So I am now in the bumper stage of my build, I have been spending time looking around the internet at all of the various manufacturers. I like the look of the Smittybuilt XRC bumpers, but, I am a bit concerned about their quality. Can anybody give me any first hand experience with these bumpers? I noticed they are made in China and that concerns me as far as quality goes.

 

I've got the XRC Stinger on my JKU. There's no doubting the quality of it. It's built like a tank. I feel sorry for anybody that ever pulls out in front of me.

 

I installed a smittybilt bumper on my friends JKU. Bolted straight up, and felt like a very solid piece.
We may pull it off eventually to trim a bit of the front cross member(sticks out a bit beyond the bumper.)

 

I know a couple ppl with them and the seem okay. Some of the welds seem sketchy and they say that china metal is crap.
U can buy a bumper made here in the U.S with U.S metal for the same price. I'd take my JCR offroad bumper over the smittybilt any day. Just my input

 

I have the XRC front. I like it a lot, bolted right up, easy to do, and very strong. I ran over a big deer, and nothing happened!

 

You may want to hit search on this website for other posts on Smittybuilt bumpers. There have been several cases where the carrier did not match with the latch on the bumper, and would get only worse with time. I researched this company because I was in the market for a rear bumper, and these reviews scared me away. And even if it is a front bumper you are in the market for, I would be wary.

You may want to ask for this website's sponsors to reply. I have seen many instances on other posts where the reps have been very helpful in giving their speel on their products. May be very helpful to you. After many days of reviewing, I went with Rockhard for the rear/carrier. Competitive price, U.S. company, add ons rivaling Garvin Wilderness, 1/4" steel. Started their company in a garage in Iowa I believe.

 

Love my smitty bumper super strong and looks great !!

 

I have the Smittybilt XRC rear bumper w/ carrier and the latch fix they ce out with works like a charm. Just make sure you get that with yours... Simple install too by the way

 

[QUOTE="DAMEN"]Love my smitty bumper super strong and looks/QUOTE]

I agree it does look great. Part of me likes it for the looks alone, while the other part of me wants to buy American made!!! I admit I am a little weary of the quality of the steel and the welds.

 

That looks very nice!