Metalcloak vs Barnes skids

[mikegldn]

I'm looking to get a set of skids with the awesome black Friday deals for my 2024 JLUR Xtreme Recon w/ 2.5" lift. I have it narrowed down to these two:

$1351 with free shipping:
https://metalcloak.com/4-door-jl-wrangler-undercloak-integrated-armor-systems.html

$823 plus $240 shipping = $1063
https://barnes4wd.com/products/jeep-jl-3-6l-skid-plates

I know the Metalcloak are awesome and I haven't heard a bad thing about them, but I do like that the Barnes has a separate piece that covers the resonator - that is missing on the Metalcloak ones.

Does anyone have any experience with the Barnes? I can't find much info about them.

Thanks!

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[beast40]

Whats the weight difference?

 

[mikegldn]

Whats the weight difference?

The Barnes doesn't say, but I imagine they'd be pretty comparable as they're both 1/4" thick steel. The Metalcloak is about 150lbs.

 

[Ratbert]

The Barnes doesn't say, but I imagine they'd be pretty comparable as they're both 1/4" thick steel. The Metalcloak is about 150lbs.

I'd be hesitant about a company that doesn't divulge such a fundamental detail.

 

[Terrymo]

I have metalcloak but check out this series of videos comparing Rusty’s off road skids

 

[mikegldn]

I have metalcloak but check out this series of videos comparing Rusty’s off road skids

Rustys is one of the few companies that I refuse to do business with due to my experience with their failure to stand behind their products.

 

[Terrymo]

Rustys is one of the few companies that I refuse to do business with due to my experience with their failure to stand behind their products.

Sorry to hear that. I have been happy with the few things I have bought from them. Was it related to their skids?

 

[mikegldn]

Sorry to hear that. I have been happy with the few things I have bought from them. Was it related to their skids?

Nope, an XJ track bar mount years ago. It broke just making a turn on the street. When I called them they said it must've been installed wrong and they wouldn't warranty it - without even looking at it. I swore then that I would never give them another cent. That was probably like 20 years ago. Yes I hold a grudge.

 

[Terrymo]

Nope, an XJ track bar mount years ago. It broke just making a turn on the street. When I called them they said it must've been installed wrong and they wouldn't warranty it - without even looking at it. I swore then that I would never give them another cent. That was probably like 20 years ago. Yes I hold a grudge.

No I get it. That’s why customer service after the sale is so important.

 

[contend1]

My policy is “get even, don’t get mad”.

When someone wrongs you, it might not mean there business is completely bad, but you should be weary.

 

[Aonar]

No I get it. That’s why customer service after the sale is so important.

I wasn't going to answer this thread because I only have experience with @Metalcloak but since Customer Service came up, I would like to chime in. I am going to link my experience, AFTER the sale, from @Metalcloak...which was fantastic.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/metalcloak-customer-service.86422/

 

[mikegldn]

I wasn't going to answer this thread because I only have experience with @Metalcloak but since Customer Service came up, I would like to chime in. I am going to link my experience, AFTER the sale, from @Metalcloak...which was fantastic.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threds/metalcloak-customer-service.86422/

I love to hear that! I agree, I've ordered parts from them before and they're top notch. I think I'm going to go with their skid if for no other reason than that.

 

[Aonar]

I love to hear that! I agree, I've ordered parts from them before and they're top notch. I think I'm going to go with their skid if for no other reason than that.

LOVE mine!!!
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...ock-sliders-lets-see-them.100995/post-2091703

 

[JesseT]

I wasn't going to answer this thread because I only have experience with @Metalcloak but since Customer Service came up, I would like to chime in. I am going to link my experience, AFTER the sale, from @Metalcloak...which was fantastic.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/metalcloak-customer-service.86422/

I'll give a nod to Metalcloak's customer service too. Never dealt with Barnes so I can't comment.

 

[mikegldn]

Screw it, it's only money. lol! I just pulled the trigger on the Metalcloak "Undercloak" skid plates.

Thanks everyone for your input!

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