A continuous variable planetary (CVP) system comprises a C2 carrier having a pattern of slots, the slots having one or more slot walls; a C1 carrier, at least one of the C2 carrier or C1 carrier being rotatable relative to the other; at least three planetary assemblies coupled between the C2 carrier and the C1 carrier, each planetary assembly including a planet, a planet axle, and an end cap on at least one end of the planet axle, the end cap disposed within the slot, rotation of C2 carrier relative to the C1 carrier inducing a skew condition in the planet axle and thereby inducing a tilt condition on the planet axle; and a protective layer affixed against at least one of the one or more slot walls, the protective layer including one or more protective layer attachment features configured to attach to one or more slot wall attachment features.