Carbon fiber… Often imitated in appearance, it’s rare that you get a true carbon upgrade. This is largely due to cost. Real carbon fiber is tedious to lay and mold – and that drives the price.
Enter NYTOP, a team with a background in OEM design. Not only do they make these flares, but they also have a full lineup of other accessories like bumpers, skid plates, recovery points, and more.
I recently installed these flares on my 4th Gen Tacoma, and I’ll be covering them in detail to help you decide if this is the mod for you. Spoiler… I absolutely love how they look and couldn’t be happier with them.
If you want to see more video focused content – check out my YouTube video.
Table Of Contents
Features & Specs
- direct fit for 4th Gen (2024+) Tacoma
- adds 1-1.5″ in width (larger increase on lower trims with smaller OEM flares)
- no drilling or trimming needed
- real carbon fiber
- made to protect truck from larger tires and higher offset wheels
- available in gloss, matte, and matte FRP
- OEM+ styling
- simple install
- attached with 3M Super Strength Molding Tape and OEM bolts within wheel wells
- front flares have high clearance design with aero fins that mimics Trailhunter & TRD Pro trims
First Impressions
The flares came packaged really well. They came in a big box, with each one wrapped individually. The box was in good shape and there was no damage. A great start.
Right away, you can tell these are high quality. The finish is really nice, and they look awesome. I originally opted for the matte version, but then decided to get them clear coated for a gloss finish. I prefer the gloss look, but the matte is neat as well.
You get detailed instructions and the 3M tape is provided.
Design & Aesthetic Appeal
So how do they look? In short, amazing! This is a really rad mod, visually speaking. Much like new wheels, these carbon flares make a dramatic difference over OEM. The carbon weave looks great in all conditions, and when it’s sunny, the details show well as they reflect the sunlight. The weave quality is consistent and uniform, everything you would expect.
Imitation carbon fiber (usually just printed on) has a noticeable difference compared to these, but it’s close enough that if you have other carbon accents, they will still look cohesive.
The main standout visuals include the added width, which looks awesome (especially with larger tires and higher offsets) and the beveled edge of the front flares. The edge looks aggressive and provides a look similar to the angled design of the highest trims. A very nice touch.
Install & Fitment
The install is pretty straightforward. Once you take off your flares by removing the bolts and then prying them off, all you need to do is apply two layers of the provided 3M tape and mount the flares. Using two layers of tape is advised, and using adhesion promoter on the flares themselves. You’ll also need to use the provided alcohol wipes to clean the body. I recommend lightly starting to peel the backing on the tape and fully removing it once the flares are sitting properly. This will prevent them from sticking to the body during install.
Fitment is great. They sit nice and tight to the body without any issues. There are no gaps or problems with flushness or alignment. They really do have an OEM-like application and fitment.
On & Off-Road Performance
I’ve had these flares on for about two months, so I don’t have a full long term review yet, but they’ve held up well so far. No noise, no peeling. If you do experience any peeling, chances are that the install was not precise enough. Remember to take your time, otherwise you will need to remove them and get new tape. Not the end of the world, but try and be careful the first time around.
As far as durability goes, these should hold up just like an OEM set. The added width has been helpful not just for appearances, but also for function. Most of us like to add bigger wheels and higher offset wheels, and these will help to ensure better coverage from rocks, mud, and various debris. My body still looks great, even after almost 5,000 miles on and off-road. So they definitely do their job in protecting the truck.
Something to note, the added width is helpful in situations where you might have previously thought about upgrading to fiberglass fenders. To my knowledge, there is only one brand selling them now. But you have to note a higher cost and greater demand on installation work required. Fiberglass is notorious for needing refining and tweaking for good fitment. You also have to calculate wrapping or paint. You might not like the appearance either, which is a personal preference. NYTOP offers a simpler, quicker install, and an overall cheaper price point.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- lightweight and strong
- unique look and premium feel
- relatively easy install
- more affordable alternative to fiberglass
- the only option of its kind
Cons
- price may dissuade some, although relatively cheaper compared to other options
- potential UV wear (haven’t heard anything myself, but gloss coat may break down under intense sunlight)
- style might not appeal to everyone
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for that next level detail, the NYTOP flare kit is the answer. Mixing form with function, this is a mod that’s sure to turn some heads.
These carbon fiber flares are a good fit for all builds. Whether you’re building the ultimate OEM+ daily driver or the ultimate off-road machine, these fit right in.
The experience with NYTOP has been great and I’m super satisfied with everything. Let me know if you have any other questions!
