Well i'm going to try and post a pole.

Talking looks and protection from road rash on rear doors etc.

Side skirts or running boards?

 

Running boards all the way, at 64,000 miles the '07 has two stone chips on the back doors, at 9,000 miles the '11 is chip free.

 

Running Boards, & they help in 2 ways. Protection, & you can stand on them for roof cleaning etc..

 

For about the umpteenth time from an owner that has had both they provide about the same protection. Neither will completely guard your paint but will provide substantial extra protection than none at all. For best protection pick either with added mud/splash guards.

 

X2 Hillsdale, that's a well documented HHR fact!

 

I know this subject gets old for some. SORRY

However I am new to the HHR and trying to make the right decision on a important purchase. My wife says i;m a "OVERTHINKER" /
However = Once it's done no looking back.

I believe the SS comes w the skirts ? So looking at them they look like they stickout a couple of more inches. Does that mean more protection but pantleg catchers?

I see Hillsdale has had both the boards and the skirts. And says they both work.

Maybe it;s a coin flip?

thanks again KK4

PS I'm 6'2 and can reach well over the top. That is 1 thing I like about the vehicle. No ladder to do a wash.
Not like my Harley edition f150 other brand truck.

 

i think the running boards catch the pantleg more. The running boards stick straight out whereas the skirts are angled.

EDIT:
I have had both, I also would have never used the running boards to stand on. I know what they are attached with. Plus being I am 6ft 7 I dont need to stand on something to clean the roof.

 

I've got OEM running boards and mudflaps, '06 LT2 w/ only 37,000....but NO paint damage.

 

Dont be sorry. My point is that anyone can give an opinion of what they have but unless they have owned both cannot give an opinion of which is better. Having owned cars with both I can honestly say choose which you like better and add the mud guards.

 

Somebody rain on yer rainbow ??

I know what they are attached with also, & they are made to stand on, never a problem..
Not everyone is 6'7" .....