Looking to get a front bumper for my 98 4runner. Now I obviously want some protection from the elements, another concern around here is deer. How do the tube type bumpers compare in terms of protection to plate?

 

plated. tubed crap is for trucks, not 4Runners....

 

plated all the way!

 

I was thinking plated as well... Now to do a light bar type hoop or just the bumper... I think just the bumper with recessed lights looks bad A and to be honest I'm wondering how much more protection the bar really adds...

 

Correction light guard bar***

 

For the most part there isn't really isn't a difference when it comes comes to something like hitting a deer; both will offer you the same amount of protection because both are designed to take a heavy impact like that. As for smaller objects, like a rock, plate bumpers offer a bit more protection because they cover the radiator and the bottom of the engine. When it comes down to it I think that there are really only 2 main differences between plate bumpers and tube bumpers: 1) look and 2) weight. I personally prefer the look of plate bumpers because they are closer to stock, but everyone has different tastes. As far as weight is concerned, tube bumpers obviously win this battle because there are no heavy steel plates to weigh down the bumper.

IMO plate bumpers will offer the most overall protection just because they don't allow smaller debris to hit the front of your truck/radiator. However, you really can't go wrong with either so it is more a matter of personal taste and what you like better or if you can support the additional weight of a plate bumper. When it comes down to it, if you buy a quality bumper it will do its job and protect the front of your truck.