Hail protection device gaining popularity

[Randy Jennings]

WFAA TV (Dallas): "Your neighbors might think your car has been suddenly enveloped in a giant inflatable cocoon. But Michael Siciliano says those same neighbors will be the jealous ones when your car is the only one that survives the next round of Texas hail.

He solved it with several years of designs and prototypes, resulting in a constant air flow cover that fits snuggly around the base of a car or SUV. Inflated by remote control with power from an extension cord to your house, a 12V plug in your vehicle, or even by batteries, the Hail Protector inflates enough to deflect dozens of line-drive softballs, a 5-pound medicine ball, and will even support up to 20 pounds of barbell weights placed on top of the vehicle."

Full story and video at: http://www.wfaa.com/news/hail-protection-device-gaining-popularity/430260342

Now just if it came in clear so you could chase with it.

 

[Jeff Duda]

The guy is definitely on to something (and it seems like he's had plenty of sales so far). Hopefully you have space and enough warning time to deploy it when it matters (or just enjoy leaving your car in a cocoon for long stretches of time).

I wonder how it would hold up to light debris like small tree branches (i.e., getting penetrated).

 

[Marc R. O'Leary]

Something like this for homes would be amazing. Every roof in my neighborhood was replaced last year, and all we had was a few golfballs.

 

[Warren Faidley]

Just waiting for someone to try and drive with it on.

Seriously, if large hail is a danger you might be wasting precious time covering your car instead of seeking remote shelter from the approaching tornado -- or the tornado develops and you'll be frantically tearing this thing from your car so you can drive away!