A line-x liner is just an expensive drop-in liner. IMO, a Line-X liner is the best looking between the two, but it totally defeats the purpose of a liner. The worst thing about a drop-in, plastic liner, is that things slide around when you drive. Line-X does the same thing. So why have it? Seriously! The only reason I can see why someone would have Line-X put in their rig is if they want the bed to look good but they don't plan on putting anything in the bed. Do you want all your tools, lumber, sporting goods, dogs, camper!, etc., to slide aroung everywhere you go? Me neither.

Case in point: I know a guy who had just installed the Line-X, put a wheel barrow upside down, took off, someone pulled out in front of him, he hit the brakes (not slam), wheel barrow took off like a missle - slammed into and dented front of bed of his brand new truck .

To sum it up:
Line-X = looks great - not practical 98% of the time (or for 98% of stuff we carry)
Rhino = looks good - works great 98% of the time

 

Like Jeff In TD says you owe it to yourself to checkout Speedliner. The web site has a coupon.http://www.speedliner.com/usa/main.html
Spray-in liners are polyurethane based and most are warranted against peeling for the life of the truck. Warranties vary from mfgr-to-mfgr against wear-out and color fade so ask for a written copy of the warranty before making up your mind. Shop all the spray-in dealers in your county as well as the next county even if they carry the same product line because the liner is only as good as the dealer who installs it and take my word for it, some installers are better than others. Ask to see more than one reference, and not just new installs but some that's been on for 12-18 months and with different texture finishes. I think all of them require light-sanding for a good bond, so ask it they sand thru the paint all the way to the metal or just scuff the top coat. Pay close attention to the masking detail especially at the cab and tailgate-tailight areas. Make sure they remove the tailgate to spray the area between the hinges, and that they remove the tailgate latch-panel to spray it separately so the latch can be serviced later-on if the need ever arises. While you’re looking at references, decide whether you like rough or smooth texture and under or over the rail. I went with color-matched rougher texture and over the rail because I carry 10’ lengths of lumber and PVC pipe. Truck owners with bed-caps or a tonneau covers would not want a liner as rough as mine because it has too much friction, mine will tear the bottom out of a cardboard box and is uncomfortable on the knees, even with jeans, but tools stay put. Just my $.05. Nat

 

Couldn't have said it any better

 

Here's a recent pic of my color matched Speedliner.

 

Wow...that is rough looking on the knees. I believe nothing would slide around in there.

 

A line-x liner is just an expensive drop-in liner. IMO, a Line-X liner is the best looking between the two, but it totally defeats the purpose of a liner. The worst thing about a drop-in, plastic liner, is that things slide around when you drive. Line-X does the same thing. So why have it? Seriously! The only reason I can see why someone would have Line-X put in their rig is if they want the bed to look good but they don't plan on putting anything in the bed. Do you want all your tools, lumber, sporting goods, dogs, camper!, etc., to slide aroung everywhere you go? Me neither.

Case in point: I know a guy who had just installed the Line-X, put a wheel barrow upside down, took off, someone pulled out in front of him, he hit the brakes (not slam), wheel barrow took off like a missle - slammed into and dented front of bed of his brand new truck .

To sum it up:
Line-X = looks great - not practical 98% of the time (or for 98% of stuff we carry)
Rhino = looks good - works great 98% of the time

When you say it is only an expensive drop-in, I'm assuming you are referring to its slickness. Do you think that the hardness of it contributes to that where as the somewhat pliable rhinoliner gives it some stickyness and holding power.

I really liked the rhino for its holding power. That was one of its best features.

 

Honestly! Stuff doesn't move. What surprised me the most was the first time I tried to scoot a cardboard box and it ripped the bottom like it was glued to the floor.

 

I wanted the hardest available so I bought the Line-X. I bought it to protect my bed. I haven't had to big of a problem with things sliding around. If the guy slammed on brakes hard enough to dent his bed I with the wheel barrow don't think it would make much difference what type of liner he had.

The Line-X also cures instantly so it doesn't move when it's sprayed on vertical surfaces. Making it easier to get consistant coats. I'm happy with my Line-X bedliner and rocker panels. To each is own.

 

MedicShawn,
Again, this is only IMHO... Rocker panel protection is THE PERFECT place for Line-X. If I were going to coat my panels (w/ something other than SS ) I would use only Line-X because I would want a product that is very hard, durable, great looking, and nothing would stick to it.

The purpose for the bed of MY pick-up is exaclty opposite of Rocker panels. It is to transport "stuff", without the worry of that "stuff" moving around. For this purpose, I want a product that is soft, durable, looks good, and has a lifetime warrenty.
By the way - my stock paint looks better (to me) than either of these products, but I need to "soften-up" and protect the bed and keep things from sliding around.

One more thing, I didn't want to admit this, but I will; the guy in my story (about the wheel barrow) was me . I do have experience with both and the barrow will not budge w/ the Rhino - I know from personal experience.

On a personal note.... I am also a medic - work for a FD, so we are kinda like brothers .

 

my dad just got a new truck and had the linex installed. IT BUBBLED. he had a rhino before and loved it. the linex is really nice too, but it'll cut you hands (which he prefers of the rubbery rhino). the installers said that there was water that got into the line or that the first resin mix (there's two apllications) wasn't mixed 50/50. it obviously started a chemical reaction and started to bubble. they just redid the tailgate and right side and now it's fine...or so we hope. the linex is a great liner though.

 

I am going to throw a rubber mat into my bed. But thats because I dented the ____ outa my bed throwing in logs. It was so bad I had to bang out the dents from the bottom of the bed . Then I'll have the best of both worlds.

And yes the Line-X rockers may have been the best mod yet. 5000 miles today and the rockers are in great shape.

On a personal note I've been a medic for years and I start full time with the FD May 5

 

I had both I used line X on my 2004.5 IT last longer and it dosn't turn gray like rino. 8' $450.over rail.

 

The company I work for had three line-X and three Rhino liners sprayed in 6 brand new field service trucks. Hard abusive use by uncaring technicians. Bottom line the line-X tore out in chunks and the Rhino just took it. As far as fade goes, I just hit my rails with Armor All or the like when I do the rest of the exterior trim. Funny as it sounds the Rhino matches the color of the black trim wet or dry as the factory trim is much lighter than black when it's dry anyway.

Just my .02

 

This is tough. You all make some very good points regarding both. I'm torn. I think I will look at some customer trucks from both and make my decision based on quality. I think both have lifetime warenties, I just want to make sure I get a good application. The guy that did my previous Rhino was out in Westhampton Beach and he has since closed up shop or moved. Too bad, because if he was still there I would do the Rhino. He did a great job on my dakota.

 

I think at this point it will come down to the quality of the Installer.
Both are great. Which ever Co. has the better installer nearest to you will probably get your business. Good luck.