both durability and performance. The 1-1/4 inch heli-arc welded alloy tubes pair perfectly with 4-gauge steel mounting brackets, ensuring maximum structural integrity.
You’ll appreciate how these nerf bars, designed specifically for 2004-2012 Raptor 350 models, incorporate high-tensile webbing for ideal safety. At 13 pounds, they’re substantial enough to protect without adding excessive weight to your quad. The 26 x 21 x 5-inch dimensions provide ample coverage while maintaining a sleek profile.
Best For: Yamaha Raptor 350 riders seeking high-quality protective nerf bars that offer a balance of durability and weight savings through premium materials and construction.
Pros:
- Lightweight yet strong construction combining aluminum tubing with steel brackets
- High-tensile webbing provides excellent safety and foot protection
- Precise fitment for 2004-2012 Raptor 350 models with complete mounting hardware
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to basic steel nerf bars
- 13-pound weight may be heavier than some ultralight alternatives
- Limited to Raptor 350 compatibility only
Tusk Comp Series Nerf Bars for Yamaha Raptor 350
Built tougher than standard models, the Tusk Comp Series Nerf Bars deliver superior strength and rigidity for Yamaha Raptor 350 owners who demand extra durability. These black alloy steel bars feature sleek laser-etched logos and black webbing, fitting all 2004-2013 Raptor 350 models.
At 8.33 pounds and measuring 24.25 x 20.25 x 4 inches, these nerf bars offer a robust yet streamlined design. You’ll appreciate the quality construction backed by TUSK’s reputation, with added peace of mind from Amazon’s 30-day return policy and manufacturer warranty support.
Best For: ATV riders looking for heavy-duty protection for their Yamaha Raptor 350 who want upgraded durability over standard nerf bars.
Pros:
- Built stronger and more rigid than standard nerf bars
- High-quality alloy steel construction with sleek laser-etched logos
- Fits all Raptor 350 models from 2004-2013 with easy installation
Cons:
- Higher price point than standard nerf bars
- Limited color options (only available in black)
- Limited customer reviews to validate long-term durability
Factors to Consider When Choosing Nerf Bars for Yamaha Raptor 350
When you’re shopping for nerf bars for your Yamaha Raptor 350, you’ll need to evaluate several key factors to make the right choice for your riding style. You should examine the material composition and build quality, check compatibility with your ATV’s mounting points, and consider how the bars’ weight might affect your quad’s performance. The net webbing design, ground clearance requirements, and your budget will also play essential roles in determining which nerf bar option best suits your needs.
Material Quality and Durability
Material quality and durability stand as essential factors in selecting nerf bars for your Yamaha Raptor 350. You’ll want to focus on options featuring high-strength aluminum or heavy-duty alloy steel construction, as these materials deliver superior longevity and resilience for your quad. Look for models that combine lightweight aluminum tubing with reinforced steel brackets, offering both strength and weight reduction benefits.
When examining material specs, pay attention to the netting thickness – a 1-1/2 inch measurement indicates robust construction that’ll provide better protection than thinner alternatives. Don’t overlook the importance of the finish quality; a powder-coated surface will defend your nerf bars against rust and environmental wear. These protective coatings greatly extend your investment’s lifespan, especially if you’re riding in challenging outdoor conditions.
Installation Requirements and Hardware
Understanding installation requirements and hardware specifications is essential before selecting nerf bars for your Raptor 350. You’ll need to verify that all necessary mounting components are included with your purchase, as some kits require additional hardware like 5-inch stainless steel screws or specialized spacers.
Pay close attention to the netting thickness, as it can impact your installation process. Thicker netting might require modifications to achieve proper fitment. While most nerf bars come with OEM-compatible mounting hardware, it’s wise to double-check compatibility before starting the installation. Be prepared for potential alignment challenges during setup, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. You may need to make adjustments during mounting, so having the right tools and patience will guarantee a successful installation.
Weight and Ground Clearance
Two crucial factors to evaluate when selecting nerf bars for your Raptor 350 are weight and ground clearance. You’ll find options ranging from 8.33 to 15 pounds, and this variation can considerably impact your ATV’s handling characteristics. Lighter bars help maintain agility and acceleration, while heavier options offer enhanced stability and durability.
The ground clearance of your nerf bars plays an essential role in ride quality. Look for designs that sweep upward from front to rear, as this feature helps prevent snagging on obstacles during rides. When installing, you’ll need to verify proper alignment while maintaining the standard 50-inch maximum width requirement. This width specification optimizes weight distribution and guarantees your Raptor 350 maintains its superior handling capabilities.
Net Design and Strength
When selecting nerf bars for your Raptor 350, net design and strength serve as critical safety components that demand careful consideration. You’ll want to look for nets with 1-1/2 inch thickness, which offer superior protection compared to standard 1-inch alternatives. High tensile-strength webbing is essential for maximum durability and impact resistance.
Consider models that feature sweep-up designs from front to rear, as they’ll provide ideal ground clearance while maintaining net integrity. Pay attention to the netting material quality, as more robust materials will better withstand impacts and last longer. If you’re planning to keep your OEM parts, choose nerf bars that accommodate original heel plates and fender extensions without compromising the net’s structural integrity.
Price Vs Features Comparison
Shopping for nerf bars involves balancing cost against valuable features to find the best match for your Raptor 350. When comparing options, you’ll notice that weight ranges from 8.33 to 15 pounds, affecting both handling and installation ease.
While aluminum bars may cost more than alloy steel, they’re typically lighter and can enhance your ATV’s performance. Consider whether premium features like laser-etched logos and thicker netting justify a higher price point for your needs. If you’re planning to use OEM heel plates or fender extensions, you’ll need to factor in compatibility costs.
Don’t assume that the most expensive options deliver the best value. Customer ratings show that some lower-priced models perform just as well as their pricier counterparts, with satisfaction scores ranging from 3.8 to 5 stars.
Brand Reputation History
Selecting a reputable brand for your Raptor 350 nerf bars can make the difference between a reliable investment and a costly mistake. You’ll want to focus on manufacturers with proven track records in the powersports industry. Look for brands that maintain high customer ratings and consistently positive feedback across multiple platforms.
Pay attention to companies that openly share their product specifications and manufacturing processes. This transparency often indicates confidence in their products’ quality. Check the warranty policies offered by different brands – extensive coverage usually reflects a manufacturer’s faith in their nerf bars’ durability. You can also gauge a brand’s reliability by checking their best-seller rankings on major automotive platforms, as sustained popularity typically correlates with customer satisfaction and product dependability.