I’ve been looking at these and wanted to inquire if anyone has any experience with them, installed, good and bad? Thanks!

https://collinsbrosjeep.com/wide-12-...ountain+flares

https://www.ebay.com/itm/324102704175

 

They look like nice flares, but what kind of 4-wheeling do you do? The problem with metal flares is that they generally can't take a beating. For example, if you clip a tree with those flares, they will just crumple and stay crumpled. Or, if the tubing is robust, it will transmit the force to the body, and that will stay crumpled. I'm a fan of plastic (think "OEM" or similar) flares that can take a hit without transmitting the force to the body and, more often than not, must bounce back to their original shape.

Just my opinion based on the kind of 'wheeling I do.

 

I agree with AZJeeper. Up against a tree or rock wall, something's going to bend, either the flare or the fender.

If you are looking for full coverage but more room underneath, there are lots of YouTube videos on modifying your OEM flares. They basically cut back the inner fender liners & support structures.

The price is right ($0.00), the flares bend even more easily (less breakage), you can cut them back as much as you want, and there are cheap replacements in every junkyard.

 

I disagree a bit on the idea of metal flares not taking a beating, but it really depends on quality. Higher quality things like GenRight, Metalcloak, old PSC fenders will have additional bracing to help spread the loads and will stand up to trees and rocks. I'd put Black Mountain the more of the Smittybilt bucket.....for looks and extremely light function. Having said that, if you're not out banging trees, rocks, or big dirt walls you might lean into, then sure they are fine. I would suggest though that steel fenders add a lot of unnecessary weight....and as someone whose jeep is a heavy pig, I will always tell you that it all adds up. Aluminum is a really nice option, or plastic. If you stick with plastic, I'd avoid something like the Bushwacker flares due to the way they mount.....cuz if you ever DO touch something with them, they will indeed ruin a quarter panel due to how they spread the pressure to the thin sheetmetal rather than the pinch seams. Don't ask me how I know . If you're set on steel or aluminum, you might consider a narrow front. I can also tell you that those standard with metal flares in that design kinda look like big Dumbo ears. Nemisis flares are a nice design if you haven't looked at em.


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I'd also add that if you go with metal, buy an actual nusert tool for the install. Don't try to use a homemade thing with nuts and spacers. Also, don't use the Smittybilt tool.....if you break a mandrel, they are not replaceable. There are a lot of better options on Amazon that don't break the bank and are better.