I did some more research and posting over on TTORA and have found out ...

The ARB has a crumple zone to it so when your in an accident the airbag sensors will operate after the correct amount of crush, if you have a solid bumper to frame setup that will or could happen much faster

- two issues with that, you might not be in the part of the impact (it's not over yet) when the bags deploy, second they could deploy on lighter hits.

BTW - I think the shrock looks better but the ARB is safer, and it was designed for throwing critter torso's off your car to avoid damage. It isn't for 4x4 hi performance as much as damage control and self recover (because of weight). At the end of the day this is the driving I do - Deer!!! too many Deer.

Spot