Kinzer OffRoad Bumper - Reviewed

If it's about Power Wagons, all generations, this is where it'll go. This is the original PWR Forum Power Wagon Technical Discussion Section. And this includes everything that doesn’t fit in any one of the other categories related to the truck goes here!
User avatar
OffroadTreks
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2409
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2016 11:23 am
Model Year: 2015
Location: USA
Contact:

Kinzer OffRoad Bumper - Reviewed

Post by OffroadTreks » Mon May 08, 2017 8:54 pm

I HAVE UPDATED THIS REVIEW

I don't want to post this, but I'm pretty upset about the overall quality. My high from Moab has come down. I left a few exchanges I had with Kye out of my original review in an attempt to be fair.

But the fact remains, the bumper is not production quality. The MIG work lacked proper penetration like the person didn't use enough gas.

I mentioned in my first review about the back of the bumper not being welded. That was a serious concern of mine. And I DID DENT THIS BUMPER in Moab because of a lack of rear reinforcement on the back lower half of it.

That being said, I am paying someone else and getting a lot of the welds fixed. Most of the welds on this bumper are of low quality with zero penetration in some places. Some places like the backside as I stated earlier weren't welded at all. I'm sorry, but THIS IS NOT PRODUCTION QUALITY.

Did I mention all the scratches in the metal? It's as if he used a hard abrasive disk to sand it.

The other thing I learned is that the owner doesn't actually build these. He hired someone else to do the work, and just designed the bumper. And doesn't seem 100% interested in growing his own business. There are some business end issues I had with my purchase. The main one being that when I asked about delays, I was treated like I was a hassle.

Evidence supplied.

Note, the person fixing my bumper had already begun grinding on things when I took these photos.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

My final verdict, DO NOT BUY FROM KINZER OFFROAD.

-------

MY ORGINAL REVIEW

So we've been in Moab for a little over 11 days. And have wheeled the truck almost every day with the bumper. What follows are my thoughts on the ordering process, dealing with Kye and overall impressions of the bumper. I know some of you have been PMing me asking what's up and if I got my bumper yet. And where I got it from.

I placed my order on February 28th, 2017 for one of Kye's bumpers. I paid a total of $1,998.00 usd via Paypal.
http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... f=6&t=4513

My initial quote for a lead time was exactly this:
Lead time is currently estimated 3 weeks+ shipping. The only thing that could potentially delay that is the delivery of my new power wagon. It is supposed to be delivered by this Friday, but has been delayed once already. At the moment I am truckless, and I test fit each bumper prior to painting to ensure the fit is great.
However, Kye informed me on March 10th, that he was still waiting on his truck. And I sent him another email on March 20th asking him for an update, if he had received his truck. I heard back later that day that he would be receiving it the following Friday. On March 30th, I sent another email, asking for an update on the status of the bumper build.

I received an email reply that same Friday evening from Kye that he was getting his truck the following Friday.

Now, here is where I get annoyed, I sent him a follow-up on April 7th, seven days later hoping for an update. And another one on April 9th, after no reply. And what I got back from Kye was this, my emails are included for fairness.

Image

However bumper didn't actually ship out until the 17th of April, and I received it the day before we left for Moab on April 26th. Overall though, I suppose 8 business days isn't terrible for freight. But TheDirtRoad had his bumper shipped on April 21 and received his at his door, the same day I picked mine up.

I don't think Kye thought out in advance the shipping process. Kye chose a transport company that doesn't service the area he was shipping the bumper too. They sent the bumper to El Paso, Texas, then handed it off to another company Estes. Estes operates near where the bumper was shipped from. I lost tracking for a few days as the bumper didn't move before it finally arrived in Boise at their distribution center. Which I had to pick up myself. Also, it was in a crate, which was a bit unexpected. :shock:

I will cut him some slack though being an early customer and having received the bumper.

Kye is new to this, and this is a new business venture. It's obvious the business end wasn't thoroughly thought through. I was told by the other parties that purchased a bumper, that the bumper was actually cut and welded by someone other than Kye. :shock: And that he might have just been doing the finish work... I don't know.

This would seem to jive a lot with Kye's initial decision to tell us he wasn't going to sell anymore and complaints about not making any money off the bumpers. I think this is just growing pains, and if Kye can figure out the shipping and build process he can find the profit. But if he's paying everyone else, well.... :popcorn:

Image

-----


Now as for the bumper itself, the finish work, needs A LOT work. It was welded and then the welds were ground down, but there are a lot of noticeable scratches in the metal that will have to be reworked. That being said, it was GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME. I already put a dozen +++ dings and scratches in the bumper while in Moab over the past 10 days.

The other problem I have is that the back side of the bumper was not welded. With what I want to do with this bumper, a couple good hits and you could get cracks in the welds and have a plate separate. Not good. I'd recommend and hope that he starts having the back side of the bumper welded as well as the front. That should increase the strength of the bumper.

As for DESIGN, this bumper is EXCELLENT. THIS IS A REALLY GOOD LOOKING BUMPER. This is a truly great design. I have ZERO complaints and tons of PRAISE for the design and the ease of installation. Kye didn't provide instructions in time for my install, he did send an email. But it was so easy, I had it installed before he could reply to me. It's really self-explanatory. And very secure.

The bumper works as intended as a high clearance bumper. It will take you some time to learn the new approach of your truck. I have smacked mine a bunch. With your factory bumper, you're usually afraid to get up on things. So there is a learning curve since now you have a skid and high clearance in learning where the front of the bumper is when approaching.

Another nice touch is the full wrap-around protection the skid offers. The bumper wraps down and around the back. Really, very nice design overall.

One area that could use improvement is maybe to weld supports on the back side of the lower plate. I managed to put a good size dent in the bumper already.

Overall I have no complaints about design or functionality. Really, this could be the best aftermarket high clearance Power Wagon specific bumper. All that really needs to be improved here is business end process stuff. And for Kye to maybe, deliver on his promises with regards to lead time.

:rockon:

Now for the photos:

Image

Image

Image

Image

So as far as finishing the bumper, I'm going to get the back side welded. Then I'm going to get it blasted and powder coated.
Last edited by OffroadTreks on Tue Jan 30, 2018 12:10 pm, edited 5 times in total.
2015 Power Wagon Laramie - "ROCKLANDER"
-------
[Build Thread] [Instagram] [Youtube]
------
Full-Size Off-Road Events & Overland Adventures

User avatar
OffroadTreks
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2409
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2016 11:23 am
Model Year: 2015
Location: USA
Contact:

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by OffroadTreks » Mon May 08, 2017 9:07 pm

And a few more showing off the approach, so nice.

Image
Last edited by OffroadTreks on Thu Aug 03, 2017 10:34 am, edited 1 time in total.
2015 Power Wagon Laramie - "ROCKLANDER"
-------
[Build Thread] [Instagram] [Youtube]
------
Full-Size Off-Road Events & Overland Adventures

User avatar
nts007
2000_Posts
2000_Posts
Posts: 2284
Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 10:01 pm
Model Year: 2008
Location: Sask, Canada, Earth

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by nts007 » Mon May 08, 2017 9:29 pm

Awesome review. Awesome bumper. It's hard for someone to have a fantastic design or idea and get it into production. The fact that he has made some and gotten them out albeit delayed speaks of his integrity. Being a small business with a good product puts you in a horrible uphill battle. Especially when it comes to startup costs. If he can get his business organization together and get his net costs down he will have an easier time. Get his costs below 60% retail and he will be able to improve the product and build his business.

I really like that bumper!! And it's costs are fully justified
08 ctd--mini max--thuren 3" coils and LT Leaves--4.56 gears and lockers in pw axles--some lights--afe intake system--bd super b turbo--Banks w/m Injection--Dynatrac Balljoints--king 2.5"s--37" Hankook Dynapro MT--DOR Long arms--Custom emf track bar--Manual T-case swap--Full PW Under armor--PSC Hydro Assist and so much more

User avatar
OffroadTreks
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2409
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2016 11:23 am
Model Year: 2015
Location: USA
Contact:

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by OffroadTreks » Mon May 08, 2017 10:56 pm

Yup, I agree. It's reasonably priced. I think shipping on a pallet should reduce shipping costs too.
2015 Power Wagon Laramie - "ROCKLANDER"
-------
[Build Thread] [Instagram] [Youtube]
------
Full-Size Off-Road Events & Overland Adventures

Hammerballs
50_Posts
50_Posts
Posts: 126
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2016 5:30 pm
Model Year: 2016
Location: Tucson, AZ

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by Hammerballs » Tue May 09, 2017 12:19 am

So does that skid plate come off to change the oil?

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
2016 Laramie Power Wagon

User avatar
RAM4ROKS
500_Posts
500_Posts
Posts: 975
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 5:48 pm

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by RAM4ROKS » Tue May 09, 2017 9:07 pm

Great write-up MikeKey!!! Thank you for sharing!!!! That bumper looks awesome on your Wagon!!! Great way to test it out, a trip to Moab!!!!

I'd recommend shipping via Fastenal (when it's an option)- cheap, fast, and easy!!! (so long as there is a Fastenal near the recipient) EXTREMELY cheaper shipping cost, the only downside is you have to take it to a Fastenal and it has to ship to another Fastenal but, they're dang near everywhere in the US so, can still be pretty convenient! Also, I have been VERY pleasantly surprised at how quickly my stuff has been shipped!!!

I really like the bumper design!!!! I could be wrong but, my understanding is that he designed the bumper, made the cut files, then has them cut, and then he has the welding farmed out? Makes perfect sense from a production standpoint. Looks to be a great product, I hope he makes it through the growing pains and gets to go full scale production. Compared to all the other bumpers on the market, this is the only one that is TRULY Power Wagon specific, IMHO. (there are others that claim to be but, looking at their design, they are a compromise of adapting over a generic Ram design to work on our trucks, NOT a scratch built product designed specifically from the start to fit our trucks like this one is!) I do agree with you on the welding of the backside of the bumper but, I can see as how it might be difficult, with warping issues and possibly limited access to the backside of the bumper while it is jigged up. (not to mention a LOT of extra production hours in welding and cleaning up spatter) A LOT of bumper manufacturers do not weld the backside and merely depend on proper penetration of the welds. It would definitely be reassuring if the backside of the bumper could be full welded though!

RustyPW
2000_Posts
2000_Posts
Posts: 5429
Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 4:23 pm
Model Year: 2008
Location: Brownsville Pa.

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by RustyPW » Tue May 09, 2017 11:35 pm

Like that bumper. :rockon: As for welding the back side. I would do it. With proper settings for a mig. There would be little spatter to clean up. If the bumper is 1/4", 1/8" thick. Warping wouldn't be a problem. The reason for not welding the backside is cost of labor.
PWOC #53
2008 POWER WAGON RC

My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826 :cash: :cash:

Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.

Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle. :lockedandloaded:

ramv
500_Posts
500_Posts
Posts: 649
Joined: Wed Feb 24, 2016 10:36 am

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by ramv » Wed May 10, 2017 12:02 am

sharp
2016 Laramie; 5.13s, Locker Bypass, WK sliders, 35" Toyo MT, 2Lo Kit, ProCal, Hemifever tune, Airbags/Cradles, Thuren 2.5" King w/ Boogie Bumps, Warn SDP6000

User avatar
OffroadTreks
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2409
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2016 11:23 am
Model Year: 2015
Location: USA
Contact:

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by OffroadTreks » Wed May 10, 2017 11:17 am

I'm actually just glad it wasn't powder coated already. I've scratched the shit out of my bumper and my sliders this year. Mostly because I keep using my sliders the way you're supposed to. LOL Also I've been trying to take on things to see what I can do now. And as I said, with a bumper that you can't see, and offers the approach, you're going to smack a lot of things a first learning where it's at and how to get up on stuff you couldn't before hand. You don't need to take things at those angles as much.

If you want to wheel your truck or climb things, this is def the bumper to get. Hopefully, Kye can get this up and running and profitable enough to keep producing and improving.
RustyPW wrote:Like that bumper. :rockon: As for welding the back side. I would do it. With proper settings for a mig. There would be little spatter to clean up. If the bumper is 1/4", 1/8" thick. Warping wouldn't be a problem. The reason for not welding the backside is cost of labor.
Bumper is 3/16” steel. About that welding the backside, my biggest concern for anyone thinking about it, is that the attachment points to the frame are in fact the shackle mounts. And they are only welded on the front it looked like. I'll be pulling the bumper off again when I get home. We are still in Moab for another week. And I will take photos of the backside.

I would think doing it himself might reduce the pay someone else costs. But if you can't weld, then ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I can barely weld, not good enough to make a bumper, that's for sure. Up to Kye to decide though. If he sells more, I think you will be happy with the purchase. I am.

Also, we get a ton of double looks now on the truck.

:winchmob:
2015 Power Wagon Laramie - "ROCKLANDER"
-------
[Build Thread] [Instagram] [Youtube]
------
Full-Size Off-Road Events & Overland Adventures

RustyPW
2000_Posts
2000_Posts
Posts: 5429
Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 4:23 pm
Model Year: 2008
Location: Brownsville Pa.

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by RustyPW » Wed May 10, 2017 1:08 pm

Is the whole bumper 3/16"? Most are 1/4" front plate, and the rest is 1/8". Some are 3/16".

My rock rails are rusted up from being slid over things. :lol: Every slid plate has dings and dents. Bottom of the bumpers have scrap marks. Have used the front diff to plow the north 40. :lol: So get used to some damage.
Attachments
DSCN0700.JPG
PWOC #53
2008 POWER WAGON RC

My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826 :cash: :cash:

Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.

Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle. :lockedandloaded:

TheDirtRoad
50_Posts
50_Posts
Posts: 174
Joined: Fri Apr 11, 2014 6:28 pm
Model Year: 2014
Location: Green River, Wyoming

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by TheDirtRoad » Wed May 10, 2017 7:29 pm

I have Kye Kinzers bumper mounted and I will share my thoughts on it as well. First off if Kye continues to build these bumpers I would highly recommend it . As it is probably the highest clearance, tightest fitting, PW specific bumper out there. Kye did some very impressive engineering on this.

I was texting him quite regularly discussing different things I was considering(lights etc.) for the 4" portholes for the lights and he kept telling me that "there isn't enough room this is the highest clearance possibe" Well holy shit he was not exaggerating I had to mount the 4" LED's upside down so I would be able to access the adjustment screw.

I had mine sent to me bare steel so I got to look it over a little better that Mike plus I wasn't in a hurry to get it mounted. I had mine Line-x'd .
The bumper is 3/16" steel all around except for the part that curves(just the curve) around by the headlight I believe it is 1/8" steel. He also added pipe on the winch opening to make a rounded edge instead of a sharp edge in case the rope contacts it.

I did think it should be welded on the back side also (which I discussed with Kye). I also had a cracked weld on the front when I received it. It was on the top piece. I talked to Kye about this and he was not very pleased having used a certified welder to do the job. Due to the crack I pulled out the angle grinder and Mig repaired it and welded up the back side. The frame mounts are welded front and back. speaking of the frame mounts the factory bumper uses 4 bolts where the Kinzer bumper uses 6. He utilizes 2 of the existing factory bolt holes and the 4 bolt holes where the " factory fangs" are mounted . Very secure and strong mounting point. Again the engineering on this bumper is impeccable!!!

Mike tested his in Moab on rocks where I will be using mine mostly for crossing through deep washes and some rock crawling. I have taken it out once and like Mike said it is different trying to get used to where the bumper is now due to it's high clearance. We took the truck through washes that we would have had a hard time with the stock bumper even approaching at extreme angle because the bumper would have dug in. Also with the incorporated skid plate you can just power up and over.

Again if you are looking for the ultimate high clearance bumper The Kinzer bumper is the way to go and it is worth the money . For those of you with the 2017 PW your grill does stick out about 2" farther but this bumper still looks good on it. I saw pictures of Kye's 2017.

I am more of a function over looks type of guy and with this bumper I got the best of both worlds.This bumper follows the body lines flawlessly also.


One thing I will probably modify just by adding some thin plate is the openings to access the bolts for mounting it to the frame . To me those are just places to catch mud and throw it in on top of the skid plate on the bumper.With the wheels turned they line up with the openings. Kye did design it to drain off the back side but why throw more in there.
weld back.jpg
front weld.jpg
right front.jpg
left front.jpg
side.jpg
kinzer.jpg
kinzer 3.jpg
Last edited by TheDirtRoad on Thu May 11, 2017 5:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.

TwinStick

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by TwinStick » Wed May 10, 2017 9:31 pm

IMHO, this is one of, if not the, best looking bumper on the market today. Definately the best bang for the bucks $$$. I wish they would make them for 3rd Gens.

:secret: I wish they would make them for 3rd Gens ! :rockon:

RustyPW
2000_Posts
2000_Posts
Posts: 5429
Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 4:23 pm
Model Year: 2008
Location: Brownsville Pa.

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by RustyPW » Thu May 11, 2017 12:14 am

:rockon: That would be the bump to get for any 4G, 4.5G. Would like to see what he could do for a 3G.
PWOC #53
2008 POWER WAGON RC

My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826 :cash: :cash:

Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.

Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle. :lockedandloaded:

TheDirtRoad
50_Posts
50_Posts
Posts: 174
Joined: Fri Apr 11, 2014 6:28 pm
Model Year: 2014
Location: Green River, Wyoming

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by TheDirtRoad » Thu May 11, 2017 5:36 pm

RPS1030 wrote:I like it a lot. Hope he can get them out again.

Questions...

Fit 1 of my Baja Design Squadrons in the light holes?
How much room on top for a S8 (3" deep) or Onx6 (4.39" deep)?
Is the fair lead opening bigger than stock? Can't fit a Factor55 Flatlink in the stock opening.
I can't answer your questions for the lights since the bumper fits so tight I can't get in there to measure. If you contact Kye he could probably answer that.( Kinzer offroad)
The fair lead opening is 4" I believe the factory is 3 1/8" So yes it is wider.

LagunaH1
250_Posts
250_Posts
Posts: 267
Joined: Mon Aug 26, 2013 10:41 am

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by LagunaH1 » Thu May 11, 2017 5:47 pm

How much does it weigh?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2016 RAM 2500 Power Wagon SLT
NR6E

User avatar
yellowranger1
250_Posts
250_Posts
Posts: 280
Joined: Tue Jun 07, 2016 4:06 pm
Model Year: 2014

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by yellowranger1 » Thu May 11, 2017 6:14 pm

Very sharp looking bumper in person! Growing pains are understandable with any new product/business, if Kinzer does continue making them I'm sure all of that would be addressed, especially the shipping.

With so many light options out there I k own it would be difficult, but as the bumper is refined, it would be nice if the light pockets (or plate work behind) could accommodate different brands/sizes.

Like Laguna, I'm also curious on the weight. Do you guys know what the stock bumper weighs for reference? The trucks are heavy as is, not like they're going to notice a few extra pounds up front, the protection is more than worth it!

Nice job @Kinzer!

User avatar
OffroadTreks
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2409
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2016 11:23 am
Model Year: 2015
Location: USA
Contact:

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by OffroadTreks » Thu May 11, 2017 6:29 pm

130lbs, I was able to simply deadlift the bumper into place. I held it up, wife slide bolts in. Boom, done. Surprisingly easy to install.

For as strong as it is, it's not real heavy. I do not know the exact weight of the factory bumper, but I'd say the Kinzer has about 30-40lbs on it when you factor in that you remove the factory bumper, lights, brackets, and the factory tow hooks. But that's just a guess from picking up the factory bumper.

I have Rigid Duallys right now. Not sure what I plan to do for the Kinzer bumper. I do like LED's, but I've been looking around and might find an OE 4 inch fog and install something like a Morimoto FX-R Projectors with HID's.

I also have a Rigid light bar that used to be mounted on the bumper. Still thinking about that. I'll experiment when I get back to Boise. We're in Moab until tomorrow afternoon.
:cheers:
2015 Power Wagon Laramie - "ROCKLANDER"
-------
[Build Thread] [Instagram] [Youtube]
------
Full-Size Off-Road Events & Overland Adventures

RustyPW
2000_Posts
2000_Posts
Posts: 5429
Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 4:23 pm
Model Year: 2008
Location: Brownsville Pa.

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by RustyPW » Thu May 11, 2017 7:06 pm

Boy Mike, your PW is evolving rather quickly. :lol: :cash:
PWOC #53
2008 POWER WAGON RC

My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826 :cash: :cash:

Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.

Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle. :lockedandloaded:

User avatar
OffroadTreks
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2409
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2016 11:23 am
Model Year: 2015
Location: USA
Contact:

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by OffroadTreks » Thu May 11, 2017 7:12 pm

RustyPW wrote:Boy Mike, your PW is evolving rather quickly. :lol: :cash:
The key is to get your wife involved in your hobby. :wink: Anyone who came to PWIM will know what I'm talking about. :D
2015 Power Wagon Laramie - "ROCKLANDER"
-------
[Build Thread] [Instagram] [Youtube]
------
Full-Size Off-Road Events & Overland Adventures

User avatar
Reloaderguy
2000_Posts
2000_Posts
Posts: 2193
Joined: Tue Feb 09, 2016 8:06 am
Model Year: 2016
Location: Central Oregon

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by Reloaderguy » Fri May 12, 2017 12:54 pm

There is no accounting for taste and I think it looks kind of weird. I get the concept obviously but the lack of protrusion just looks a little off. Function over looks and all that but I'm not in the rock crawling crowd. It does seem to meet Mike's needs perfectly so in that regard it's a homerun. I hope Kye continues to make the bumpers and refine his design and processes.

User avatar
RAM4ROKS
500_Posts
500_Posts
Posts: 975
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 5:48 pm

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by RAM4ROKS » Mon May 15, 2017 10:28 pm

Reloaderguy wrote:There is no accounting for taste and I think it looks kind of weird. I get the concept obviously but the lack of protrusion just looks a little off. Function over looks and all that but I'm not in the rock crawling crowd. It does seem to meet Mike's needs perfectly so in that regard it's a homerun. I hope Kye continues to make the bumpers and refine his design and processes.
The fact that it doesn't protrude is one of the main things I like about it!!!! I wish more bumpers on the market were tucked close in like it is! Looks a heck of a lot better to me than the giant cow catchers 95% of the bumpers on the market are!!!! :rockon:

I just wish I could talk my wife into letting me get one! :duel:

User avatar
DamageWagon
Vendor
Vendor
Posts: 2303
Joined: Tue Oct 11, 2016 1:21 am
Model Year: 2011
Location: Portland, OR
Contact:

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by DamageWagon » Mon May 15, 2017 10:44 pm

Every bumper is a compromise. Minimal protrusion is great for rock crawling, but horrible if you hit a cow or deer. I was very thankful for my bull bar this morning when we were the first ones running the roads this season when they opened the north rim of the Grand Canyon. We were pushing 50-70 foot pines out of the road with the bumper and winching others. The bull bar and mesh in the front kept a branch from puncturing my radiator. Obviously common sense applied, but even driving around this region I'm glad to have the front protrusion that keeps logs off my hood and out of the grille. That's just my use though. This bumper was also a small crutch in Moab. Win some, lose some.

hunterman6
Posts: 47
Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2014 2:17 am
Model Year: 2014

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by hunterman6 » Tue May 16, 2017 2:23 am

Thank you all for the kind words. Thank you MikeKey and Thedirtroad for taking the time to review and post up your thoughts of the bumper. I'm glad you are both liking the bumper. And thanks for sharing pictures!!!!!

As anyone who has ever designed something knows, there are always compromises; but you try to make you're design meet your performance requirement for your application. I am happy with the design for this application. There are always areas for improvement with any product and process.

One thing that I have said before, but I will reiterate, is this is just a small side hobby/project for me. I work 50+ hours a week at a "real" job, so I just do this on the side for fun. As such, if you are looking for a bumper quickly, or have high demands, then buy a different bumper. I will likely make a couple more bumpers and by then it will be hunting season, and my priorities will be shift to the important stuff!

I appreciate all the feedback, pointers and encouragement from you guys , which is what initially made me offer some of these for sale.

Thanks guys :rockon:

User avatar
OffroadTreks
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2409
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2016 11:23 am
Model Year: 2015
Location: USA
Contact:

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by OffroadTreks » Tue May 16, 2017 11:09 am

I recently came across another option, but I see a few design flaws with it for that are shopping.

http://www.775fabrication.com/shopbumpe ... -2014-2017

I do see a few design flaws though, like how do you access the clutch lever for manual release of your line? And the plug cut out is... mhem. My plug died, this bumper would require removing to replace if yours went bad. With Kye's I was able to replace without removal of bumper.

I do like the angles on the lights, but it looks like it lacks some of Kye's protection. But it's another option for those wanting a bull bar too.

Image

Image
2015 Power Wagon Laramie - "ROCKLANDER"
-------
[Build Thread] [Instagram] [Youtube]
------
Full-Size Off-Road Events & Overland Adventures

Hammerballs
50_Posts
50_Posts
Posts: 126
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2016 5:30 pm
Model Year: 2016
Location: Tucson, AZ

Re: Kinzer Off-Road Bumper - Reviewed - Moab Tested

Post by Hammerballs » Tue May 16, 2017 2:30 pm

MikeKey wrote:I recently came across another option, but I see a few design flaws with it for that are shopping.

http://www.775fabrication.com/shopbumpe ... -2014-2017

I do see a few design flaws though, like how do you access the clutch lever for manual release of your line? And the plug cut out is... mhem. My plug died, this bumper would require removing to replace if yours went bad. With Kye's I was able to replace without removal of bumper.

I do like the angles on the lights, but it looks like it lacks some of Kye's protection. But it's another option for those wanting a bull bar too.

Image

Image
MikeKey, I have emailed 775 about this bumper. It is hard to see in the pictures but there are two diamond cutouts on the top face of the bumper to access the plug and clutch lever. Probably fine for accessing the clutch lever but you are right about the difficulty to replace a plug if it goes bad. It also requires a Hawes fairlead and switch to synthetic line. I'm considering this bumper too because I like the bull bar look but it still doesn't quite check all the ideal boxes. Haven't found that bumper yet.

The other options I have found along with Kye's:

http://www.addictivedesertdesigns.com/f ... ory-winch/

Just learned of these guys:
http://www.throttledownkustoms.com/c-13 ... dodge.html

All have compromises. Wish I was a good welder and fab guy.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
2016 Laramie Power Wagon

Post Reply