The morning and afternoon sun can be a nuisance when you are driving, especially on summer days. Getting tint jobs on your windshields and windows is the simplest way to block out the sun and UV rays.
There is plenty of options available, but in this particular piece, I’ll only talk about Huper Optik and 3M tints. I hope my Huper Optik vs. 3M Tint breakdown will help you pick the right option.
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Huper Optik vs. 3M Windshield Tint
Huper Optik and 3M both have a wide range of window tints. But I’ll draw up this comparison by weighing the most premium Huper Optik tint against its 3M counterpart.
From the Huper Optik side, my pick will be the X3 Ceramics and the Nano Ceramics films. Both of them are basically the same. The primary difference between them is in tint percentage. The X3 Ceramics are the darker shades, while the Nano Ceramic ones are lighter.
Huper Optik has made these films from Titanium Nitride compounds. You can expect higher resistance to corrosion and color fading in these films.
As for the 3M tints, I’ll stick with the 3M Crystalline. 3M has chosen an absolutely zero metal approach for crafting this line. The 3M Crystalline boasts a nanotechnologically enhanced multi-layer film that is thinner than a piece of paper.
So, let’s find out how these films fare in day-to-day use.
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UV Ray Protection
Both Huper Optik and 3M tints offer 99% UV ray protection. So, this is a tie. That means both tints will give you similar protection against long-term UV exposure.
Heat Control
However, identical anti-UV properties don’t indicate that Huper Optik and 3M also have the best reduction attributes. We will have to analyze the TSER (Total Solar Energy Rejected) ratings to find out how good they are at keeping the heat outside.
A 20% 3M Crystalline tint has a TSER rating of 64%. On the other hand, the 20% Huper Optik X3 Ceramic has a TSER rating of 66%. The Huper Optik film deflects more solar energy for the same tint percentage. So, Huper Optik films are better at reducing interior temperature than 3M films.
Sun Glare
Sun glare can put drivers at peril when speeding through the highway. It could make them lose focus on the road, and within a matter of seconds, the car could crash into another car or drift out of the road. So, you would want to do something about the glare.
Putting up window and windshield tints can greatly minimize sun glare. Which one of Huper Optik and 3M Crystalline does it the best? Once again, I am gonna have to say Huper Optik.
The Crystalline 40 has a visible light reflectance exterior rating of 6%. The visible light reflectance interior rating is also 6%. In the Huper Ceramics 40, which also has a 40% tint percentage, you will get a visible light reflectance exterior rating of 12% and a visible light reflectance interior rating of 9%.
So, what do these numbers mean? We can say that the Huper Optik film reduces sun glare inside and outside of the window more than the 3M one.
The higher the light reflectance percentage, the better the film will be at lowering sun glare.
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Warranty
Huper Optik and 3M both provide lifetime warranties. But 3M doesn’t offer warranty claims on discoloration.
Cracking is the only incidence the 3M warranty insures. Huper Optik will give you a new film if the previous one loses its color.
Of course, in both cases, you will have to install the films by authorized personnel. If you install the film yourself, you can’t claim the warranty.
Durability
The durability of these films is more or less the same. I have gone through both Huper Optik and 3M forums.
Did not see a lot of people complaining about the longevity of these films. So, is this a stalemate? Unfortunately, no.
I came across this video, that shows the 3M Crystalline is more scratch-prone than the 3M. I admit I did not try it out myself.
But this seems like conclusive proof that the Huper Optik has the upper hand in terms of durability as well.
Is 3M tint good quality?
Yes, 3M is known for manufacturing high-quality window tints. Their products are praised for their durability, heat rejection properties, and clarity.
They offer a variety of tints to meet specific needs, such as UV protection and privacy. With proper installation and care, 3M tints can last for many years.
What is better than 3M tint?
While 3M is a reputable brand for window tints, there are other high-quality alternatives to consider.
Some users prefer brands like SolarGard, SunTek, and Llumar. These companies also offer high-quality window tints known for their durability, UV protection, and heat rejection. Find all the windshield tint comparisons.
Your choice should be based on specific needs, budget, and the product’s performance under local weather conditions. Always remember to consider professional installation for optimal results.
Final Opinion
Before doing research for the Huper Optik vs. 3M Crystalline comparison piece, I had no idea that the Huper Optik would come out as the outright winner. I did not use Huper Optik tints before, and once I did, I felt I should consider moving to Huper Optik films permanently.
