Suntek and 3M are two of the biggest players in the automotive tint industry. So, it’s impossible to avoid a Suntek tint vs. 3M window tint debate while talking about the best window films for cars. Which one should you go for if you are in the market for windshield and window tints?
You can expect excellent color and clarity with both Suntek and 3M tints. So, what makes the difference? I will share my thoughts on the differences that set apart these two fantastic products.
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Suntek Tint vs. 3M Windshield Tint
Both Suntek and 3M have a wide range of tints. I chose to ignore their standard ceramic series, as I found them more or less the same. The specs are quite similar, but personally, I loved the 3M ones better.
To better understand the difference between the features of these two brands, I believe it makes more sense to pit the most premium Suntek and 3M models against each other, So I picked the 3M Crystalline and the Suntek CXP to construct this discussion.
Appearance
The appearance of the tint is an objective factor. For some, it could make or break the deal. So, you should know for sure how the tints will look on your car once you install them. The Suntek CXP has a brownish tint, while the 3M Crystalline is purely black.
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Heat Rejection
3M Crystalline is clearly the winner when it comes to heat rejection. Even though both Crystalline and the CXP block out 99% of the UV rays, they differ in TSER (Total Solar Energy Rating) numbers.
The TSER for 3M Crystalline tints can be as high as 64%. That means it deflects 64% of the solar radiation away from the car. For Suntek CXP, you can expect the maximum TSER to be 59%. Which is still a pretty good ratio, but it clearly lags behind 3M Crystalline.
So, if keeping your vehicle is your number one priority, you should go for the 3M tint. You can also check out a video to see how effectively 3M Crystalline betters Suntek CXP in heat rejection.
Glare Reduction
Glaring and windshields can lead to catastrophic accidents on the road. So, you would want your windshield to glare as less as possible. While the glare reduction numbers are easily available for the 3M Crystalline, I could not find similar statistics for the Suntek CXP series.
But I looked through many forums, and most users believe the 3M Crystalline slightly edges the Suntek CXP in glare reduction. I found their claim consistent with my own experiences of testing both tints.
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Visibility
I found the Suntek CXP to be superior in terms of visibility before looking at the VLT (Visible Light Transmittance) numbers. The 70% CXP tint has a VLT percentage of 65%. On the contrary, the 70% Crystalline’s VLT is 58%.
That means the Suntek CXP allows more light entrance than a similarly dark 3M Crystalline. So the driver will have a better view of the road. The Suntek CXP is much thinner than the 3M Crystalline, which also helps with clarity.
Durability
While both products offer lifetime warranties, most users across multiple forums have claimed that the Crystalline outlasts the CXP. 3M Crystalline comes fortified with 200 layers of non-metal sheets. So, its wear and tear remain minimal over time.
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Is Suntek A 3M?
No, Suntek is not a part of 3M’s window film range. It’s a different company and is thought to be the biggest challenger against 3M’s supremacy in the industry. Suntek CXP provides the biggest competition for 3M Crystalline, 3M’s best-selling window, and windshield tint.
Which Is Better Ceramic Or 3M?
3M is mostly known for its non-ceramic films, but it has its own ceramic range as well. 3M’s non-ceramic films do offer better durability and protection, but they also tend to be more expensive.
Is Suntek Ceramic Tint Good?
Suntek has earned the trust of millions of customers around the globe with its top-notch window films. The Virginia-based brand should be on your shortlist if you want to buy window tints.
Final Opinion
I think 3M marginally wins the Suntek tint vs. 3M race, but you can’t go wrong choosing a Suntek film for your window and windshield. Both these brands are setting up the industry standards, so you should feel satisfied using either of them. 3M Crystalline came in as a trailblazer, but Suntek threw great competition at it with its CXP range.
