Durability of uncoated aluminum

As I recently posted, I'm looking at getting a new front bumper to replace my stock. I'd love to get a powdercoated steel bumper, but the cost of powdercoating and the weight of steel are more than I need/can deal with right now. I'm on a budget so don't want to have to sink more money into suspension, etc. because I add a 100+ lb. piece of metal to the front.

Anyone have experience with an uncoated aluminum bumper? I've read pros and cons about durability in other forums but haven't found a clear answer.

I won't be doing hardcore off-roading with the new bumper, just light trails and backcountry camping.

I live in Indy and they salt the hell out of the roads whenever there's a chance of ice, but I'm always careful to wash my vehicle afterward, though I'm considering moving westward to the mountains so I can ski in the next 5 years.

I'd consider powdercoating in the future if it's not a problem to do that to aluminum that's a few years old.

 

Ok so aluminum will end up costing more than steel, but it will weigh half the weight.

Now i have had a front steel, i rear ended someone @ ~15-20mph and the driver side front was tweaked pretty good. Now aluminum is not nearly as strong but it will hold up to slight bumps and scrapes. I would say that if you are going under 5mph when you hit something you should have minimal damage. But it will also be highly dependant on what you hit, where on the bumper you hit, and how fast you are going.

The good think about aluminum is that it will not rust!

 

I'm going to assume you're referring to corrosion resistance. When aluminum "oxidizes", it forms a whitish coating which effectively protects itself from further corrosion; unlikely steel where it will rust and flake off.