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MEGA Front Bumper thread

1M views 2K replies 1K participants last post by  RickLB 
#1 ·
I have been looking at bumpers for my Rubicon. I made myself a master list and figured that the info I collected could help others. I know that I don't have every single front bumper offered for the JK (2012 in my case), so if you guys want to contribute to this thread I think it could be a really useful research tool. The parameters I entered for each one were important points for me, but feel free to add additional info, especially in the areas that I could not get, like the weight or modification needs in some cases. Also, the pricing are rough numbers. I'm sure in some cases that a lower price can be had, I was just doing general searches and the majority of the time was using the prices from a handful of companies. Enjoy.

Full Width

AEV Premium
• Construction: 3/16” steel substructure, 1/8” steel outer shell, 3” tube, polyethylene (crush can covers), Stamped perforated stainless steel
• Weight: 116lbs
• Finish: Textured black powder coat
• Frame Modification: Air Pump relocation and bracket cutting
• Airbag Approved
• Price: $1199



AEV Premium Tubeless
• Construction: 3/16” steel substructure, 1/8” steel outer shell, polyethylene (crush can covers), Stamped perforated stainless steel
• Weight:109lbs
• Finish: Textured black powder coat
• Frame Modification: Air Pump relocation and bracket cutting
• Airbag Approved
• Price: $1099



ARB Rockbar
• Construction:
• Weight:
• Finish: black powder coat
• Frame Modification: Bracket cutting if installing winch
• Price: $697



ARB Deluxe Bar
• Construction:
• Weight:
• Finish: black powder coat
• Frame Modification: Cutting of crush cans, Bracket cutting if installing winch, fog light wiring modification
• Airbag Approved
• Price: $912



Aries
• Construction: 3/16" Steel
• Weight: 110lbs
• Finish: black powder coat
• Frame Modification: Air Pump relocation
• Price: $595



Bestop highrock 4x4
• Construction:
• Weight:
• Finish: black
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $599



Expedition one Trail Series Front Bumper
• Construction: 1" steel, 0.12 inch wall tubing
• Weight: 105lbs
• Finish: Option
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $1,029 (no coat) $1109 (black powder coat)



FabFours Lifestyle
• Construction: 3/16" steel
• Weight: 115lbs
• Finish: black powder coat
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $1,330



Hanson Full Size FenderBar
• Construction: 3/16” steel, winch bar is constructed of 1 ¾” diameter x .120 wall tubing, fender bars are constructed of 1 5/8” x .120 wall tubing
• Weight:
• Finish: powder coated black
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $899



Hanson Euro Spec Full Width
• Construction: 3/16" steel
• Weight:
• Finish: powder coat black
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $899



MetalCloak
• Construction: 3/16” steel
• Weight:
• Finish: satin black powder coat
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $309(base) $299 (70" flare caps 3/16" steel) $129 (winch guard)



Rugged Ridge Modular XHD
• Construction:
• Weight:
• Finish: Textured Black or Stainless Steel
• Frame Modification:
• Price: BASE $399 (non winch) $409 (winch) $929 (SS non winch); HOOP $59 (black hoop) $129 (SS hoop) $209 (stinger) $389 (pre-runner Guard); END CAP $179 (black) $259 (Storage) $159 (Tubular) $369 (SS end) $289 (SS Tubular)
 
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#2 ·
Mid Width

ACE JK Mid Width (Bully Bar)
• Construction: 1/4" Steel
• Weight: 136lbs
• Finish: textured black powder coat
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $475 (lifetime warranty)



Hanson Medium Basic
• Construction: 3/16” steel
• Weight:
• Finish: black semi-gloss powder coat
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $669



Hanson Medium WinchGuard
• Construction: 3/16” steel, winch bar is constructed of 1 ¾” diameter x .120 wall tubing
• Weight:
• Finish: black semi-gloss powder coat
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $769



Hanson Medium Fenderbar
• Construction: 3/16” steel, winch bar is constructed of 1 ¾” diameter x .120 wall tubing, fender bars are constructed of 1 5/8” x .120 wall tubing
• Weight:
• Finish: black semi-gloss powder coat.
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $869



MetalCloak
• Construction: 3/16” steel
• Weight:
• Finish: satin black powder coat
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $309(base) $199 (60" Light Cap 3/16" steel) $129 (winch guard)



M.O.R.E with tube
• Construction: 3/16" steel
• Weight: 113lb
• Finish: NONE
• Frame Modification: air pump relocation and bracket grinding
• Price: $784



Poison Spyder Brawler Lite
• Construction: 3/16" Steel, optional bar NC bent 1 3/4" .120" Tubing
• Weight: 73.6 lbs, Skid Plate 29.6lbs, fairlead mount 4.2lbs; Total = 107.4 lbs
• Finish: NONE
• Frame Modification: recommend Skid plate ($209) to cover exposed crush can plates and sway bar disconnect
• Price: $479



Teraflex RockGuard epic
• Construction: 3/16" Steel
• Weight: 100lbs
• Finish: black
• Frame Modification: Airpump relocation bracket needed, no frame cutting, extend fog light wiring
• Price: $921
 
#3 ·
Stubby

ACE JK Stubby (Bully Bar)
• Construction: 1/4" Steel
• Weight: 103lbs
• Finish: textured black powder coat
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $435 (lifetime warranty)



Bestop Highrock Narrow
• Construction:
• Weight:
• Finish: black
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $249



Expedition One Basic DX Bumper
• Construction: 1/2 inch steel
• Weight: 24lbs
• Finish: Optional
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $239 (no coat) $269 (black powedercoat)



FabFours Stubby
• Construction: 3/16" steel
• Weight: 65lbs
• Finish: black powder coat
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $630



Hanson Stubby Basic
• Construction: 3/16” steel
• Weight:
• Finish: black semi-gloss powder coat
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $669



Hanson Stubby Winchguard
• Construction: 3/16” steel, winch bar is constructed of 1 ¾” diameter x .120 wall tubing
• Weight:
• Finish: black semi-gloss powder coat
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $769



Hanson Stubby Stinger
• Construction: 3/16” steel, 2" stinger
• Weight:
• Finish: black semi-gloss powder coat
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $789



Kilby Trail Boss Stubby
• Construction: 3/16” steel
• Weight: 45lbs
• Finish: black texture powder coat
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $309 (Base)



MetalCloak
• Construction: 3/16” steel
• Weight:
• Finish: satin black powder coat
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $309 (base) $135 (38" stubby caps) $129 (winch guard)



Olympic Rescue Stubby
• Construction: 1/4" steel
• Weight: 30lbs
• Finish: High gloss black or textured black
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $356



PureJeep Stubby Basic
• Construction: 3/16” steel
• Weight: 77lbs
• Finish: semi-gloss black powder coat
• Frame Modification: none
• Price: $489



PureJeep Stubby Crawler
• Construction: 3/16” steel
• Weight: 97lbs
• Finish: semi-gloss black powder coat
• Frame Modification: none
• Price: $549



PureJeep Grill-Guard
• Construction: 3/16” steel, 2" x .120" wall tube guard
• Weight: 107lbs
• Finish: semi-gloss black powder coat
• Frame Modification: none
• Price: $669



Rugged Ridge Modular XHD
• Construction:
• Weight:
• Finish: Textured Black or Stainless Steel
• Frame Modification:
• Price: BASE $399 (non winch) $409 (winch) $929 (SS non winch); HOOP $59 (black hoop) $129 (SS hoop) $209 (stinger) $389 (pre-runner Guard); END CAP $179 (black) $259 (Storage) $159 (Tubular) $369 (SS end) $289 (SS Tubular)



ShrockWorks Stubby
• Construction: 3/16" plate steel bumper & skid plate, 2" x .120" high strength tubing
• Weight: Skid Plate 27lbs, Bumper 44lbs
• Finish: Optional (semi gloss $65, texture black $75, anthracite metallic $120 pictured)
• Frame Modification:
• Price: $597
 
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#4 ·
I am not a fan of full width bumpers, especially AEV. On your list, hands down the Poison Spyder Brawler Lite, i would opt for the hoop or stinger though. In the full width category I would choose Expedition One or Hanson. For Mid width probably Hanson again.

My .02

-Dan
 
#15 ·
Thank you everyone, I'm glad it proved to helpful. For the guys posting bumpers, I know its hard, but if you could please post more details other then just price. Weight is a big concern for some and wether or not any frame modifications are needed, etc.
 
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#17 ·
not to rag, because it is fun to see all the pictures, but i don't know how "worth it" a thread like this is. if anything, its better to start a bumper review thread. there are almost a hundred different manufacturers for the JK, and they all make at least 5-10 different front bumpers. alot of them look the same (even in this thread with such a tiny list). Folks looking for a bumper should really just pick a style, pick the features they want, and pick a price point, and then sort the 20-30 bumper options from there. and the thing that will help sorting easier? reviews!
 
#19 ·
I don't know. What do you say about a bumper in a review?
This?:

"It looks like the one in my pics and the pics on the manufacturer's website. It hasn't rusted yet, but it's less than two years' old. (So check back with me in a couple more years). It has NOT fallen off. When I banged it into a rock, it scratched the powder-coating a bit."

Not sure how helpful that's going to be.
 
#18 ·
Matador said:
Thank you everyone, I'm glad it proved to helpful. For the guys posting bumpers, I know its hard, but if you could please post more details other then just price. Weight is a big concern for some and wether or not any frame modifications are needed, etc.
I do know the weight on the highrock 4x4, which is what I have is about 72 lbs with grill gaurd and d-rings also no need to relocate the pump for install ...the RSE I posted there was no weight posted on mnfr site..sorry
 
#23 ·
bengen1 said:
I do know the weight on the highrock 4x4, which is what I have is about 72 lbs with grill gaurd and d-rings also no need to relocate the pump for install ...the RSE I posted there was no weight posted on mnfr site..sorry
Also should add a pic of mine being its different than the pic u have listed that doesn't have fogs and I opted for the textured black grill gaurd and not chrome and I put lights where the winch would go but does have light tabs on grill gaurd as well

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Jeep Automotive tire
 
#76 ·
Bestop highrock 4x4 high access bumper advice needed

Also should add a pic of mine being its different than the pic u have listed that doesn't have fogs and I opted for the textured black grill gaurd and not chrome and I put lights where the winch would go but does have light tabs on grill gaurd as well

View attachment 92359
Hi Bengen 1~
thanks for posting you pics! i'm one click away from ordering this bumper (it is the highrock 4x4 high access by bestop, right?)... I'm really new at all this and reading up a lot and trying to learn as much as i can before making any purchases. i have an 07 black Sahara, so your pics really give me a good idea of what this bumper would look like on my jeep. i have a few questions, if you or anyone else who reads this can help me answer...

my jeeps not lifted. im going to order new wheels/tires real soon. currently have stock 255/70/18"s. switching them out for duratrac 33's and mb tko 15's. i think, from all i've read i shouldn't have a problem with clearance with the 33's. but, now with thinking of the highrock 4x4 high access bumper and i'm worried that the weight (i was told it's 85 lb's) might drop the front end too much and 33's might rub..??? what you guys think? i was told i could install (TeraFlex 1953075) - TeraFlex Leveling Spacer they are 24 bucks! and that this would help. seems too good to be true- any advice here?:rolleyes:

Thank ya!
 
#25 ·
I started the thread to hopefully unify all these random bumper threads that are constantly popping up. Like I had mentioned in the beginning, I probably missed several bumpers and your free to add any others, like other people already have. I just suggested that more info, other than price, be listed in order to provide a good source of info. You want to add reviews to the list, go ahead. You want to open up another thread for reviews, I think its silly but, go ahead. I'm just trying to help here.
 
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#26 ·
Call me silly, but a review thread makes as much sense as this one. This thread is great, very informative. Especially for a new Jeeper like me, but I'd also like to know what other people have and how much they like them, for whatever reason.
 
#27 ·
I'm glad to see this thread. I'm looking to replace my bumper and want something full size with lights and a grill guard. I really want to keep the cost as close to $500 as possible, though. Threads like this help keep some perspective, I just wish EVERY bumper that is made could be in here because the pics, price and other info all in one place is great.
 
#28 ·
I considered all of those, but just ordered a couple of days ago the Rock Hard Full-Width one ($899), which is made out of 1/4" steel, has the front skid built into it, has the fog light mounts, and was in stock: Rock Hard Jeep JK Wrangler Full Width Front Bumper Couldn't find any others that met all of those criteria.





Marinehawk,

I don't know if you have seen the Rockhard in person but mine just came today and it is a beauty! Packing was excellent and it was fully protected. Semi-gloss texture finish and if you plan on running into one, you better be prepared for some pain. I know it is heavy but for my purpose I think it will be great.
 
#36 ·
Marinehawk,

I don't know if you have seen the Rockhard in person but mine just came today and it is a beauty! Packing was excellent and it was fully protected. Semi-gloss texture finish and if you plan on running into one, you better be prepared for some pain. I know it is heavy but for my purpose I think it will be great.
Thanks fireron. I'm looking forward to it. Note that it's probably about 30 lbs lighter than you might think--insofar as it includes a front skid as part of the one-piece design. with bumpers, like the AEV, Spyder, ect..., you have to add an extra-option bolt-on front skid, which adds to the weight that's not included in the "bumper" weight. So, I see it more as something like a 130lb bumper, and a 30lb or so skid.
 
#29 ·
Great thread, will keep an eye on it!

Noob question: Do the different widths (stubby or full) have any major functionality difference? Or mainly for looks?

Just wondering because I want to add a front bumper. I have 33's now, but will upgrade to 35's in the future. I want to make sure the bumper won't get in the way, etc.
 
#99 ·
Stubby gives you a better approach angle when, for example, rock crawling. It allows you to approach steeper angles cause you won't hit the rock with you bumper (since it's not there). That's why a lot of full widths have the end caps 'higher' then the rest of the bumper.

Now my noob question: what's the reason for the stinger?
 
#64 ·
I recently saw a nasty corner hit on a JK with a stubby...a decent full width would have likely spared the owner at least some mechanical damage. Unless you rock crawl often, the stubby gives up too much protection to be worth it IMO. I'm going full width and will forego those few times where the stubby would have made the difference on the trail....just buy what suits your needs and be honest with yourself.
 
#32 ·
Well, have the RR XHD stubby with winch and hoop.

Hit a deer at 40mph and not a scratch. I really like my XHD. Still pulling deer fur out of the winch cable though
 
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