The guys at Iron Pig are long time friends with Bud of BudBuilt. At the time
@odinskind needed sliders, the BudBuilt sliders were just coming out, and he needed sliders immediately because of his job.
They called Bud first, there was no way to get a set off the laser in the couple days available. So Bud told them about some of the design details and Iron pig made a one off, weld on version because of the situation. So in the future, Iron Pig will sell the normal BudBuilt bolt on unless you specifically say you want weld on ones.
To talk about other sliders, I originally had Slee sliders and sold them. Riv-nuts are a bad idea down the road when they need to come off from abuse. Riv-nuts like to break free and spin (inside the frame) when loosening after enough stress. I’ve seen this countless times, it’s just how it is, that’s why they are mostly used on Jeep fenders, that aren’t designed to take regular abuse.
The only reason why some have said that BudBuilt sliders are hard to put on is because the KDSS lines. On BudBuilts, the entire frame is supported with a full height, full length frame plate. That frame plate fits between the KDSS lines and the 200s frame. So yes it takes some time to get it in between there. But if you want the strongest, it’s BudBuilt.
All the other designed are 2-3 small frame plates. That doesn’t distribute the load as much and those sliders end up having more defection. My Slee sliders under load would press up against my rocker panel.
So when I moved back on to the east coast, and close to Bud again, I took my 200 to him and showed him what I didn’t like and what I intended to do and he, in my opinion, made the strongest slider available.
Just off of specs, there is nothing stronger. Now does that make BudBuilts the best for everyone? I don’t know. I rock crawl my truck, and I use the sliders and their kick out constantly. I’ve destroyed several companies slider over the years and have found things that do and do not work right. And I just don’t like the other sliders that are available.
Now, if your not pounding it off road, any of these sliders are doing to be fine. But if you're like me, and dropping off ledges, slamming into rocks under heavy throttle to climb up rock garden, not just laying the slider down on a rock, then BudBuilt is the way to go.
Or... you could take my approach to things, “gee I wish my armor wasn’t too strong.” -said no one ever who off roads
Now BudBuilts are made to order, so it will take 9-10 weeks as of now to get some. Other companies that make simpler, less welding, less legs, less metal are able to get them to you much faster. Or other companies are ready to have some sitting in their buildings ready to go at a moments notice. All those sliders are a much better choice for anyone who doesn’t, or can’t wait.
I’ve ask Bud about stocking some, and with 3 different strength options, 8 different fill plate options, kicker or no kicker, and powder color if your choice, there’s just no way to afford that many different combinations laying around.
So in the aspect of simple buying options, Other companies, one option is easier to obtain quicker.
It just comes down to what works best for you, as
@Markuson said.
