Rear shock sleeve/boot?

Polf

Just sent my rear shock off for a service and the body is all scarred and has damaged the seals. Along with other parts needed, the cost of repair is not worth it and have had to shell out on a new one. Shock is only a year old. Anybody use a rear shock sleeve such as the Lizard Skins? Have read good and bad things about them. Do they really make any difference? Shock was a Monarch + if that matters and was washed with a very soft brush after every ride. Anything else that can be done to protect it or is it just down to luck?

The Northern Monkey

Shock boots/sleeves make it worse.

Either the bike isn't being washed properly or the shock position is crap.

rockmonkeysc

If you fit a shock boot dirt will still get in and it will stay there and you wont spot any oil leaks.
Shocks are designed to be open to the elements.
Damage to the shaft and seals after only a year is very unusual.