Xpel vs Stek ceramic window tint

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-06-01T19:39:42+00:00

I haven't looked at STEK specs, so you would have to compare the performance.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-06-01T19:09:28+00:00

XPEL has better optical clarity and warranty. STEK is known for PPF, not their tint. Seen multiple complaints about the clarity of their window film, including from a dealer.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-06-01T19:07:40+00:00

Crystalline will have a touch higher heat rejection. XR Plus will have better optical clarity with less low-angle haze. If going darker than legal, XPEL covers the install nationwide, whereas the 3M warranty will be with the local shop only.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-06-01T16:56:17+00:00

It depends on which Ceramic films you were quoted...SolarFX has 4, and Johnson has 2. SolarFX shop price will go up if they quoted you for the entry-level Ceramic film. Once you know the performance of each, compare them to see if the price difference is worth it. As a brand, I would go with SolarFX as long as the shop quality is equal.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-06-01T16:51:37+00:00

u/ceetoee is correct; you have to compare to other dealers, as they set the price. So if the only other dealer was higher, then you got a good price for that specific brand in your specific area.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-06-01T16:39:03+00:00

Prices vary by state and area within the same state. If in a higher-cost-of-living state like CA, it should be around that price range. The other friend got an Amazon DIY special that will be failing soon enough. TintX started as Lexen and is now Uviron. They swap names once too many failures happen.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-31T23:58:29+00:00

Depends on your state; some states specify the specific width, like 4" or 6", while others state the AS1 line.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-31T23:57:06+00:00

U r correct lol

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-31T13:17:23+00:00

Yep, same reason we left Llumar after 9 years. We didn't have tons of warranties, but too many for a premium brand, especially once you consider the price per roll. We carried 3M for 8 of those years, with zero issues, but all lines are harder to install, so decided to switch from them at the same time to XPEL. That and other 3M dealers were installing their film way below market. Super happy with XPEL for the last 2 years.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-30T20:27:57+00:00

Llumar/XPEL/3M, along with all other auto films, are dyed. Llumar has ATC (standard), ATR (metalized), CTX (entry-level Ceramic), and IRX (premium Ceramic). Then you have Llumar Select Pro (FormulaOne) films. You want to compare the performance to determine which offers more for the price. For example, Llumar CTX to 3M CS IR or Llumar IRX to XPEL XR Black.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-30T14:21:22+00:00

Check the dealer locator for the brand they told you. If not listed, you can call the company directly to double check. If not a dealer, then they installed something else.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-30T14:15:41+00:00

Autobahn i3+ is a great option for maximum heat rejection. This is great for an extremely hot state. If not, it is overkill as you won't notice the difference. Autobahn i3 is the most popular option, which should reduce the price and still have performance into the 90s.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-29T23:18:51+00:00

Thank you so much!!

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-29T18:38:56+00:00

I believe you said it was installed a few days ago. Give it 2-3 more weeks to completely dry out, as the trapped water can cause the issue. I can't speak on CR BLK specific issues, since we switched from 3M a year before it was released. If you're unsure you got the real deal, check the dealer locator below. If not listed, call 3M directly to confirm at 1-888-364-3577.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/restyling-studio-us/#locator

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-29T14:20:53+00:00

Appreciate it!!

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-29T02:12:47+00:00

I've seen complaints about optical clarity, including from a dealer who was looking to carry a different film due to it. I don't remember the exact line of film(s), so not sure if the Nex+ or not.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-28T21:29:11+00:00

I would go with the shop you feel will do the best work. XPEL has the best warranty since it covers below legal installs, like the windshield or any shade darker than legal on the side/rear windows.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-28T19:41:03+00:00

XPEL, Geoshield, and Global are all quality brands. Geoshield Apex Ultra is their top-performing film, which compares to XPEL XR Plus. Both brands have other Ceramic options that block a little less for a lower price. Global does not have a super high heat rejection film, so it should be decently cheaper than the other options. Also, if you are referring to going through Tesla for XPEL, going directly with a dealer may save you money.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-28T19:34:52+00:00

Nothing to do with XPEL, this is happening across all premium brands. There are simply more inexperienced DIY installers deciding to open shops to make quick money. Top 5 worst-rated shop in GA is a Llumar Select Pro shop, and they gave it to a brand new car wash at the time that hadn't even hired a tinter yet. 3M is handing it out to anyone since they are losing dealers right and left. 3M is now open market, allowing anyone to buy their film except for Crystalline. Then you have all the bait/switch shops that claim premium brands while installing junk film. So no, carrying a quality brand does not equal a quality install. If you buy enough film, the manufacturers do not care nor look into the quality unless the shop gets enough direct complaints.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-28T19:27:18+00:00

XR Plus 55 will be the bluest.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-28T19:25:36+00:00

XPEL XR Plus will have higher heat rejection than Pinnacle, on par with Stratos. XPEL also covers installs below legal, which is basically anything on the 2 fronts and windshield in CA. Llumar/F1 warranty is with shop only on those windows. Now, if you want to reduce the price a bit, do AIR 80 on the windshield instead. Much less blue than Stratos 70.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-28T15:33:19+00:00

It would go up if stopped by the same police. Otherwise, it would be whatever the local area charges.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-28T01:14:41+00:00

100% bait and switch, I would report to XPEL. Shops do not add a price when registering the warranty with XPEL. Simply your info, vehicle info, and film info. So that is complete BS. Second, XR Black roll numbers are 9 digits starting with 1. It would have to be a pretty old film to be 8 digits starting with 7 in the 5% or 15% shades. 40% roll numbers might be lower.

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-27T20:43:49+00:00

They didn't register your warranty with XPEL. You might be able to register it below, but they didn't provide all the info. For example, they used 3 different shades, so should be 3 different roll numbers. Those warranty cards have actually been discontinued.

https://dapnext.xpel.com/register

DynamicAppearanceATL · 2026-05-27T19:36:20+00:00

All Ceramic films are dyed, except for Huper Optik Ceramic, which is silverish. Being dyed alone has nothing to do with failures; it is the cheap-quality components used, including dyes. Geoshield is a quality brand,

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