Upgrading your 79 Series? A bullbar adds serious protection, extra functionality, and a tough front-end look. But not all bullbars are built the same — especially when it comes to weight, which can affect your GVM, suspension, and fuel economy.
Here’s a comparison of the most popular bullbars on the Aussie market — now with approximate weights included.
1. Rasslar Engineering Bullbar
- Style: Customisable — available in winch/no winch, top hoops, side rails, etc.
- Material: Heavy-duty steel
- Features:
- Winch compatible
- Built-in recovery points
- Customisable
- Weight: ~65–75kg (depending on options)
- Price: ~$3,500+
- Best For: Hardcore off-roaders or tradies who need serious strength
2. Tuff Bullbars (3-post or 5-post)
- Style: Iconic full-loop rural protection
- Material: Steel or alloy
- Features:
- ADR approved
- Side rails optional
- Weight:
- Steel: ~80–95kg
- Alloy: ~50–65kg
- Price: ~$2,800–$4,500
- Best For: Regional and outback drivers who need maximum animal strike protection
3. Rock Armour Bullbar
- Style: Traditional triple-loop design
- Material: Powder-coated steel
- Features:
- Winch compatible
- Integrated fog lights
- Weight: ~60–65kg
- Price: ~$1,599
- Best For: Budget-conscious buyers wanting a solid, no-fuss bar
4. Ironman 4×4 Apex Bullbar
- Style: Triple-hoop premium bar
- Material: Steel
- Features:
- Winch compatible
- LED fog lights and jack points
- Weight: ~70–75kg
- Price: ~$2,950
- Best For: Balanced daily/touring use with modern touches
5. Jungle 4×4 Deluxe Bullbar
- Style: Loopless or full-loop
- Material: Reinforced steel tubing
- Features:
- Airbag and ADR compliant
- Weight: ~65–70kg
- Price: Varies
- Best For: Weekend warriors who want both style and function
6. Offroad Animal Predator Bullbar
- Style: Aggressive styling with optional hoops
- Material: Steel
- Features:
- Light bar housing
- High-lift jack points
- Weight: ~65–70kg
- Price: ~$3,100
- Best For: Overlanders and 4WDers who want bold design with practical extras
7. Oxley Bullbar
- Style: Clean, no-hoop
- Material: Lightweight steel
- Features:
- Optional recovery points
- Weight: ~50–55kg
- Price: ~$1,799
- Best For: Lighter builds and daily drivers needing winch protection
8. SmartBar by ARB
- Style: Lightweight polymer
- Material: Polyethylene
- Features:
- Winch compatible
- Impact-rebounding
- Weight: ~30–40kg
- Price: Varies
- Best For: Fleet vehicles and GVM-sensitive setups
Bullbar Comparison Table
Brand | Design Style | Material | Winch Compatible | ADR Compliant | Approx. Weight | Price (AUD) | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rasslar | Customisable | Steel | Yes | Yes | ~65–75kg | ~$3,500+ | Heavy-duty off-road builds |
Tuff (Steel) | 3/5 Post Full Loop | Steel | Yes | Yes | ~80–95kg | ~$3,500+ | Rural animal-strike protection |
Tuff (Alloy) | 3/5 Post Full Loop | Alloy | Yes | Yes | ~50–65kg | ~$3,500+ | Weight-conscious rural setups |
Rock Armour | Triple Loop | Steel | Yes | Yes | ~60–65kg | ~$1,599 | Budget-friendly daily drivers |
Ironman Apex | Triple Loop | Steel | Yes | Yes | ~70–75kg | ~$2,950 | Balanced performance and features |
Jungle 4×4 | Loopless/Full Loop | Steel | Yes | Yes | ~65–70kg | Varies | Stylish tourers and weekend warriors |
Offroad Animal | Aggressive Modern | Steel | Yes | Yes | ~65–70kg | ~$3,100 | Overlanders and custom rigs |
Oxley | Minimal, No Loop | Steel | Yes | Yes | ~50–55kg | ~$1,799 | Lightweight, clean builds |
SmartBar (by ARB) | Lightweight Polymer | Polyethylene | Yes | Yes | ~30–40kg | Varies | Urban drivers and fleet compliance |
✅ Final Thoughts
Choosing a bullbar isn’t just about looks — it’s also about weight, safety, and the kind of driving you’re doing. Heavier steel bars offer more protection, but can eat into your GVM. Lightweight options help with fuel economy and compliance, but may sacrifice durability in extreme conditions.