Running/Nerf board help

Hey all,
I'm looking for a good nerf bar setup and my budget is <$400. The matte/texture black is the style. I'm looking at the following...

Rough Country $379
Havoc HS2 $398
Tyger Star Armor $289

Between the 3...Rough Country and Havoc are both better looking...but I'm a bit concerned that Rough Country leaves the main tube open. I'm getting a 4" RC lift w/33's this week...so looking to complete the look. No true off-roading happening. Curious if I should roll with one of these...or go cheap with Iconic straight running boards and call it a day.

Thanks for the help!

 

Throw on a set of sliders and use the lift to its potential.

Honestly, it makes no difference.
Pick the ones you like the best.

BTW, links to the options would help.
That way we can see what we’re voting for.

 

@TnShooter

Raptor Magnum https://runningboardwarehouse.com/p/raptor-magnum-gen-2-rt-steps/v/toyota/tacoma/2011/
Tyger Star Armor

$364 Tyger Auto Star Armor Compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma | Double Cab | TG-AM2T20048 | Side Step Rails Nerf Bars Running Boards

https://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Auto-T...t=&hvlocphy=9013539&hvtargid=pla-571980787577
Havoc HS2 https://realtruck.com/p/havoc-hs2-black-hoop-steps/v/toyota/tacoma/2011/

I already counted out Rough Country. Seen too many posts about rusting.

I wouldn't mind these NFab's but I'd rather have a 3" tube. Seems the 2" tubes look small. https://n-fab.com/n-fab-nerf-step-rs-system/2011/toyota/tacoma

Or just go OEM boards

$467 Toyota Genuine Accessories PT212-35055 Running Board

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DPIEPIM

 

I personally like the Tyger Star or OEM.
I don’t like the individual steps.
And that’s personal preference.

I have OEM bars. I like them.
But I rarely use them. I use them mostly to access the top of the truck when washing it.
But I’m also at stock height too.

 

Every and any nerf bar belongs in dumpster

Just saved you $300
You're welcome

 

@TacoTuesday1

I think I'm making this more complicated than it probably has to be. The only reason I'm looking at boards is to help get in the truck once the 4" lift and 33's are installed.

I am starting to lean towards just a good set of running boards. I see cheaper options..TAC, RedRock, Tyger...all <$250. Anything I should stay clear of in terms of good hardware vs bad..etc..?

 

TnShooter what do think of these aluminum steps, no rusting. I don't see a weight capacity though. Not trying to bust on the thread, just picked up a 2009 tacoma TRD yesterday, not impressed with the factory steps, but a drop down style for my mother and other passengers would be useful.

https://runningboardwarehouse.com/p/n-fab-predator-pro-nerf-step/v/toyota/tacoma/2009/

 

rock sliders

/thread

 

I vote for Tyger. It has the widest platform from what i can find while researching a set of steps for myself. Already saved me from 3 door dings (that i personally witnessed) in the one year ive owned them. I hate to think of how many cars have hit me while im not around but after witnessing three different cars open their doors only to be met by hard textured metal vs smooth soft paint leaves me with a certain peace of mind. From what i can tell only taller vehicles and the rear doors of some cars (because of the shape of the door) are able to actually hit my car. So i either have to park next to lower cars or lift my truck

To be fair, i dont offroad much and my truck is still at stock height. Im 5’9 so i dont have any trouble getting in the truck. Mainly use it for door ding protection and washing the roof.

Also, my girlfriend tried to surprise me by taking my truck out for gas and ended up swiping the steps on one of the painted metal or concrete bars next to the pump. I was surprised to see my paint still good as i was unsure if the the angle of the turn in or the height of the gas pump bar would affect it. She called me scared that she messed up my truck (bless her heart) but when i checked it out there was only a scuff on the driver side side step. I was never more glad to have these steps and she was confused as to why i was laughing.

 

If you have people that will need or use the drop steps. Then those look nice.
The worst part here is, seeing if the steps have good traction. Nothing like slick steps in the rain and snow. A twist knee or ankle sucks.

 

I have the RC AL2s. I have had them since July of 2020 and very happy with them. All aluminum so they are light and they are not too slick like many steps in the winter. I like the thought they dont add much weight to the truck and they dont rust which was what I wanted when I got them. Being so light it was not hard to install them. I only had an issue with the threads on the truck which were rusty and needed to be run through with a threader. I would highly recommend them.

 

I called my local 4wheel parts place and they suggested these NFab's.. part # T0678CC-TX. The main tube is only 2" though...does that look really small in the rocker panel?
https://n-fab.com/nerf-step-system/2011/toyota/tacoma

 

N-Fab also has a 3 inch main tube step bar.