Exo Shield

[scorpionsix]

I'm lucky to come across just clean water at these gas stations, but good info on the "active ingredient" when I need to pick up washer solvent next time.

Another thought is the fluid that is marketed for well below freezing temps. That formula could also be packing something that would over time degrade protective films. Just thinking out loud here.

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[djthumper]

I had Exoshield for a month, then I had to replace the windshield again. It wasn't worth it for me.

 

[exoshield]

In all fairness to Windshield Defense, it was pretty much a worst case scenario in that something hit towards the edge of the windshield, which any of these products are going to have a hard time stopping.

That said, from my limited experience, I found another con. Since I am getting the windshield replaced soon anyways, I figured I'd go ahead and try pulling off the outer layer of plastic to see how that goes. I'm glad I did, because doing so left these weird long straight lines on the underlying (second) layer. It's hard to describe, but I thought it was maybe just adhesive, like when you don't remove a sticker cleanly. However, I spent a good 10 minutes in a small section with a microfiber and isopropyl alcohol, and couldn't remove the lines.

Maybe I did something wrong, but I followed the instructions in a video from their YouTube channel. The video shows basically an effortless peel, yet mine was stuck on so hard that I had to put some bodyweight behind it to get it to remove. If there is a chance of the outer layer damaging a layer underneath during the removal, it completely defeats the purpose of a multi-layer system.

@exoshield does your product get scratched easily by things like gas station windshield scrubbers? I was happy with how my first layer of Windshield Defense was holding up, but it went from essentially no noticeable degradation in ~6 months to being hazy to the point of distraction from a 1500 mile road trip where I had to use the scrubbers often - the bugs were just crazy. The main thing that makes me nervous about Exoshield is that it's a one layer system. Once it's degraded, that's it.

Thanks for sharing that experience and the additional context.

To answer your question, we don't recommend using a gas station scrubber. Instead have a microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution handy to tackle any grime on the windshield.

Those gas station scrubbers have all kinds of grit stuck to them that can scratch any windshield protection film. We also recommend touchless washes over automatic brush washes for the same reason.

As for the single-layer vs. multi-layer discussion, that's definitely one of the biggest differences between films. The trade-off with a tear-away system is that every time a layer is removed, you're also removing a percentage of the available protection. We chose to build a single-layer system that maintains a consistent level of impact protection throughout the usable life of the product.

ExoShield ULTRA is a single-layer PET film with our proprietary hardcoat, designed to resist scratching from normal wiper blade use while maintaining clear optics. It's virtually invisible once installed and is backed by a 3-year warranty.

Happy to answer any more question as you are comparing options.

 

[exoshield]

Exoshield is 100% worth it, and I know saved my windshield numerous times with a rock quarry right down my road.

Great product and company when I had questions, definitely recommended.

Really appreciate you sharing this and recommending our product!

A rock quarry down the road is about as real-world of a test as it gets Glad to hear ExoShield has been doing its job for you.

 

[exoshield]

I had Exoshield for a month, then I had to replace the windshield again. It wasn't worth it for me.

Sorry to hear that.

We're always interested in hearing different experiences. If you don't mind sharing, what part of the experience made it not worth it for you?

 

[Ratbert]

It's virtually invisible once installed and is backed by a 3-year warranty.

What's covered?

 

[exoshield]

What's covered?

ExoShield's 3-year limited product warranty covers protection against defects including film delamination, bubbling, and excessive yellowing or cracking caused by UV and weather exposure.

What’s Excluded: Normal wear-and-tear, scratches from wipers/debris, staining from chemicals, and physical rock chip impacts.

 

[scorpionsix]

Got a quote yesterday for EXO Shield from the place that installed my windshield a short while ago. $650

That's more than the new OEM windshield cost. Maybe that's why they didn't mention they also offer that service when they installed the windshield.

Maybe their labor rates are high. I need a second quote to compare.

 

[djthumper]

Sorry to hear that.

We're always interested in hearing different experiences. If you don't mind sharing, what part of the experience made it not worth it for you?

The cost was almost the same price as the windshield for it to only last a month and get no support for your product. I had it installed before the windshield was installed to save some time and make it easier to install. I heard a rock hit my windshield with no apparent damage on my way to work. I looked at it when I got there and didn't see a noticeable damage. When I came out after work it was bled across my windshield.

 

[scorpionsix]

It seems like once your virgin windshield takes one to the chin and cracks, there's hardly ever a second occurrence. Maybe I should get one of those static bullet hole decals and put it in one of the passenger side corners.

 

[beewil]

I used Bray stretch film/Windshield skin and had it installed two years ago on my windshield before I even picked up my 24' JLU Rubi X. Except for some minor scratches, it's still going strong. Does it work? I guess so. I've heard a lot of slams against my windshield I have yet to have a windshield crack. IMHO, I get a little nervous with layered protection films. As you peel off each layer your protection thickness is reduced. I believe when I contacted them they indicated it was 3 mm as each layer is removed. Yes, the disadvantage to the one layer system like Bray/Windshield Skin is that if you scratch it badly to where it blurs your field of view, you have to replace the whole film.

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[73TAWM]

I've got the Exo Shield on mine. Did it myself in the garage. It's like putting on a very large phone screen protector. No cracks since. However I do have a couple of "spots" where there was a tiny dust particle that reappeared before I got it installed. The only complaint I have is sometimes you get a rainbow effect on the glass. I am concerned about replacing it when the time comes as I have no clue how to remove it, but I'm certain Google will tell me when the time comes.

After driving with a cracked windshield for a couple of years, and seeing how hard they shoot those ball bearings at the exo shield without it cracking or chipping, that's what is going to live on my Jeep like a second skin for as long as I have it or something cheaper comes along.

 

[Penguin07]

Given the cost of these and inclusion of glass coverage in my car insurance, I passed on these. As some people who've tried various windshield protectors have mentioned (I feel like there were a couple in one of Exoshield threads too), the protector itself may not get damaged, but with a small focused impact point, it's possible that the force could transfer to the windshield still, leading to a situation of windshield protector still being okay but there being a crack underneath.

But for me, the major factor in passing on ExoShield was the fact that I have glass coverage. I'm sure it does its job well enough though.

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