jcorenman

We've been using Icon's for the last few months on our XC70 in some pretty sloppy weather (including a round-trip to Colorado a few weeks ago), they really work well-- better than anything else I've ever tried. I just got a pair of 20" (420A/B) from Summit for the s4, fit perfectly except for the last 1" or so of the pax side as Bill noted-- doesn't look like an issue at all.

I can't tell the difference between the 420A and 420B- the geometery appears to be the same (i.e. not reversed which would be needed for opposing wipers)- but there may be a subtle difference in spring pressure, I can't tell. Most of the general references that I found spec'ed the "A" for the driver side and "B" for the pax side so I went with that.

I haven't tested them in the rain on the shark yet-- it has been oddly dry the last couple of days but that can't last...

--Jim

ROG100

The wipers arrived this morning and on inspection there is no visable difference or markings that tell an A from a B. Only the package defines a difference.
The only difference is the spring rate of the wiper. B has a stronger/stiffer spring rate than A.
We will test on the car and see if one is better than the other and also in respect to passenger/driver side.
Waiting for the rain 8>)

Bill Ball

So, it's not the mounting direction? I found my summitracing order - I have 19" A's on both sides and paid $18.95 each a year ago. Most blades only last me a year. These appear to be good for at least another season. We had something over 22 days of rain in January and the blades did very well.

jcorenman

Nope, both the "A" and "B" mount the same way. I like Roger's theory about different spring rates, maybe because the pax-side has to deal with more curvature? Obviously more science here than we ever suspected...

And is anybody still using opposing wipers? (Are we dating ourselves? )

--Jim

ew928

Past gen. Mercs and some Pontiacs used the opposing wipers.

I'll see if I remember to grab a picture of my upside down aero wiper blade.

ROG100

I like the higher spring rate of the B type and we just mounted 2 B's on Seans car.
We are expecting 2" to 3" over the weekend so we will see how they do.

CAShark

Hello,

I was reading this informative thread on the Icon Blades and the A/B part of it, so I said to myself "Call Bosch." So I did and they called me back with some info I would like to share with you all:

The difference between A and B is "Spring Tension" as mentioned. Now "A" has MORE tension. The blade with more tension "A" goes nearest the side nearest the Wiper Motor. Less tension "B" goes away from the Motor so it doesn't damage it.

Now, I haven't looked at the location of the motor in reference to the left and right blades since I am at work, but I am sure one of you can chime in on this and verify.

Also, Bosch said that there is a reason why they are not specified to use with the 928. No reason given, but just don't use them in a 928 as they may damage your Blade Motor. This is specific to the Bosch Icon. The 928 is specified to use their Bosch Micro Edge blades. Part number 40720A. I am thinking they use the higher tension "A" to cover that 1" end bend on the passenger side.

I just thought I would throw that out to you all and let you decide. Now you know the reasons for A and B in 420A and 420B

I also don't have the blades in front of me, since I am just going by what Bosch told me over the phone. After reading some posts again, there is a conflict on which has the higher tension. Maybe the Bosch just had that part backwards.



ps, it was an 888 number to Bosch (1-888-715-3616)

Bill Ball

The Bosch supplied information baffles me. I can't see the spring tension of the blade having much effect. The tension in the arm spring would seem a lot more relevant in detemining how much pressure is on the windshield. The arm is part of the car design, not the blade. I haven't noticed even the slightest bit more drag with these "A" blades than any other I've had on my car.

Chuck Schreiber

Roger,

Make sure you order several pairs for Sterling, I know he'll be wearing them out in the rain!!!

Yeah Right!!

H2

Wouldn't the trusty Porsche factory tool 9201 be able to discern spring tension differences?

H2

ROG100

Well the first thing I did before I opened the post was call Mr Bosch and after a few miniutes they called me back and the information was as I posted at the begiining of the thread.
Spring rates are the difference but in my case they told me B had more spring tension. In reality it does have more tension.
It also sits down on the glass at the end of the blade - not all the way but pretty close.
Test this weekend will tell maybe.

Bill Ball

I can see the blade spring tension affecting how it conforms to the glass. Perhaps the B will conform to the passenger glass better at rest, but at rest and that corner do not concern me. Let us know how the rain experiments go.

ROG100

Got Rain 8>(

SeanR

Sorry Rog, I wasn't getting out of bed at 4am to go for a drive. Should be more today.

Alan

I have the 419B's on my car - they work very well.

I also have a 424A on the rear. Longer than stock - but seems a better match to rear screen size. It does need some adaptation to the side pin mount style - but not so hard. I really like it - it clears more of the screen and seems less obtrusive and of course it matches the fronts perfectly.

Alan