Bolt-On Skid Plates, Rock Sliders and Full Underbody Protection | Jason Ake – ASFIR
**Jason Ake from ASFIR 4×4 (Asphere) | 40 Years of Bolt-On Off-Road Protection | Jeep Talk Show** In this episode of the Jeep Talk Show, we sit down with **Jason Ake** from **ASFIR 4×4** (Asphere) — a company that’s been building serious bolt-on underbody armor since 1986. Based in Israel with growing U.S. operations in Phoenix, ASFIR specializes in precision-fit, no-cut, no-weld skid plates, rock sliders, and full underbody protection for Jeeps, trucks, and nearly every off-road vehicle. **What We Cover:** – Why bolt-on aluminum skid plates and rock sliders are often the smartest first upgrade after buying your rig – Aluminum vs. steel — weight savings, strength, and real-world performance – How ASFIR’s quarter-inch 5052 aluminum holds up on the trail – Frame-mounted rock sliders that can actually support the full weight of your vehicle – Protecting your engine, transmission, transfer case, and fuel tank – Expanding product line: winch mounts, hidden winch bumpers, roof racks & more – Working with an Israeli company during turbulent times – Marketing lessons from a pro (exposure doesn’t always equal sales) – AI in marketing & product photography — the good, the bad, and the funny skid plate fails 😂 Whether you drive a Wrangler, Gladiator, full-size truck, Bronco, Toyota, or even a Renegade — ASFIR has armor built specifically for your vehicle. **Links:** – ASFIR Official Site: https://www.asfir.com – Instagram: @asphere_offroad – Facebook: ASFIR / Asphere – Dealer Locator: Find installers near you on their site **Underbody Mondays** — Tag @asphere_offroad with your rig’s underside pics every Monday! If you’ve ever smashed a rock, scraped your oil pan, or punched a hole in your fuel tank… this episode is for you. **Timestamps:** 00:00 Show intro and guest overview 01:43 Company history, shipping and US production 03:27 Effects of regional conflict on production 05:13 Marketing tactics, AI and ad frequency 11:50 Sixteenth anniversary announcement 12:00 AI impact on creative workflow 15:20 Skid plates and rock sliders importance 19:36 Rock slider design: aluminum vs steel 22:23 Rock slider material specs and benefits 27:21 Expanding product line beyond Jeeps 28:38 Renegade skid plate options 32:35 Everyday need for vehicle protection 34:33 Volunteer case: modular skid installation 36:19 Subscription plans and individual skids 36:55 Steel versus aluminum skid preferences 37:06 Benefits of heavy steel skids 37:47 Winch mounts, roof racks and expansions 39:42 Creative ideas: bullet holes and AI 40:49 War‑themed skid customization concept 41:54 Winch bumpers and broader protection 43:01 Global distribution and dealer network 47:27 Social media engagement and show wrap‑up 👍 Like | 🛠️ Comment your rig + current protection setup | 🔄 Share with a wheeling buddy **#Jeep #JeepTalkShow #SkidPlates #RockSliders #OffRoad #Gladiator #Wrangler #ASFIR #Asphere #Overlanding #4×4** Visit our website: https://jeeptalkshow.com/ Watch/Listen on Spotify https://jeeptalkshow.com/spotify Join our Discord Server: https://jeeptalkshow.com/discord Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jeeptakshow.com/newsletter Help Support the show via Patreon: https://jeeptalkshow.com/patreon