I don't agree with the "its Smittybilt" BS. I think the company has turned around somewhat. Back in the day when I first bought my TJ in 1999 they were basically known for chrome and tube bumpers. I think the company has tried to change their image. I went out on a limb and purchased their XRC winch and its never let me down.
Just my opinion. If someone wants to bash a company I want personal experience, I'm not saying you are wrong, but back it up.
Oh wow..OK, if i must to give an opinion, let me see if I can remember everything:
1. Purchased the Targa 2-piece top for my YJ. It never fit properly against the windshield or doors. I purchased with their uppers and they never fit, no matter how I tried to sand and reshape. I tried the Bestop uppers and they wouldn't seal against the recess either. It was more the shape of the hardtop itself. The hardware on the back window rusted almost immediately.
2. Was given front light protectors and they rusted within 1 month.
3. Purchased the G.E.A.R. seat covers and they did not fit. The uppers were fine but the seat bottom cushion cover did not fit well on a stock seat. Was sent another with the same results.
4. Purchased the roll-bar grab handles and the card board insert was too stiff to conform to the bar and fit snugly.
5. Purchased the MOD bumper for my JK and although the middle section was fine strength wise, it did start rusting within 3 months and the bumper ends were complete junk. they never fit properly. The first time I removed them to see if the ends were bent or not aligned, one of the captured nuts on the full width extension came out. The factory fog light replacements were of such poor quality and they had condensation accumulating within 3 days.
6. Purchased the fitted neoprene seat covers for my JK and all but 2 of the stock buckles broke on the initial installation/fitment. Knowing I should have not taken another chance with Smitty and having extra gear buckles, I just sucked it up and sewed on new ones. The neoprene faded after 2 times with the hard top removed.
I've had enough experience, even after they supposedly tightened up there game, and gone through enough money that they will never get ANY of my business EVER again. If SB were the only after market company, I would never have anything other than a stock Jeep.
I've known people with SB gear on their vehicles and had no issues. From what I've personally seen, it's been probably 60% positive, 40% negative and those are lousy numbers in my opinion. I would never recommend SB to a friend or stranger.
Good enough??