CBI Covert vs SSO Slimline vs Victory 4x4 Blitz Front Bumper

I'm toying with the idea of one of these bumpers paired with a Badlands Apex 12,000lb synthetic winch. Anyone have any experience with a similar setup? I'm mainly worried about being able to access the winch through the bumper, and if it'll even fit. I was leaning towards SSO because of the winch access points, but I'm starting to really like how the Victory takes up the WHOLE middle black plastic part of the stock front bumper. Adding onto that, the bottom part of the Victory extends down lower than the other two bumpers. One thing about the Vic, every review I've seen on it is awful- they say the mf bends… Only thing I like about the CBI is the push bar- winch access looks pretty crap.
Any insight?



(Ltaco17)

 

Should also add I’m not gonna be doing any hardcore off roading. This is more of a “I want it for the very rare occasion I need it. And it sounds cool to have.”

 

If you actually plan to use your winch. I can not recommend the Victory, unless you are good at welding and can weld in some supports so it doesn't bend when using the winch. @BlueRibbon4x4 had this issue and a few others had it too. Heres his post showing the bumper being bent, he then goes and fixes it and then turns it into a full front. Geno is skilled!
https://www.tundras.com/threads/blue-ribbon-4x4-build-thread.71556/page-27#post-2917333

 

I planned to get a winch for occasional use but after since a few folks have issues, I just color matched a piece of steel and put that in the winch opening. I love the look of my Blitz bumper but if I need a winch in the future I'll end up with a full front that can handle being used.

 

That might be an idea. If the mounts are weak, then am I wrong to assume the rest of the bumper is too? I wouldn’t wanna bump into anything, and have the whole thing bend in.

 

In general the Blitz it fine and I've had no issues. Just with how the winch mounts and is torqued under tension, they failed to have it supported well. I have zero concerns running mine as it came from Victory since I don't have a winch.

 

Take a look at the Warn as well.
https://www.warn.com/semi-hidden-kit-for-toyota-tundra-103209

 

I was looking at that one too. As long as they don’t have WARN branded across the side, then I’ll genuinely consider. Definitely has the best winch access out of the other three (I think?). Are there any advantages or disadvantages compared to the SSO or CBI?

 

Very happy with my SSO. Installing the bumper end cap supports was a bitch, so I’d recommend installing everything into it you plan to at one time (winch, light bar, etc).

 

Am I missing something, or does the CBI not have winch access at all? I know SSO can be bought with or without, but haven’t looked at the CBI. I’m not a fan of their “bull bar” design compared to the others with a hoop

 

I’d just do the winch. I thought about opting for the light bar cut out for SSO, and just using it as more winch access so I don’t have to clock the thing. And to answer your question, no. The only sort of winch access I see on CBI is that shit ass light bar cutout. Not sure what you’re supposed to do if you have a light bar…

 

Buy a very very expensive winch that has an electric clutch…

 

Warn is about $100 more and available in a couple days from Amazon but has no option for a lightbar. Capable of 12k winches which I feel is a better size for our trucks.

SSO is possibly a 2 month+ wait but has winch access and lightbar options. However they only rate it for 10k winches though I know many folks put a 12k in there.

CBI is more than $1100 prior to shipping so that is not even an option for me.

SSO is probably the way to go if you are good with waiting and good with exceeding their 10k winch suggestion.

 

I'm considering selling my CBI covert and Warn Evo 10s. Both brand new and never installed. Just not hitting the trails hard enough to justify at this point in time. PM if interested or keep an eye on the classifieds.

 

For anyone who’s interested in the CBI covert bumper I have nearly completed the install. I fit the 12k badlands winch with some modification. I have pictures I can post later or answer any questions directly. Thinking about doing a write up if there’s enough feedback.

Biggest challenge is anytime you mix OEM parts with aftermarket parts it’s a custom job. Getting gaps back to their proper width and centering everything is tough but doable.

A smaller winch would be better for figment, but for our trucks I feel like 12k is necessary. I tried to mount a Black Oak light bar but there is not enough space with the Badlands winch. Judging off measurements with the winch mounted the only decent light bar I suspect will fit is the Heretic. They have a different profile and are smaller due to their design.

Again, I have pictures and will answer questions or will do a write up if anyone needs it.