There are pro's and cons of both. The bar type ones are great if you want protection from direct hits on rocks and old tree stumps. They also don't dig in in the same way that a plate one does when reversing As MHM gas said. The plate ones do skim over the mud better while traveling forwards though. The bar type ones are not so good if you drive over an object and it flicks up. It's all down to personal choice and luck of the draw.