Is the 3M protective Car film worth it?
10-03-2013, 11:53 AM
#41
AudiWorld Super User
I will freely admit I'm an Xpel Ultimate fanboy but I don't have any professional relationship with Xpel. I'm just a very satisfied customer like so many others and did a lot of research on the product before I took the plunge. Over a year later and I'm still very pleased (not one rock chip in the film).
10-07-2013, 10:04 PM
#42
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Anyone know what Audi exactly uses on their rocker panels? My buddies dad said it was some kind of chip guard tape I would preferably like to use the same product as the manufacturer but I have heard of similar material being used by others. Has anyone used the 3M tape and have pictures? I don't want to use it and have it end up looking bad.
10-08-2013, 04:52 AM
#43
AudiWorld Super User
Anyone know what Audi exactly uses on their rocker panels? My buddies dad said it was some kind of chip guard tape I would preferably like to use the same product as the manufacturer but I have heard of similar material being used by others. Has anyone used the 3M tape and have pictures? I don't want to use it and have it end up looking bad.
10-25-2013, 09:49 AM
#44
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With yellowing issues aside, I haven't seen much discussion on how truly invisbile XPel Ultimate is, particularly on a white car. I'm taking delivery of a 2014 A6 (Glacier White) next week, and am debating Xpel Ultimate + Opti Coat vs just Opti Coat. I value the added protection, but I really don't want those visible lines when my car is less than perfectly clean.
10-25-2013, 11:10 AM
#45
AudiWorld Super User
With yellowing issues aside, I haven't seen much discussion on how truly invisbile XPel Ultimate is, particularly on a white car. I'm taking delivery of a 2014 A6 (Glacier White) next week, and am debating Xpel Ultimate + Opti Coat vs just Opti Coat. I value the added protection, but I really don't want those visible lines when my car is less than perfectly clean.
The Ultimate will prevent rock chips. The Opti-Coat (and other paint sealants) can't do that but it protects the paint and Xpel film from UV and other environmental damage over the years, repells dirt longer while making it easier to clean and virtually eliminates the need for waxing. The best protection is to do both - full front and rocker panels with the Ultimate followed by the whole car and wheels with an application of Opti-Coat Pro.
10-25-2013, 12:20 PM
#46
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The Ultimate is virtually invisible until you get your nose almost right on it. If you have the full hood and fender edges wrapped (custom cut, not kits), there are no seams. On the bumper and other areas, if the installer is good, you would be hard pressed to see them, particularly in the busy, complex areas.
The Ultimate will prevent rock chips. The Opti-Coat (and other paint sealants) can't do that but it protects the paint and Xpel film from UV and other environmental damage over the years, repells dirt longer while making it easier to clean and virtually eliminates the need for waxing. The best protection is to do both - full front and rocker panels with the Ultimate followed by the whole car and wheels with an application of Opti-Coat Pro.
The Ultimate will prevent rock chips. The Opti-Coat (and other paint sealants) can't do that but it protects the paint and Xpel film from UV and other environmental damage over the years, repells dirt longer while making it easier to clean and virtually eliminates the need for waxing. The best protection is to do both - full front and rocker panels with the Ultimate followed by the whole car and wheels with an application of Opti-Coat Pro.
10-25-2013, 05:18 PM
#47
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I have used the 3M product on a 2007 Dark Metallic Blue Corvette. I have not experienced any yellowing. I had taken a significant shot on the freeway from some flying debris. The 3M material was damaged, but I was very surprised how well it protected the paint.
Worth the money in my opinion!
Worth the money in my opinion!
10-26-2013, 06:13 AM
#48
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With yellowing issues aside, I haven't seen much discussion on how truly invisbile XPel Ultimate is, particularly on a white car. I'm taking delivery of a 2014 A6 (Glacier White) next week, and am debating Xpel Ultimate + Opti Coat vs just Opti Coat. I value the added protection, but I really don't want those visible lines when my car is less than perfectly clean.
10-26-2013, 12:29 PM
#49
AudiWorld Super User
As you say, to each their own, but I don't believe a full hood is overkill. Kicked up road debris is not always cooperative - If a stone can hit the first few inches of the hood, there's still a chance for one to whack the the hood behind the bra (or the A pillars, fenders and bumper for that matter). I've had bras in the past and had hood chips beyond the film coverage. Based on the chips and pitting I already see in my windshield, that indicates to me rocks are managing to make it past the leading edge of the hood. Also, while the seam might be hard to see, it's there and some folks (like me) just don't want seams visible at all in the more obvious, larger areas like the hood and fenders. The only benefit I see to a bra vs. a complete hood is the cost. If one were to also pay for covering the doors, roof, rear fenders and full back with Xpel Ultimate, that would be overkill IMO. And would cost a whole bunch of dough.
10-26-2013, 02:12 PM
#50
As you say, to each their own, but I don't believe a full hood is overkill. Kicked up road debris is not always cooperative - If a stone can hit the first few inches of the hood, there's still a chance for one to whack the the hood behind the bra (or the A pillars, fenders and bumper for that matter). I've had bras in the past and had hood chips beyond the film coverage. Based on the chips and pitting I already see in my windshield, that indicates to me rocks are managing to make it past the leading edge of the hood. Also, while the seam might be hard to see, it's there and some folks (like me) just don't want seams visible at all in the more obvious, larger areas like the hood and fenders. The only benefit I see to a bra vs. a complete hood is the cost. If one were to also pay for covering the doors, roof, rear fenders and full back with Xpel Ultimate, that would be overkill IMO. And would cost a whole bunch of dough.