RCI vs CBI vs SOS skid plates

Been reading a bunch on adding skid plates and I've narrowed it down to these three. What is the collective wisdom of TW on the Best one?

RCI - https://rcimetalworks.com/product/05-19-tacoma-full-skid-package-deal-copy/

CBI - https://cbioffroadfab.com/product/3rd-gen-tacoma-skid-plates/

SOS - http://sosoffroadconcepts.com/2016-skids/

 

Recently SOS is no longer a vendor here, and they have had some fitment issues for other things. I dont have any experience with them. I vote RCI

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/sos-armor-issues.689815/

 

i went trd skid and rci tran skid and it matches up.. im in the process of powder coating the trd matte black to match the rci...

 

Buy local.

 

Is the aluminum weight savings worth the potential loss of strength than the steel in the RCI?

 

What are you going to be doing?
Overland oopsie protection & infrequent sliding = aluminum
Actual rock crawling = steel

 

Not in my opinion. The weight is down low and over a large area. Plus it helps lower the center of gravity. The only time I recommend AL skids is if you're in a place that is super prone to rusting, i.e. the northeast AND you don't really do much wheeling/are buying them "for insurance".

 

No heavy rock crawling at this time. Plenty of places I'll be going where I may need the protection but also want the piece of mind that they're there when I do need them.

 

120 lbs vs 68 lbs. $765 vs $965. I'd save the $200 because you're not going to notice the 52lb weight difference. Plus they're stronger.

 

52 lbs on the skids, then you add sliders, then you add a canopy, then you add a winch mount and winch...
It all adds up, and if you have a PRO and you're trying to keep the stock Fox suspension within its proper operating stroke length and not screw up the valving zones, you have to care.

"Spread out and low" doesn't negate the fact that you're adding 52lbs you didn't have to if you're not expecting to be putting them to hard use.

 

There's more weight to be saved in other areas for less money. I'm just stating my opinion and experience, OP can listen to it if he wants to.

 

I guess I'm coming from the point of view of a Pro owner. OP has a SR5, so fuckit, throw steel on, higher spring rate front, AAL in the rear, but then you've far exceeded the $200 you "saved"...

Back on topic, I'm very happy with my RCI alu skids I bought on sale. The crossmember design looks solid, doesn't require drilling, and is compatible with RCI and BAMF sliders at least. I believe it interferes with CBI.

 

This may come as a surprise, but adding skids, sliders, bumper, winch, and a canopy, you're already outside of what the pro suspension was designed to do. Then you've got to swap it. So much for that $8k pro "upgrade".

 

You and I are both making wild assumptions here about what the OP is planning to do with the rest of their truck, so I think we should leave it at that.

 

I'm not assuming anything. You're the one that brought sliders, bumper, winch, and a canopy into the chat. Then also brought in Pro suspension, upgrading his coils and an AAL.

My opinion and statement stand based on what he told us.

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

 

this one line is really funny...

 

Pro owners at SR5 owners houses.

 

I have SOS steel, I wanted piece of mind out on the trail, I chose strength over aluminum because it only takes one rock to ruin a good day. I don’t really know what’s going on with SOS now, I purchased mine back in 2013. I agree with @EatSleepTacos, I didn’t build my truck for the gas mileage or weight, just durable and dependable on the trail

 

pro owners when they find out that the cost of their stock truck compared to a moderately "built" tacoma without pro badges

 

Easy guys, I know this is a forum and everyone has an opinion but let's be civil (and yes I know tone doesn't always come across correctly on screen).

Yes, I am upgrading the suspension as well. 6112 in the front 5160 in the rear plus new leafs and UCAs. 4Runner TRD Pro wheels are being delivered tomorrow and I'll be putting some 265/70R17s on them.

RSI cap going on when it gets here. Not doing bumpers or a winch yet but may in the future.