My Buld...So Far

[DanW]

I second that! Love mine . Where do you keep yours in there?

I've got a Maxpedition pouch that has a quick opening tab. I just keep it close by. It holds the G20 and extra mag. I also have an OWB holster, but it is big and not too comfortable. I've looked at chest packs made for guns like this and haven't relly decided on one that I like. Until I find the one I like, the Maxpedition is the best I've found. You can put it on your belt, although it is kind of big.

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[DanW]

It's a debate, but the Steel VS Aluminum question is easy to answer, in my mind, and has less to do with weight than you would think. If you rock crawl then get steel, as it slides over rocks and does not gall. Steel is tough and that is what you need with a five thousand pound 4x4. If you are more the pre-runner type then Aluminum is great because it is light. Also, if you are just out for light wheeling and stick to dirt & gravel roads and the occasional rock garden, Aluminum is great. But, Aluminum will stick to the rocks and sets up a scenario in which it's easier for one to get stuck in a high-side situation. If you were racing and had 40" tires and needed every bit of power to weight ratio, then Aluminum is best, as you'll most-likely have the horsepower and clearance to overcome the sticky Aluminum.... Also, weight down low is generally considered a good thing, though it's better in unsprung form. That 70 "extra" lbs (equivalent to 11 gallons of gas) would actually lower your CG in most but extreme cases. If you are rock crawling, your JL ,in particular, has other issues to look at first--like those silly exhaust tips and trailer hitch... Your departure angle is being hammered by that low hanging fruit.

I don't rock crawl a lot, but every few years, I'll hit Moab. I asked Artec about this and they told me they tested the aluminum in Moab all over the rocks and that it did well. (They are located in Moab). I don't know enough about their reputation to know if they'd say that just to sell it, or not.

For now, I've decided it is too expensive, anyway. After watching what @Kevin8086 has done with his Rubi, I'm not sure it is entirely necessary. Sure, he crunched the cross members, but they can be replaced. He brutalized his Jeep far, far worse than I'd do to mine, unless my life depended on it.

 

[Moto_21]

I've got a Maxpedition pouch that has a quick opening tab. I just keep it close by. It holds the G20 and extra mag. I also have an OWB holster, but it is big and not too comfortable. I've looked at chest packs made for guns like this and haven't relly decided on one that I like. Until I find the one I like, the Maxpedition is the best I've found. You can put it on your belt, although it is kind of big.

Right on ill look into that thanks!

 

[Martindfletcher]

I don't rock crawl a lot, but every few years, I'll hit Moab. (They are located in Utah). I asked them about this and Artec told me they tested the aluminum in Moab all over the rocks and that it did well. I don't know enough about their reputation to know if they'd say that just to sell it, or not.

For now, I've decided it is too expensive, anyway. After watching what @Kevin8086 has done with his Rubi, I'm not sure it is entirely necessary. Sure, he crunched the cross members, but they can be replaced. He brutalized his Jeep far, far worse than I'd do to mine, unless my life depended on it.

I wound up on the aluminum version being more time strapped than cash strapped.

I beat the piss out of the gas tank skid in big bear. It held up very well. Dollar for dollar I would still go steel, though. It’s way better than stock, reseed bolts and what not.

 

[twisty]

It's a debate, but the Steel VS Aluminum question is easy to answer, in my mind, and has less to do with weight than you would think. If you rock crawl then get steel, as it slides over rocks and does not gall. Steel is tough and that is what you need with a five thousand pound 4x4. If you are more the pre-runner type then Aluminum is great because it is light. Also, if you are just out for light wheeling and stick to dirt & gravel roads and the occasional rock garden, Aluminum is great. But, Aluminum will stick to the rocks and sets up a scenario in which it's easier for one to get stuck in a high-side situation. If you were racing and had 40" tires and needed every bit of power to weight ratio, then Aluminum is best, as you'll most-likely have the horsepower and clearance to overcome the sticky Aluminum.... Also, weight down low is generally considered a good thing, though it's better in unsprung form. That 70 "extra" lbs (equivalent to 11 gallons of gas) would actually lower your CG in most but extreme cases. If you are rock crawling, your JL ,in particular, has other issues to look at first--like those silly exhaust tips and trailer hitch... Your departure angle is being hammered by that low hanging fruit.

Great post. I think Artec would disagree but I tend to be with you on it. However I will be going Aluminum more then likely. I am in your description of occasional wheeling. I'm done seeking out extreme tech, now I'm more into the "if it comes up I want to be protected" type of wheeling. My MO is more like the OP's in that I want the weight as low as can be done reasonably. I love the rig stock and want to retain as much of that power to weight ratio as I can. Bumpers, winches, sliders, etc all add up and it will kill me to lose this great stock feel but I do need it capable.

For guys seeking out tech, REAL tech, I think metal is the only choice.

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