For the debate on if aluminum is strong enough, if its made out of the correct type, it is stronger than you guys will ever need. One of my friends makes aluminum protection for TJ's and he tests it in Johnson Valley running the hardest trails out there. He has had this aluminum belly skid on his personal Jeep for 6 years now:


This AL. gas tank skid is strong enough to support the weight of this TJ:



And his newest rocker gaurds:




The last one was from Little Sluice on the Rubicon. These guys go out with the single purpose of trying to break these skids. They do more damage to their Jeeps than to the aluminum stuff.

If the guy making this bumper uses the right material and has the know how, I would have no doubts about getting this bumper.

 

Very nice!

Definitely interested in seeing some real world data on the strength of this setup. Can't wait for the video, JKBUNNY.


Throw on a bull bar, and I think people will be ordering them left and right.


Anthony

 

Interesting to see some performance videos of the bumper and the new products in the 'pipeline.' Its great to have products like these to choose from. Unfortunately, I will keep my steelies for some time .

 

Here's a little Q&A I had with Mike Aberle, for anyone who might have the same questions....

Q: Is it available in black with black tow hooks?
A: Our bumper does come in black and the tow hooks can be painted to match the bumper.

Q: Is there any particular type of paint would you recommend to use to paint the tow hooks?
A: If you want the tow hooks to match the bumper I will just have them sent to powder coat with the bumper, unless you prefer to paint them your self.

Q: Is it available with a winch hoop to protect the winch?
A: Unfortunately we do not have a hoop at this time but will be developing one soon, although our bumper was designed to carry the winch very low so the bumper itself protects the winch fairly well.

Q: Do you think this hoop is something that will be developed as a bolt on or welded on piece? In other words, do you think it will be something that can be added on to an existing bumper?
A: It will be a bolt on accessory. All of our accessories will be this way. Easier to replace if something were to break or bend.

Q: Does the bumper drop down far enough to adequately protect the electronic sway bar disconnect motor?
A: Yes, our bumper will help to protect the sway bar diconnect motor. No one has expressed any problems with that.

Q: How much does it weigh?
A: 60.2 pounds.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: $795.99 plus shipping and handling.

Q: What is the lead time from order placement to shipment?
A: We are currently making a few design changes and will be done with those in a day or so. Then I will be able to say that we are about two weeks from order to shipment.

Q: What are the installation instructions?
A: It is very straight forward how to install this bumper. It is simply as easy as unbolting the factory bumper (eight bolts), removing the bumper cover and the steel bumper plate itself along with the crush cans. Then using the hardware we provide to bolt on the new bumper. From start to finish it should only take about 30 mins to install the new bumper.

Q: Can I get a quote on shipping to Burbank, CA?
A: $171.03.

 

I hate shipping!!!

 

Yah, that shipping quote sounds rather pricey.

 

they quoted me 171.28 all the way to Northern Canada

 

$0.25 more than to Southern California. Brutal! If I decide to go with this bumper, I'm gonna ask if they can do anything about that shipping cost. That's about twice as much as anyone else charges to ship a bumper.

 

Good looking bumper, but that's a hell-ov-a shipping price.

 

I have the Aberle font bumper and LOVE it...

Here are a few shots:








Let me know if you have any questions.