Hey all!

I'm new to JK Forum so if I've missed this topic discussion already then I apologize.. But what are some of your all's opinion on more narrow fenders such as the Smittybilt XRC (very cost efficient) vs something wider like the Poison Spyder Crusher Flares (more expensive)?? I feel like the XRC's are more realistic bc of the price, but do they look too narrow for a black JK? Any thoughts/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Jeremiah 29:11

 

I plan on buying the XRCs in the upcoming weeks. I love the look. When I first looked into flares I was looking at the bushwacker flat flares. I like how they look but there's a big price difference between the two and I think I like the XRCs better.

 

Yea I think I do too. I just wonder if having 33's with a 3.25" would hurt me or not...

 

I won't be able to offer anything useful about one or the other, but I can say that after driving with the doors off in my Jeep with OEM Sahara wheels/tires, no lift, no wheel spacers, no nothing, with the stock fender flares, it was barely able to keep mud and rocks from being tossed into the interior of the Jeep.

I agree the look of the narrower fender flares is pretty cool but practically speaking, it might be worth considering how well the fenders do their job of keeping the tires from spewing mud, dirt, rocks and water on the side and inside of the Jeep. Ditto that with aftermarket wheels that are so popular but stick out past even the stock fender flares. For me, it's just not worth it.

 

Yea I agree the narrow ones look great but not going to do a whole lot of protecting your body. But then again they look great lol

 

That's a very good point. Once again, it's leaving me with the tough jeep decision... looks or practicality ha. Thanks for the advice!

 

I currently have some Flares that are close to Stock but running the 35's with 5" back spacing spits lots of mud so when I get the money I will by Poison Spyder armor 11" flares.

 

I like having the tires stick out further then the fenders since you can ride the Jeep against a wall or obstacle and you are not wrecking your body or fenders, just riding the tire out.

Disadvantage is I don't drive it doorless as often in the city since it sprays the crap out of the sides and throws stuff into the cabin area. If you don't wheel I would go with the tire coverage

 

I wonder if it's not even more important if you do... I mean, if you don't ever drive off road then you are not likely to get mud and rocks stuck in the tires anyway, so it's less risk that it will get sprayed up. But I think the rain would be a giant pain, not only for you but for other drivers, if don't have enough fender coverage.

OTOH if you do drive off road you will collect mud and rocks in the tires so when you drive home via roads you are going to throw that stuff everywhere. I guess if you never drive on the road, like you trailer your rig to the trail and back again, then maybe fender coverage is not as much of a concern. I wouldn't know. I have to drive mine on the road most of the time and the last time I drove off road even briefly made for quite a shower of mud and rocks when I had to drive the 1.5 miles back home on the roads. I was thankful for full fender coverage and was glad I had not gotten wheel spacers or trimmed fender flares for looks.

 

I don't drive the JK as a DD so my opinion can be somewhat skewed, but the advantage of riding the tire out ways the coverage for me.

The drive home or road tripping it does kinda suck on muddy or wet roads since seeing out the side windows becomes difficult if its muddy out. Rain is fine since its just water.