ARB Bumper vs Others

[gray rider]

I have the opportunity to upgrade to a new front bumper due to a vehicle backing into me in a parking lot.

Just wanted quick down dirty opinions regarding a "basic" bumper upgrade. No winch, no other special specifics, just all around basic bumper upgrade.

Thanks for sharing your opinions!

 

[Kohle]

I have an arb non winch and I like it. The price was right...I wish it was a winch version though.

 

[jcardona1]

If you want just a basic bumper without the bells and whistles you can look into the TJM T17.

The Slee ShortBus is another nice option for about the same price as the ARB.

 

[newtomelx]

X2 on the Slee shortbus!!

 

[gray rider]

OK short bus is 900 to 1000 as are most of the others. What are the good points of that one?

 

[wearsabrowncoat]

I have an ARB and love the classic look but the short bus has a number of advantages such as better clearance and solid recovery points. I think it might also have better options for winch selection but can't confirm that.

 

[jcardona1]

OK short bus is 900 to 1000 as are most of the others. What are the good points of that one?

It's not an ARB

ARB looks like cheap stamped steel compared to other bumpers like Slee and AOE just to name a few. Not to mention the recovery points are a total joke and look like they were made to pull a kid's toy wagon.

 

[gray rider]

Ok keep it coming... I'm buying on you guys recommendations.....

 

[Finnyfam60]

I would (will be) go with AOE like cardona's or a slee shortbus.

 

[jcardona1]

Here's my AOE...but it's a pretty serious bumper, more than just a regular upgrade

 

[akarilo]

Go Slee if you wheel the truck. It's light weight yet very durable. I had an ARB before and it bends rather easily if you "scrape" a rock. The Slee on the other hand is easily on par with my 4x4 Labs rear; both of which you can knock the crap out of without doing damage.

 

[abruzzi]

What does the aoe cost? Their website seems pretty hosed, at least the shop part. Anyone have other pictures of that?

 

[jcardona1]

You can find more pics and details on their Facebook page. Their website blows. I think I last read the bumper was going for about $1100

 

[IronCladLou]

Good to hear the comments on the Short Bus bumper. I have been going back and forth on a front bumper decison for weeks and always keep coming back to the Short Bus. What is the weight of the Short Bus in comparison to some of the other ARB "style" bumpers? To me, lightweight in addition to true ruggedness is a plus.

 

[geologic]

I've got the ARB front Slee rear and I like that combination for hunting woods trails more limb protection. If I were a wheeler on the rocks, I'd get Slee on both ends. It is the premium 80 series product! Thank you Slee for what you've put into the hobby.

 

[idaho fzj]

I do love my AOE Bumper. Well built with great approach angle. Solid bumper.

 

[KevinNY]

What does the AOE weigh vs. the Slee?

 

[sonerito]

Reading this thread with interest as I'm also looking to upgrade. Just bringing it back to what op noted - no winch plans - and as regards the slew short bus.. if the slee is installed without a winch will it look like there is a big hole or emptiness at whr the winch would go? Or could something else be installed there instead (as in is it a good place for some led bar)?

 

[psweber]

Here's my AOE...but it's a pretty serious bumper, more than just a regular upgrade

Love the bottle opener placement

 

[nigelsiam]

If you want to see how the ARB is made check this out! It would be hard fault their design and attention to detail

http://youtu.be/3yqHL7Uo4_s

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