XPEL TPU WINDSHIELD FILMINSTALLED

[Tenac]

I've had both recently Xpel and ExoShield Windshield Protection Film so far I think the Exo is more clear with much less distortion. They are about same price for install as well. As far as protection so far no issues with either. What's nice with the Grenny is flat window so way less opportunity for distortion. On the wife's GTS we had Xpel installed and removed due to distortion but the Exo is perfect on her ride.

 

[pmatusov]

I've had both recently Xpel and ExoShield Windshield Protection Film so far I think the Exo is more clear with much less distortion. They are about same price for install as well. As far as protection so far no issues with either. What's nice with the Grenny is flat window so way less opportunity for distortion. On the wife's GTS we had Xpel installed and removed due to distortion but the Exo is perfect on her ride.

Thanks, this is useful. When the time comes to remove the XPEL film, I'll look at the Exo.

 

[pmatusov]

Once it’s had time to dry, please report on optical clarity and how it does with the wipers.

Where did you have it done and how much?

Preliminary report on film durability after 4 days in snowy Colorado: garbage. Despite all our efforts to nearly never use windshield wipers, we had to - especially on I-70. Now the film has a pattern of circular streaks.
I will bring the truck back to the shop, but there's little hope.

 

[ShootingCar]

The XPel is still clear and great. I did accidentally catch the passenger side lower corner of it with the car hand wash high pressure washer spray one day. It peeled up about 3-4”. I pushed it back down and took it back and it was tight with just a couple of small air bubbles. Max removed them and warned me to not catch any edges with a pressure washer again. It is below the line of vision. So it’s fine.
Just used the wipers in the rain and they seemed to squeak a lot. I ordered the Trico Diamond blades for it. But am now rethinking them. I will check with Max and let you know.

 

[Cheshire cat]

I said I was interested in the product durability not that I was interested in doing it. 5 years could be 5 months or 5 weeks depending on the conditions. But sure, report back. I'll be here.

I had Xpel Stealth PPF applied to my Grenadier a couple of months ago by a very reputable and experienced installer here in the UK.
I asked about having the windscreen covered however, they no longer offer that service (with exception of track day cars), due to problems with clarity and wear caused mainly by windscreen wipers. Hopefully, others have more success.
Apparently, track day cars don’t use wipers so much, and owners prepared to change out film on a more regular basis.

 

[MileHigh]

Well, it looks like I have a couple months till the windshield actually comes in, but are people getting mixed results with the Expel windshield film?

 

[pmatusov]

Well, it looks like I have a couple months till the windshield actually comes in, but are people getting mixed results with the Expel windshield film?

There are no mixed results.
If you drive your truck, the film will be all scratched up after about 7 thousand miles.
It does provide considerable impact protection - I got hit with some flying debris yesterday that would likely leave more spider cracks without the film. But I have to live without a clear windshield until I get tired of it.

 

[MileHigh]

Any thoughts on windshield wipers that would reduce damage? Or applying rain x or something, maybe at least to minimize windshield wiper use.

 

[Cheshire cat]

Rain x is brilliant when at speed, but not that great in town.
Perhaps some form of ceramic coating might help.

 

[Clark Kent]

Rain x is brilliant when at speed, but not that great in town.
Perhaps some form of ceramic coating might help.

Concur on the Rain X. I've used it for years so I know the difference it can make. I applied it to my Grenadier before a long wet road trip last year. It worked ok-ish at highway speeds and didn't do much at slower speeds. The steep angle of the windscreen reduces airflow up the glass so the water beads tend to eddy instead of being blown off.

 

[pmatusov]

Any thoughts on windshield wipers that would reduce damage? Or applying rain x or something, maybe at least to minimize windshield wiper use.

I was surprised to find out that most auto parts stores no longer stock RainX. That was my first thought when I had the film installed.
I am also interested in some better wipers - keep my eyes peeled for a new set.

 

[Tenac]

I ceramic coated mine after install, that helped a lot for wiper use and that shuddering they doo. I also just installed new blades that I'm told will work but no rain yet to test.

 

[ADVAW8S]

I have racing optics windshield defense on my rig. I then bought the bosch wipers and added rain-x 2 in 1. Being in PNW, we are still getting rain. Drove through couple hard rains today and success. I do think you have to be diligent about constant application of rain x. Also rain x has a new formula for plastic. You can buy via Amazon. It was designed for motorcycle visors. I will try that next time since the windshield protector is plastic.

 

[GN4HIR]

I have racing optics windshield defense on my rig. I then bought the bosch wipers and added rain-x 2 in 1. Being in PNW, we are still getting rain. Drove through couple hard rains today and success. I do think you have to be diligent about constant application of rain x. Also rain x has a new formula for plastic. You can buy via Amazon. It was designed for motorcycle visors. I will try that next time since the windshield protector is plastic.

Now that you have lived with it for a couple of months, how is the Windshield Defense working out?

 

[Shroomy]

Now that you have lived with it for a couple of months, how is the Windshield Defense working out?

I have had the RO install on my Jeep 392 for almost 3 years now and I have only had the peel back one of the layers so far and still looks great. I also have it installed on the Grenade, and it is still holding up great as well after about 1 year since install. I have taken several direct hits from rocks traveling at speeds around 70-75mph and although the rocks did penetrate though at least 2 film layers maybe all 3 there is no signs of a chip/crack. I will try and find a picture to upload of the impact points on the RO film right after it happened. I highly recommend their product, and have only cost about $50 to get installed by my window tint guy.

 

[RYAustralia]

Windscreen film is not much of a debate in Australia as film application to windshield is not legal in most states. Only legal option is a ceramic windshield surface coating type product (liquid that theoretically fills cracks at microscopic level so glass is smoother and less prone to cracks and better in rain).

Most insurers here will cover up to 2 replacement windscreens per year without counting as an “at fault” claim and at no cost to owner.

 

[ADVAW8S]

Now that you have lived with it for a couple of months, how is the Windshield Defense working out?

Been very happy with it. Self install, used a neighbor. Still on the original sheet and have taken several rock strikes that sounded bad but no damage. I figured by April of next year, after rain season, I'll have to remove a sheet. I do have to keep it slippery with rain x or my Bosch wipers will skip. I throw it on once a month and seems to keep me moving. Highly recommend it.

 

[HereinDaRockies]

I have had the RO install on my Jeep 392 for almost 3 years now and I have only had the peel back one of the layers so far and still looks great. I also have it installed on the Grenade, and it is still holding up great as well after about 1 year since install. I have taken several direct hits from rocks traveling at speeds around 70-75mph and although the rocks did penetrate though at least 2 film layers maybe all 3 there is no signs of a chip/crack. I will try and find a picture to upload of the impact points on the RO film right after it happened. I highly recommend their product, and have only cost about $50 to get installed by my window tint guy. View attachment 7905261

What about the film getting scratched up ?

 

[Tom109]

I'm also interested in the long term durability and loss of clarity due to dust erosion and wiper blade scuffing. At US$650 it's not something you want to replace often.

Valid concerns. I saw an Gren at OK4WD trucks & coffee that had film. It was so bad, foggy and scratched, that I didn’t even bother to see if the glass had cracks. Couldn’t find the owner so no idea the brand.

 

[HereinDaRockies]

Valid concerns. I saw an Gren at OK4WD trucks & coffee that had film. It was so bad, foggy and scratched, that I didn’t even bother to see if the glass had cracks. Couldn’t find the owner so no idea the brand.

Bro just driving around to save a few hundreds? Reminds me of wearing scratched up oily glasses…