Adam Lucio
EF5
Has anyone tried this stuff against hail? Obviously the websites make it look almost too good to be true.
http://www.co-opdirect.com/shattersafe_vehicle.html
http://www.co-opdirect.com/shattersafe_vehicle.html
Window Security Film
- Thread starter Adam Lucio
- Start date
Ric Burney
EF3
I considered using this type of product but decided against it because it simply works too well. It looks like it would withstand a serious hail barrage but at the same time it may prevent you from exiting or being extracted quickly from a wreck.
Andrew Herron
EF3
Might be nice for those of us with a sun roof though, as I think about what happened to Laubach's car once.
Jason Foster
Interesting thought. I wonder if the saw that is commonly used on rescues though could get through it.
Need some more verification and proof than this product works. YouTube is far from a reliable source.
Verne Carlson
EF5
The Rhino is double coated with it. I'll let you know after this season how well it does!
Warren Faidley
Supporter
We have used this... and experimented with it as a consulting job. (We got to fire baseballs at car windows for fun). FYI, to work safely, the windows must be completely removed (very expensive) and the film applied right down to the metal holders / brackets, covering the entire glass, otherwise, the film implodes if broken around the framed portion and the covered area just pops out, which **can** be more dangerous than the glass just breaking. In one of our experiments, the fractured glass panel landed on the steering wheel. Just covering the exposed glass is a waste of money and we found good window tinting to be almost as good at holding the glass together.
However, when installed correctly, it's great and actually improves the strength of the glass and helps prevent a completely blown out window.
W.
However, when installed correctly, it's great and actually improves the strength of the glass and helps prevent a completely blown out window.
W.
Skip Talbot
EF5
So this has to be done everytime the hail smashes the glass between the coverings? I know you probably don't lose your side windows too often, but even after just a couple times that sounds like its going to be really expensive and a huge hassle. Why not get custom acrylic or polycarbonate windows if you are going to go to that length?
Gerard Jebaily
EF2
I've had this installed on my vehicle for about 5 years now. I haven't been in hail big enough to put it to the ultimate test, only golf ball size. Its on every window including the front windshield to prevent shards of glass from getting in the car from a major hail storm. I was sold on the product when the guy that installed it for me took a window pane with the film on it and put $100 behind the pane, gave me a wrench and said if u can get to it u can have it. I wailed on the glass for about 20 min's and gave up. I told him after that to put all of it on the glass in my car.
There are a few downsides I've found though. It scratches somewhat easily and moisture from the install can make some weird hazy streaks on the windows. This mostly only matters on the front windshield which Ive since had to replace thanks to a dump truck on a highway hauling some rocks. It only made some small visibility issues with my dash cam. Other than that I think it was a great investment.
There are a few downsides I've found though. It scratches somewhat easily and moisture from the install can make some weird hazy streaks on the windows. This mostly only matters on the front windshield which Ive since had to replace thanks to a dump truck on a highway hauling some rocks. It only made some small visibility issues with my dash cam. Other than that I think it was a great investment.
D. Hayes
what did it cost to install? Also have there been any scratch marks from the wipers rubbing?
Jason Foster
I could see doing operable window with this stuff as those are easy to take off entirely and reinstall. Tailgate class too if it's an SUV or similar vehicle that has the type where the glass can be lifted separately of the whole tailgate...although I wonder about the defrost wire.
Fixed side glass I would switch to super thick, super impact resistant polycarb that I know would not break (or only under conditions where the glass doesn't matter anymore). Windshield would be left alone....figure other means to protect it. Of course, if I'm going through all this, you bet I'd have to change some chasing style and actually put my ride in the hail on purpose.
Fixed side glass I would switch to super thick, super impact resistant polycarb that I know would not break (or only under conditions where the glass doesn't matter anymore). Windshield would be left alone....figure other means to protect it. Of course, if I'm going through all this, you bet I'd have to change some chasing style and actually put my ride in the hail on purpose.
Verne Carlson
EF5
I've got it on the outside of my rear window. There's a small wiper back there that has not been able to scratch it. That's even when wiping it dirty. So far the stuff is doing really well - hope to get it in some BIG hail this season!
I got a roll of 200 sq ft (enough to do 2 cars) for $650. www.shatterguard.com
Oh and added bonus: You can park outside Applebee's after a chase with your thousands of dollars of camera equipment and not worry about someone 'smash and grabbing' them!
Last edited by a moderator:
Skip Talbot
EF5
Now that's a good reason! I always feel very uncomfortable leaving my van with stuff inside it while I go inside places, so I usually try to park where I can see the van from inside.
The windshield is already laminated so the glass doesn't get everywhere when it shatters, though. It seems like it might be more trouble than its worth to do the windshield too citing the hazing and scratching problems you mentioned.
Gerard Jebaily
EF2
The windshield laminate is sandwiched with glass on each side. While a few large hits from stones are ok its the stones that hit after your windshield breaks that sends shards of glass into your face from the inner side of the windshield. This is what the laminate was used to protect from. I did like the bonus of having the security of leaving my equipment in the vehicle more safe from theft.
Jason Foster
Now that's funny...sad, and just downright evil too! LOL.PS...I think it was a Friday's but who's keeping track.
Gerard Jebaily
EF2
All my film is on the inside of my vehicle for numerous reasons. In order for the film to be effective against implosion, it HAS to be applied on the inside. It also keeps small hail stones from nicking it up. And last reason, if i ever needed to break my windows to get out my car for some kind of emergency (ie car filling up with water) the windows will break out from the inside out. But the windows will not break from the outside inwards.
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