Let's look at aftermarket running boards and what you get for your money

[Sled Solutions]

As many know there have been plenty of companies out there that copied the Skinz Airframe running boards. All of which are being sold cheaper than the Skinz boards so I took it upon myself to buy a set to see why. Below you can see the cut a way of the two different boards, Skinz Airframes in white and Brand “X” in black.



Wall thickness on the outside tube:

Skinz boards = .255”
Brand “X” = .135”

We all know how important the outside rail is since that is the main support for the boards on a stock sled. Brand "X" is only a little more than 1/2 the thickness of the Skinz board.

Now let’s look at the cutaway of the foot tubes.

Brand "X"


Skinz


Skinz boards = .05” wall thickness
Brand X = .12” wall thickness

Skinz board is machined to accept each and every foot tube at the outside rail. The foot tube slides into the .25” wall tube and is welded.
Brand “X”, the foot tubes are coped and welded which is not nearly as strong as the Skinz set up.

Brand “X” boards are nicely constructed but you get what you pay for and the average customer obviously buys the cheaper pair because they claim to be “as strong” as the Skinz boards for less. Now if it were me, and I was cutting my running boards off I certainly wouldn't want to cut corners on what I put in their place. Just because they look similar on the outside doesn't mean they’re the same inside.

Hope this helps you make a better purchase.

 

[Jeva]

Why even put "Brand X" boards everybody knows who's boards those are. I have a set of "Brand X" boards and all I know is they are a lot stiffer than the stock boards. "Brand X" boards have been out for a few years and I have not heard of any failures, have you? I think this is kind of ****ty to bash someone else product that you don't sell. I will spend my money else where, no thanks sled solutions.

 

[Sled Solutions]

Why even put "Brand X" boards everybody knows who's boards those are. I have a set of "Brand X" boards and all I know is they are a lot stiffer than the stock boards. "Brand X" boards have been out for a few years and I have not heard of any failures, have you? I think this is kind of ****ty to bash someone else product that you don't sell. I will spend my money else where, no thanks sled solutions.

This isn't bashing, it's education. I've not called out any other company so I'm not sure how I could be "bashing" someone else s product. I'm simply comparing for those on the fence.

 

[flatspeed]

who cares - show some real world failures because of this and then I'll listen.

I'd also like to point out that from an engineering standpoint, triangles(brand x) are stronger than parallelograms (skinz).

Little guy 1, skinz 0

 

[tkuss]

im suprised those other boards just dont snap in half once you step on em

Im def going to be buying the skinz now

 

[CO 2.0]

Don't let a couple people keep you from posting good info. I thought your comparison was displayed correctly. There is always gonna be someone that comes on and says your bashing another product etc etc. Just don't respond to them. The fact that you took the time to cut into them both and take measurements is really cool. Glad I saw the post before the info was deleted.

 

[freezie]

I liked the pics and thought they were good info .

 

[OrangeKowJumper]

I think your overreacting quite a bit by saying the guys who responded are "internet tough guys" .. ..they just stated things from another view. . .and why remove the pictures??. .. .they do show a difference. .which is what you were trying to do?? .. right?. .

 

[tkuss]

yes, I apologize... was just being a smartass. the pics dont lie

 

[flatspeed]

Sorry if I came across as an *******, but the point I was
trying to make is, why bother analyzing these products to this degree unless there is some sort of issue with the design/construction?

ie. brand x boards are snapping left right and centre, this is the reason why (insert cutaway picture)
But I haven't heard of any such failures, have you?

 

[Sled Solutions]

It's all good, I wasn't trying to bash another brand just show the difference but that's not how it was being received so I'll just move on.

 

[smokindave]

Sorry if I came across as an *******, but the point I was
trying to make is, why bother analyzing these products to this degree unless there is some sort of issue with the design/construction?

ie. brand x boards are snapping left right and centre, this is the reason why (insert cutaway picture)
But I haven't heard of any such failures, have you?

Why...because some people like Kias and some people like the quality of Mercedes.

 

[OTTERSF6NF]

I know I took a hard hit on the right side of my airframes last year that would of folded the stock boards. After seeing the cutaway I see why I put them on my new sled. Curious if anything else would of withstood the same hit. Of course anything is better than stock. Thanks for the post.

 

[smokindave]

I know I took a hard hit on the right side of my airframes last year that would of folded the stock boards. After seeing the cutaway I see why I put them on my new sled. Curious if anything else would of withstood the same hit. Of course anything is better than stock. Thanks for the post.

I sure do wish I could of seen those pics.

 

[christopher]

I went back into the thread history and looked at your original post.
I think you did a pretty good comparison.
If it were up to me, I would LEAVE THE ORIGINAL in place for everyone to see.

Personally I thin the Skinz Boards ROCK.
I have TWO sets of them for 2 of my 3 sleds.

In my humble opinion they are over-engineered JUST the way I like them!

In this sport you REALLY DO get what you pay for.

My Skinz boards are several years old now and have performed incredibly well over time. Seriously, I just couldn't be happier with them.

 

[smokindave]

I went back into the thread history and looked at your original post.
I think you did a pretty good comparison.
If it were up to me, I would LEAVE THE ORIGINAL in place for everyone to see.

Personally I thin the Skinz Boards ROCK.
I have TWO sets of them for 2 of my 3 sleds.

In my humble opinion they are over-engineered JUST the way I like them!

In this sport you REALLY DO get what you pay for.

My Skinz boards are several years old now and have performed incredibly well over time. Seriously, I just couldn't be happier with them.

I did the same,looks like it would of been a great informative thread.
I hope he does repost and maybe locks it...

 

[Crossfire Ditchbanger]

yup

Cough check the sled solutions Facebook page cough
Ive got em saved already so I'm good!

 

[christopher]

no need to lock it.
He did an HONEST job of comparing and contrasting a knock off board with the original.

I mean SERIOUSLY, look at the difference in the outer side walls!!
Which tube do you want when you run up against that ROCK or TREE ?

 

[Crossfire Ditchbanger]

yup

'I'd also like to point out that from an engineering standpoint, triangles(brand x) are stronger than parallelograms (skinz)."

Let's think about this a bit here... The forces these boards will usually see are not directed in a way that the triangular shape of "brand x" would make them any stronger that skinz, unless you land the whole edge of the board on a tree lengthwise, in which case the boards would probably be one of the last things on your mind.

 

[smokindave]

Engineers....