Brush Guard vs. Deer

[Mtnboy]

Over the years, I have hit a couple of deer to the tune of a few thousand dollars in repairs. I asked a body shop guy if brush guards made any difference. His take, was that it was one more thing to replace/repair and that they were not worth the money.

I like the look of the LR assesory that is relatively low and jsut covers the bumber and radiator area. I also have been looking at the ARB bumbers.

What are your experiences of how these hold up vs criters?

 

[blackforestham]

Anything short of the ARB will just cause more damage in an impact situation. All of the "brushguard" style seem to only bolt on underneath the front facia and cantilever out and up "protecting" the grill, head lights, front of fenders and hood. It will just fold into the body causing more damage. The Aussies have been dealing with 'Roo's for a long time. The ARB bullbar will be unmatched in the impact department. All others are just cosmetic add-ons. Consider the ARB or other new bumper mfgs who have recently hit the streets. Or,....hit less deer...

 

[Houm_WA]

I live in Seattle....the cosmetic A-Frame is good enough for me!

...until I hit a tree or something (off-road) then it's ARB time.

 

[jptruck]

Keep in mind that deer hits aren't always straight on. Most of the time, they run out either hitting the front corner or even side of the vehicle. Two buddies with Tundras have had hits in the in the past month. In both cases, the deer ran into the side of a moving vehicle. Ask an Aussie what they do to protect against Kangaroo hits and the answer is mostly don't drive at night.