Hi RavenVoice, I was having difficulty reaching Black Sheep Innovations too, however called them from the US early this morning and ended up speaking with Thomas.
I am looking at purchasing their stainless steel rock sliders along with their aluminum bolt-on / bolt-off steps instead of buying the Grenadier side steps or rock sliders.
They look very stout and with the sliders being made of stainless steel, will be less prone to rusting if scraped when off roading. They also have places in them where you can fit a high jack lift to lift the whole side of the vehicle up. The main thing I am trying to find out, (and Thomas said he will get me the information soon), is how high is it up from the ground with a Grenadier stock rims/tires to the top of their bolt-on / bolt-off step. My wife is only 4' 11" and as such, if the height to the top of the step is too high, then it may not work for me. I will say their design looks fantastic on the Grenadier with just the rock sliders and also with their bolt-on / bolt-off steps. Just concerned for my application that perhaps the step is too high and maybe a bit narrow too. They are going to take the measurements and forward them to me the next time they get a Grenadier in and fit it with rock sliders and steps. I will then post the measurements on the forum.
Here's their contact information. The phone number are exactly how you would dial them up from the USA.
BlackSheep Innovations / Located in Zurich.
Phone – Dial 011 41 76 376 70 60
Email:
info@blacksheep-innovations.com
Website for their Grenadier Items:
https://shop.blacksheep-innovations.com/Rockslider-Ineos-Grenadier.html
Urban Automotive in the UK also has designed some great side steps. I don't think they function as rock sliders, although would provide some protection. Trying to get clarification if they would function as rock sliders too or not. Appear to be made steel instead of stainless steel, however have questions out to them on this too.
Below I will post a YouTube Video showing some of there products including their initial design for their side steps. Fun to watch. They are still 1-3 weeks out from what I gather from posting everything on their website and providing final details and specs. Until then, they are not providing any details.
From what I saw in the YouTube Video it appears their design is superior to the side steps that Grenadier offers. The Grenadier side steps look like they are hanging out into midair space, just don't look right. I love the Grenadier rock sliders, however they can't be used as entry steps as they are too high up and close to the vehicle. The Urban Automotive side step design is a two tube design which looks much better than the Grenadier single tube design. Also Urban Automotive steps appear to be much more in line with the look of the new Defender side steps, (of which I own one and love). The thing with side steps is striking a balance between ease of entry and height for some off roading. On the New Defenders, most all have air shocks so you can lower the vehicle down to entry level, which puts the top of the step just 310mm or 12 1/4” up from the ground, which is a vey comfortable step.
Rovie from the Grenadier forum was kind enough to provide some measurements and photos to me in regard to the Grenadier Side Steps.
The Grenadier side steps appear to measure approximately 395mm or 15 ½” from the ground to the top of the step, which is 85mm or 3 1/4" higher then the New Defender Step. Although higher then the new Defender side steps, likely ok for my wife and a compromise from ease of entry and off road clearance since the Grenadier does not have air bags to lower for ease of entry.
Here's the contact info for Urban Automotive.
Note: If your in the USA, you will have to get all your information from their USA Distributor, Milltekcorp, who can then contact Urban Automotive and get your questions answered. / Details not available until they do their official launch in 1-3 weeks or so.
URBAN AUTOMOTIVE IN THE UK
YouTube Video Link to initial upcoming product ideas for the Grenadier / Fun to Watch
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS8XUgpSJks
Urban Automotive Website / Where products will be posted once they go live on their website.
https://www.urban-automotive.co.uk
Phone number to dial if calling from USA to UK
011 44 1 908 978 978 and once online press option 1 and then when connected ask for Parts
Email for Luca at Urban Automotive in the UK:
luca@urban-automotive.co.uk
Email for their USA Distributor Milltekcorp:
info@urbanusa.com
Direct Email for Frankie Heilmeier at USA Distributor Milltekcorp:
frankie@milltekcorp.com
In summary, (sorry for being so verbose, must be because I am in sales), I for one am not going to order the Grenadier Side Steps from Grenadier. I will however be purchasing either the Black Sheep rock sliders with their bolt-on / bolt-off steps or the side steps from Urban Automotive. My initial take is that for those who's main use will be on road around town, then Urban Automotive Side Steps may be best and for those who are more hard core off roaders, go with the Black Sheep rock sliders with bolt-on / bolt-off steps.
I did recommend to Urban to perhaps design some bolt-on / bolt-off steps that could easily be fitted onto the Grenadier Rock Sliders that would provide around town ease of entry and still allow one to unbolt them for more serious off roading. That would be great for all those fitting rock sliders from Grenadier.
If anyone gets additional information before I do, please update us.
Once I hear back from Black Sheep and Urban I will update everyone. DaBull
