I figure I'd write this up before people here start spending their money and getting ripped off on a clear bra. First off, I am a dealer for Xpel/3M, but I'll make this as unbiased as I can.
The film-
There are many different manufacturers of the film. 3M, Avery, and Venture Tape are the biggest brands. Each is very different. I have used all 3. Venture Tape is junk, I've replaced bras done with it and it turns VERY yellow. Avery is good, except it has to be the top coated one, if not it will yellow quickly. Avery is easier to use than 3M. 3M is overall the best. It's the thickest and doesn't yellow, but is a little difficult to install due to the thickness. But because it's think, it's more durable. 3M did come out with a new film that seems to be very easy to install but I've only done one kit with it so I'm still forming an opinion on it.
Designs-
There are a lot of design companies. The three major ones are Xpel, Invincishield, and Star Shield. Again, I've installed patterns from all 3. Star Shield I wasn't impressed with, very poor fit. Invincishield is geared to your average joe installer. Very simple patterns and lots of relief cuts. While they are easy to put down, they do not look good due to all the relief cuts and all the different pieces that go together. Xpel is by far the best when it comes to patterns. They are all one piece with no relief cuts. While it makes it more difficult to install, when the kit is put down it is very clean looking. Coverage is right to the edge.
Like other things, you get what you pay for. There are kits sold on ebay for $10 which are complete trash. There are 3M kits sold next to nothing. The problem with this is it's the INSTALL that really matters. You only get one shot to put a kit down and if you screw up, it's junk. It takes a lot of skill to install a kit. I've been doing this for over two years and I'm just now getting so I can put a kit down the first time with out mistakes. If someone says they don't screw up, they're lying. I correspond with some of the best installers in the country and they screw up sometimes. If you're looking to have a kit professionally installed, expect to pay between $300-500 for a hood/bumper or $500-1000 for a complete. Don't think you're saving money by having it done by a bottom feeder. Most likely he can't charge a lot because he isn't good. It's like window tint, never go to a $99 place because you'll get a $99 job. If anybody would like to have a kit installed and would like me to recommend an installer, let me know and I'll find one.
The film-
There are many different manufacturers of the film. 3M, Avery, and Venture Tape are the biggest brands. Each is very different. I have used all 3. Venture Tape is junk, I've replaced bras done with it and it turns VERY yellow. Avery is good, except it has to be the top coated one, if not it will yellow quickly. Avery is easier to use than 3M. 3M is overall the best. It's the thickest and doesn't yellow, but is a little difficult to install due to the thickness. But because it's think, it's more durable. 3M did come out with a new film that seems to be very easy to install but I've only done one kit with it so I'm still forming an opinion on it.
Designs-
There are a lot of design companies. The three major ones are Xpel, Invincishield, and Star Shield. Again, I've installed patterns from all 3. Star Shield I wasn't impressed with, very poor fit. Invincishield is geared to your average joe installer. Very simple patterns and lots of relief cuts. While they are easy to put down, they do not look good due to all the relief cuts and all the different pieces that go together. Xpel is by far the best when it comes to patterns. They are all one piece with no relief cuts. While it makes it more difficult to install, when the kit is put down it is very clean looking. Coverage is right to the edge.
Like other things, you get what you pay for. There are kits sold on ebay for $10 which are complete trash. There are 3M kits sold next to nothing. The problem with this is it's the INSTALL that really matters. You only get one shot to put a kit down and if you screw up, it's junk. It takes a lot of skill to install a kit. I've been doing this for over two years and I'm just now getting so I can put a kit down the first time with out mistakes. If someone says they don't screw up, they're lying. I correspond with some of the best installers in the country and they screw up sometimes. If you're looking to have a kit professionally installed, expect to pay between $300-500 for a hood/bumper or $500-1000 for a complete. Don't think you're saving money by having it done by a bottom feeder. Most likely he can't charge a lot because he isn't good. It's like window tint, never go to a $99 place because you'll get a $99 job. If anybody would like to have a kit installed and would like me to recommend an installer, let me know and I'll find one.
