Grille guard (bush bars) for Nissan Pathfinder? Thoughts?

[Isaiah]

I've recently picked up a Pathfinder and have been a fan of the look but would appreciate thoughts. I'm not an off-roader although I do tend to head to the hills 8-10 times/month for everything from snowboarding to fishing, camping, and other outdoor stuff.

The question is yay or nay on the grille guard. Suppose what I'm really asking is if it's douchey to rock the bush bars if you're not taking it off-road.

The truck is dark grey and the unit I'm considering is powdercoated black. Vehicle looks exactly like this (actual color):

http://3-photos.ebizautos.com/used-2008-nissan-pathfinder-4wd4drv6s-9908-8395941-3-640.jpg

The bush bars I'm considering look like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-2007-Nissan-Pathfinder-Black-Grille-Guard-Push-Bar?item=310318568684&cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7562788616022366812

I can't find the bush bars mounted on that color pathfinder but you get the idea.

[GQBalla]

i would get it

[G-ZUS]

Why not? Hit a deer on one of your excursions, you will not get as much damage

[Kardon]

Or you can get more damage, sometimes those flimsy ones will simply bend at any reasonable impact, usually denting more of the body than what would have been affected otherwise. I'd say don't bother unless you're going to get a nice one.

[FraserB]

If you are going to do this, go with a full bumper. In any meaningful impact, a bush guard will simply get pushed back and cause a lot more damage than not having one will do.

Front end collision is going to push that one right back and take out your headlights, bumper, any other front end plastic, probably require replacement of the front quarters and probably the hood.

I would say nay.

[HuMz]

Go with the full bumper, a quality one can save your life. ARB, shockworks, and HeftyFabWorks all make quality products for your nissan.

I haven't had any experience with ARB personally but I have with Hefty and there stuff is top notch and very reasonably priced. Shrockworks is also amazing quality but can take up to 6 months for delievery.

[HuMz]

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/goblue90/Shrockworks/Shrocked_Pathfinder_02.jpg

Can also get it with a full guard to cover the headlights or just a straight bar.

[HuMz]

Heftyfabworks

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Y0yvhjQrWoM/TNnYMQfafGI/AAAAAAAAITw/TnYU8GxK-6k/IMG_0940.JPG

[FraserB]

Originally posted by HuMz
Go with the full bumper, a quality one can save your life.

x2 on this actually, mine did save my life about two years ago.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Isaiah]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm considering the full bumper although I find them hideous and think they ruin the lines of the car.

[jsn]

Sorry, probably a stupid question, but do the full bumpers actually make it safer when you hit wildlife? I don't do much 4x4ing either next to lease and logging roads but I almost hit a moose yesterday

[HuMz]

Theres been a few guys who have hit deer at highway speeds with very littke to no damage. I imagine with a moose you would be safer, but with that much weight it would probably bend your frame pretty good. Not too mention there so tall they would probaby roll up onto your hood regardless of the bumper you have.

I know ARB specifically advertises being able to withstand wildlife hits, the other two companies I listed seem to have the same if not better quality. Keep in mind though aftermarket springs are recommended due to the weight of the bumper.

[CanmoreOrLess]

Looks better with lights (wildlife can be quick out of the ditch) on it. A must have for most trucks and SUVs as far as I am concerned. Full guard if you count my vote.