FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Bumper Debate - All-Pro vs Metal Tech

Hey guys I've been debating the two different bumpers now for over a year! Had the money last year and ended up blowing it on who knows what, but now I'm in market to buy again. I'm aware that bumpers are mostly for looks and am planning on buying some plates and rock guards as well. Any advice would be really appreciated. I'm very indecisive, especially when it comes to an investment like this as well.

Metal Tech Bumper
All-Pro Bumper

My debate comes down to 2 things:
a) Winch Security - Me, being as clumsy as I am, have been known to get myself stuck in some pretty dumb situations with nobody to call for rescue. I figure having a winch couldn't hurt but I'm worried about someone trying to steal it. I would plan on tack welding some bolts but still curious if either of the two would be a safer bet from your guys experience or knowledge.

b) Light Placement - I have a serious need for fog lights as I commute in the middle of the night through the winter, and if you're from around Stockton/Manteca you know how dense the fog gets on 99! All pro's light holes seem a bit high (I am lifted 6) but is there a way to angle them down? Metal Tech's seem about the same but these two bumpers are really the look I like.

A few other points, if there is a way to mount a winch on the metal tech bumper with plate? Anyone even tried that yet? And does anyone know if one of the other has a better clearance distance? Again any input would be awesome. I'm having a tough time deciding and would like to get it installed before my birthday and the trailride in September ;)

Cheers!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ranger Jim on August 25, 2009 at 9:06pm

I've got the Metal Tech, I like it just fine. It has two places to put lights, on top of the top bar and the other along each side of the winch area. If we can get someone with the All-Pro we can do a side by side comparison at some gathering in the near future. Approach angle is fine, you would probably have to try and climb something straight up and down to hit the bumper first. I like it also for the weight savings, especially if your going to be adding plates under neath and other heavy accessories. good luck

Ranger Jim

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Permalink Reply by potatomutato on August 25, 2009 at 9:08pm

i believe Ranger Jim has a winch on his Metal Tech bumper. post a message on his page and he'll respond. IH8FOG.

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Permalink Reply by Bozly on August 25, 2009 at 10:22pm

I'm leaning towards the Metaltec and do a fill in around the winch. I've never seen winch and bumper together but from the photos I've seen, and please correct me if I'm wrong, there is not much protection with the winch installed. It seems to me to get the bumper bare and do some mods to fill in the space around the winch, maybe 3/16" or 1/4" steel, and have complete protection for the cooling elements that are exposed right up front.

Like I said, I've never seen winch and bumper together and maybe the fill in isn't an issue and if it isn't, so much the better because the strength to weight ratio is completely with in my comfort level and I like the looks and the approach angle as well.

If you get the Metaltec with both parts, I'll make you a deal you can't refuse to do the in fill around the winch if needed, just buy it bare and get it powder coated here after the mod is done. If your interested, let's take a look at one up close and see what can be done.

BTW, anybody in the market for a slightly used ARB?????

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Permalink Reply by DWH on August 25, 2009 at 10:50pm

How much are you asking for the bumper?

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Permalink Reply by Bozly on August 25, 2009 at 11:06pm

PM sent

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Permalink Reply by Bz on August 26, 2009 at 12:11am

My vote is for the MetalTec! nota fan of allpoo

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Permalink Reply by MoabFJ on August 26, 2009 at 9:34am

I hate to muddy the waters since you seem to have narrowed it down to two, but....

Have you considered Expedition One? It has the most solid attachment to the frame of any FJ bumper I have seen, It has
2, 4" holes for a Piaa style road lamps, as well as mounts under the hoop. As a bonus, you can drop a 9000# superwinch into the bumper from the top, without removing the bumper or grill. It also does not require the moving of A/C lines.

I bought mine before they offered the "snake eyes" option, which is the best looking version IMHO (YMMV).
Mine was $700 shipped bare (why powder coat when it is easier/cheaper to touch up with spray paint?).

Just a thought. I do have the metal Tech rear bumper, and I am very happy with it.

Its really hard to go wrong here..... unless you buy All-pro.

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Permalink Reply by Boss73 on August 26, 2009 at 10:01am

I have the metal tech front bumper with out the winch. I have loved the look of this bumper from day one and I jumped at the chance to get one used. I I agree with jim on everything he has said. One of the main issues I have with the metal tech is that it leaves the front and bottom of the radiator exposed to the outside. I am not sure it has ever happened but it seems that it could be a little exposed to getting a small rock or whatever at freeway speeds. Like I said I have never heard it happen but it is possible. Having said that Bozly and I were talking about it and checking it out during our last run and we both thought that with some good placement of steel would solve that problem. The fact that it is only like 17 lbs heavier than stock is great as well.

I vote Metal-Tech All-por looks alright but I like the tubes...

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Permalink Reply by TRD Black on August 27, 2009 at 9:16pm

I have had the same dilemma, but have decided to drive till I rip off the front bumper. The downside to this approach is that now I want to hit everything so I can buy a new bumper without my spouse complaining :-) I loved the Metal Tech because of the winch option (no removal & less weight) but don't personally like the open spaces. I have looked at the All Pro and Metal Tech near each other & it's apples and oranges. I was really torn before the choices expanded. Now I love the Demello Offroad, the Metal Tech, the All Pro, and the Intense Fabrications. Though the Intense bumper is a LOT CHEAPER & I could most likely hire someone to dig me out for the price difference :-)

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Permalink Reply by Josh Earl on August 27, 2009 at 9:38pm

Hey wow thanks for the Intense sugestion. That is a nice balance between the AP and MT. I dig the rally/runner look and that is perfect. I think you may have given me another option to weigh! After the reply's and a bit more research I was leaning towards Metal Tech but that Intense Fab pre-runner with winch is awesome. Thanks for the heads up, I really like that one.

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Permalink Reply by Ben Matthews on August 29, 2009 at 8:16am

My vote is with Metal Tech. I have their rear bumper and have given it lots of hell, for which it has gladly taken and offered all the protection and more I could have hoped. Many tube style bumpers seem to offer less protection in favor of weight savings and tend to be a bit more flimsy. Not at all so with these bumpers. I've seen many folks being dealt all kinds of damage while making use of heavier bumpers like the ARB. Seems to me that the ARB is not good for much but putting dents in and often even relocating the front fenders. The weight and stoutness of them does nothing if the brackets standing them off from your vehicle are not up for the job.

On a personal side note, even though quality and function must always play the largest role when contemplating such a large purchase, so must values and ethics. In my humble opinion, my dealings with All Pro, and the dealings of many of my friends with them, have not been such to allow me to offer my recommendation of their product. I'm not one to spread rumor or liable, however the proprietors of All Pro would deserve no less. Most of their ill dealings that deserve the most lament have remained out of the public eye, much to my surprise. However, those who know, do. Those who do not, soon will. So unless you wish your own chance to know what unfortunate things may come from dealing with these people, avoid them in favor of a company who has, from all I can tell, gotten NOTHING but the best of review. Metal Tech.