I think part of this is a matter of intended purpose.
I would contend that there is far more going on (for some of us anyway) than simply trying to look cool...though I’m sure many choices are made that might be as simple as that for some.
I can’t speak for anyone but myself though...
-For me personally, my desire for a full bull bar has three main purposes:
1. So a struck animal is more likely to stay at the front of my vehicle than fly full force through my windshield (heavy bars tend to at least partially “catch” or partially “hook” at least part of the animal as it’s momentum wraps both above and below the top bar. -Like running to catch a home-run ball on a little-league field.....and hitting a 3 or 4-foot/tall rail. -While you might still end up going over it, the fact that your lower body hits and partially catches on it means that your full force won’t smash a spectator very hard on the other side.
2. Improve my chances of a fully-functional vehicle in the boonies after a strike. This has already proven true for me....and the bumper paid for itself several times over, and saved the trip.
3. Winch mounting (possible without a bull bar, but a priority it also serves)
Downside we can all agree on: It’s not optimal for the ultimate energy absorption in every scenario. For certain scenarios, it’s a negative.
OK.
We agree on that.
But neither are 40 Series or 70 Series, and we don’t chide drivers of 40’s as being irresponsible or foolish (not that anyone is hurling that at poeple here).
Just today, I passed an older couple in a beautiful 1957 Cadillac. I think we can all agree that by driving their Cadillac, they are NOT employing modern safety standards. They are absolutely driving at greater risk to themselves, just like the guy driving the 40 Series is, because modern crush zones simply didn’t exist for those years, Heck, they don’t have even a single airbag... Not even a shoulder seatbelt! But we don’t slam them as cool-hearty. It’s a choice. A trade-off.
My contention would be that these trade-offs are decisions we all get to make, and to reduce it to mere coolness is not a complete picture.
While a heavier bumper is certainly a compromise in some scenarios, it can also serve other valuable purposes that are valid. So to me, this is far from a black or white issue.
I am personally glad my TJM, for example, let me continue our three week trip despite a significant deer strike. I’m clad that my rear bumper saved the entird right side of my vehicle during that same trip while navigating an obstacle. I also used my winch on the same trip by necessity. All three of those things are far more beneficial that simply “looking cool.” It has served me well in the exact purposes I prioritized.
Finally....
-I would contend I am still FAR safer than the 40 guy, the couple in the old Caddy...etc. Even though one area is a trade-off...my 200 with its 11 airbags, traction control, ABS, excellent suspension, etc etc is still FAR more safe than the 40...the Caddy...a motorcycle or quad....even though my bumper is stout and imperfect in the crumple department.
Anyway... My 1.5 cents...
I hit a 5 point buck in my 2013 lifted Tundra. My wife was driving right behind me when it happened (moving cross-country). My Tundra was tall enough that it didn't come through my windshield, but I do think if my wife has hit it in her 4Runner it could have been a disaster.
I currently don't have an armored bumper (but did put one on my Tundra) after researching this topic for hours. I'd be more concerned with a bumper that juts out, which would concentrate impact in one area (think bull bar or stinger that sticks out beyond the bumper). The conclusion I came up with was it was probably less safe in many instances due to the reduction in crumple zones, but much safer (for my occupants) in crashes with smaller vehicles.
The Tundra aftermarket bumper hooked where the oem did, leaving the crumple zones behind the bumper intact. Outside of hitting a solid object (semi, oak tree, etc.), I would think I'd be as safe or safer in many incidents. I was actually more worried about the impact my bud built sliders would have on an impact TBH. My 200 is light duty now, and I offroad my 40 (and plan to build an 80 for hairy stuff).
My late brother was also one of the head engineers for an airbag company, and he convinced me that the aftermarket bumper would have very little impact on how modern airbag works. Overlap is a big concern. Had a friend lose his legs (and die) due to it.
Having a
