New flares: Pocket or Flat?

[Jerry Bransford]

The EAG pocket flares are the old brittle crack/breakage prone plastic Bushwhacker flares. They are so brittle and breakage prone they became known as the Bushcrackers.

The flat Tidal flares are also an old Bushwhacker design that has a weak mounting system. Mostly double-sided tape with a couple wesk plastic brackets. They are less brittle than the pocket flares but they are so soft they're easily damaged.

I installed a set onto my previous TJ and they lasted less than a day on the trail.

 

[L J]

I appreciate the opinion, and I understand the viewpoint. I just want a wider, thicker look.

if I had to have wider flares:

Rough Country makes a 6.5" factory style flare for $199...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B2AF91W/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[GTERDN]

Replacing my stock flares. Trying to keep the budget under $250. Mostly used as a DD.
Current setup: 33" x 12.5 tires, 2" coil lift, 1.25" BL.

Main questions are:
1. Do you think 6" wide pocket flares will fit without my front tires rubbing?
2. Aesthetically, which look of the 2 choices below do you guys prefer?

EAG Pocket Flares ($169.99)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WCJH06E/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Tidal Flat Flares ($179.99)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0795P2L2G/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Thanks!

View attachment 142210

View attachment 142211

Flat looks cleaner and less small places for mud to get dry in. Maybe try trimming the stock ones first just to see how it looks. I've seen some try clean ones out there.

 

[vinsanity]

@JDRAM11 had a set similar to the flat flares you have there. He can speak to what brand and if the mounting was stable. Think he just sold them.

I'm partial to the flat look.

 

[mas08]

Pocket flares , while available , aren't FSM . ( That's a Forum Sanctioned Modification) .

Lmao. This is great. So what flares are FSM? Only flat and stock?

 

[mas08]

Rough Country makes a 6.5" factory style flare for $199...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B2AF91W/?tag=wranglerorg-20

View attachment 142256

These do look nice as well. Just going to make the decision that much tougher.


Thanks all for the feedback thus far. Much appreciated.

 

[Goatman]

Get the RC 6 1/2" flare so it mounts proper then cut the lip off so it looks like the flat flare. Then let me know what you think. This is my current plan for my Rubi.

 

[AndyG]

Lmao. This is great. So what flares are FSM? Only flat and stock?

Yes, you have to apply for a variance to do anything else.

 

[JDRAM11]

@JDRAM11 had a set similar to the flat flares you have there. He can speak to what brand and if the mounting was stable. Think he just sold them.

I'm partial to the flat look.

I still have mine, they are from extreme terrain, mine held up ok for what i did, but i am moving to metal armor, if anybody wants them here in Portland, Let me know, i have them listed on fb but nothing yet.

they are hard plastic, i cracked one on a tree once, n repaired it with six10 epoxy.

 

[Fonz54]

I run 31inch tyres no lift and 6inch pocket flares....any slight flex and I'm rubbing. (rookie mistake I made a few years ago) I now NEED a lift to take it off road. So like what said before if you staying on the blacktop or gravel roads you'll probably be fine, but pocket flares (even though I love the look) do hang lower than flat fenders.

Love those little quotes you have at the bottom of your posts! Always make me chuckle.

 

[89grand]

Be careful, pocket flares are known to give TJ's the AIDS.

 

[Apparition]

Be careful, pocket flares are known to give TJ's the AIDS.

I thought it was herpes?

 

[cliffish]

I thought it was herpes?

It is actually leprosy as they fall off after hitting a tree.

 

[MountaineerTom]

Between the two you're looking at, I'd choose the flat. But overall, I'd choose the OEM flares, or a wider version if you're wanting tire coverage, be Rubicon/Sahara flare or the wider aftermarket OEM style flares.

As far as the pocket flares, I've never liked those visible screw/rivet mounting holes. "Too busy looking" as my mom would say. LOL

 

[Westbrook]

The Tidal Flares link isn't working for me but if they teck screw into the body I would stay away from them. In my opinion pocket flares are pretty ugly and reduce tire clearance. I had Bushwacker Flat Flares front and rear before I got my new steel fenders up front. I really like their mounting system but once they get damaged and warped they're hard to get back on and keep them in place, they faded a bit too and are pretty expensive.

 

[Kiwi TJ]

Love those little quotes you have at the bottom of your posts! Always make me chuckle.

haha glad you approve and thanks..I try and change them monthly..stay tuned as March is approaching

 

[JDRAM11]

The MCE fenders are supposed to be pretty flexible and resistant but i dont know anyone who has them.

demo video


https://www.suspensionconnection.com/fftjg2-6-f-mce.html

 

[BuildBreakRepeat]

The MCE fenders are supposed to be pretty flexible and resistant but i dont know anyone who has them.

demo video


https://www.suspensionconnection.com/fftjg2-6-f-mce.html

@jjvw and some others on here.

 

[jjvw]

@jjvw and some others on here.

Mine have only seen street duty so far. But one reason I went for them is because of the flexibility and detachability.

 

[Alex01]

I'd choose option 3. MCE flares.