Flapfab vs Sukeban rock guards

[ThanksGTA]

I'm awaiting arrival of my FL5 , but wanted to purchase some stone guards ahead of time so I can install them upon delivery. I noticed that some folks were running these two options and I'm curious if anyone has any feedback on either? The Flapfab are quite a bit less expensive, although I would still wouldn't say they are "cheap". Any major reason for the difference in price? I'm willing to pay for a quality product, but it just seems like plastic in both cases. Thanks in advance.

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[TypeRD]

I’m not familiar with Flapfab, but have Sukebans. I’m happy with them, however I had to go to AutoZone to get different fasteners. The fasteners that came with the guards were too short. Here’s what I found to work well. You only need 2 of these (one for each front guard). On the left is the fastener that came with the guards. They’re waaaaay too short. On the right is the Dorman fastener I got from AutoZone. MUCH better.

 

[ThanksGTA]

I’m not familiar with Flapfab, but have Sukebans. I’m happy with them, however I had to go to AutoZone to get different fasteners. The fasteners that came with the guards were too short. Here’s what I found to work well. You only need 2 of these (one for each front guard). On the left is the fastener that came with the guards. They’re waaaaay too short. On the right is the Dorman fastener I got from AutoZone. MUCH better.

Thanks, appreciate the input and the tip on the fasteners

 

[TypeRD]

Something to note : I got Sukebans because I liked that they are adjustable, provide great protection, and look good, without going full-rally Subaru flaps. We all know the FL5 likes to kick up debris from those fatty tires, so if you track the car or live somewhere where you may frequently drive through tiny gravel (which will basically bead-blast the side of the car), I think the Sukebans will serve you much better. It appears the Flap Fabs only guard the brake vents.

 

[Clark_Kent]

I have the Flapfab Stone Guards and they've helped tremedously. It's not clear the percentage of debris flowing through the fender vents and debris flowing around the fender vents. I also haven't tested Flapfab against Sukeban for a direct comparison.

I opted for Flapfab for a couple of reasons. 1) Design - I appreciate the clean look. It's a good balance of form and function. Also, material protruding out of the wheel well is a non-starter for me. 2. Cost - ~$85 compared to $225-$250. I believe these items are made of the same or a similar material (thermoplastic). I have a hard time getting comfortable paying in excess of $200 for a thin ~12" piece of plastic or similar material. <$100 is fair for this item.

 

[ThanksGTA]

I opted for Flab Fab for a couple of reasons. 1) Design - I appreciate the clean look. It's a good balance of form and function. Also, material protruding out of the wheel well is a non-starter for me. 2. Cost - ~$85 compared to $225-$250. I believe these items are made of the same or a similar material (thermoplastic). I have a hard time getting comfortable paying in excess of $200 for a thin ~12" piece of plastic or similar material. <$100 is fair for this item.

Thank you! Yeah I was quite surprised at the $200 price tag, figured I had to be missing something. Sounds like the Flapfab will suit my needs just fine.

 

[Jester04]

Thank you! Yeah I was quite surprised at the $200 price tag, figured I had to be missing something. Sounds like the Flapfab will suit my needs just fine.

Depends on what you want. I have the flapfab but they just go into the space in the liner. The sukebans from what I saw actually stick past the fender to protect even more.

 

[TypeRD]

Yeah, you can adjust the Sukebans to basically sit flush OR if you want to show them off you can make them stick out quite a bit. I went about half way, so they offer some good outward protection while not drawing too much attention. I like them better than I thought I would. They are indeed stupidly expensive for pieces of laser cut plastic, but I figure it’s a set it and forget it thing. If they protect my car from $200 worth of nicks and dings for 2-3 years (and still look decent) I’ll be happy. ?

I like the Flap Fab design a lot. It really looks great. It boils down to how much protection you want vs esthetics, exactly as others have said.

Here’s a pic from Sukeban’s Instagram. This is about as flush as they can be, if I recall correctly (when I installed mine).

 

[Clark_Kent]

I’m not familiar with Flapfab, but have Sukebans. I’m happy with them, however I had to go to AutoZone to get different fasteners. The fasteners that came with the guards were too short. Here’s what I found to work well. You only need 2 of these (one for each front guard). On the left is the fastener that came with the guards. They’re waaaaay too short. On the right is the Dorman fastener I got from AutoZone. MUCH better.

Super helpful post! It would be good to provide this feedback to them if you haven't. After spending >$200 the end user shouldn't have to spend more money to get these to fit properly. They've gotta tighten up.

 

[TypeRD]

Super helpful post! It would be good to provide this feedback to them if you haven't. After spending >$200 the end user shouldn't have to spend more money to get these to fit properly. They've gotta tighten up.

Yup, definitely. I let Sukeban know the problem the day I tried installing them. The provided fasteners were simply not long enough (at least not for the thickest guards, which I bought). To be clear, the stock screws actually do 95% of the work. But to get the desired fit and finish, those 2 plastic fasteners are key. They are used in the top hole (one on driver’s side and one on passenger’s side). I mean…they’re rock guards. They should just work, right? Though I was a bit annoyed, I understand this is likely a side gig for Sukeban ; Seems to be a one-man operation. He’s a nice guy and is responsive. Hopefully he heeds my feedback.

 

[Jester04]

Yeah, you can adjust the Sukebans to basically sit flush OR if you want to show them off you can make them stick out quite a bit. I went about half way, so they offer some good outward protection while not drawing too much attention. I like them better than I thought I would. They are indeed stupidly expensive for pieces of laser cut plastic, but I figure it’s a set it and forget it thing. If they protect my car from $200 worth of nicks and dings for 2-3 years (and still look decent) I’ll be happy. ?

I like the Flap Fab design a lot. It really looks great. It boils down to how much protection you want vs esthetics, exactly as others have said.

Here’s a pic from Sukeban’s Instagram. This is about as flush as they can be, if I recall correctly (when I installed mine).

Yeah for me the sukebans provide more protection. Could not justify the price at the time but seeing them they are the better choice IMO.

These are the flapfab.

 

[TW00Si]

I have the Flapfab Stone Guards and they've helped tremedously. It's not clear the percentage of debris flowing through the fender vents and debris flowing around the fender vents. I also haven't tested Flapfab against Sukeban for a direct comparison.

I opted for Flapfab for a couple of reasons. 1) Design - I appreciate the clean look. It's a good balance of form and function. Also, material protruding out of the wheel well is a non-starter for me. 2. Cost - ~$85 compared to $225-$250. I believe these items are made of the same or a similar material (thermoplastic). I have a hard time getting comfortable paying in excess of $200 for a thin ~12" piece of plastic or similar material. <$100 is fair for this item.

Do you have any pictures of it on your car that you can share? I would like to purchase a set of these stone guards also. Thank you.

 

[Clark_Kent]

Do you have any pictures of it on your car that you can share? I would like to purchase a set of these stone guards also. Thank you.

They were installed very recently and I don't have photos. I'm out of the country for about a week, so I can take some and send when I return. Here are a couple links that may help in the interim.

https://www.civicxi.com/forum/threads/flapfab-stone-guards.52130/

https://www.twostepperformance.com/...61732&pr_ref_pid=7122740052100&pr_seq=uniform

 

[TW00Si]

Yup, definitely. I let Sukeban know the problem the day I tried installing them. The provided fasteners were simply not long enough (at least not for the thickest guards, which I bought). To be clear, the stock screws actually do 95% of the work. But to get the desired fit and finish, those 2 plastic fasteners are key. They are used in the top hole (one on driver’s side and one on passenger’s side). I mean…they’re rock guards. They should just work, right? Though I was a bit annoyed, I understand this is likely a side gig for Sukeban ; Seems to be a one-man operation. He’s a nice guy and is responsive. Hopefully he heeds my feedback.

So if and when I decide to purchase these, should I ask if the fasteners are replaced?

 

[TW00Si]

They were installed very recently and I don't have photos. I'm out of the country for about a week, so I can take some and send when I return. Here are a couple links that may help in the interim.

https://www.civicxi.com/forum/threads/flapfab-stone-guards.52130/

https://www.twostepperformance.com/...61732&pr_ref_pid=7122740052100&pr_seq=uniform

Thanks for the quick response. Enjoy your vacation.

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