B&M vs. Skinz airframe running boards for SBA144

[bosssho]

So I've done a lot of searching and reading on this subject over the last few days....and I'm very torn. Ideally I'd love boards just like my 13 pro RMK, but for my 2011 SBA 144.

I thought about the WRP inserts, but they will still catch snow...then I thought I was in on the Skinz Airframes at $450, but then I saw all these posts on the B&M boards....and at $350....

The B&M pattern scares me a little for looking like it may not feel right under my feet, or maybe even catch some snow, compared to the Skinz which pretty much mirror the new pro design in angled parallels...so I need as much feedback and noise on both as possible please.

Also....would love to find Footwell Blockoff plates like the mike Taylor's I have for my PRO, but no one seems to make em for the SBA 144....thought?

Thanks All.

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

Search

Guys were putting burandt boards on sba's.
Buy pet screen cut it to fit and you have block off plates.

 

[Dirty Steve]

I put the Skinz on my SBA. They fit perfect. The holes in the front and rear lined up exact. I also like the plastic traction cleats on the inner tubes vs the traction screws. Should be easier on the boots. Not sure how thick the tubing is on the B&M but I was surprised at how beefy the outer tube was on the Skinz- it must be at least 3/16" wall, if not a little more.

As far as the block off plates I have been thinking about this as well and I think I am going to make my own. I looked at the trash can in my office and it is made from a fine steel mesh. I am going to buy another one from Wal Mart and cut it up to makes the plates, have it powder coated and rivet it on the back if the stock foot well plates.

 

[bosssho]

Thanks Guys...Keep em coming!!!

 

[Angermangement890]

I installed my first set of B&M boards for the Assault last wekend. They fit great, instructions were good and the product came as advertised. There is a HUGE improvement in rigidty over the stock SBA boards. I also like the tread deign as the triangles make for a strong board.

Brian @ B&M was super helpful and gave me his personal cell # to reach him on in case we ran into any issues during the install or needed clarification on any points.

I dont think you will be dissapointed in either set of boards, but the accesibility of B&M (phone, email, stop at the shop etc), Quality of their product and lastly their competitive price made it hard to not choose them in our situation. Glad we did as I am impressed by both their products and service! Picked up my second set of boards for install on a 2012 SBA yesterday.

Few pics:

 

[bosssho]

Ironically several places have the Airframes in stock, but the B&Ms are like 2 weeks out...lol....but no one has a bad thing to say about either one from what I see....

Do your feet fill weird at all on the B&Ms w/that triangular pattern?

 

[AKFULLTHROTTLE]

I have been using Skinz products for sometime now and love them.

Couple things for thought..

The the inner and outer tubes on Skins are two different sizes, smaller/thinner tube on the inside runs.... B&M uses the same thickness for both. So it would seem that B&M would be a little bit stronger but at the same time I have yet to bend these tubes.

Skins boards or wider then factory sweeping out at the front and then coming back all the way which is why I use Skinz. I like having more feet room.

The B&M are not, well maybe a tiny bit as the outside tube is a little wider than the stock run but they still come straight out at the factory location.

You can see here were they sweep out at the front.

 

[Angermangement890]

AK, are you saying the Skinz boards are wider than the stock SBA boards???? The B&M board is the same width as stock @ 7.5", my Pro RMK has the Burandt boards and they are 6 1/8" wide. IF the skinz are indeed wider than the stock SBA, I would feel that would be a hindrance not a help, the SBA boards are plenty wide stock unless you have size 17 feet.

 

[Woodstock]

Excellent info guys, I was just looking for a set of B&M Boards for my 2011 Switchback Assault. Anyone know where I can get a set in or near Alberta?

 

[bosssho]

I have been using Skinz products for sometime now and love them.

Couple things for thought..

The the inner and outer tubes on Skins are two different sizes, smaller/thinner tube on the inside runs.... B&M uses the same thickness for both. So it would seem that B&M would be a little bit stronger but at the same time I have yet to bend these tubes. Yes, they said that very thing b/c the load is spread out better via the Triangular pattern, but...as you said, no one has bent the Skinz that I know of either and if it works on the PRO RMK boards for 13-14...and no one is really killing those I don't think the same size tubing is a big deal either.

Skins boards or Are you saying ARE here? wider then factory sweeping out at the front and then coming back all the way which is why I use Skinz. I like having more feet room.

The B&M are not, well maybe a tiny bit as the outside tube is a little wider than the stock run but they still come straight out at the factory location.

You can see here were they sweep out at the front.

http://s747.photobucket.com/user/biglakeboy1/media/Pro RMK/5.jpg.html
http://s747.photobucket.com/user/biglakeboy1/media/Pro RMK/IMG_2014_zpsec71b11a.jpg.html
http://s747.photobucket.com/user/biglakeboy1/media/Pro RMK/IMG_2031_zpse60c8f3f.jpg.html

AK, are you saying the Skinz boards are wider than the stock SBA boards???? The B&M board is the same width as stock @ 7.5", my Pro RMK has the Burandt boards and they are 6 1/8" wide. IF the skinz are indeed wider than the stock SBA, I would feel that would be a hindrance not a help, the SBA boards are plenty wide stock unless you have size 17 feet.

Same question here too...are you saying the Skinz are WIDER than the B&M or that they are wider than the OEM SBA Boards or Both?

I would NOT want Wider Boards at all...I would like same, if not narrower like Burandt or my 13's PRO RMK boards for easier side hilling....

Thanks guys...trying to pull the trigger on these ASAP today so let me know.

 

[B&M Fabrications]

I think AK is referring to the RMK boards and not the SBA board. The skinz RMK board is wider than factory. If the skinz SBA board is wider than factory, you're looking at an 8" wide board. Ours are the same width as factory for the SBA.

 

[AKFULLTHROTTLE]

Yes, that is what I am saying, Sorry for confusing that.

For the RMK the Skinz boards are wider. I was only stating why I went with Skins over B&M. Had nothing to do with build quality as the B&M do have the thicker inside runs.

And I have a 15-16 EE size boot so width is good for me.. HAhahahaha

 

[AKFULLTHROTTLE]

And the extra width of the boards do not hinder sidehilling at all. The open design of the B&M and Skinz allows snow to flow through.

 

[sledneck_03]

Excellent info guys, I was just looking for a set of B&M Boards for my 2011 Switchback Assault. Anyone know where I can get a set in or near Alberta?

i know prairie rec in prince albert sask sells b and m bumpers....... You can call them and it might save you on shipping province to province compared to crossing the boarder.

 

[GoBigParts]

Yes, the Skinz seem more readily available.

http://www.gobigparts.com/Air-Frame-Running-Boards-by-Skinz.html

I am using the madfab footy walls for a blocking plate. What I like it it is only vented up top so down low you don't get any melted snow that can land on the tubing and freeze.

http://www.gobigparts.com/Footy-Walls-by-MadFab.html

 

[bosssho]

Yes, the Skinz seem more readily available.

http://www.gobigparts.com/Air-Frame-Running-Boards-by-Skinz.html

I am using the madfab footy walls for a blocking plate. What I like it it is only vented up top so down low you don't get any melted snow that can land on the tubing and freeze.

http://www.gobigparts.com/Footy-Walls-by-MadFab.html

So are those Mad Fab pieces made FOR the SBA144 or are you modding them? Also, do they hinder your feet going into the footwell like the SBA144 allows vs. the more straight up and down RMK PRO?

Thanks.

 

[bosssho]

Yes, that is what I am saying, Sorry for confusing that.

For the RMK the Skinz boards are wider. I was only stating why I went with Skins over B&M. Had nothing to do with build quality as the B&M do have the thicker inside runs.

And I have a 15-16 EE size boot so width is good for me.. HAhahahaha

Ok, so you are saying the Skinz SBA144 boards are the SAME as the OEM SBA144 boards, but the Skinz RMK PRO boards are WIDER...which for someone with big Hooves like yours ha ha...is a good thing.

B&M Boards are factory width no matter which sled they are on.

Thanks all.

 

[GoBigParts]

So are those Mad Fab pieces made FOR the SBA144 or are you modding them? Also, do they hinder your feet going into the footwell like the SBA144 allows vs. the more straight up and down RMK PRO?

Thanks.

These fit the ProRMK footwells. I will have to measure for the SBA.

 

[bosssho]

These fit the ProRMK footwells. I will have to measure for the SBA.

Don't bother...they are NOT for the SBA 144, but as I, and MANY others showed on the HCS forum...there is a pretty good interest in them...so maybe you can get them made for the SBA 144.

 

[Woodstock]

i know prairie rec in prince albert sask sells b and m bumpers....... You can call them and it might save you on shipping province to province compared to crossing the boarder.

Thanks, got impatient and just ordered a set from direct from B&M, orange powder coat. Shipping by post about $60, no duty, will only have to pay GST when they arrive. Cost was less than what I was quoted on this side of the border.