3M Crystalline vs PINNACLE vs Suntek CIR vs LLumar CTX vs Wincos Tint

[brianmeow]

I want to get a full tint for the model 3 but not sure which tint i should be getting.

I want max UV and IR reflection (glass roof issue) since i will have my baby girl sitting in the back.

So far in SoCal, there are a few group buy offering around $600 for 3M Crystalline, $580 for Suntek CIR (Ceramic) Tint, not sure how much for Formula One Pinnacle or Stratos (Ceramic) Tint, $860 for LLumar CTX from Signature Tinting. (all based on full tint without front windshield due to potential damage to the electronics)

Need help on deciding which one to get to have the best heat reduction, least interfere with cell phone and GPS reception, darker and more uniform look from outside.

Thanks in advance.

TSER comparison (higher % is better):

3M Crystalline 20: 62%
3M Crystalline 40: 60%

——-
FormulaOne Pinnacle 15: 60%
FormulaOne Pinnacle 25: 58%
FormulaOne Pinnacle 30: 56%
FormulaOne Pinnacle 35: 55%
——-

FormulaOne Stratos 15: 63%
FormulaOne Stratos 30: 59%
FormulaOne Stratos 35: 58%
FormulaOne Stratos 40: 57%

——-

Reccomended bang for buck, Madico Wincos:
Madico Wincos 20: 59%
Madico Wincos 30: 57%

LLumar CTX “Ceramic”
50% – 35% heat rejection SIRR 68% – 99% UV protection
40% – 47% heat rejection SIRR 69% – 99% UV protection
30% – 49% heat rejection SIRR 68% – 99% UV protection
15% – 55% heat rejection SIRR 69% – 99% UV protection
05% – 60% heat rejection SIRR 79% – 99% UV protection

Wincos “Nano-Ceramic”
60% – 44% heat rejection IR 91% IR – 99% UV protection
45% – 49% heat rejection IR 88% IR – 99% UV protection
30% – 53% heat rejection IR 91% IR – 99% UV protection
20% – 57% heat rejection IR 90% IR – 99% UV protection
10% – 64% heat rejection IR 91% IR – 99% UV protection

 

[bro1999]

A reputable tinter in my area that used to do Crystalline tint jobs informed me the following when I asked about having a car tinted with 3M Crystalline:

"We no longer carry crystalline due to the fact the color peels out of the topcoat. We have had numerous Warranty filings with EPD over this for 2 years and they refused to take care of it. Go on YouTube and watch the Huper Optik vs Crystalline tape test."

I had 70% Crystalline put on my Volt's windshield, and it's still holding up just fine after 5 years, but the tinter saw enough to stop dealing with Crystalline. I'm wondering if the wear from windows going up and down contribute to the color issue the tinter referenced. Maybe Crystalline on fixed surfaces (windshield/rear window) is OK.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[P85_DA]

U have wide price range since u are including crystalline why not photosync? ...based on ur list and from I had seen at my photosyn installer ..the winco is good tint ...for the price ..I personally have photosync and live in SoCal ..also spend lot of time in desert and you want a good ceramic

 

[hurjio]

I believe the Suntek price you quoted ($580) includes the windshield. I think w/o it is $100 cheaper.

I've read (but not seen) Wincos can have a blue color when looked from the outside. Not sure how true this is.

 

[wbhokie]

Huper Optik
Spectra Photosync
Xpel Prime XR Plus

They are all more expensive but if you are looking at Crystaline prices you may as well check those out.

Really, in the end it comes down to what kind of deal you can find in your area. Being in LA, you shouldn't have a problem finding a good deal from a reputable installer.

 

[Roentgen]

*NOT MY POST - cut and pasted from another forum:

After visiting several tint shops in my area, I returned home very confused, having heard differing story lines from the sales people. So I took the time to research this issue. Thought I would share the comparative list I generated in the process.

• TSER stands for Total Solar Energy Rejected. TSER includes visible light, infrared radiation and ultraviolet energy. The higher the percentage, the higher the percentage of solar energy deflected. Some companies use Infra Red Rejection (IRR) as a guide to the level of heat rejection. However, IRR only covers a fraction of TSER. Internationally, TSER is used as a guide as it is a more accurate method of measurement.

• VLT is Visible Light Transmission. It is the amount of visible light that passes directly through filmed glass. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT.

• List sorted in descending order, most effective heat reduction technology at top. Ranking determined by comparing the spread or ratio between the TSER (Total Solar Energy Rejection) to VLT (Visible Light Transmitted).

Example : 3M Crystalline 90, (3M’s lightest tint shade) has a TSER of 34. You could find similar heat rejection in 3M’s cheaper film, 3M Color Stable Series of tints, but you’d have to go with the darkest (50 tint) in that series. Tinting laws vary by state, and the darker tints may not be legal in your area, or even desireable for that matter. Notice also that some of the lighter tint shades can do a much better job of blocking heat than even the darkest limo tints.


#1
VLT = 32 | TSER = 79 … TSER = Spectra Photosync SPH35
VLT = 44 | TSER = 71 … TSER = Spectra Photosync SPH45
VLT = 55 | TSER = 67 … TSER = Spectra Photosync SPH55
VLT = 66 | TSER = 64 … TSER = Spectra Photosync SPH65
VLT = 75 | TSER = 58 … TSER = Spectra Photosync SPH75
Composition : Solar Adaptive Nano Technology, Signal Safe
PhotoSync® - Prestige Film Technologies

#2
VLT = 39 | TSER = 60 … 3M Crystalline 40
VLT = 60 | TSER = 53 … 3M Crystalline 60
VLT = 69 | TSER = 50 … 3M Crystalline 70
VLT = 86 | TSER = 34 … 3M Crystalline 90
Composition : 200+ Nano Layers, Signal Safe
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/6...s-brochure.pdf

#3
VLT = 06 | TSER = 75 … Huper Optik Ceramic 05
VLT = 15 | TSER = 73 … Huper Optik Ceramic 15
VLT = 21 | TSER = 68 … Huper Optik Ceramic 20
VLT = 30 | TSER = 63 … Huper Optik Ceramic 30
VLT = 34 | TSER = 61 … Huper Optik Ceramic 35
VLT = 40 | TSER = 55 … Huper Optik Ceramic 40
VLT = 52 | TSER = 50 … Huper Optik Ceramic 50
VLT = 60 | TSER = 43 … Huper Optik Ceramic 60
VLT = 71 | TSER = 48 … Huper Optik Ceramic 70
Composition : Nano Ceramic, Signal Safe
https://huperoptikusa.com/wp-content...s_Ceramics.pdf

#4
VLT = 05 | TSER = 65 … Formula One Pinnacle 05
VLT = 18 | TSER = 61 … Formula One Pinnacle 15
VLT = 33 | TSER = 57 … Formula One Pinnacle 30
VLT = 43 | TSER = 53 … Formula One Pinnacle 40
VLT = 54 | TSER = 49 … Formula One Pinnacle 50
Composition : Nano Ceramic, Signal Safe
Press Releases | News & Events | LLumar Window Films -

#5
VLT = 10 | TSER = 63 … Madico Wincos 10
VLT = 23 | TSER = 59 … Madico Wincos 20
VLT = 33 | TSER = 57 … Madico Wincos 30
VLT = 50 | TSER = 51 … Madico Wincos 45
VLT = 66 | TSER = 49 … Madico Wincos 60
VLT = 75 | TSER = 45 … Madico Wincos 70
VLT = 89 | TSER = 23 … Madico Wincos 90
Composition : Madico's website isn't clear, but does specify it is signal safe.
http://www.madico.com/wp-content/upl...Spec-Sheet.pdf

#6
VLT = 04 | TSER = 66 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 05
VLT = 18 | TSER = 62 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 20
VLT = 32 | TSER = 58 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 30
VLT = 38 | TSER = 56 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 38
VLT = 42 | TSER = 53 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 42
VLT = 46 | TSER = 52 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 46
VLT = 51 | TSER = 51 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 50
VLT = 70 | TSER = 49 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 70
Composition : Nano Ceramic, Signal Safe
http://www.globalwindowfilms.com/pdf...ifications.pdf

#7
VLT = 06 | TSER = 59 … SunTek CarbonXP 5
VLT = 16 | TSER = 56 … SunTek CarbonXP 18
VLT = 33 | TSER = 53 … SunTek CarbonXP 35
VLT = 40 | TSER = 50 … SunTek CarbonXP 45
VLT = 53 | TSER = 48 … SunTek CarbonXP 55
VLT = 64 | TSER = 44 … SunTek CarbonXP 70
VLT = 80 | TSER = 44 … SunTek CarbonXP 80
Composition : Non Metallized Nano-Hybrid, Signal Safe
http://www.suntekfilms.com/files/Sun...-specsheet.pdf

#8
VLT = 17 | TSER = 54 … Johnson InsulatR 20
VLT = 33 | TSER = 50 … Johnson InsulatR 35
VLT = 43 | TSER = 46 … Johnson InsulatR 45
VLT = 65 | TSER = 50 … Johnson InsulatR 70
VLT = 76 | TSER = 42 … Johnson InsulatR 80
VLT = 82 | TSER = 18 … Johnson InsulatR 85
Composition : Nano Ceramic, Signal Safe
Insulatir - AUTOMOTIVE | Johnson Window Films

#9
VLT = 05 | TSER = 60 … Llumar Charcoal CTX 05
VLT = 18 | TSER = 55 … Llumar Charcoal CTX 15
VLT = 33 | TSER = 51 … Llumar Charcoal CTX 30
VLT = 38 | TSER = 50 … Llumar Charcoal CTX 35
VLT = 43 | TSER = 43 … Llumar Charcoal CTX 40
VLT = 54 | TSER = 40 … Llumar Charcoal CTX 50
Composition : Website Isn't Clear, But Is Described As Signal Safe
http://w3.llumar.com/pdf/en/LLumarAutoSpecsUS.pdf

#10
VLT = 18 | TSER = 64 … Sun-Gard GP Max 05
VLT = 40 | TSER = 44 … Sun-Gard GP Max 20
VLT = 47 | TSER = 40 … Sun-Gard GP Max 35
VLT = 68 | TSER = 24 … Sun-Gard GP Max 50
Composition : Website isn't clear
http://www.madico.com/wp-content/upl...Spec-Sheet.pdf


#11
VLT = 09 | TSER = 57 … 3M Color Stable 5
VLT = 19 | TSER = 51 … 3M Color Stable 20
VLT = 39 | TSER = 40 … 3M Color Stable 35
VLT = 52 | TSER = 35 … 3M Color Stable 50
Composition : Nano-Carbon Polyester, Signal Safe
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/6...s-brochure.pdf

#12
VLT = 10 | TSER = 51 … Solar Guard Ultra Performace 10
VLT = 20 | TSER = 49 … Solar Guard Ultra Performace 20
VLT = 34 | TSER = 43 … Solar Guard Ultra Performace 30
VLT = 43 | TSER = 40 … Solar Guard Ultra Performace 40
VLT = 64 | TSER = 37 … Solar Guard Ultra Performace 60
VLT = 73 | TSER = 37 … Solar Guard Ultra Performace 70
VLT = 76 | TSER = 40 … Solar Guard Ultra Performace 75
Composition : Ceramic Nano Tech, Signal Safe
Ultra Performance - SolarGard

#13
VLT = 05 | TSER = 47 … Llumar Charcoal ATC 05
VLT = 18 | TSER = 44 … Llumar Charcoal ATC 15
VLT = 23 | TSER = 39 … Llumar Charcoal ATC 20
VLT = 38 | TSER = 35 … Llumar Charcoal ATC 35
VLT = 43 | TSER = 33 … Llumar Charcoal ATC 40
VLT = 59 | TSER = 26 … Llumar Charcoal ATC 50
Composition : Website Isn't Clear, Or I Missed it.
http://w3.llumar.com/pdf/en/LLumarAutoSpecsUS.pdf

#14
VLT = 08 | TSER = 46 … SunTek Standard Series 05
VLT = 20 | TSER = 40 … SunTek Standard Series 20
VLT = 38 | TSER = 38 … SunTek Standard Series 35
VLT = 41 | TSER = 34 … SunTek Standard Series 40
VLT = 50 | TSER = 29 … SunTek Standard Series 50
VLT = 70 | TSER = 26 … SunTek Standard Series 70
Composition : Dyed Construction. Website isn't declaring signal safe, but also isn't listed
as metallic, so I assume it is signal safe.
http://www.suntekfilms.com/files/ind_auto_Standard.pdf

Hope this is helpful

 

[anhnguyen]

...did suntek for price for performance comparison..

 

[Roentgen]

I think Photosync is overpriced and overhyped. That being said, I've had no problems with it in my X and don't regret getting it.
HO is great. If I could get it again, I would, but the local dealer who installs it won't do 3s.
3M crystalline has the best specs after Photosync.

You can't believe all the youtube videos saying 3M is bad. Tons of people get it and are satisfied. Many reputable places still install it. If it was as bad as some of these videos say, I'm pretty sure most places would not carry it anymore, much less offer a warranty on it. I saw that video, and in the comments, people were saying that the guy installed the 3M backwards with the tint out instead of against the glass.

 

[wbhokie]

*NOT MY POST - cut and pasted from another forum:

After visiting several tint shops in my area, I returned home very confused, having heard differing story lines from the sales people. So I took the time to research this issue. Thought I would share the comparative list I generated in the process.

• TSER stands for Total Solar Energy Rejected. TSER includes visible light, infrared radiation and ultraviolet energy. The higher the percentage, the higher the percentage of solar energy deflected. Some companies use Infra Red Rejection (IRR) as a guide to the level of heat rejection. However, IRR only covers a fraction of TSER. Internationally, TSER is used as a guide as it is a more accurate method of measurement.

• VLT is Visible Light Transmission. It is the amount of visible light that passes directly through filmed glass. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT.

• List sorted in descending order, most effective heat reduction technology at top. Ranking determined by comparing the spread or ratio between the TSER (Total Solar Energy Rejection) to VLT (Visible Light Transmitted).

Example : 3M Crystalline 90, (3M’s lightest tint shade) has a TSER of 34. You could find similar heat rejection in 3M’s cheaper film, 3M Color Stable Series of tints, but you’d have to go with the darkest (50 tint) in that series. Tinting laws vary by state, and the darker tints may not be legal in your area, or even desireable for that matter. Notice also that some of the lighter tint shades can do a much better job of blocking heat than even the darkest limo tints.


#1
VLT = 32 | TSER = 79 … TSER = Spectra Photosync SPH35
VLT = 44 | TSER = 71 … TSER = Spectra Photosync SPH45
VLT = 55 | TSER = 67 … TSER = Spectra Photosync SPH55
VLT = 66 | TSER = 64 … TSER = Spectra Photosync SPH65
VLT = 75 | TSER = 58 … TSER = Spectra Photosync SPH75
Composition : Solar Adaptive Nano Technology, Signal Safe
PhotoSync® - Prestige Film Technologies

#2
VLT = 39 | TSER = 60 … 3M Crystalline 40
VLT = 60 | TSER = 53 … 3M Crystalline 60
VLT = 69 | TSER = 50 … 3M Crystalline 70
VLT = 86 | TSER = 34 … 3M Crystalline 90
Composition : 200+ Nano Layers, Signal Safe
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/6...s-brochure.pdf

#3
VLT = 06 | TSER = 75 … Huper Optik Ceramic 05
VLT = 15 | TSER = 73 … Huper Optik Ceramic 15
VLT = 21 | TSER = 68 … Huper Optik Ceramic 20
VLT = 30 | TSER = 63 … Huper Optik Ceramic 30
VLT = 34 | TSER = 61 … Huper Optik Ceramic 35
VLT = 40 | TSER = 55 … Huper Optik Ceramic 40
VLT = 52 | TSER = 50 … Huper Optik Ceramic 50
VLT = 60 | TSER = 43 … Huper Optik Ceramic 60
VLT = 71 | TSER = 48 … Huper Optik Ceramic 70
Composition : Nano Ceramic, Signal Safe
https://huperoptikusa.com/wp-content...s_Ceramics.pdf

#4
VLT = 05 | TSER = 65 … Formula One Pinnacle 05
VLT = 18 | TSER = 61 … Formula One Pinnacle 15
VLT = 33 | TSER = 57 … Formula One Pinnacle 30
VLT = 43 | TSER = 53 … Formula One Pinnacle 40
VLT = 54 | TSER = 49 … Formula One Pinnacle 50
Composition : Nano Ceramic, Signal Safe
Press Releases | News & Events | LLumar Window Films -

#5
VLT = 10 | TSER = 63 … Madico Wincos 10
VLT = 23 | TSER = 59 … Madico Wincos 20
VLT = 33 | TSER = 57 … Madico Wincos 30
VLT = 50 | TSER = 51 … Madico Wincos 45
VLT = 66 | TSER = 49 … Madico Wincos 60
VLT = 75 | TSER = 45 … Madico Wincos 70
VLT = 89 | TSER = 23 … Madico Wincos 90
Composition : Madico's website isn't clear, but does specify it is signal safe.
http://www.madico.com/wp-content/upl...Spec-Sheet.pdf

#6
VLT = 04 | TSER = 66 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 05
VLT = 18 | TSER = 62 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 20
VLT = 32 | TSER = 58 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 30
VLT = 38 | TSER = 56 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 38
VLT = 42 | TSER = 53 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 42
VLT = 46 | TSER = 52 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 46
VLT = 51 | TSER = 51 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 50
VLT = 70 | TSER = 49 … Global QDP Ceramic Charcoal 70
Composition : Nano Ceramic, Signal Safe
http://www.globalwindowfilms.com/pdf...ifications.pdf

#7
VLT = 06 | TSER = 59 … SunTek CarbonXP 5
VLT = 16 | TSER = 56 … SunTek CarbonXP 18
VLT = 33 | TSER = 53 … SunTek CarbonXP 35
VLT = 40 | TSER = 50 … SunTek CarbonXP 45
VLT = 53 | TSER = 48 … SunTek CarbonXP 55
VLT = 64 | TSER = 44 … SunTek CarbonXP 70
VLT = 80 | TSER = 44 … SunTek CarbonXP 80
Composition : Non Metallized Nano-Hybrid, Signal Safe
http://www.suntekfilms.com/files/Sun...-specsheet.pdf

#8
VLT = 17 | TSER = 54 … Johnson InsulatR 20
VLT = 33 | TSER = 50 … Johnson InsulatR 35
VLT = 43 | TSER = 46 … Johnson InsulatR 45
VLT = 65 | TSER = 50 … Johnson InsulatR 70
VLT = 76 | TSER = 42 … Johnson InsulatR 80
VLT = 82 | TSER = 18 … Johnson InsulatR 85
Composition : Nano Ceramic, Signal Safe
Insulatir - AUTOMOTIVE | Johnson Window Films

#9
VLT = 05 | TSER = 60 … Llumar Charcoal CTX 05
VLT = 18 | TSER = 55 … Llumar Charcoal CTX 15
VLT = 33 | TSER = 51 … Llumar Charcoal CTX 30
VLT = 38 | TSER = 50 … Llumar Charcoal CTX 35
VLT = 43 | TSER = 43 … Llumar Charcoal CTX 40
VLT = 54 | TSER = 40 … Llumar Charcoal CTX 50
Composition : Website Isn't Clear, But Is Described As Signal Safe
http://w3.llumar.com/pdf/en/LLumarAutoSpecsUS.pdf

#10
VLT = 18 | TSER = 64 … Sun-Gard GP Max 05
VLT = 40 | TSER = 44 … Sun-Gard GP Max 20
VLT = 47 | TSER = 40 … Sun-Gard GP Max 35
VLT = 68 | TSER = 24 … Sun-Gard GP Max 50
Composition : Website isn't clear
http://www.madico.com/wp-content/upl...Spec-Sheet.pdf


#11
VLT = 09 | TSER = 57 … 3M Color Stable 5
VLT = 19 | TSER = 51 … 3M Color Stable 20
VLT = 39 | TSER = 40 … 3M Color Stable 35
VLT = 52 | TSER = 35 … 3M Color Stable 50
Composition : Nano-Carbon Polyester, Signal Safe
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/6...s-brochure.pdf

#12
VLT = 10 | TSER = 51 … Solar Guard Ultra Performace 10
VLT = 20 | TSER = 49 … Solar Guard Ultra Performace 20
VLT = 34 | TSER = 43 … Solar Guard Ultra Performace 30
VLT = 43 | TSER = 40 … Solar Guard Ultra Performace 40
VLT = 64 | TSER = 37 … Solar Guard Ultra Performace 60
VLT = 73 | TSER = 37 … Solar Guard Ultra Performace 70
VLT = 76 | TSER = 40 … Solar Guard Ultra Performace 75
Composition : Ceramic Nano Tech, Signal Safe
Ultra Performance - SolarGard

#13
VLT = 05 | TSER = 47 … Llumar Charcoal ATC 05
VLT = 18 | TSER = 44 … Llumar Charcoal ATC 15
VLT = 23 | TSER = 39 … Llumar Charcoal ATC 20
VLT = 38 | TSER = 35 … Llumar Charcoal ATC 35
VLT = 43 | TSER = 33 … Llumar Charcoal ATC 40
VLT = 59 | TSER = 26 … Llumar Charcoal ATC 50
Composition : Website Isn't Clear, Or I Missed it.
http://w3.llumar.com/pdf/en/LLumarAutoSpecsUS.pdf

#14
VLT = 08 | TSER = 46 … SunTek Standard Series 05
VLT = 20 | TSER = 40 … SunTek Standard Series 20
VLT = 38 | TSER = 38 … SunTek Standard Series 35
VLT = 41 | TSER = 34 … SunTek Standard Series 40
VLT = 50 | TSER = 29 … SunTek Standard Series 50
VLT = 70 | TSER = 26 … SunTek Standard Series 70
Composition : Dyed Construction. Website isn't declaring signal safe, but also isn't listed
as metallic, so I assume it is signal safe.
http://www.suntekfilms.com/files/ind_auto_Standard.pdf

Hope this is helpful

One thing to keep in mind is in the more expensive tints, it is the IR Rejection (in both the 780-1700nm and 900-1000nm ranges) that set them apart from the lower tier tints. I only list it here so you can see where the difference is. But most people don't put expensive IR tinting like that on cars, they tend to put them on commercial building windows.

#15
Xpel Prime XR Black
VLT = 05 | TSER = 66 | IR (900-1000nm) = 85 ...XPEL Prime XR Black 5
VLT = 15 | TSER = 65 | IR (900-1000nm) = 85... XPEL Prime XR Black 15
VLT = 20 | TSER = 64 | IR (900-1000nm) = 85... XPEL Prime XR Black 20
VLT = 30 | TSER = 59 | IR (900-1000nm) = 85... XPEL Prime XR Black 30
VLT = 36 | TSER = 58 | IR (900-1000nm) = 85... XPEL Prime XR Black 35
VLT = 46 | TSER = 52 | IR (900-1000nm) = 83... XPEL Prime XR Black 45
VLT = 54 | TSER = 50 | IR (900-1000nm) = 84... XPEL Prime XR Black 55
VLT = 68 | TSER = 40 | IR (900-1000nm) = 89... XPEL Prime XR Black 70
Nano-Ceramic, Signal Safe
http://www.xpel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/XPEL_PRIME.Spec_.Sheet_.USA_V1.7.pdf

#16
Xpel Prime XR PLUS
VLT = 05 | TSER = 71 | IR (900-1000nm) = 98 ...XPEL Prime XR PLUS 5
VLT = 18 | TSER = 66 | IR (900-1000nm) = 97... XPEL Prime XR PLUS 20
VLT = 31 | TSER = 61 | IR (900-1000nm) = 97... XPEL Prime XR PLUS 30
VLT = 38| TSER = 59 | IR (900-1000nm) = 97... XPEL Prime XR PLUS 35
VLT = 45 | TSER = 58 | IR (900-1000nm) = 97... XPEL Prime XR PLUS 45
VLT = 67 | TSER = 52 | IR (900-1000nm) = 94 .. XPEL Prime XR PLUS 70
Nano-Ceramic, Signal Safe
http://www.xpel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/XPEL_PRIME.Spec_.Sheet_.USA_V1.7.pdf

 

[SageBrush]

I want max UV and IR reflection (glass roof issue) since i will have my baby girl sitting in the back.

It sounds like you do not understand the topic.
I suggest instead you state your goals:
Minimize sunburn ?
Maximize comfort (skin temp) ?

 

[Pandamoanium]

Most ceramic options are good. Sure there are differences, but aside from numbers the actual feeling of them is probably subjective.

 

[SageBrush]

I am skeptical of TSER as a metric for car tint, although I'd like to hear from others whether my reasoning is sound:

Radiation hits the glass
-- A fraction of the visible, UV and IR passes through
-- A fraction of those wavelength ranges is captured by the glass
-- A fraction of those wavelengths is reflected

The fraction that is captured heats the glass and then
-- A fraction is radiated in all directions
-- A fraction is dissipated to the outside air as a function of convection and ambient temperature

So far as I know, TSER does not take convection (via outside wind) into account and as a result over-emphasizes reflection and to a lesser degree black body radiation.

 

[brianmeow]

Most ceramic options are good. Sure there are differences, but aside from numbers the actual feeling of them is probably subjective.

I'm leaning towards paying a little more for better ceramic tint from the best shop around here. ($860 for LLumar CTX from Signature Tinting)

 

[anhnguyen]

I'm leaning towards paying a little more for better ceramic tint from the best shop around here. ($860 for LLumar CTX from Signature Tinting)

...is that including the back window?

 

[wbhokie]

Most of the decent tints are good. The rest comes down to how sensitive you might be to heat from direct sunlight personally, how long you drive in the sun, and how much direct sunlight (and heat from it) you get in your area. This tends to bother me a bit but it doesn't bother my wife at all.

 

[brianmeow]

...is that including the back window?

Yes, and they said it's one giant piece

 

[Roentgen]

I am skeptical of TSER as a metric for car tint, although I'd like to hear from others whether my reasoning is sound:

Radiation hits the glass
-- A fraction of the visible, UV and IR passes through
-- A fraction of those wavelength ranges is captured by the glass
-- A fraction of those wavelengths is reflected

The fraction that is captured heats the glass and then
-- A fraction is radiated in all directions
-- A fraction is dissipated to the outside air as a function of convection and ambient temperature

So far as I know, TSER does not take convection (via outside wind) into account and as a result over-emphasizes reflection and to a lesser degree black body radiation.

Your reasoning seems sound, but convection factors are too variable, and would depend on things such as outside air temp and humidity, wind, car speed, cloud covg, etc. TSER may not be adequate for you, but I doubt there's anything else that can be intrinsically compared.

 

[Roentgen]

I'm leaning towards paying a little more for better ceramic tint from the best shop around here. ($860 for LLumar CTX from Signature Tinting)

Llumar CTX by the numbers is not as good as 3M crystalline. You're also paying $260 more for an arguably lesser tint (which also does NOT include the front windshield) at Signature Tint vs Rodz in the OC group buy you posted in earier in another thread. So you clearly have misgivings about the Rodz deal.

I've seen Rodz work up close in a coworkers car, who got all windows tinted incl the front, and it looks flawless. I spoke to Roger at Rodz (before he left) about potential front windshield/electronics issues, and he assured me they take precautions. I am aware of some of the posters saying they see some haziness in their front windshields on the other thread.

Numbers aside, I think the high end tints are all going to do an adequate job on heat rejection, with only a minor difference really between all of them. The rest of it is going to be subjective stuff, so you can feel fine going with what and who you like. I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for." The higher price you pay at a tint place is more for the quality of the tint job rather than the actual tint, but having seen their work up close, I'm pretty confident they will do an acceptable job. The numbers for me just don't add up enough to justify paying more somewhere else for tints that may not be as good at heat rejection, if that's what you say is the most important to you.

 

[brianmeow]

Llumar CTX by the numbers is not as good as 3M crystalline. You're also paying $260 more for an arguably lesser tint (which also does NOT include the front windshield) at Signature Tint vs Rodz in the OC group buy you posted in earier in another thread. So you clearly have misgivings about the Rodz deal.

I've seen Rodz work up close in a coworkers car, who got all windows tinted incl the front, and it looks flawless. I spoke to Roger at Rodz (before he left) about potential front windshield/electronics issues, and he assured me they take precautions. I am aware of some of the posters saying they see some haziness in their front windshields on the other thread.

Numbers aside, I think the high end tints are all going to do an adequate job on heat rejection, with only a minor difference really between all of them. The rest of it is going to be subjective stuff, so you can feel fine going with what and who you like. I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for." The higher price you pay at a tint place is more for the quality of the tint job rather than the actual tint, but having seen their work up close, I'm pretty confident they will do an acceptable job. The numbers for me just don't add up enough to justify paying more somewhere else for tints that may not be as good at heat rejection, if that's what you say is the most important to you.

I decided to go with ceramic tint mainly due to darker appearance from the outside for privacy.
I will check with Rodz if they can do ceramic also with full warranty later.

 

[Pandamoanium]

One installers opinion for my X is that the ceramic tint on that is the bees knees. Nothing better. Another installer for my Porsche provided me with what he believes to be just as good but at a down to earth cost. Honestly, they both feel exactly the same in terms of UV and IR rejection. It's a bit biased since one car is large and the other small (cabin space). Really though, they both are ceramic and both do a great job of keeping it reasonable. Cost difference is about 500+ if I remember correctly for some numbers I personally do not feel.