100 Series Front Bumper, Slee VS ARB

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Blackwater

Blackwater

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Jun 16, 2009
Threads
42
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581
Location
NW Arkansas
So prior to anyone complaining about a prior search, let me say in advance that I have read and browsed through probably every 100 series front bumper thread on MUD there is. :flipoff2:

SO, Im finally about ready to pull the trigger on either the Slee Blueberry, or the ARB 03+ Comp bull bar.

Im really looking for some real world (wheeling, expedition/camping, and DD) pros and cons from current users. What do you like/dont like, winching experience etc.. Pics are always a plus too. :D


For me they both have pros and cons, but I thought it would be good to check with the Mud member WHO ACTALLY HAVE/USE THESE BUMPERS prior to the 1K + purchase.



For me a real quick rundown of a FEW of the pros/cons

-Slee is approx 300 more than ARB
-Slee has no integrated fog lights like ARB
-Slee is much more stout/recovery points etc..
-ARB is Airbag tested (more of a concern for the wife than me)

Any advice/experience with these or other points? Any current users ever reconsider their purchase?

TIA :beer:


Picture from Slee's Website:

56.jpg
 
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I want to hack up my ARB. It is not designed for wheeling approach angle.

Plan to do some wheeling and you got an extra $300? = Slee

Plan to use some fog lights and drive easy trails? = ARB.

I got my ARB for $300 on sale. When I can afford it...I will get the Slee. By then...I will have likely hacked up my ARB, forgoing the fog lights, for more approach angle.

You decide. The Slee bumper is designed for rock crawling (my opinion).
 
Has anyone inadvertently crash tested a Slee blueberry front bumper to see how it holds up in a collision?
 
Well, I have the blueberry. Only wheeled once with it so far, but I have to say I would not change a thing. It's freaking awesome. Oh, I did open the recovery points a bit because the shackles I use were a pretty tight fit.

Btw-while turning around Austin Powers style between a cliff up and a cliff down, I crept into the rock cliff at a snails pace. The fairlead hit the rock and it felt like a 5-10 mph impact. Absolutely no give, whatsoever. Good? Bad? You decide...
 
Slee talked me into the TJM T-13... I am not doing any serious rock crawling, and they changed the design so it is one piece as opposed to the old bolt on wing design. I installed it yesterday, and it is a bit more complicated to put on than the ARB, but I think it came out well... It did come with the recessed fog lights which I tied in to my factory stalk switch, so I am happy with it.
 
Do you want something more rock oriented or more expo/bambi protection oriented?

I love my Slee and would not do it any other way. The approach angles both on the wings and in the center are excellent. The winch mounting system is great, winched on a stuck full size a few weeks ago and the bumper didn't flex or bend and we were at the limits of the 12000lb winch. I think it looks better. You lose the headlight/front quarter protection but I have good insurance for that. If you are always in thick brush (and I mean really thick) than the ARB may provide some assurances against damage. The welds and finish on the Slee are second to none. Also for towing/winching I would recommend a frame recovery bracket like Spresso's FRB2 (hopefully available again someday). I have winched off of the Slee and it is fine for straight pulls but if you are pulling at a severe down angle the wings can flex into the fender. I imagine any bumper would do the same because there is no attachment point to the frame back there. Integrating the skid plate does help significantly and may eliminate this. I just choose not to winch off of it anymore because I have the FRB2.

D7K_4063.jpg


IMG_3400.jpg


This is Kane Creek in Moab, A couple of trucks on the trip got really hung up here because it catches the front and back at the same time, The Slee front hit but slid easily through the obsticle. I also really like the the Skid is designed for the bumper and designed to be used on a lifted truck giving a continuous/rigid/smooth surface to slide over.

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D7K_2815Crop.webp
D7K_2814Crop.webp
D7K_2815Crop.webp
 
The approach angle on the 98-02 ARB bumpers is horrible. I bought it for the silly reason I could keep my fog lights. Did not realize how much I would sacrafice on the trail.

It appears to me that ARB improved this angle on the 03+ bull bars by looking at various pics... but I might be wrong.

I am considering swapping in the Slee bumper sometime in the future.
 
About the only picture I have nose to nose. 305 33s vs 285 35s

Maybe this weekend we can compare a tube bumper, 98-02 arb deluxe, 03-07 deluxe, tjm t3 and a slee bumper.
nosetonose (1).webp
 
jasonbraswell said:
The approach angle on the 98-02 ARB bumpers is horrible. I bought it for the silly reason I could keep my fog lights. Did not realize how much I would sacrafice on the trail.

It appears to me that ARB improved this angle on the 03+ bull bars by looking at various pics... but I might be wrong.

I am considering swapping in the Slee bumper sometime in the future.
Click to expand...

Ditto. I really love my Sahara bumper and have had ZERO issues doing difficult trails on steep inclines with rocks. I have yet to hit the bumper.
If someone wanted to buy my ARB, I'd get the Slee but the ARB airbag compliance gives me a lot of peace of mind when the family is in the car.
 
jasonbraswell said:
The approach angle on the 98-02 ARB bumpers is horrible. I bought it for the silly reason I could keep my fog lights. Did not realize how much I would sacrafice on the trail.

It appears to me that ARB improved this angle on the 03+ bull bars by looking at various pics... but I might be wrong.

I am considering swapping in the Slee bumper sometime in the future.
Click to expand...

I don't know for sure about the center, but the 03+ ARBs have raised outer wings that are supposed to be much stronger due to the new design.
 
1loudLX said:
Maybe this weekend we can compare a tube bumper, 98-02 arb deluxe, 03-07 deluxe, tjm t3 and a slee bumper.
Click to expand...

Excellent Idea. We can get some good closeups of the various Fronts and Rears.
 
1loudLX said:
About the only picture I have nose to nose. 305 33s vs 285 35s

Maybe this weekend we can compare a tube bumper, 98-02 arb deluxe, 03-07 deluxe, tjm t3 and a slee bumper.
Click to expand...

I would really like to see that please. Especially several comparison shots of the T13 vs 03+ ARB if it isnt too much to ask.
 
jonharis said:
Do you want something more rock oriented or more expo/bambi protection oriented?
Click to expand...


This is part of the debate, BOTH if im real honest LOL. Im about 60/40 as for how its used.

Appreciate everyones feedback so far. If im honest I am and always have been leaning towards the Blueberry, BUT I really like the aibag testing and the hoops on the ARB from my family aspect as BBQ Boy stated.

BUT then Jon you post more pictures that I drool over...LOL. Its a vicious cycle...


Truely look forward to a little picture/ debate from you guys getting together in the good land of Colorado this weekend.

Keep us posted!
 
I really would like to see a comparison of the angles on the T3
 
Lots of great new info in BBQBoys Smokin' Build Thread about bumpers. Probably as much or more than has been posted here.
 
One thing to consider, don't you have to cut the ends/brackets off the frame rails for the Slee? Some might not want to do that:meh:

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD
 
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