Buying new bumper need advice

[NothingINC]

LOl I do not have the skills to build my own, maybe design it if I had more technical knowledge of what it needs, I could get the tools but I definitely do not have the time needed. Between tattooing full-time and college most of my free time is then taken up with freelance art projects people have commissioned me to do and my own personal paintings. So building a bumper is not feasible for many months.
The highrock one is nice but the grill guard is separate and another 120$ which I am sure I can find all together cheaper elsewhere.
both the smitty built and highrock look like they have high approach angles for clearance would these really get in the way?
If the modular bumpers end caps can be removed when off roading then put back on that would really be great.

Right now I am torn between the modular one from metal cloak which I put together with the basics of what I was looking for and came to 450$
I assume I can also add more to it later when I have more money.
or
The smittybuilt one for 300 which is cheaper all set with everything and installation looks much simpler then the metalcloak one.

I am torn because while the smittybuilt seems simpler and all set to go the metalcloak one might be more versatile if after I instal it I can still add more components to it like a stinger or remove the end caps if I need more clearance etc.
If all the parts are welded together at their factory and its not changeable after initial purchase then II might not want to go that route but if I can change it to suit my needs over time then I think that would be the best route,
Does anyone have the metalcloak one or know someone with it?
Is it modifiable after installation?

I also just wanted to thank everyone for your advice, things like this drive me nuts and stress me out because I do not have the knowledge or experience to make an informed decision alone and do not want to spend several hundred and regret it.
So I really do appreciate all your help and suggestions.

[HuLuD44]

The metal cloak is very easy to modify if need be. Thats the beauty of it. Of course any TJ bumper is going to be easy , its just 4 bolts. With the metalcloak you can start out slow o keep the price down. All u really need is toe points, some sort of brush guard/stinger. you can mount lights anywhere. Worry about the winch plate when you get the winch. Plus its bare steel. I wish my smittybuilt was bare steel. powder coat is just asking for trouble. even if you not wheeling.

[NothingINC]

The metal cloak is very easy to modify if need be. Thats the beauty of it. Of course any TJ bumper is going to be easy , its just 4 bolts. With the metalcloak you can start out slow o keep the price down. All u really need is toe points, some sort of brush guard/stinger. you can mount lights anywhere. Worry about the winch plate when you get the winch. Plus its bare steel. I wish my smittybuilt was bare steel. powder coat is just asking for trouble. even if you not wheeling.

If you get a chance would you mind looking over the instructions for the tj bumper. It looked very complicated said you needed a grinder and a stock sway bar kit thing. If you get a chance let me know what you think as far as complication
http://www.armoredworks.com/metalclo...structions.pdf

I also emailed one of the guys from metalcloak with some questions, I think I may be leaning more towards that

[HuLuD44]

nothing to it man. Dont let that little bit of grinding get you. most of it is just to ensure a nice tight fit over the frame cross member. Those little brackets are pretty cool though. There is a lack of space where the swaybar gaskets are mounted. there squeezed under the body. Im guessing those plates are spacers or some sort of reinforcement. Either way you just have to shave them down a bit. Id be more than happy to help you install that thing. Wouldnt take very long an hour or two. Metalcloak is the shit. You can PM Matson on JF too. He's a really nice guy and would be happy to answer any questions. If you need to find him, I think he s actually a "Friend" on my JF profile. Might be easier to get a hold of him that way...

[Phreak480]

have you looked at any of the stuff from LoD Offroad

They build some nice ass bumpers. my rear bumper is from them. i messed up the front when i wrecked the tj so its gone now, but i can say it is damn solidly built.

not sure if they have something that fits what you want, but might be worth looking.