Help me choose a skid plate

I'm in the market for a front/IFS skid plate for my 2015 4x4 DCLB. I'm not a rock crawler or overlander, I'm just a guy who has bad luck hitting crowbars at highway speed. I have done some research already, but would like some expert input before I set anything in stone.

Needed features:
Access to drain plug for oil changes.
Some sort of drainage system so water and mud have a way out.
Sway bar compatibility, with or without a sway bar relocate kit.
Compatibility with ARB front bumper (probably a non-issue).

Nice-to-have:
Minimal loss of ground clearance.
LCA tab protection, assuming it won't make regular alignments too difficult.
Extended length to cover front differential; I have no plans to install a diff drop.
Factory powder coating, for superior rust prevention.
Solid angled front plate, without logos or cutouts, to assist with making a bow wave while fording deep water.
Around 50 lbs.

Not important:
Material. Steel is beef, aluminum is light, but neither one matters if the design is sub-par.
Price. Buy once cry once.

My research has turned up the following:

Pelfreybilt: My top choice, up until I learned that they are defunct. Scratch that.

RCI: Probably the most popular option for TW members. I think it covers all my "need to have" points (sway bar compatibility unknown), which is great. Doesn't have LCA or front diff protection, nor does it have a solid front skid section, which is a bummer.
https://rcimetalworks.com/product/2016-tacoma-front-skid-plate/

ArmorTech Offroad (ATO): Seems to check quite a few of my boxes, although I don't know if it plays nice with sway bars. It does go over my weight limit and doesn't have powder coat as an option, which are both negatives.
http://www.armortechoffroad.com/2005-2016-Tacoma-Front-Skid-Plate_p_10.html

SOS Offroad Concepts: I don't know much about this product.
http://sosoffroadconcepts.com/05-15-ifs-skid/

Mobtown Offroad: Same as above. The lack of drainage holes is concerning.
https://mobtownoffroad.com/product/2005-2015-toyota-tacoma-front-skid-plate/

Any experience you guys can share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

The trd pro aluminum skid for the 3rd gens should fit.

 

That skid checks all the boxes?

 

As far as I know, yes. The others you have listed are all good options as well.

 

Now for the million-dollar question: will it survive a crowbar at 70 mph?

 

Yes. Mine hit a 40 inch drainage pipe at about 15 to 20.

 

Well no sh!t. Here I was, thinking all OEM skid plates were made of tin foil.

 

The 3rd Gen ones fit the 2nd Gen?
I have a Pelfreybilt aluminum front bumper.

 

Is this aluminum? I really like the look and practicality of the third gen skid but really don't like that weight that the aftermarket skids bring.

 

I'm almost certain it is aluminum.

 

Yes. It is, 1/4 inch and heavy as hell

I will get a pic of mine for you.

 

Good to know! I may go that route instead, glad @ardrummer292 made this post about skids

 

So I guess I'm in a bit of a pickle now. The 3rd gen Pro skid plate definitely fits the bill, but they go for around $300 used. I could get a new RCI for the same price. I guess I'm wondering if the Pro is an objectively better product than RCI, which would explain the price difference.

 

Its hit most of the off chutes on cleghorn. @In&out will testify to the severity of those.

 

That's awesome. The Pro skid offers a bit of LCA protection, right?

 

Not really.

 

I dig the RCI and trust that it's a well-designed product, but I've got this nagging feeling that LCA tab protection is actually kind of a big deal. That's really my only hangup with their product, other than the obnoxious branding cut into the front.

 

@SOS CONCEPTS

Has my vote. Sos concepts

 

Something to consider.
Many of the aftermarket skids actually connect as a system to transmission and across the cross member to transfer case protection. Makes a nice smooth, complete skid. The TRD doesn’t, and I don’t believe there are any stand alone transmission protectors. You need a front anchor point.
If your going off road, strongly consider protecting your T Case. It’s one of the lowest parts of your vehicle, and one good bash to its cast casing and you are dead in the water.

 

There isn't a person on here that wheels that hat hasn't bashed those tabs flat... if that didn't do it, the alignment shops do. At least the chain ones with inexperienced techs.