Top grade V-Kool - any good?

[Jeff49er]

Hi Sony,

 

The intention is mainly for heat rejection. Thanks for helping to point out that the grades become less significant if I left my car over a prolonged period in the open.

 

To me the heat rejection and refrecting UV is barely noticeable.

 

I certainly recommend V Kool or 3M if i were to pay for it. If FOC, I dont mind Rike Cool.

 

When I got my Lancer from an agent, he had lobang for V Kool and I went for it.

[Blackreplica]

That's strange, was told the other way round. The GPS signals will be affect using 3M film so have V-Kool instead. Rest using 3M.

 

that is definitely not true. you can do a quick search in this forum on vkool and 3m solar filmopinions from users.those using vkool all complained of interference of the film with their ERP IU units and GPS units. They had no choice but to have a portion of the solr film removed so the IU/GPS units would be able to function properly. in my opinion, this is absolute nonsense. I would never pay so much money to have a good film put in only to be forced to leave a hole on my windscreen which wasnt covered with the film. defeats the purpose doesnt it?

 

I am using 3M, have the ERP IU and use my own GPS on a daily basis, and have no interference issues whatsoever. In fact if you go to a 3M installer he will show you brochure which advertises quite clearly that it will not interfere with your IU or GPS. Its one of the sell points of the film. i think it also comes with a 10 year warranty and IMO, the heat rejection is excellent. well worth the money

[Sony]

actually, to be fair, the cut for IU was actually on the area where the double-sided tape will be stick on, so it's not going to affect a lot and does not leave an unsightly hole..

[Liang]

There is a difference between the grades, and you can feel it. My 1st car is fitted with J83 for the front sides and Vk70 for the rear sides. Under hot sun and using my palm/arm, I can feel that it is much cooler behind the VK70 than the J83. Of course when I wind down the window, I can feel the full blast from the sun and I know that even the J83 does cut down A LOT.

All will be the same after a LONG time in the sun, because the car is heated up thru the metal body, etc. But as you drive off, the car will cool down much faster and remain cooler because less heat can come in thru the glass. For parking in morning until lunchtime, you may even feel some difference as you enter the car (depends how hot your carpark is) So there is still some value in a higher grade one.

No effect on IU, because they leave a gap just above the IU. It is really not that obvious because it is just the area above the IU and the front must be 70% VLT. Anyway, I have a decal covering that area also!

Anyway, I am not selling Vkool. I was considering 3M (based on the brand and good reviews). But to meet the 70% VLT for my car, Vkool's film can give me a better heat rejection %.

[Glendon]

that is definitely not true. you can do a quick search in this forum on vkool and 3m solar filmopinions from users.those using vkool all complained of interference of the film with their ERP IU units and GPS units. They had no choice but to have a portion of the solr film removed so the IU/GPS units would be able to function properly. in my opinion, this is absolute nonsense. I would never pay so much money to have a good film put in only to be forced to leave a hole on my windscreen which wasnt covered with the film. defeats the purpose doesnt it?

 

I am using 3M, have the ERP IU and use my own GPS on a daily basis, and have no interference issues whatsoever. In fact if you go to a 3M installer he will show you brochure which advertises quite clearly that it will not interfere with your IU or GPS. Its one of the sell points of the film. i think it also comes with a 10 year warranty and IMO, the heat rejection is excellent. well worth the money

 

Thanks Blackreplica!

 

Ok, in that case, I guess V-Kool is not my only choice. I'm doing some research on 3M solar films now. I also came across some satisified customers using 3M solar films on other forums. Indeed, V-Kool seems to need the 'hole-cut', but 3M doesn't. As I used GPS on my iPhone in my car, the 'non-interfere of signals' is an important consideration.

 

[Twofouronenite]

Thanks Blackreplica!

 

Ok, in that case, I guess V-Kool is not my only choice. I'm doing some research on 3M solar films now. I also came across some satisified customers using 3M solar films on other forums. Indeed, V-Kool seems to need the 'hole-cut', but 3M doesn't. As I used GPS on my iPhone in my car, the 'non-interfere of signals' is an important consideration.

Wah, I'm the one who start the reply on GPS issue n u only thank him?

[Blackreplica]

Wah, I'm the one who start the reply on GPS issue n u only thank him?

 

haha, ok then, allow me to thank you on his behalf for bringing the issue up.

 

 

[Glendon]

Wah, I'm the one who start the reply on GPS issue n u only thank him?

 

Oops! Thanks a bunch too! :)

 

Ok, did more research. Here's what I gathered on the web and from talking to people...

 

3M is of the ceramic type and it functions by absorbing IR (V-Kool's reflective). According to V-Kool, ceramic type is like a sponge - it can only absorb IR up to a certain capacity, and once the threshold is reached, it is no longer effective.

 

Called up one of 3M's authorized reseller for solar film and their boss, Daddy, told me that that's not true. Basically, he said, 3M's solar film both reflect and absorb. He was honest enough to say that if you leave a car in the sun for more than an hour, it'll be hot inside no matter what solar film you used. His reasoning is heat is also conducted through the car's body, not only through the windows. But it'll definitely cool down much faster with the solar film once your air-con is on. His price for the premium grade is $800 (promotional price - 1 tone look; note: 2 tone look is $100 less).

 

Also called up V-Kool and they offered me $700 (promotional price as well - 1 tone look). The original package was J83 for both front-side windows, but they are upgrading that to x75 FOC (worth $100). So, the final configuration is

front windscreen + front-side windows => x75

rear windscreen + rear-side windows => v-kool 70

 

Had made an appointment with V-Kool for tomorrow morning. Hope it's money well-spent.

Edited January 29, 2009 by Glendon

[Twofouronenite]

Ha ah Just joking. The other thing is the using of power window or window. Seem like u cannot use the window 24 or 48 hours or might damage the edge. Carefull on the carpark to use, or u got to open door. Or luck the rest of the windows if u tobang ppl.

 

Not sure if this is a prastice here. So dun hammer me if it is not true.

[Jeff49er]

Oops! Thanks a bunch too! :)

 

Ok, did more research. Here's what I gathered on the web and from talking to people...

 

3M is of the ceramic type and it functions by absorbing IR (V-Kool's reflective). According to V-Kool, ceramic type is like a sponge - it can only absorb IR up to a certain capacity, and once the threshold is reached, it is no longer effective.

 

Called up one of 3M's authorized reseller for solar film and their boss, Daddy, told me that that's not true. Basically, he said, 3M's solar film both reflect and absorb. He was honest enough to say that if you leave a car in the sun for more than an hour, it'll be hot inside no matter what solar film you used. His reasoning is heat is also conducted through the car's body, not only through the windows. But it'll definitely cool down much faster with the solar film once your air-con is on. His price for the premium grade is $800 (promotional price - 1 tone look; note: 2 tone look is $100 less).

 

Also called up V-Kool and they offered me $700 (promotional price as well - 1 tone look). The original package was J83 for both front-side windows, but they are upgrading that to x75 FOC (worth $100). So, the final configuration is

front windscreen + front-side windows => x75

rear windscreen + rear-side windows => v-kool 70

 

Had made an appointment with V-Kool for tomorrow morning. Hope it's money well-spent.

 

/quote]

 

The $ u spent on Vkool, even the basic package, is still the best mod u'll ever do.

 

[Glendon]

Ha ah Just joking. The other thing is the using of power window or window. Seem like u cannot use the window 24 or 48 hours or might damage the edge. Carefull on the carpark to use, or u got to open door. Or luck the rest of the windows if u tobang ppl.

 

Not sure if this is a prastice here. So dun hammer me if it is not true.

 

Yup, I'm aware of that. I've installed solar film for my first car before - brand was Cool N' Lite. But I used a cheapo grade, so couldn't really feel the heat reduction. I'm going for the premium grade for my second car this time - let's see if it's any better. :)

Edited January 29, 2009 by Glendon

[Blackreplica]

intereference issues aside, Vkool is still a good film, and you should feel some pretty crazy differences in terms of heat rejection....get ready for a pleasant surprise

[Ghostrider]

Have used both Vkool and Hyper Optik premium grade...both quite on par. Hyper Optik is cheaper than VKool.

 

Its more on the IR (Heat) rather than UV. Cos your car already has UV coating on the window glass. I know cos my Transition lenses dun change to darker shade when I am in the car...only when I drop the window then the lenses changes shade.

 

Once you parked the car....all grades/brands of films will still radiate heat into the car. Cos majority of the car part is made of metal. So those who think that install premium brand/grade will yield a cool car after baking in the sun (for even 30mins)...you are going to be so so disappointed. Your interior will start cooling down when you start moving and aircon is working. With solar films, your interior will cool way faster than those without film.

 

 

[Knht]

Yup, I'm aware of that. I've installed solar film for my first car before - brand was Cool N' Lite. But I used a cheapo grade, so couldn't really feel the heat reduction. I'm going for the premium grade for my second car this time - let's see if it's any better. :)

 

CoolnLite has 3 grades i think - basic, platinum and titanium. I am using Platinum (they can't put titanium on my ride as will render it LTA-unfriendly) and so far no complain. Share your feedback after you installed it.

[Divespyder]

I have 2 identical cars in same black color... one installed with Cool N Lite premium package & other is with VKool X75, VK70 premium. I installed Cool N LIte on 1st car last year and felt it was still too hot for front clear films so tried VKool for other car this month & there is alot of difference between the 2 brands premium package. VKool is very effective in reducing the heat buildup in hot sun. I strongly vouch for VKool. I also installed VKool architectural film VK75 & VK40 for my home windows & roof skylight having direct sunshine. Cost me a bomb but its money well spent for the heat insulation.

[Glendon]

Well, got it installed today at the Sin Ming office.

 

But they badly scratched my rear 'speaker board' - with bits and pieces of its material scattered near the middle brake light. They claimed it was because my car was baked in the sun often, so the rear 'speaker board' already have minature cracks. I reasoned with them that it was alright when I brought it in, and the least they can do is to absorb some of my replacement cost for it. But I didn't want to make a scene as I don't want to get the guy who fitted for me in trouble.

 

Anyways, I went down to Kah Motors after that and was told that the total cost for the replacement will be $137 (replacement board) + $200 (labor). I paid $137 on the spot for Kah Motors to order the replacement board. The replacement board should arrive in a months time or so.

 

I don't blame the guy who did the fitting for me because things happen. But, out of goodwill, I think Sin Ming V-Kool could have done something. As it is, this incident has spoilt whatever anticipation I have for the new solar film. I do not recommend V-Kool and I'll relate my story to anyone who asked me about V-Kool.

 

[Sony]

to be fair, you can't blame the workshop coz you didn't "press" hard enough..

 

if everyone goes to them to fit solar film, then blame them lightly for this damage, that scratch, etc.. then how do they cover their profit margin, labour and operating cost..

 

since you mention you didn't want to get the installer into trouble, then you shdn't have post your remarks here. it's doing more harm than your making a scene there.

 

if you ask me, since you are absorbing the cost, then by all means, be gracious all the way..

 

the incident got nothing to do with Vkool.

 

it totally got to do with the installer which you do not want to blame.

 

 

anyway, the above is my own opinion. I would say, forgo the damage coz you are kind enough to absorb it and give a genuine feedback on the solar film which is what this thread is all about.

Edited January 30, 2009 by Sony

[Glendon]

to be fair, you can't blame the workshop coz you didn't "press" hard enough..

 

if everyone goes to them to fit solar film, then blame them lightly for this damage, that scratch, etc.. then how do they cover their profit margin, labour and operating cost..

 

since you mention you didn't want to get the installer into trouble, then you shdn't have post your remarks here. it's doing more harm than your making a scene there.

 

if you ask me, since you are absorbing the cost, then by all means, be gracious all the way..

 

the incident got nothing to do with Vkool.

 

it totally got to do with the installer which you do not want to blame.

 

 

anyway, the above is my own opinion. I would say, forgo the damage coz you are kind enough to absorb it and give a genuine feedback on the solar film which is what this thread is all about.

 

Let me iterate - I don't blame the installer because things happen; but I think Sin Ming V-Kool could have done something out of goodwill.

 

I'm just stating the fact - after paying for their premium package, I have to fork out another $300+ to get a new rear board. I'm sharing my experience here. As you have so insightful stated that it's not V-Kool's fault, I've also clearly stated that it's because of this incident that I'm not recommending V-Kool.

Edited January 30, 2009 by Glendon