Is it worth getting a clear bra?
11-30-2015, 02:34 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
My car is currently getting a full paint correction and modesta BC-05 glass coating. I had originally wanted to get a full front (hood, bumper, fenders, mirrors) XPEL clear bra (quoted $1500). However, it seems that *if* the car even gets any rock chips, it would be cheaper to just get another paint correction.
For those of you who have had clear bras installed, would you do it again? I know small imperfections can be seen the XPEL film, which is another deterrent for me. Kind of torn on what direction to go.
For those of you who have had clear bras installed, would you do it again? I know small imperfections can be seen the XPEL film, which is another deterrent for me. Kind of torn on what direction to go.
11-30-2015, 02:35 PM
#2
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Yes, keep it nice, pretty, and perfect for the next guy.
From our search function, a good one here:
https://rennlist.com/forums/991/8620...91-or-not.html
From our search function, a good one here:
https://rennlist.com/forums/991/8620...91-or-not.html
11-30-2015, 02:59 PM
#3
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If you are going to keep it in the garage out of the rain and flying rock to keep LexVan happy when he buys it from you, then you don't need it. If you are going to drive it -- then it is worth it!
I drove mine this weekend on a road trip and got two small place on the front bumper that, without a doubt, would have chipped the paint without a clear bra.
If you are going to drive it -- then it is worth it!I drove mine this weekend on a road trip and got two small place on the front bumper that, without a doubt, would have chipped the paint without a clear bra.
11-30-2015, 03:13 PM
#4
Race Car
You mean when, not if.
The actual chips you will collect without a clear bra are likely to need much more than a "paint correction" which generally polishes out scratches in the clear coat. Repaint after sun affects the whole car can make minor paint jobs very scary.
If you get a bunch of marks that bother you, just have that section replaced. I am at 30k miles and 3 years of use and have almost none with thinking about in the clear bra.
The actual chips you will collect without a clear bra are likely to need much more than a "paint correction" which generally polishes out scratches in the clear coat. Repaint after sun affects the whole car can make minor paint jobs very scary.
If you get a bunch of marks that bother you, just have that section replaced. I am at 30k miles and 3 years of use and have almost none with thinking about in the clear bra.
11-30-2015, 03:20 PM
#5
Race Director
Do the PPF. Paint correction just polishes clear coat.
Chips need to be filled and will always be visible. Personally, I HATE chips. Film will look good for a long time and absorbs impact from rocks. If the film does get imperfections, can be replaced. Cheaper than repaint without hassle of a match and more work too.
Chips need to be filled and will always be visible. Personally, I HATE chips. Film will look good for a long time and absorbs impact from rocks. If the film does get imperfections, can be replaced. Cheaper than repaint without hassle of a match and more work too.
11-30-2015, 03:25 PM
#6
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For me, 100%, never had it until my last car, and will never own another car w/o it. The last straw was seeing all the rock chips on the front of my black car and how bad it looked. Couple large chips mixed in with tons of small blemishes. When I look at my M5 now, the front is is 100% clear of any chips, even in the bra. For me, knowing the way I am, the $1500-$2000 is worth it.
Probably overkill, but I even wrapped (and Opti'd) the front end of my wife's Jeep.
Probably overkill, but I even wrapped (and Opti'd) the front end of my wife's Jeep.
11-30-2015, 03:43 PM
#7
Racer
Thread Starter
If you are going to keep it in the garage out of the rain and flying rock to keep LexVan happy when he buys it from you, then you don't need it. If you are going to drive it -- then it is worth it! I drove mine this weekend on a road trip and got two small place on the front bumper that, without a doubt, would have chipped the paint without a clear bra.
If you are going to drive it -- then it is worth it! I drove mine this weekend on a road trip and got two small place on the front bumper that, without a doubt, would have chipped the paint without a clear bra.
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11-30-2015, 08:35 PM
#10
Rennlist Member
Very worth while if you actually drive your car. I spiritly drive nice twisty country and mountain roads with fellow car enthusiast and the clear bra has taken a beating and holding up very well. I would hate to see the front if I did not have it installed.
I have a platinum silver car and opted for the entire front (hood and fenders) to be covered and unless you really look you can't see it.
I have a platinum silver car and opted for the entire front (hood and fenders) to be covered and unless you really look you can't see it.
11-30-2015, 08:37 PM
#11
Racer
Thread Starter
Very worth while if you actually drive your car. I spiritly drive nice twisty country and mountain roads with fellow car enthusiast and the clear bra has taken a beating and holding up very well. I would hate to see the front if I did not have it installed. I have a platinum silver car and opted for the entire front (hood and fenders) to be covered and unless you really look you can't see it.
11-30-2015, 08:41 PM
#12
Race Director
Originally Posted by gbree
My biggest worry is if there will be a big difference in the look of the paint in regards to covered vs. non-covered sections. Can you tell a difference personally? Is there a lot of added "orange peel" to the covered sections?
11-30-2015, 08:47 PM
#13
Racer
Thread Starter
I was told that Suntek is a better film (looks wise), but needs to be replaced quicker (3-5 years) where as XPEL doesn't look as good, but lasts ~10 years. Not sure the truth of that, but it came from an unbiased source.
11-30-2015, 08:55 PM
#14
Rennlist Member
One advantage of platinum silver paint is that it hides so much ... it's great.
11-30-2015, 09:40 PM
#15
Banned
Some, but you really have to be looking hard. Protecting the front while getting peppered with gravel outweighs the slight visual imperfection. The car just turned 40K miles and it still looks good. One advantage of platinum silver paint is that it hides so much ... it's great.