I'm guessing I've probably seen a lot more lowsides (which is what the slider is for - they don't really help in a high side or a tumble) than most, and the cheap sliders tend to not do their intended job, grab the pavement and cause a tumble, or to actually cause damage when they break or bend. When I say I'm guessing I've seen more, I mean it - possible some track junkies have seen a lot more, my personal record on a wet track was to observe a total of 28 in one day.

I've seen frame damage on the bike just because of cheap materials and especially no-cut sliders. I've seen the better sliders protect the frame and bike (remember, they are FRAME sliders, not fairing sliders) because they held up in similar crashes (and I mean two bikes, same turn, same speeds, two different lowsides, one heavily damaged, one not because the slider worked, while the heavily damaged one because the hollow slider broke and the exposed bolt grabbed). So, if you're only looking at the value of the slider or how it looks, buy the cheap ones. If you're looking at what they protect and the cost of all the additional damage you're saving, buy the good stuff.

And I've seen a bike lowside at over 100 mph and end up with minimal damage. You're not paying for the name, you're paying for the quality, materials, and the engineering.

But the key here is they work great for lowsides and tipovers. Don't expect them to magically protect your bike in any crash.

 

well, ive lowsided on the ebay sliders at 45mph, and they worked great. they protected the frame and engine. they weren't the no cut sliders. they only cost $15. just my expirience, but i can't imagine the $60 sliders doing a better job.

 

I'm not saying the eBay ones won't work....but your risk of collateral damage and/or failure is higher. If you don't mind the risk in favor of the cost savings, go for it.