Hi all. I'm wondering if anybody has any insight on different tint manufacturers. I got a quote from one place for 3M film ($250 for windows and rear windshield) and another for Llumar film ($265 for the windows, rear windshield and strip on top of front windshield). Both quotes reflect the best ceramic films the companies offer. My plan is 35% in the front and 15% in the back and rear windshield.

Both have lifetime warranties, but that is beside the point I think as I would rather not have to worry about going down that road. Does anybody have any experience with either brand or insight into the differences? Is one more prone to fading/scratching than the other? Is one better at blocking heat than the other?

My own feeling is that high quality tint and a good, reputable installer will be the biggest factors in the job, but perhaps there is a difference in the manufacturers that should be considered. Just a thought.

 

I've done a fair bit of reading up about this, as well as asking here on the forum (https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/3rd-...clear-bra.html), but I'm still new to the world of tint. From what I understand, the Llumar CTX is a great film, and more or less on par with Suntek CXP. I've seen less recommendations for the 3m ceramic, although 3m crystalline is very highly rated and recommended because of its heat rejection and UV-blocking properties, along with the fact that the color is nearly imperceptible (important here in CA where no tint is legal on the front windows).

Personally, I went with Llumar CTX 15% in the rear and 3m Crystalline 70% in the front (nothing on the windshield, although the Air 80 was offered and seems to be highly praised). I've only had it installed since yesterday, so I can't really say what the performance is like, but I expect that both should hold up well, barring any installation issues.

 

I had 35% Llumar done on nine windows. I would have loved a darker tint on the hatch but I've had trouble getting inspection stickers in the past, so I went to the legal limit, this time. Computer cut, lifetime warranty, took less than an hour. Perfect job. I paid $240 for a cash transaction with a $10 yelp coupon. I understand that in the sun belt, with more good tint shops, cost are lower than the are in the north east.

 

We did Suntek CXP 55 on the side windows and back, but went with Suntek CXP 18 on the sunroof and windshield sun strip. My daughter did not want a darker tint job, just the benefits of Tint (heat reduction and the elimination of the damaging rays). The 18 on the sunroof is nice, as you can stare at the sun without squinting. Same with the 4" sun strip on the windshield, particularly if your driving into the sun (since the Fit sun visor is rather small). I think we paid just over $300.00, because the sunroof and sun strip were extra. Overall we are very happy and more important, she likes the look of the "lighter" tint (35 is the legal limit in TN for side and back windows).

 

My car is getting tinted right now with 3M. 35% all around plus the strip on the windshield for $300. Got quoted $225 for Solar Gard but talked to a few people who recommended 3M. Have had 3M in the past and never had any issues with turning or bubbling. Looked as good as the day I got them on my 5 year old GTI that I just traded in.

 

I had 35/17 Sunteks done for all windows cept the front windshield of course for $140 w/ lifetime warranty. It's not all the way to the edge like the high end top notch tint places that charge $200+ for, but it's dang good enough!

 

Huper Optik: Most Expensive but probably the best you can get ... ceramic film ... search on youtube for comparisons .... beats the shit out of 3M and then steps on it (no offense to those with 3M tint). Am waiting and saving for this upgrade/modification. (thanx to ROTTBOY) ...... yah ... it's expensive!


Automotive Window Films from Huper Optik USA - Recieve a Free Quote, Locate a Dealer & more

 

Well, some is legal as long as you have the right documentation:

 

Yup the places around here that are the highest reviewed tint shops use Huber optiks. Its about $300-400 for that tint option. I see mostly Ferrari, Benz, lambo, Porsche, and maserati owners getting them. Occasionally a Tesla. Too rich for my blood. Sunteks are good enough.

 

I got the suntek carbon (lifetime warranty) 5% on the back and 45% on the front windows and it's awesome. We're not allowed to have tint in CA on the front windows, so I tried to keep it at least not as obvious that there is tint on the car. I got a really good deal; I called 4 places offering the same tint and he offered me $190 for all 9 windows not including the windshield.

I have had 3M previously, the carbon also, and it doesn't fade, which is nice.

 

Not true. Read post #8

 

Semantics; sorry - colored tint is illegal in California on the front windows. Not paying to put a clear tint on my car, anywhere. I put 45% on the front so the fade is gradual and less obvious.

 

Suntek is the best, best products, thermal properties, national lifetime warranty etc. My GK was done INCLUDING the strip across the top of the windshield for ~$250. Find a place that uses a computer to cut the windshield strip straight across (Classic Tint in Lexington, KY for example, feel free to call them for more information if needed) so you don't end up with that stupid fucking looking eyebrow bow job like 75% of cars out there have. Ugh. Free hand tinters can't do straight, so you get the eyebrow. Go with a pro with a computer.