Pros and cons with traditional side steps vs predator style steps

I'm planning to buy some side steps for my Tacoma... What are y'all's opinions on the traditional side step vs the predator style steps?

I'm thinking about these at the moment:
TAC Sidewinder Running Boards at Amazon

$270 TAC Sidewinder Running Boards Compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Truck Pickup 4” Drop Fine Texture Black Side Steps Nerf Bars Rock Slider Armor Accessories (2pcs)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGJXJD4J

 

pro:
you can get into the truck easier.

con:
opinions are like assholes, and everyone's got a stinky one.

 

Depends on how much (or how serious of) off roading you plan on doing. I've always been terrified of ripping my predator steps off if I drag. But they do allow shorter/older people to get in the truck easier (especially if its lifted..). I think proper sliders are more practical all the way around, just more expensive.

 

$200 OTHOWE Running Boards Compatible with 2005-2023 ToyotaTacoma Double Cab/Crew Cab with 4 Full-Size Doors (Driver and Passenger Side), Tacoma Step Bars Drop Step Style, 3"es.

https://www.amazon.com/Running-Boar...a14-47cb-9c27-ee1c4429d4a1&pd_rd_i=B09P1FBK9Q

 

If you live where it snows a bunch you end up with very large frozen chunks on the front edges of the steps you don’t get this issue with sliders. But if you want an easy in easy out steps are great if you want a chance to rip them off go off roading. Personally I opted for sliders more $ but way more useful overall.

 

I had the OEM tube type steps. I replaced them with these steps:

$273 APS 304 Stainless Steel 6.5in Nerf Bars Pocket Steps Square Tube Rocker Guards Compatible with Tacoma Extended Access Cab 05-23

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZPT1S4Z?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Sold the OEM steps for more than I paid for the new replacements. I'm very pleased with how well they look & function.

 

Only reporting existence of, not offering an opinion (as it is probably wrong). RCI offers sliders (no surprise), but an option is a plate on the more-or-less open bars and an option to angle the sliders closer to "flat step up". Flat bottom to sliders instead of steps hanging down.

Reject as just noise or consider seriously, as you decide to ...

 

and then you end up with loads of dirty melted snow (water) in your garage - I make sure I brush them down before I park in the garage now when the snow is stuck

 

I kept hitting my shin on the steps so I got rid of mine.

 

Does anyone know the difference between the Rough Country SR2 and SRX2 side steps? It looks like they are both adjustable and fit the same. I'm considering those because they're adjustable. They're a little more expensive though.

 

I have the predator like type on mine. Mostly cause I have my parents with me and theyre older so they find it easier to go in and out of the truck. My brother in law has the rock slider kind and they feel like because there isnt a "step" they have a hard time getting out specially

 

I have the OEM Predator steps.

Pros: my petite smoking hot trophy wife can get in and out of the truck.

Cons: my petite smoking hot trophy wife can get in and out of the truck.

 

Thanks for the opinions. I'm not going to be doing any major off roading, and mostly off roading when I go camping or have to pull something on the farm, so no rock sliders... I'm 47 and my new truck has larger tires on it and I want help getting in and out of the truck.

From what info I have recevied, I think I will go with the predator style steps.

 

Remove the predators from the driver side only.

 

This one from Ironbison is nice! No hang down

$259 IRONBISON Running Boards Fits 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab, Heavy Duty Pickup Truck Tacoma Side Steps Off Road Nerf Bars Step Rails Heavy Texture Black

https://www.amazon.com/IRONBISON-Ru...mzn1.fos.c3015c4a-46bb-44b9-81a4-dc28e6d374b3

 

Opinion incoming

Most steps are not low enough to be truely helpful and end up just being more in the way. The farther out they stick, and the lower they hang, the more helpful they are.

I don't have predator steps but I have a similar design, they actually make getting into the truck more difficult than anything else. I end up stepping over them to get in and sometimes brush up against them getting my pants dirty (office worker). Ultimately they are still too high to comfortably get into the cab and the small step area makes them a bit hard to get your foot in the correct spot. My wife (passenger) also find them less than helpful. My 9yr old on the other hand can use them and they help there (the reason I have them), rear grab handles off the front headrest assist with this.

I expect running boards are better in this regard, although from what I have seen here are not significantly better.

The AMP research ($$$) power steps get up and out of the way but also come down lower and farther out than a traditional step. If you can afford the money its the best of both worlds.

 

Yeah. The AMP Research are sweet! Had those on my big boy tundra.

 

YES!

I am done w/ dirty pant legs (from the steps) and the mud and massive ice/snow holders (picks it up from snowy roads) that are Predator steps (when I took them off they had dried packed mud inside the steps as well). I kept them on so long as I'm on gravel roads a lot, as they help deflect stones, etc.

Saw these offered on Extreme Terrain - as I never seen them before. Nice look. Then cheaper elsewhere, still cheaper on Amazon, and finally I bought from Iron Bison direct for $259 ($10 cheaper than Amazon) and free shipping. Got here in about 4 days. They are very solid, easily installed, and I really like the crinkle black finish. And unlike Predator steps, they are indeed perfect height to truly defend against door dings.

 

They both suck

 

They look sweet on your Taco! I also bought a set for my new 24’ Trd Pro 4Runner