Iron Cross Side Arm Step Bars Review

Brand New Unique Step Nerf Bars from Iron Cross

Looking for a nerf step bar that is not quite a full hoop to give your Jeep or pickup a Step Up? Check out this new offering from Iron Cross: their Side Arm Step Bars.

The Unique New Nerf Bar Hitting the Market with Both Arms

Iron Cross Side Arm Step Bars

If you are in the market for a brand new Nerf Step Bar that will set you apart from the crowd, check out this new product line that just released: the Side Arm Step Bars from Iron Cross. If you have liked the hoop style of bar before, you may notice some similarities here. These bad boys resemble a hoop step, except that each grip step is only attached at one end to the main bar. We'll walk you through all the specific features and reasons why you should consider this new product the next time you are shopping for Nerf Step Bars.

Bullet Point Breakdown

No time to read this whole article? Just want the quick and dirty dets? “Too long; didn’t read” your fav acronym? Don’t worry. We hear ya. Here’s our Midwest Aftermarket Bullet Point Breakdown of the Iron Cross Side Arm Step Bars:

• Unique design, new take on a partial “hoop” style step
• Made of heavy duty steel
• Designed to handle big boots
• A step that can be used from almost any angle
• Made in the USA
• OE Style Matte Black Powder Coat Finish
• Designed to take a beating
• Weather Resistant
• Powder Coated to Resist Rusting
• American made by Americans, for Americans! Go ‘Murica!

Click Here: Bed Steps.

Not-Quite a Hoop Step

Perhaps the most innovative part of the design is the step itself. You can clearly see how this new take on the hoop leaves off the one end, allowing you to be an easier step up into the vehicle. My issue in the past with Hoop Steps has been that I have a pretty wide foot, so sometimes I find myself having to awkwardly step into smaller hoop steps, even turning my feet to awkward angles, especially if I have on my big boy boots. 

With this open-ended design, I no longer have to worry about that at all. I can step into my vehicle naturally. Of course the first concern that most of us had upon seeing these puppies was that missing hoop attaching it to the main bar. Didn't the design require that other end? Turns out, not so much. Since these Side Arm Step Bars are constructed of durable steel, they can support upwards of 350 lbs.

Sold in pairs, the Iron Cross Side Arm Step Bars come with a 5 year manufacturer warranty. And this product is manufactured right here in the States, so you know when you purchase an Iron Cross aftermarket part you are supporting American works & an American company. Be a Patriot & go out & get yourself a set today!
Read more: Aftermarket Truck Parts.

Check out our YouTube Unboxing of this Brand New Unique Product: Iron Cross Side Arm steps

The same powder coating you find on Iron Cross' bumpers, the Iron Cross Side Arm Steps come in a matte black finish and are constructed of 12 gauge steel. These bars are designed to last the life of your vehicle. The step itself is coated in a rubberized grip material to provide extra friction and prevent you from slipping as you are stepping up into your vehicle. Don't take my word for it. Watch the Product Spotlight by Derek--Big Tuna, himself--and see what he has to say about this unique and innovative product from a trusted American company: Iron Cross Automotive. Check out that sweet branding!
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Low Profile, High Functionality

One of the most surprising features of this new design is how low profile it really is, while still retaining that high functionality I've already been championing. It seems almost contradictory that a product could have such a small footprint vertically, yet allow for such a wide angle of use that it is both minimal and extreme. This paradox is the ultimate lesson I think we can all take from Iron Cross' design. A product can be both shockingly unique and intuitive in usage. I didn't need an explanation of how to use these new Iron Cross Side Arm Step Bars. Of course, you're likely saying, duh, 'cause you just step on 'em, right? Yes, yes, of course. 

That's not what I mean though. I'm trying to put into words how surprising it is that just by removing that one piece of metal attachment, shaving off one end of the "hoop," Iron Cross has opened up the possibilities for how you place your foot on that bar to such an extent that each individual will be able to get into and out of the vehicle in the way that feels most natural.

It is therefore a personal design--one that matches your needs, an individualized yet stationary step. I am not sure I have ever come across a nerf bar quite like this before. Can't wait to see what the innovators over at Iron Cross come up with next. 
Read more about  How to Tune a Truck.

Big Foot Approved

Iron Cross Certified

Some of the biggest concerns we often hear about step bars are whether they will hold up in Northern climates and how durable they are with regard to weather and weight. In fact, these questions are so common, we try to cover them in every step bar product description. 

Will these step bars hold up in extreme northern winters? 

The chief concerns with metal products and winter are salt and moisture. Both can damage your step bars, vehicles, and anything that can rust. So when shopping for a step bar if you live in an area that experiences heavy snow in the winter, we highly recommend powder coats products, like these Iron Cross Side Arm steps. 

Does powder coating prevent the steel from rusting?

Yes. But you still need to be careful about not damaging or scratching the powder coat finish. The powder coating process seals metal, like the steel used to make these Side Arm Step Bars from Iron Cross, away from the elements. As long as the coating remains solid, you should not experience any rust. 

Now keeping your powder coat intact is not always easy though. If you get it scratched or damaged, even what looks like minor damage, you should seal it back up immediately if possible. Even a little cut in the powder coat could lead to flaking and further damage. Once the steel beneath is exposed, it can begin to rust. You need to keep the moisture off the metal. 

The point of all this is we don't want you to think of your powder coat finishes as impenetrable and perfect force fields of protection. If the shielding layer gets damaged, the metal it is protecting will be soon to follow. And that goes for all powder coated metals, by the way, not just these step bars. 

Durability of Iron Cross

The debate is ongoing between steel and aluminum. Both have there pros and cons. Steel is more durable. Aluminum is lighter. For its weight, the tensile strength of aluminum is very high. And we get that the light weight of that metal makes it more and more common in our fuel cost conscious industry. 

However, good old durable steel is still hard to beat. And if you're a good old boy like me, you probably still hold to the notion that steel is the way to go when you're looking for strength and durability. 

Iron Cross would agree. Their Side Arm steps are made from heavy duty steel, and they are manufactured right here in the States. You just can't go wrong with good old American made products. And even they are fabricated out of steel, that's even better in our eyes. 

Born and Bred Right here in the United States of America 

And I don't want to gloss over this point. Being made in a America is a huge deal. So few products on our shelves in big box stores today are made here in the States. 

So much of our money is being spent to line the pockets of foreign investors and company cronies. Finally, when we shell out hard earned American dough for these foreign products, we are funding non-American workers when we could be putting food on the table of an American family. 

It's one thing when there aren't any options--when no one is making the product you want and need right here in the US of A. But Iron Cross is. So when you need a step, even if you decide not to go with these particular Side Arms, we hope you buy American made steps. 

We make ‘em better, build ‘em to last, and you're keeping your hard earned dollar right here in the American economy. We appreciate that, and we know you do too. So we salute Iron Cross for keep up their tradition of supporting the American working man and woman, and for making a damn fine product right here in our own country. 

That Unique Stand Out in a Crowd Look

At the end of the day, there are many fine step bars to choose from. The big question will likely be which you think looks best on your ride. This is a personal question that really only you can answer for yourself. 

But when we first saw these step bars, we were shocked. What the hell are these? What do we can them? And when can we get our hands on them? We placed our first order before they even officially launched. 

And when we got them in house, everyone gathered around for the unboxing. Look, a lot of great products come through our store every day. But when something this unique and eye catching comes in, we just have to see it for ourselves. 

And in general, we were impressed. They look great, feel super durable, and seen to fit a niche in the industry. If a traditional hoop style step won't do for you because your foot is too big, these babies are great. 

If you like the concept of the hoop step but feel like it's super common now, then these give you a lot of the function along with some great bonus features and the huge plus of standing out in the crowd. 

So much of the aftermarket parts we install on our vehicles are about our unique style. If you are looking for something different that will set you and your truck apart from your buddies, then these Iron Cross Side Arms are for you. 

Our Promise of Exceptional Service and the Lowest Prices on the Interwebs

When you’re ready to order your Iron Cross Side Arm Steps, we hope you’ll get yours from us here at Midwest Aftermarket. We only promote products we believe in and sell them at the lowest prices, shipping quickly to you for free if you’re in the lower 48 states. We have an excellent return policy and strive to get you the right product in perfect condition the first time.

What are you waiting for? Give us a call or place an order directly through our website. We’ll get your product out to you ASAP so you can enjoy your vehicle and make it your own. If you have a vision of what your truck or Jeep could be, let us help you achieve that image, that goal. We put aftermarket right at the tip of your fingers on your smartphone, web browser, and even via various apps, making ordering the parts you need super easy. Let us help make your aftermarket dream possible. Let us help you build your dream machine. We want you to drive the truck or Jeep of your dreams right now. So when you get it installed and love it, make sure you share us some pics on social media so we can live vicariously through you. Because we too are aftermarket enthusiasts, truck and Jeep owners, who love and own many of the products we sell. In other words, we don’t just work aftermarket--we are aftermarket.

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