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      07-05-2019, 04:16 PM   #1
Twilson25
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Xpel or Suntek

I am dropping off my HS M2C on Monday for PPF. Brand new to the concept and the shop can do either Xpel or Suntek. Looking for recommendations
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      07-05-2019, 04:52 PM   #2
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Can’t give you a comparison but I just had Xpel put on mine (same exact spec as yours) by Auto Armour in Miramar (San Diego) and it looks great. Front end, rockers, door cups, rear sections replaced and a trunk bumper. Xpel has a 10 year warranty as well. Just have to register online. Felt a lot better/safer driving it afterwards.
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      07-05-2019, 05:37 PM   #3
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Xpels glue is really strong if you ever need to get it off its a nightmare.

Suntec is easier to fit apparently so will likely get a better job fitted
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      07-05-2019, 06:01 PM   #4
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I've had both and prefer Suntek (currently have it on my X5 50i). XPEL has good templates for installers but I'm not a fan of their films due to the strong adhesive
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      07-05-2019, 06:29 PM   #5
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      07-05-2019, 07:31 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverScotty View Post
Can’t give you a comparison but I just had Xpel put on mine (same exact spec as yours) by Auto Armour in Miramar (San Diego) and it looks great. Front end, rockers, door cups, rear sections replaced and a trunk bumper. Xpel has a 10 year warranty as well. Just have to register online. Felt a lot better/safer driving it afterwards.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZeroFx View Post
Xpels glue is really strong if you ever need to get it off its a nightmare.

Suntec is easier to fit apparently so will likely get a better job fitted
Quote:
Originally Posted by AndroidRobot View Post
I've had both and prefer Suntek (currently have it on my X5 50i). XPEL has good templates for installers but I'm not a fan of their films due to the strong adhesive
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Originally Posted by omasou View Post
Suntek

I appreciate all the feedback! Thinking I will go with Suntek for easier install and removal. Cheers
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      07-05-2019, 08:25 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Twilson25 View Post
I am dropping off my HS M2C on Monday for PPF. Brand new to the concept and the shop can do either Xpel or Suntek. Looking for recommendations
I can't comment on any of them since I haven't had any experience with any of them, but I've noticed members around here seem to recommend Xpel a lot, I'm thinking of having PPF on my car when I receive it, but my options are limited around where I live and 3M seem to have a good reputation. My only concern is longevity and how would PPF/adhesive effect the car's paint, especially if the car gets a lot of sun and heat (almost year-round).
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      07-05-2019, 08:54 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HSM2C View Post
I can't comment on any of them since I haven't had any experience with any of them, but I've noticed members around here seem to recommend Xpel a lot, I'm thinking of having PPF on my car when I receive it, but my options are limited around where I live and 3M seem to have a good reputation. My only concern is longevity and how would PPF/adhesive effect the car's paint, especially if the car gets a lot of sun and heat (almost year-round).
Xpel and Suntek are the main players these days. I've only used Xpel because that is what my trusted installer uses and IMO the installer's skill is the most important factor. 3M used to have reputation for yellowing so if your car is always outside in the the heat and is a light color, that might be an issue. On the other hand, my E39 M5 had 3M PPF applied in 2004 as that was all I could find, and it still looks great (garaged 100% of the time however).
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      07-05-2019, 10:31 PM   #9
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Xpel for me. There are claims Xpel is a little thicker. Measurements between the two become skewed as the adhesive is added to the thickness equation.

Xpel for light colors / Suntek for darker colors.

3M Pro-Film is also a contender no longer having the yellowing problems they previously had.
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      07-05-2019, 11:50 PM   #10
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My previous car had SunTek, my current car (M2C) has Xpel. Both are excellent choices, and my decision was mainly based on the installer's skill and preference much more than the film. The installer I chose this time used Xpel. In general, I've heard Xpel is a little thicker, and harder to work with, but has a longer warranty. To my eyes, the films look pretty much the same; that is, almost invisible with a slight orange-peel appearance.
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      07-06-2019, 07:34 AM   #11
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Suntek Ultra also comes with a 10 year warranty now...

https://www.suntekfilms.com/paintpro...QaAjc4EALw_wcB
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      07-06-2019, 08:43 AM   #12
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I've had both and didn't notice much difference. My preferred installer uses Xpel so I went with that on the M2.
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      07-06-2019, 10:08 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverScotty View Post
Can’t give you a comparison but I just had Xpel put on mine (same exact spec as yours) by Auto Armour in Miramar (San Diego) and it looks great. Front end, rockers, door cups, rear sections replaced and a trunk bumper. Xpel has a 10 year warranty as well. Just have to register online. Felt a lot better/safer driving it afterwards.
...Did they have it on the 27th? If so, I saw your car when I toured their shop. What they were doing to your car convinced me to book an appointment with them.
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      07-06-2019, 10:37 PM   #14
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...Did they have it on the 27th? If so, I saw your car when I toured their shop. What they were doing to your car convinced me to book an appointment with them.
Just checked my photo log and Yes! That was the day I dropped it off. When I toured the shop they were breaking down a brand new GT3 R to get the same wrap that I was. Top level cars and work in that shop. You will be happy with the work. Stoked that you saw my car!
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      07-06-2019, 11:24 PM   #15
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I have had both Xpel and Suntek - I prefer Suntek. Much of what was said above is accurate.

Suntek is optically more "true" or "clear" / invisible.
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      07-07-2019, 08:33 AM   #16
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I have Suntek and it is invisible
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      07-07-2019, 11:08 AM   #17
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My installer carried both, but went xpel. No particular reason. Installer said it's pretty much the same. Differences are going to be minor.
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      07-07-2019, 12:59 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverScotty View Post
Just checked my photo log and Yes! That was the day I dropped it off. When I toured the shop they were breaking down a brand new GT3 R to get the same wrap that I was. Top level cars and work in that shop. You will be happy with the work. Stoked that you saw my car!
Ha! Small world. Thanks for dropping it off that day, it was perfect to see another one being worked on! And I am glad to hear you approve of their work. What exactly did you get done?
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      07-07-2019, 04:35 PM   #19
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Having had both.

The suntek was more invisible.
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      07-08-2019, 09:27 AM   #20
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I've used them all over the years and as said above Suntek is the best for clarity and it's why you see it used more on exotics. There are pros and cons to the adhesive not being as strong as it's easier to apply so less of a chance to get the stretch marks you can see when trying to install Xpel. The downside of it not being as strong is you have to be pretty careful when washing for at least 6 months after install as it's surprisingly easy to lift under water pressure compared to Xpel or 3M films. That initial drawback turns into an advantage if you own the car long enough to get to the point you want to replace the film as it comes off much easier than Xpel and you don't have to worry nearly as much about paint lifting off with it.

Xpel is still a very good product as I've used it on a couple of previous cars and it looked great on my black Golf R and I would argue it's more durable so if you drive on pretty rough roads I feel you will get a little better protection from Xpel.

The most important part of PPF IMO is getting the best installer available so I would prioritize installer over film.
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      07-08-2019, 10:20 AM   #21
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Was gunna ask the same question. A local installer here quoted Suntek Ultra for $1499 on full front coverage (bumper, hood, fenders, headlights, mirror caps). I've been quoted anywhere from $1900 to $3200 for the same using Xpel.

Guess it probably comes down to the installer.
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      07-08-2019, 03:09 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Whiteywhiteboy View Post
Ha! Small world. Thanks for dropping it off that day, it was perfect to see another one being worked on! And I am glad to hear you approve of their work. What exactly did you get done?
I had their typical front end wrap done. Evan will walk you through it. Bumper, hood, fenders, mirrors, headlights, rocker panels, door cups, trunk bumper liner, the rear quarter panel pieces replaced with larger ones and some trim behind the rear tires. I also had a full tint done which looks great. Evan talked me into the windshield which I was apprehensive about but am glad I did. I just added a very light tint to it for the heat reflection.

I'll try to upload some better pics when I get a chance. I haven't taken any beauty shots yet like I keep seeing on the forum. Feel like I need to up my game before posting anything.
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