CBI vs. ARB bumpers

I am looking to get a bumper/winch combo for my 2017 TRD Offroad. I'm completely torn between the CBI T3 with full hoops and the ARB summit bar. I love both of them and really cant decide.

What I like about the ARB is it has a more classic look and is air bag compliant. I also like the larger size and just overall beefiness of it.

The CBI seems a touch cheaper for the steel version installed out the door and I like the more modern closer to the front of the truck look and the points to place shackles vs. the ARB needing a separate recovery point.

I am local to Slee in Denver, CO and can get the ARB installed there. Otherwise I will plan a trip up to CBI to have the T3 installed then hit Yellowstone on the way home. So no issues there either in making this decision.

As far as winches go what do you guys recommend? I dont want to go to cheap but I dont want the most expensive either. Looking at probably a Warn.

Thanks

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cbi-vs-arb-bumpers.539921/

 

As far as I know ARB is the only one that has tested their bumpers to work 100% with the factory air bags?

If that sort of thing matters to you

 

I know... I created that one seemed it was getting little to no views so I made this one and asked that one be closed.

 

I had the same CBI or ARB dilemma when I was deciding which bumper to go with. Like you, I really liked the look of the ARB bull bar, but it just sticks out too far in front of the vehicle for my liking. I do a moderate amount of off-roading, so I felt like the T-3 was a better choice. I also have to use parking garages for work, so I really didn’t want to add that much length to my truck since my DCSB already takes up a lot of room. The CBI looks great in my opinion and it’s plenty stout. I don’t know if it will offer as much protection against deer/other large animals as the ARB would, but I guess that’s why we have insurance.

I’m running a Smittybilt XRC 9.5 in mine, it fits perfectly with the solenoid mounted over the winch motor. Accessing the solenoid through the cutouts in the bumper is pretty easy as well.

 

I like the Arb but need to see one in person before pulling the trigger.
Also waiting for the TJM bulbar to come out which is similar and most likely cheaper .

 

The ARB is the best looking one. It's also tested. It's also pretty pricey.

 

Looks good! What are you using foe your license plate mount?

 

Nice! Thanks for input and pics!

 

I may just take a trip to Slee and take a look at them.

 

Yeah I am leaning towards this one still. I know its bigger, heavier, and whatever else but I really just like the styling and level of protection it provides. The price I was quoted installed was around $2200 (with no extra lights or anything) plus cost of the winch and install.

Another note I may be able to still fit in my garage at home with the CBI however with the ARB I dont think that will happen... I'll be too long.

 

Another thing.... Are those shackle points on the CBI rated as a true recovery point? I seem to recall seeing differing opinions on that. Seemed like some said they are more for just general pulling and not really safe to use in situations where you are being yanked on with a snatch strap.

 

I went with the t3 . I'm a collision tech and I know that impact sensors work with g forces. They would work even if you took the bumper off . They are not mounted to the bumper. I had issue with the aluminum pedestals that bolt to the end of the frame rails on the arb . They can bend and didn't want to have to replace them after bumping something off road or after winching although to be fair it could save your frame in an accident . Me personally if my truck was in a bad front ender I'd rather it total repace the frame myself so it wasn't an issue for me . I'd rather have that strengh.
Then again I also never tailgate no matter what i drive. I'm also armored out back and that is where it would happen if it did. Dcsb and I can still fit in the garage sideways but I have to push it in by hand .

 

The ARB looks awesome but it is heavy and sticks out mega far on a front end that is already a little bit too long, IMO. If you don't have aftermarket suspension yet you will absolutely need heavier springs for the ARB.

I had gone through this dilemma as well. I ended up getting the Demello Low Pro. It's the best looking 3G bumper on the market imo, but doesn't offer headlight protection. Ive wheeled the truck a fair bit and have never had something hit my headlights so I decided I didn't need hoops.

 

You need heavy springs for the cbi also OP. Unless you go with the aluminum which I did not. You would probably need at least medium springs though with an aluminum t3 along with the winch.

 

FYI I'm pretty sure RSG off road can order and install your CBI bumper if you decide to go that route. They are in Denver and I've see CBI stuff advertised on their website. http://www.rsgoffroad.com/

 

I did it myself it's really easy I just used a die grinder with cutoff wheel and a da sander with 80grit sandpaper on the edge to true up the bottom edge .Save that money for good stuff.

 

Yeah I'll be installing my own when its time. Just wanted the OP to know that he could get CBI local here in Denver without traveling. Although that Yellowstone trip would be badass!

 

Thanks guys really appreciate the info!

 

Oh I understand your just trying to help him .. I was only encouraging the OP to give it a shot and take that vacation.