Is getting clear bra for a new car recommended? ('16 WRX) - Page 6

IronChef · 04-19-2017, 06:29 PM

Go for the xpel ultimate with edge wrap. Self healing with a 10 year warranty is the best in the industry.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

vapore0n · 04-20-2017, 07:11 AM

First car, a 2002 WRX, I didnt get the bra. All it took was one winter for the car to look like crap. After that I started getting Clear Bra on all my cars.

Ive used different brands, and XPel has been the best so far. No orange peel, self healing, very thin compared to the other brand I used.
Detailer recommended using CarPro Reload for protection and detailing the areas with the bra. Just did that last week, looks brand new, glossy, slick.

Zerum · 07-07-2017, 07:10 PM

Just got my black 2017 WRX in March. I do a lot of highway driving and my front bumper looks like crap now, scuffs and chips everywhere.

I was looking at XPEL when I first got it but cheaped out and regret it

I may just spring for a new front bumper since they are only about $300 bucks, then get clear bra it.

Notch 8 · 07-07-2017, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zerum

Just got my black 2017 WRX in March. I do a lot of highway driving and my front bumper looks like crap now, scuffs and chips everywhere.

I was looking at XPEL when I first got it but cheaped out and regret it

I may just spring for a new front bumper since they are only about $300 bucks, then get clear bra it.

That new front bumper doesn't come painted from Subaru, FYI.

13idahosti · 07-09-2017, 09:20 PM

I have a clear bra covering most of my car and couldn't imagine not having it!

waltersh · 07-10-2017, 10:48 AM

Paid $900 for half hood (which ended up being 3/4 hood), half fenders, and full bumper with Xpel. Worth every single penny. I hit a piece of retread on the highway which destroyed one of my fog covers, and put a huge tire mark across my bumper. I went home, and wiped it all off with some quick detailer. I'll be clear bra'ing every car from here on out.

I got it done in Greenville, SC by Extreme Colors off of Woodruff road. They're the best and will gladly help out with any concerns.

Ramone179 · 07-11-2017, 10:00 AM

I got the whole bumper, half hood and fenders at about 1000 miles. Wish I did it at 10!
Most the time it's invisible...the times I can see it, it drive me nuts!

richsub9 · 01-30-2024, 06:22 PM

Just got my second REX, first was Bugeye and now a 2023. Live in AZ and rock chip city so thinking of a clear bra but quotes from $1500-3000. You got to be kidding me. Thinking of DIY with a Suntek precut kit for $300. Anyone else do it themselves.

Ellie Ben · 02-05-2024, 02:36 AM

I've been considering getting a clear bra for my new WRX as well. The information in this thread has been very helpful, especially the pros and cons of different materials and the typical cost range. I'm still undecided on whether to go for it, but I'm leaning towards Xpel Ultimate based on the positive feedback from other users.

This response is based on the following information from the thread:

Clear bras are a popular way to protect the paint on a new WRX.
There are pros and cons to consider, such as the cost and the fact that some materials are less clear than others.
Xpel Ultimate is a self-healing film with a 10-year warranty that is popular among users.

TitanXD · 05-11-2024, 09:23 PM

If you don't want to spend so much money just buy pre-cut film and do it yourself. It doesn't have to perfect (getting small specs of dust is fine).
I did a bad to okish job on mine (front bumper). It's not super visible so it doesn't bother me but now I don't have to worry about any paint damage. I got lazy and didn't do the hood and got some tree sap on it and it annoys me. I still have the film and wish I did the hood.

ctscottula · 03-11-2025, 10:17 PM

I recommend Expel, especially if you park outside and expect to own the car for a long time. I have had it on my silver 2008 STI since new. Car has been parked outside for 16+ years and the covered areas look like new and the Expel is not even yellowing. Clearcoat on some of the unprotected areas is peeling...

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04-19-2017, 06:29 PM	#126
IronChef Scooby Newbie Member#: 6503 Join Date: May 2001 Location: Lake Forest, CA	Go for the xpel ultimate with edge wrap. Self healing with a 10 year warranty is the best in the industry. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

04-20-2017, 07:11 AM	#127
vapore0n Scooby Specialist Member#: 21356 Join Date: Jul 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Can't catch me! Vehicle: 2017 Subaru Corolla STI Limited SE-R Type (R)	First car, a 2002 WRX, I didnt get the bra. All it took was one winter for the car to look like crap. After that I started getting Clear Bra on all my cars. Ive used different brands, and XPel has been the best so far. No orange peel, self healing, very thin compared to the other brand I used. Detailer recommended using CarPro Reload for protection and detailing the areas with the bra. Just did that last week, looks brand new, glossy, slick.

07-07-2017, 07:10 PM	#128
Zerum Scooby Newbie Member#: 470550 Join Date: Jul 2017 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Chicago Vehicle: 2017 WRX Crystal Black Silica	Just got my black 2017 WRX in March. I do a lot of highway driving and my front bumper looks like crap now, scuffs and chips everywhere. I was looking at XPEL when I first got it but cheaped out and regret it I may just spring for a new front bumper since they are only about $300 bucks, then get clear bra it.

07-09-2017, 09:20 PM	#130
13idahosti Scooby Newbie Member#: 470690 Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: delete account	I have a clear bra covering most of my car and couldn't imagine not having it!

07-10-2017, 10:48 AM	#131
waltersh Scooby Newbie Member#: 447706 Join Date: May 2016 Location: Greenville, SC Vehicle: 2017 WRX Base CWP	Paid $900 for half hood (which ended up being 3/4 hood), half fenders, and full bumper with Xpel. Worth every single penny. I hit a piece of retread on the highway which destroyed one of my fog covers, and put a huge tire mark across my bumper. I went home, and wiped it all off with some quick detailer. I'll be clear bra'ing every car from here on out. I got it done in Greenville, SC by Extreme Colors off of Woodruff road. They're the best and will gladly help out with any concerns.

07-11-2017, 10:00 AM	#132
Ramone179 Scooby Newbie Member#: 466281 Join Date: Apr 2017 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Minneapolis Vehicle: 2017 WRX CEP	I got the whole bumper, half hood and fenders at about 1000 miles. Wish I did it at 10! Most the time it's invisible...the times I can see it, it drive me nuts!

01-30-2024, 06:22 PM	#133
richsub9 Scooby Newbie Member#: 536836 Join Date: Jan 2024	Just got my second REX, first was Bugeye and now a 2023. Live in AZ and rock chip city so thinking of a clear bra but quotes from $1500-3000. You got to be kidding me. Thinking of DIY with a Suntek precut kit for $300. Anyone else do it themselves.

02-05-2024, 02:36 AM	#134
Ellie Ben * Banned * Member#: 536864 Join Date: Feb 2024	I've been considering getting a clear bra for my new WRX as well. The information in this thread has been very helpful, especially the pros and cons of different materials and the typical cost range. I'm still undecided on whether to go for it, but I'm leaning towards Xpel Ultimate based on the positive feedback from other users. This response is based on the following information from the thread: Clear bras are a popular way to protect the paint on a new WRX. There are pros and cons to consider, such as the cost and the fact that some materials are less clear than others. Xpel Ultimate is a self-healing film with a 10-year warranty that is popular among users.

05-11-2024, 09:23 PM	#135
TitanXD Scooby Newbie Member#: 534264 Join Date: May 2023	If you don't want to spend so much money just buy pre-cut film and do it yourself. It doesn't have to perfect (getting small specs of dust is fine). I did a bad to okish job on mine (front bumper). It's not super visible so it doesn't bother me but now I don't have to worry about any paint damage. I got lazy and didn't do the hood and got some tree sap on it and it annoys me. I still have the film and wish I did the hood.

03-11-2025, 10:17 PM	#136
ctscottula Scooby Newbie Member#: 540534 Join Date: Mar 2025 Vehicle: 2008 Impreza WRX STI Silver	I recommend Expel, especially if you park outside and expect to own the car for a long time. I have had it on my silver 2008 STI since new. Car has been parked outside for 16+ years and the covered areas look like new and the Expel is not even yellowing. Clearcoat on some of the unprotected areas is peeling...