Opti Coat+ Vs. Xpel ??

[K_style]

Debating which route to go to?
Regardless it will require paint correction but as far as cost goes, Xpel is obviously little higher.

I could not find online comparing these 2 options..

Can anyone help me to decide?

[rjd598]

Well they are kind of two different things really. Xpel is protective film whereas Opticoat is a protective coating. You enhance your clearcoat with Opticoat and you enhance your protection with Xpel.

[XPEL]

Originally Posted by K_style

Debating which route to go to?
Regardless it will require paint correction but as far as cost goes, Xpel is obviously little higher.

I could not find online comparing these 2 options..

Can anyone help me to decide?

XPEL (or any protective film aka clear bra) will help against rock chips, impacts from driving on the road/track/everyday driving. While a ceramic coating doesnt protect against impacts. They're great for a top coat, and everything else that they offer, just not rock chip protection.

Many of our customers and installers will install ceramic coatings on top of the film, after installation.

A side note: Never have a coating installed first, then clear bra on top. It can cause adhesion issues. If you choose to do a coating, it goes on top of the bra.

[admranger]

Why would you coat xpel? I thought it had "self healing" properties? Please help me understand.

[XPEL]

Originally Posted by admranger

Why would you coat xpel? I thought it had "self healing" properties? Please help me understand.

The film does have self-healing properties, but some customers just prefer to have it coated.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by XPEL

The film does have self-healing properties, but some customers just prefer to have it coated.

Thanks!

It sure is an interesting product. Maybe on the next new car (that'll see track time) purchase. I assume there's an installer in Vegas.

[Z K]

They are two totally different products.

Xpel is a clear bra. It's actually a physical film that is applied on the outside of the car. It'll protect the car from rock chips, scratches and other physical abrasions.

Opticoat is a coating. Think of it as a good wax protection. It makes the paint look nice while it protects the paint from UV rays, bird droppings and insect guts from etching the paint. It is nice to have but not nearly as protective as a clear bra. It will not protect from rock chips and most scratches. It also needs to be reapplied every couple of years.

[K_style]

Originally Posted by Z K

They are two totally different products.

Xpel is a clear bra. It's actually a physical film that is applied on the outside of the car. It'll protect the car from rock chips, scratches and other physical abrasions.

Opticoat is a coating. Think of it as a good wax protection. It makes the paint look nice while it protects the paint from UV rays, bird droppings and insect guts from etching the paint. It is nice to have but not nearly as protective as a clear bra. It will not protect from rock chips and most scratches. It also needs to be reapplied every couple of years.

I understand the difference. What I can't choose is which one to apply on my car?

Sounds like Xpel would be much ideal since it will protect what Opticoat will do?

[FMLYSDN]

I think the ideal solution is to use both. Xpel to protect the paint, and Opti to provide another level of protection. The benefit from the Opti is the reduction in time for cleaning. Washing is very easy as most dirt and debris comes off with water. Even a mild wash with a compatible soap is really easy for the heavier stuff.

I wouldn't look at them as alternatives to each other. They are different and serve separate purposes albeit they are both paint protectants.

Think of the Opti as a wax. It isn't but it serves a similar purpose.

[radiofrequency]

Originally Posted by XPEL

XPEL (or any protective film aka clear bra) will help against rock chips, impacts from driving on the road/track/everyday driving. While a ceramic coating doesnt protect against impacts. They're great for a top coat, and everything else that they offer, just not rock chip protection.

Many of our customers and installers will install ceramic coatings on top of the film, after installation.

A side note: Never have a coating installed first, then clear bra on top. It can cause adhesion issues. If you choose to do a coating, it goes on top of the bra.

This, I have both, clear bra and coating. I can't recall which product my vehicle was clear bra'd with, however, at the time, I believe the only coating available was the OptiCoat - this was 2012, hence my memory loss! I have also used a foam cannon to wash my car since and the car still looks like new, actually better than the day I picked it up from the Dealer. My word of advice here to you is have your paint corrected prior to the clear bra and coating, the prep is the most arduous, and arguably the more expensive step, but well worth it to have a great result. My 911, delivered new, took 9 hours of paint correction prior to clear bra and coating - coating used on the 911 was Modesta (http://www.modesta.co). Reputable detailers typically have to be trained and certified to apply coatings, stay away from those who appear sketchy about what they use and request references - talk to other customers they have worked with to understand what you are getting into. This is how you want your car treated: http://teamspeed.com/forums/detailin...ar-detail.html

[steveff4]

I went with the OptiCoat Pro + and I have been very happy with it. I use the Optimum No Rinse wash and the car cleans up wonderfully. Road tar and bugs come off with little effort. Even when the car is a little dirty, it still looks good. Hard to describe.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by radiofrequency

This, I have both, clear bra and coating. I can't recall which product my vehicle was clear bra'd with, however, at the time, I believe the only coating available was the OptiCoat - this was 2012, hence my memory loss!

I'm pretty sure I used cQuartz coating on my 2011 M3 late in 2011 or early in 2012...

My favorite internet detailer, Oakes in Pennsylvania, always does correction before film. however, I've seen some interesting pics of Xpel film being put on uncorrected cars and the end result is stunningly good. Really looks like an amazing product.

Emailed an installer in Vegas a month ago and crickets...not a good sign on the quality of the installer so I'll have to look elsewhere. Why do people put email links on their websites if they have no intention of ever answering the email they get? [/rant]