Skid plate recomendations

I'm trying to figure out a skid plate upgrade from the ol stock off road tin ones that came on my truck. RCI has really got my attention. That said, has anyone thought to mix steel and aluminum when outfitting skids? Wondering if it's worth the weight to cost ratio to do it that way. I'm also wide open to suggestions on the skid plates. I don't do a ton of wheeling, but enough to warrant this upgrade. Thanks in advance

 

Aluminum is lighter and their Trans skid works with the TRD aluminum front skid. Steel will take a hell of a lot more abuse.

 

I went all steel because it's cheaper and steel slides on rocks better. I could definitely feel the weight after installation on my 2013 4.0L 6MT though.

Looking at my skid plates, which have taken a good bit of abuse, 75% of damage is to the tcase skid, so that may be the best one to stick with steel for.

 

Get one that's in stock. Seriously

 

Aluminum is more grabby, steel will slide on rocks aluminum will want to hold onto them.

Steel is also a lot easier to beat back into submission and weld back up.

Steel is heavier and will rust though.

I have all steel but considering replacing my trans and transfer with aluminum as they don't see near the same amount of abuse.

 

Rci Steel Bamf Caliraised

 

I think the RCI looks better than the TRD and it’s made 30min from where I live. I went with aluminum because I think it looks better and it’ll be tough enough for 99% of what I do.

 

Aluminum, and made locally by Element here in Canada.

 

I did an aluminum front Skid and steel transmission and transfer case skid. Thought was that "usually" behind the front tires takes a bigger beating when you come off a rock or ledge.