I have been trying to decide between the 2. I know that if you want full protection full size bumper is better than slimline one. But I already made up my mind on the slimline type of bumper to keep the OEM look and weight down.
Now for the question, will the slimline bumper hoop provide more protection than the one without hoop? I know right behind the hoop you have the radiator sitting there. Not sure if there is actual data or accident story to prove that bull bars did make difference over no bull bar. My truck is 3 inch lifted with 33s. I understand a lot can depend on the physics of the accident.
Let us say the scenario is a straight on collision with a deer or a car at low speed. I know at full speed the steel bumpers do not absorb, but transfers the force to the frame.
I also understand that you should not be buying the slimline for collision protection. For me it is mostly for the look and recovery point for the functionality and hoping it would provide some minor protection for the radiator and main engine compartment from straight on collisions at low speed.

Are you considering a full or medium height center bull bar? An example, C4 lo pro full height bull bar with gusset support looks pretty stout compared to say a SSO slimline lower height center bar. I like how both manufacturers offer the side high clearance for added protection and makes the stock bumpers more robust.

When I ordered my SSO bumper I was not sure. I ended up going with the full bar. I wanted clean and sleek but knew that if I didn't get it I would regret it.

Is the bull bar primarily for protection? I’m debating on the C4 Lo Pro bumper with and without the full height bull bar. I have a ‘21 so I need to make sure that I don’t interfere with the TSS sensor.

I went with the body armor 4x4 bumper for that exact reason - I couldn't decide. The bar is removable. It also sits pretty low, I wasn't a fan of the high bull bars either. Low enough that it is compatible with TSS from what I read.

Just an opinion,

I got my sso without a bull bar and imo it cleans up the look quite a bit over the bull bar, especially with the stock Toyota grill. As far as protection... I'm sure the bull bar adds some protection in certain strike situations, (mainly road based animal, vehicle, and pedestrian impacts), but for trail armor the benefits seem negligible unless you are driving really fast and/or driving through trees.

I wouldn't sweat about it either way as the weight difference is almost negligible compared to adding the bumper in the first place. I would buy based on the look you want.

If I'm using my winch a decent amount on a particular day, I wrap the line around the bull bar so I don't have to keep unspooling it. Other than looks, that's it's primary purpose for me.

When I get around to getting mine, it'll be without the bar. The position of most bars interferes with the view from my front camera.

Quoted from:
4Runner Lo Pro Winch Bumper / 5th Gen / 2014+ - C4 Fabrication

We have now verified that the Full Height Bull Bar DOES NOT interfere with TSS. The Mid height bull bar definitely will block the TSS sensor and cause a malfunction.

That is great to know as I wait for my 2021 to show up that has TSS.

Wouldn't have it any other way myself. I prefer it without the bull bar.

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I like the look both with and without the bull bar.
When I do change my front bumper it will have the bar(s). Most likely a full bumper.
Lots of tough brush where I live. And burros

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I have looked around different slim bumpers and leaning more towards with low bull bar. I do not really like the look of high bull bar. There are very few companies making low or mid bull bar slim bumpers.
I found the following
C4 has option to select mid bull bar(no powder coating) = 899 without shipping

Victory 4x4 Blitz has low bull bar option and offers powder coating totals to $879 without shipping

TSO has one that is not advertised on their website - but seem to offer it if you call. The cost has gone up (no powder coating) with shipping close 1000.

THen I found Amazon.com: Body Armor TR-19339 Front Winch Bumper 3/16 in. Plate Bumper 1/4 in. Winch Mount Front Winch Bumper: Automotive this one only costs $615 free shipping plus powder coated. It sounds like a great deal. Never heard of them. Wondering if anyone here has heard of them or have experience with them. Just want to know if it is as good as the others like C4.

C4 does claim they used P&O steel and I am no metal expert but sounds like a superior metal bending technique.

Never heard of the Amazon bumper. Went with C4 Lo Pro w/ high bar. Really like the look. Easy install and great fab job (welds, grinding, etc). Like the added protection of the taller bar and will also use it as connection point to attach surf rod rack.

I was about say for that Amazon price you might as well get a Warn center bumper but dang they went up in prices as well. It looks like they also added the higher center bar option, the off-road market must of anticipated TSS coming.