So looking at my tax return has me seriously eyeing a new bumper. Here is the thing, I need your help, I'm not sold on NEEDING a bumper (front or rear) because most of my trips are day trips or 2-3 days max and they have many disadvantages not the least of which is cost as well as weight, and cooling but its been on my list because:
a. Winch mount
b. Strength (my stock bumper is mangled)
c. Cool
So here is what I need - talk me into/out of a front bumper (open to talking about rear too)
What I want/need
hi-lift supports
rated tow points
Winch mount location (9.5k winch)
What I don't want/need
an extra 150-200 lbs hanging off the front of my car
a $1000 hole in my wallet
a hodgepodge tube bumper or other bumper that looks like crap (no offense, but Its not of interest to me)
Options on my list:
Slee shortbus
pros:
minimal
winch mount
proven
Cons:
no hi-lift points
expensive for being so minimal
not tested for use with airbags.
not local (more money to ship)
ARB deluxe
Pros:
Trusted worldwide
airbag ready
hi-lift points
winch ready
locally available for slightly better price
Cons:
Known to rust
Heavy
decreases approach at the extreme
Still expensive for being as common as they are.
TJM T15
Pros:
a little cheaper
hi-lift points
winch mount
relatively cheap
locally available
Cons:
Not known as a strong bumper
known as an ugly bumper
no rated recovery points
Tactical Armor Group Wincher (available with 2" hitch or winch mount)
Pros:
cheap
built to order
minimal (loops optional)
low profile
Cons:
not local (shipping costs)
not proven