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GraBars vs Synergy

6K views 41 replies 28 participants last post by  DWDK 
#1 ·
OK, I know there have been a ton of threads on these 2 bars, but I'm in the need for entry/exit assistance, and want some advice.
One reviewer of GraBars was unhappy that they interfered with the visors; true? Or not really an issue? Also, there has been a lot of frustration expressed over the bolts. Again, real issue, or workable?
The Synergy bars appear more complicated to install. Any thoughts out there?
I think I'm leaning toward the Synergy bars; just gathering all the data/info/opinions that I can before pulling the trigger.
Thanks in advance for your input.
This forum is awesome!!
:awesome:
 
#2 ·
Don't have the Synergy's but will comment on your questions regarding the GraBars.
They are great Made in USA examples of "Over-Built" equipment.
No problems with install or my visors (at least the way I use mine).
They will go on ALL my Jeeps.
 
#3 ·
They interfere with visors, but it's not an issue. You just cant make them go all the way forward. You have to slide them in towards the center if you really really want them there. Install is straightforward, just a bit tricky to line the bolts up. Not an issue
 
#4 ·
They can cause slight interference with the visor. Hasn't bugged me and others have remedied it with slight adjustments to the bar. The bolts can be fussy, this is just the nature of a rigid object connecting to the Jeep in a spot where lots of movement of the two parts is possible. It was a bit frustrating but I love them.
 
#6 ·
I have the grabars and as for the visors, I would say it's not really an issue. The bolts on the other hand were a pita. I had to keep working them in and out and in again to get them to where they finally tightened all the way. But i was using a tiny torx wrench, so that probably had something to do with it. Ultimately I am super happy with them. Most of my friends and relatives are of the shorter persuasion and greatly appreciate the stability of the bars when they are entering or exiting the jeep. I think you'll be satisfied with either product, it just depends on which look you want to go with.
 
#7 ·
I have the grabars and like them. I don't understand why they don't redesign them so they don't interfere with the visors, though. It wouldn't be difficult and would require only 2 slight bends in the bar. They are stout, though!
 
#10 ·
I said the exact same thing a month ago.........until Starbright pointed out a blurb on their website.

Q: My GraBar is hitting the visor, is it bent wrong?
A: (1) All GraBars are bent the same, most likely this is not a GraBar issue... This is because of Jeep welding the nut off center on the A-Pillar. Loosen both vertical and horizontal bolts, then pull on the Grabar handle towards the door and securely tighten the top bolt, then the side horizontal bolt.
This should pull the GraBar handle over towards the window/door, thus away from the visor. You can play with the adjustment until it clears. We can have 100 customers install the GraBars with no issues, and then one customer tells us that the handle hits the visor, and because every handle is bent the exact same, we quickly found out its the nuts being welded inconsistently.

A: (2) If #1 doesn’t correct the issue then you can remove the entire GraBar handle and bolts from the Jeep. Then take the long horizontal bolt and screw it into the A-Pillar nut and thread it in 10-12 turns, then grab the bolt and “pull” towards the seats, it will bend the welded nut towards you. By doing this it will pull the Grabar handle towards the window/door, and thus out of the way of the visor.


There is your answer. I loosened my screws, adjusted as per above and now no more visor interference at all.
 
#8 ·
I also have the grabars and will put them on my other Jeeps...

They do interfere with the visors, but do not prevent the use of the visors, so this is not really an issue in my opinion.

I also use them to help hold the front sunshade reflector in place... bonus design complement...

Did not have any issues lining up the bolts, everything went in as smooth as could be expected.

Grabars are very strong and work well.
 
#9 ·
I went with the ones from Carolina metal mashers and couldn't be happier. They also have a mirror kit that can hook to them when going doorless.

Billet Front Grab Handles

and they really dont interfere with the visors.
 
#17 ·
I had the grabars before I installed a rock hard cage. I was okay with sliding out the visor until I installed a spod. With the spod in place, it made swinging the visor all the way forward impossible.

After that, I started to look into swapping out with the synergy handle. I ended with the built in cage handles. Problem solved. hahaha.
 
#20 ·
My Grabbars do interfere with the visor. The Synergy handles look more OEM and are more out of the way (I have owned both) but take more time to install- the install is more complex but they looks like a Jeep accessory form the factory and I do like how tucked away they are yet easier to hang on....more hand positions and more horizontal.

The Grabbars are an easy install for sure. Between the two, I prefer the Synergy handles by far.
 
#21 ·
Synergy all the way. Yes they are a little more work to install but look like they are factory. Especially if you cut a hole in the trim and use a grommet. I have had many people tell that they couldn't believe that they aren't stock.
 
#25 ·
I have the Synergy and I get compliments all the time about them. They do take a little more to install and require cutting of the plastic trim and roll bar fabric, but they look factory when done. They are, as Im sure the Grabars are too, stout and will not move.
 

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#38 · (Edited)
I just installed a set of Grabars in my JK. I absolutely love them! They look and work perfectly. They do not interfere with the visors and feel very very solid. They replaced a para cord set. It it very easy to get in to my 3" lifted 2-door.

LTJesse

Vehicle Car Auto part Car seat Rim
 
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