Rock slider angle rationale

Hi all, I'm looking at buying rock sliders soon and I'm a little naive about what the benefits/drawbacks are concerning slider angle. I've seen various vendors listing 0-25 degree options. It seems a lower angle is marketed as more of a dual purpose step (which I don't care about) but my questions remain:

1. Are different angles better suited for different applications?

2. How does angle translate to distance the slider stick out from the truck?

3. In my area, most trails are tight and I've taken minimal body damage from small tress I've lightly rubbed against, is there an angle best suited for this kind of protection (besides a better turn angle haha)?

I'm probably wildly overthinking this, but I just want to make sure that I spend money on the armor that corresponds most to my personal needs. Also feel free to roast me if this has been answered somewhere already.

 

Sub'd. I've never heard this topic explained, either.

 

I think it's a matter of choice and intended use. Someone that wheels in an area with wide trails and rocky terrain with lots of drop-offs might be more concerned with underbody protection and needs the sliders to act as rails and be tight to the body, whereas someone that wheel in wooded areas with tighter trails might consider getting sliders that stick out further for body panel protection. There are pros and cons to each but ultimately how you intend to use your truck should be the driving force for how you modify it. As someone that builds custom sliders, I take all that into account when starting a build. Someone with kids or a shorter partner/family member might want something a little flatter or wider which will be easier to use as a step. Being tall, I find sliders that stick out to be annoying while getting in and out of the truck because I don't use them as steps and they rub against my calf while getting in and out of the truck. You may be overthinking it, but it's your truck and your decision so it's ok to put some thought into how you spend your money.

 

Great find, exactly what I was looking for. My google-fu is weak.

 

I knew there had to be a discussion already, don't know how I missed it, thanks. No tree comments, but door dings are basically the same I think that applies in my case.

I think I'm gonna go with a lower angle and a kickout, I'm less concerned with getting hung up on rocks and more wrapping the body around a tree, thank you

 

#2 isn't really a valid question, because it kind of all depends on how the fabricator builds it right..? Say the outer tube sticks out 10" past the frame (just for round numbers). A 0* slider in that config will offer the full 10" distance out from the frame. But a slider angled up at 25* with the same 10" construction would have less stick out due to the angle.

I personally prefer the angled up sliders, they offer a bit more clearance under the outer edges. How much that actually matters could be debated though..

A rear kickout is the way to go. In very tight spots it can help the rear end pivot around trees or rocks.