For 1K you can get a fully functional Darlington bumper with shackles, winch mount, made to your specs. Meaning, if you want that road armor stealth bomber look, he can do that, you want tube style baja look, he can do that, and so on.

Brush guards look cool, but as mentioned, could result in more damage to your vehicle in what would have been a minor fender bender. A bullbar, or push bar on the other hand....