I currently have a 1.75 die which I used for my bumpers, sliders and tire carrier. I want to build some tube/plate style skids for anything hanging down on my 4runner, maybe tie in my bumpers to my sliders with some type of fender protection, add a gas can mount to my swing out, and maybe later an aluminum roof rack. I think 1.75 tube would be overkill for these projects so I am looking at 180 deg dies, either the 1.25 die @$200 or the 1.5 die @$295. I can't decide what is the best compromise, I can't afford two dies right now and the 1.25 die is appealing as it saves me $95 which will pay help pay for metal.

If you have made any of the things I mentioned what size tube did you use?

 

This is a older thread with no real good answer it all comes down to what sizes you use the most.

My choice would be 2 1/2" looking toward future projects.