These were my concerns with the Airframes.
#1 - These boards are wider than stock. Which will hang up more in deep snow.
With a couple hundred miles on them now in both deep and not so deep snow i noticed zero difference
#2. - The traction screws coming loose. It doesn't take much torque when installing these to strip them out.
This also does not seem to be an issue. i've checked them and none of them are loose. thought maybe vibrations might loosen screws, so far not an issue. more miles will determine this better.
#3. - The round bar design will not give much protection from trees, brush and snow. When using strachers how much snow is going to get shot back up through the boards? Also when riding through small trees and brush there is no defense or blockage to keep the trees and brush from hanging up and going through the boards.
from what i can tell, and i was specifically checking, no snow from the scratchers comes into the running boards. you might have a point on the trees and brush but i ride a lot (unfortunately) of alders and have had zero issues. again, more time/miles will provide more info.
#4 - Initial cost and labor intensive to install.
actually if you include new side bars to the cost of any of the other brands the price is competitive. plus the added strength and rigidity are outstanding. i really didn't think the install was all that bad. no matter what brand you get you have to do some cutting. regardless of brand, measure many times and cut once!
I'm not saying that the Airframes are bad, just stating my reasons why I chose to pass on getting these and go with something else.
absolutely. everyone has their own needs/desires/budget. for me the airframes are the way to go, no doubt about it. the only real "negative" could be the traction screws taring up the bottom of your boots faster. but i'm not sure how bad my boots were before i put them on. will probably have to buy new boots next year but i'm not positive it is from the airframes. i have considered filing the edges on the screws down a little. it woudl provide just as much traction but wouldn't be so sharp. plus i have plenty of extra screws that came with the kit if i screw (no pun intended ) something up.