Window Tints: Pros and Cons

[G-spot]

Why should you pay more for some films compared to others. Here is a list of pros and cons so you can make an informative decision.

DYED FILMS ($79-$99)
Pros
- The cheapest out the group.
Cons
- Provide the least protection from the sun.
- Will not last more that a year under extreme conditions.
- Contains no metal.
- Will change color after a short period. Most noticed by turning purple.
- Bubbling.
- Hard to remove.

2 PLY ($99-$129)
Pros
- Last longer than single ply dyed
Cons
- Minimal protection for the sun and heat
- Change color
- Bubbling
- Hard to remove. Comes apart in 2 layers that may separate from each other
Ex.
- Solar Guard HP

HYBRIDS ($129-$159)
Pros - Dyed and metal combination
- Good value for the price
- Decent protection from the sun and heat
- Will not bubble or change color
- Most commonly used
Cons
- May fade after some time
Ex.
- Llumar ATR

FULL METAL ($189-$249)
Pros
- No dyes
- Excellent protection from the sun and heat
- Will not fade
Cons
- May affect electronics
- Reflective
Ex.
- Llumar Platinum Plus

CERAMICS ($350-$450)
Pros
- No metals
- The ultimate in heat rejection (infrared light is the leading cause of heat)
- Provides more protection than cheaper and darker films
- Will not fade and long lasting
Cons
- Expensive
- Not easy to apply
Ex.
- Huper Optik

[02redgalant]

cool didnt know there were types

[polishmafia]

Good writeup. It just shows you get what you pay for.

And here I thought the biggest con was going to be "getting hassled by the police" ;)

[littlerick]

i didnt know any of that, i wonder what kind that put on mine. it has a lifetime warranty against fading, changing color, and cracking. im betting its hybrid

[blue8g]

hmmm i got my ceramic done for 260.............makes me happy!

great write-up btw

[glantv699]

Good information. LLumar is one of the best brands (or at least that's what I've heard).

[SpeedyAcosta60]

FULL METAL ($189-$249)
Pros
- No dyes
- Excellent protection from the sun and heat
- Will not fade
Cons
- May affect electronics
- Reflective
Ex.
- Llumar Platinum Plus

how will this effect electronics?

[blue8g]

bad for am radio

[VIPtint]

they also have ceramic blends now

full ceramics only go as dark as 30% which in the game is light, but they do block out as much as good limos

dont give into the hype about ceramics, its not needed on all cars.

any metallic on an 8+9g will interfere w AM signal. the metal in the film connects the am and defroster lines which grounds out the reception

dont listen to am ur all good with metallic. metallic hybrid is an at least and most common film. got a high end car? go ceramic or ceramic blend

its hard to get huper under 500

ceramic blends r llumar atx, formula one pinnacle, solargard UP. we use a lot of 3M CS also

as far as looks go, dyed still looks the best. they now have some decent dyed films now that r color stable and have a lifetime warranty. their heat numbers r now pretty dang good too. llumar atc IMO is the best looking film to date period.

full metal films are pretty dead in the industry

ill update later gotta head to a car meet

[VIPtint]

oh guys b careful, i bet over 50% of all the shops are saying they are gonna put ceramic on your car, and they just put dyed. its not metal, doesnt interfere w signals, and it has a lifetime warranty; however doesnt do too good at blocking out heat. so just make sure you actually get what they r saying. if you have any questions just hit me up a pm or email [email protected].

and for clarification, ceramic is a metal film. certain cars do have interferance with full ceramics like huper, madico, and johnson. the ceramic hybrids are truly gauranteed to not interfere and you can actually go dark. full ceramics are very light and are kind of reflective in appearance