I know, how many times will this come up?

Regardless, I've been a huge fan of the Bosch Icon low profile blades fr two years now, but just found another one that's less than half the price of the Icons. The new one is called Peak Optix, and is a low profile "flat blade" that is comparable in design the the Icons.

The blade itself is a white translucent rubber compound, so I don't know how long they will last, but at $11 each, I figured I would give them a try since I needed a new set anyway.

This time, though, I'm installing a 26" blade on the driver side and staying with the 24" on the passenger side. We're supposed to be getting rain this week, so I should get a fairly quick initial impression and will post back what I observe.

Here are some links.
Brochure (Technical Data Sheet)
http://www.peakantifreeze.com/images..._SpecSheet.pdf

Installation Instructions
http://www.peakantifreeze.com/images..._sheet_ENG.pdf

 

Correction... the whitish colored translucent "blade" was actually the plastic cover over the real blade. They do failry well so far.. very quiet. I'm not so sure the 26" blade will end up working ok, though because it's so long that the manufactured curve in the blade structure seems to let it skip some wiping right at the cetner of the blade. Perhaps that will settle down as they sit on the windshield in the summer sun.

 

I haven't really followed any wiper blade threads. Does a 26" blade even stay on the glass? I know my 24's are awfully close to the top of the windshield when they're on.

 

24 is about all i can fit to...i might get a 26 on the passanger side..but i think the tip might come off the glass when all the way down and all the way up.....do we all have the same arms though the years?? or did the style change a little??

 

I put those Bosches on (stock sizes) back in Nov and I like 'em. I'll store this thread though -- these will be nice next time I need blades. Even with the rebate, the Bosches are a bit pricey...

BTW, where'd you find 'em, Pete?

 

Well im glad im not the only that is excited about good wiper blades! LOL

 

Here in Western Oregon good wiper blades are at the top of the list of important safety items, along with tires that don't hydroplane.

 

I'm sorry... I forgot to say where I found the blades... Sam's Club, and like I said, they were $10.88 each.

The 26" blade fits perfectly on my driver side, but the 24" is all I can fit on the passenger side without having the blade hang off the outside edge when in the down position. I might could even get some 27's to fit on the driver side... it is a FULL sweep, though, and the 27 might hit the top windshield trim.

If the heat doesn't relax the 26" blade so I can get a consistent clean wipe in the middle, I'll try the Bosch 26 next because I believe their curvature is a little more gradual, which would create less "lift pressure" in the middle of the blade.

I have to say, too, that I think the Icon connection bracket has a "cleaner" appearance, which I do like more, but I'm all about PERFORMANCE and DURABILITY. If I can get at least 9-10 months off these Peak Optix blades, then they are worth the money. Otherwise, I'll go back to the icons again when these wear out.

 

Just an FYI in case it hasn't been discussed before, but I've tried those Bosch's and quite a few others. You can't get any better than a Silblade. wiper blades, installation, auto, DIY, do it yourself, how to install, instructions, automotive from SSP Companies
They are pricey, but they are wonderful. No squeaking, juttering, or breaking down from the sun and they have a 5 year warranty. I use them on everything I own and have yet to replace them. One set is 5 years old and still works like new. Sometimes you can find them cheaper on Amazon.

 

Where are you getting the 5-year warranty information. Their website you linked us to has the statement below, which is only a 90-day warranty.

"TERM
Specialty Silicone Products (SSP) warrants Silblade®, UltraSilblade®, Winter Wiper and Silblade2 (Flexblade™) to be free from defects in workmanship and materials under normal use for a period of 90 days from date of purchase.

EXCLUSIONS
This limited warranty specifically excludes damage resulting from acts of nature, misuse, abuse, neglect, alteration, modification and improper installation.

Except for the Limited Warranty stated above, there are no warranties of SSP products or any part thereof, whether expressed or implied. Any implied warranty of merchantability or any warranty of fitness for a particular purpose is expressly disclaimed.

REFUND & REPLACEMENT
If a SSP silicone wiper is suspected of being defective, you must contact the dealer or store that you purchased it from. If purchased directly from SSP, please contact us directly at 800-437-1442. Proof of purchase is required for refund or replacement. Removal, installation or reinstallation costs are not covered by this warranty."

 

I need to get me some blades now, where can I get these at Pete Walmart?

 

Pete, wow that's interesting. That has just recently changed apparently. The warranty cards I have are for 5 years. I haven't needed the warranty, but it sure was a selling point, I'll have to rethink those now.

 

UPDATE:

Although I've never used a set of wipers that was as quiet as these, I'm not happy wny more after driving in some rain. Let me qualify that, though. If I were using stock 20" wipers, I would probably LOVE these, but the oversize wipers do not give a clean wipe in the cetner of the blade on the retturn stroke, leaving some smearing puddle behind the blade after it returns back to it's home position on the cowl. Real bummer.

I'll probably just keep them for now and see if this is anything that smooths out after more summer heat on the glass and the blades, but if it doesn't change, as soon as these need replacing (or when I cannot stand it any more), I'll go back to the Icons... but may go ahead and try those Silblades, too... decisions, decisions, decisions!

 

I'm not sure if these are available in Walmart... I got mine at Sam's Club. I can't find a listing anywhere telling us "where you can buy thse".

 

Go for the Rain x's!!!!! Worth the money!