To hoop or not

[wfo9]

I think I'm going with the new DO bumper.

I really wanted to do aluminum, but I'm tired of waiting and it looks like another year before aluminum becomes an option.

I think they said the flat top is ~110 lbs and the single hoop adds 10-15.


Anyway, anyone have pics of flat top bumpers on a 2010-2013 5th gen.

The hoop seems non functional, but it almost seems like something is missing without it. It also breaks up the flat lines a bit.

I'm undecided at the moment.

 

[Landy]

My vote is for a single hoop. That's the one I will get for sure. I'm still debating on waiting for aluminum or not.

 

[reidbailey]

I'm in the same undecided boat. I like the look of a flat top but keep thinking, what if I need the extra protection? Use it once and it may be worth it but it looks so clean without.

 

[Ron4RNevada]

What's a DO bumper - What's it look like?

Never mind -> Must stand for Demello Offroad.....

 

[FactoryRide]

I personally wanted hoops when I bought my bumper. I feel like their add benefit that ONE time I MIGHT need would be well worth the couple of extra pounds of weight. Granted, if I'm to the point of tearing up the stuff the hoops cover, I'm already in over my head.

Trails here get tight in some spots though, and I didn't want to risk it. I also love the look of hoops though. Think the bumpers look plain without them.

 

[Engineer]

Waiting on more photos of the single hoop but in the posted photos of the DO bumper I think the single hoop looks the best. The triple hoops look to large (the outer 2), while I am sure that is for protection to mean it makes it looks over kill. I think single or no hoop is the best unless the side hoops could be made to not swoop up so much but again I bet that is for protection/follow lines of the truck. I always thought the front hoop was for hanging a hammock off of , only need 1 tree that way

 

[Greenamphibious]

single hoop FTW! I am waiting for aluminum

 

[Off_Gridder]

I personally like the triple hoop look. It's not entirely useless either. Additional protection from brush, protects your lights, can mount side bars and limb risers and lets you have a visual representation of where your corners / front are for tight maneuvers.

Downside is that it is one more thing to get caught on stuff. I once took down 20 feet of chain link fence on a mine site in South Africa because I caught a post with the top loop of my ARB while I was too focused on my reversing maneuvers. Pushed it back with it and looked good as new!

 

[Socalrugger]

I ordered the single hoop..... Seemed to accentuate the bumper....

 

[jrandom]

My opinions on hoops go as follows, I had full set on my old pickup:

No hoop = no chance of hitting animals taller than bumper

Single Hoop = deer, antelope, or other similar sized creatures

Full hoops = elk, moose, zombies, riotess crowds, ect (will only limit damage but may keep them from coming up and over onto windshield and possibly your lap)

As for brush protection, meh, if you are worried about scratching your headlights... if they hit your headlights they are going to pinstripe your quarters and doors too. Of course there are pluses as listed above.

Envious, I have a couple more years before I get to that point, not that I don't use my imagination

 

[wfo9]

single hoop FTW! I am waiting for aluminum

I wish aluminum was happening now, but it looks to be a LONG wait.

 

[wfo9]

The shockworks and DO bumpers are close enough... anyone have a pic of a 2010-2013 without any hoops.

 

[jrandom]

Shrockworks w/ center hoop only:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...**-2011-le-zombie-crusher-21.html#post1071290

I have seen a no hoops around here somewhere but can't for the life of me remember who it was.

Anyway, good luck with it, be cool to see it when your done

 

[fattire]

Mine isn't installed yet but you can come look at it anytime. Center hoop only Shrock. Probably offers some better protection as mentioned. I just thought it broke up the front end a little without being as busy as the three hoop. Also not a fan of full hoops in general.

 

[wfo9]

Mine isn't installed yet but you can come look at it anytime. Center hoop only Shrock. Probably offers some better protection as mentioned. I just thought it broke up the front end a little without being as busy as the three hoop. Also not a fan of full hoops in general.

I'm pretty sure I'll go with the center hoop...but still considering the flat. I know I saw a pic of a shockworks flat on a truck also, but I can't seem to find one now.

Let me know when you want to install your bumper.

 

[hearno]

I wish aluminum was happening now, but it looks to be a LONG wait.

I'm in no hurry but when they called me the other day to let me know they were about to accept orders but aluminum is at least a year out, I was definitely disappointed.

 

[Range]

Exactly how much weight difference is there between the Aluminum and Steele?

 

[wfo9]

Exactly how much weight difference is there between the Aluminum and Steele?

A bunch. I would guess aluminum version would be about ~60lbs. 40+% less on avg.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I had a hoop bumper on a Jeep Wrangler in the past. It was a pain because it was always in the way after opening the hood for service. You always had to climb over it.

 

[jeech]

This was the most relevant thread I could find on the subject, so sorry for reviving!

I know the general consensus is that hoops/tubing on the cheap brush guards people put on tend to cause more damage with animal strikes than protection. Is that not the case with steel-plate bumpers like Coastal Offroad, Shrockworks, etc? Is there an argument for hoops on these bumpers?

My primary reasons for upgrading the bumper are better protection in impacts, and better recovery options. Do hoops make sense for this or can I disregard them?