Suntek Ultra or Xpel?

R-M4 · 02-19-2018, 06:50 PM

Hello everyone!
I got my M4 this month and I'm about to pull the trigger to have a paint protection film installed. Some people I talked to recommended SunTek, some Xpel... Some said Xpel was great but a lot of hype about it, some said that SunTek is as good as, etc...
My car is Alpine White and I would love to have a film that blends in with the paint. (I heard Xpel has an orange peel kind of look but offers better protection as the film is thicker) - How much more protection I don't know...
So, I would appreciate if you could take a vote and / or give me any additional input.

PS: I want to have the front bumper and hood done only.

Thank you in advance!

SuckaGDog · 02-19-2018, 07:02 PM

The adhesive Xpel uses is thicker. The actual film is the same thickness compared to Suntek.

Between these two I would highly recommend the Suntek Ultra film. It is the newer generation film compared to Xpel Ultimate. Xpel's quality control is hit or miss. My installer will get rolls that has obvious defects and he will have to trash the entire roll. (It's covered under their warranty, but still).

I've had the Ultra installed on two my cars late last year and another last month. I could not be more pleased with the film!

empowered_one · 02-19-2018, 07:03 PM

my local Xpel guy sold me on STEK DynoShield and I couldn't be happier...the film is so transparent that you can't tell a difference in the paint finish between the film and no film...and it is hydrophobic, so water just beads off...

Glossy Finish
Hydrophobic (Advanced water repelling properties)
Anti-Contamination (Easy to remove contaminants)
Fast Recovery (by heat or hot water)
Stain Resistant

https://stek-usa.com/dynoshield.html

Just another option out there...I have had Xpel Ultimate in the past and it is also a great product, but the clarity and performance of the STEK is unparalleled from my perspective. My buddy just had his McLaren 720s also done in the STEK and loves it.

Clark_Kent · 02-19-2018, 07:10 PM

What does the best installer in your area use? The film is only as good as the installer applying it. Both are solid products so I would go with the superior installer. However, all things being equal I would go with SunTek Ultra as I've had both.

R-M4 · 02-19-2018, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

What does the best installer in your area use? The film is only as good as the installer applying it. Both are solid products so I would go with the superior installer. However, all things being equal I would go with SunTek Ultra as I've had both.

They recommended SunTek. (I've heard it is also easier to install)
I will pick a reputable place for sure. I plan on keeping the car for at least 5 years so proper installation is key.
Thanks.

guess2098 · 02-19-2018, 07:44 PM

My m4 has suntek and x5m has Xpel. suntek is much better!

R-M4 · 02-19-2018, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guess2098

My m4 has suntek and x5m has Xpel. suntek is much better!

Shoot!! I think I'm already sold on SunTek. Lol
Thank you for your input.

Drew@Sonic MS · 02-19-2018, 08:04 PM

Stek is by far the best, we started using Xpel then to Suntek and settled at Stek. Smaller name but finish and hydrophobic properties are by far the best. A little tougher to install though.

R-M4 · 02-19-2018, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew@Sonic MS

Stek is by far the best, we started using Xpel then to Suntek and settled at Stek. Smaller name but finish and hydrophobic properties are by far the best. A little tougher to install though.

I will have to look into it. I have never heard of them before.
Thx.

snowmuch · 02-19-2018, 10:06 PM

Suntek ultra is the best. I have my entire car wrapped, it's very glossy and hydrophobic. Love it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaYC9RhH...-by=aaaaaron.s

R-M4 · 02-20-2018, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowmuch

Suntek ultra is the best. I have my entire car wrapped, it's very glossy and hydrophobic. Love it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaYC9RhH...-by=aaaaaron.s

Nice!!! That looks awesome!

Vectors2final · 02-20-2018, 08:53 AM

Suntek... Looks better on top of the paint.

If you have a hard time noticing certain details, this probably won't matter to you.

kerkiraios00 · 02-20-2018, 09:00 AM

Suntek Ultra and don't even think about.. I had both, I had xpel ultimate on my E90 and didn't like how it looked from the get go it showed it was on there.. My installer recommended suntek Ultra and I forget it even wrapped.. The car has shine its crystal clear.. btw my f80 has orange peel idk if all f80 are the same but mine has and my installer showed to me before he installed the film so I didn't blame the film.. lol shes fully wrapped

M 3Rilla · 02-20-2018, 11:41 AM

Very happy with Suntek Ultra full wrap

Vectors2final · 02-20-2018, 02:25 PM

Suntek Ultra front clip.

R-M4 · 02-20-2018, 09:38 PM

Thanks for all the feedback guys I went to a local shop (It looks to be reputable and the place was spotless)
The owner of the company recommended ClearGuard Nano SR for the hood and 3M for the front bumper. Thoughts?
Thank you!

Clark_Kent · 02-21-2018, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R-M4

Thanks for all the feedback guys I went to a local shop (It looks to be reputable and the place was spotless)
The owner of the company recommended ClearGuard Nano SR for the hood and 3M for the front bumper. Thoughts?
Thank you!

You've received a healthy amount of feedback and most either go XPEL Ultimate or SunTek Ultra. I've heard great things about Prestige's ppf but I don't know anyone who has it, nor have I seen it in person. It's a newer film with respect to the others ane candidly, I've only heard the installers raving about it.

R-M4 · 02-21-2018, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

Quote:

Originally Posted by R-M4

Thanks for all the feedback guys I went to a local shop (It looks to be reputable and the place was spotless)
The owner of the company recommended ClearGuard Nano SR for the hood and 3M for the front bumper. Thoughts?
Thank you!

You've received a healthy amount of feedback and most either go XPEL Ultimate or SunTek Ultra. I've heard great things about Prestige's ppf but I don't know anyone who has it, nor have I seen it in person. It's a newer film with respect to the others ane candidly, I've only heard the installers raving about it.

Thank you!
Yes, that's one of the reasons I'm hesitating a little regarding his recommendations.

volkl23 · 02-21-2018, 11:18 PM

From all the reviews I've read, it appears that Suntek Ultra does look better applied, but is thinner than Xpel.

I had Xpel Ultimate on my 2015 M3 for the last 3 years and have been amazed that the front has been pristine. Not a single nick/cut from rock chips on the film.

While I wold love to have the glossier look from Suntek, I'm worried about the durability of the thinner Suntek and the potential of showing more cuts/nicks from rock damage.

For those that currently have Suntek, how has it held up? Any visible damage from rocks?

R-M4 · 02-22-2018, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by volkl23

From all the reviews I've read, it appears that Suntek Ultra does look better applied, but is thinner than Xpel.

I had Xpel Ultimate on my 2015 M3 for the last 3 years and have been amazed that the front has been pristine. Not a single nick/cut from rock chips on the film.

While I wold love to have the glossier look from Suntek, I'm worried about the durability of the thinner Suntek and the potential of showing more cuts/nicks from rock damage.

For those that currently have Suntek, how has it held up? Any visible damage from rocks?

Yes, the shop I went to said the same thing regarding the level of protection between the 2 films.

Clark_Kent · 02-22-2018, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by volkl23

From all the reviews I've read, it appears that Suntek Ultra does look better applied, but is thinner than Xpel.

I had Xpel Ultimate on my 2015 M3 for the last 3 years and have been amazed that the front has been pristine. Not a single nick/cut from rock chips on the film.

While I wold love to have the glossier look from Suntek, I'm worried about the durability of the thinner Suntek and the potential of showing more cuts/nicks from rock damage.

For those that currently have Suntek, how has it held up? Any visible damage from rocks?

Regardless of the film used if the debris is large enough and/or coming at your car fast enough it will damage the film and potentially the car. I had debris impact my vehicle and it tore the film (XPEL). From my inspection it did not appear to damage the paint but none of the films will provide an impervious layer of protection. The film did what it was supposed to do.

R-M4 · 02-22-2018, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

Quote:

Originally Posted by volkl23

From all the reviews I\'ve read, it appears that Suntek Ultra does look better applied, but is thinner than Xpel.

I had Xpel Ultimate on my 2015 M3 for the last 3 years and have been amazed that the front has been pristine. Not a single nick/cut from rock chips on the film.

While I wold love to have the glossier look from Suntek, I\'m worried about the durability of the thinner Suntek and the potential of showing more cuts/nicks from rock damage.

For those that currently have Suntek, how has it held up? Any visible damage from rocks?

Regardless of the film used if the debris is large enough and/or coming at your car fast enough it will damage the film and potentially the car. I had debris impact my vehicle and it tore the film (XPEL). From my inspection it did not appear to damage the paint but none of the films will provide an impervious layer of protection. The film did what it was supposed to do.

Very good point.

View Poll Results: Which one would you pick and why?
SunTek Ultra	48	60.76%
Xpel	31	39.24%
Voters: 79. You may not vote on this poll

02-19-2018, 06:50 PM	#1
R-M4 Lieutenant 302 Rep 500 Posts Drives: 2022 X6 M CP Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Central Florida iTrader: (0)	Suntek Ultra or Xpel? Hello everyone! I got my M4 this month and I'm about to pull the trigger to have a paint protection film installed. Some people I talked to recommended SunTek, some Xpel... Some said Xpel was great but a lot of hype about it, some said that SunTek is as good as, etc... My car is Alpine White and I would love to have a film that blends in with the paint. (I heard Xpel has an orange peel kind of look but offers better protection as the film is thicker) - How much more protection I don't know... So, I would appreciate if you could take a vote and / or give me any additional input. PS: I want to have the front bumper and hood done only. Thank you in advance!
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02-19-2018, 07:02 PM	#2
SuckaGDog Captain 128 Rep 617 Posts Drives: M5, C63 AMG Black Series Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: DFW, TX iTrader: (0)	The adhesive Xpel uses is thicker. The actual film is the same thickness compared to Suntek. Between these two I would highly recommend the Suntek Ultra film. It is the newer generation film compared to Xpel Ultimate. Xpel's quality control is hit or miss. My installer will get rolls that has obvious defects and he will have to trash the entire roll. (It's covered under their warranty, but still). I've had the Ultra installed on two my cars late last year and another last month. I could not be more pleased with the film!
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02-19-2018, 07:03 PM	#3
empowered_one Private 31 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 ZCP Mineral White Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	my local Xpel guy sold me on STEK DynoShield and I couldn't be happier...the film is so transparent that you can't tell a difference in the paint finish between the film and no film...and it is hydrophobic, so water just beads off... Glossy Finish Hydrophobic (Advanced water repelling properties) Anti-Contamination (Easy to remove contaminants) Fast Recovery (by heat or hot water) Stain Resistant https://stek-usa.com/dynoshield.html Just another option out there...I have had Xpel Ultimate in the past and it is also a great product, but the clarity and performance of the STEK is unparalleled from my perspective. My buddy just had his McLaren 720s also done in the STEK and loves it. __________________ I.G. double_d_1310
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02-19-2018, 07:10 PM	#4
Clark_Kent Lieutenant Colonel 2228 Rep 1,897 Posts Drives: Retired Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	What does the best installer in your area use? The film is only as good as the installer applying it. Both are solid products so I would go with the superior installer. However, all things being equal I would go with SunTek Ultra as I've had both.
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02-19-2018, 07:44 PM	#6
guess2098 Major 516 Rep 1,247 Posts Drives: 2022 Taycan GTS, 2018 M4, 2016 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Rowland Heights, CA iTrader: (5)	My m4 has suntek and x5m has Xpel. suntek is much better!
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02-19-2018, 08:04 PM	#8
Drew@Sonic MS Captain 334 Rep 624 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: San Jose iTrader: (1)	Stek is by far the best, we started using Xpel then to Suntek and settled at Stek. Smaller name but finish and hydrophobic properties are by far the best. A little tougher to install though.
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02-19-2018, 10:06 PM	#10
snowmuch Second Lieutenant 107 Rep 254 Posts Drives: 2016 Macan Turbo Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Calgary iTrader: (2)	Suntek ultra is the best. I have my entire car wrapped, it's very glossy and hydrophobic. Love it. https://www.instagram.com/p/BaYC9RhH...-by=aaaaaron.s __________________ C300->C63->535->S4->M4->Macan->Macan Turbo Last edited by snowmuch; 02-19-2018 at 10:13 PM..
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02-20-2018, 08:53 AM	#12
Vectors2final Brigadier General 1349 Rep 3,345 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 YMB/SS ZCP Join Date: May 2011 Location: Austin, Tx iTrader: (0)	Suntek... Looks better on top of the paint. If you have a hard time noticing certain details, this probably won't matter to you. __________________ 2019 Ruby GT350 - Gen 5 Whipple on corn making 855RWHP. Sold: 2018 F80 Part Deux /DCT /YMB /Full SS /CF Trim /ZCP /ZEC w/Black 666M Sold: 2015 F80 /DCT /YMB /Full SS /CF Trim /ZEC /ZLP /HK /S&TVC- 18''///M
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02-20-2018, 09:00 AM	#13
kerkiraios00 Major 246 Rep 1,373 Posts Drives: '18 F80 MW M3 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Queens, New York iTrader: (0)	Suntek Ultra and don't even think about.. I had both, I had xpel ultimate on my E90 and didn't like how it looked from the get go it showed it was on there.. My installer recommended suntek Ultra and I forget it even wrapped.. The car has shine its crystal clear.. btw my f80 has orange peel idk if all f80 are the same but mine has and my installer showed to me before he installed the film so I didn't blame the film.. lol shes fully wrapped Attached Images __________________ 2018 F80 M3 ZCP Mineral White- Extended Shakir Orange - Full Suntek Ultra Wrapped - ///M Performance Spoiler - RKP Front Lip - RKP Side Skirts - Vorsteiner GTS Diffuser -AA Mid-Pipe-///M performance HAS kit - HRE P101 11 E90 M3 JEREZ BLK METALLIC ZCP SOLD
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02-20-2018, 11:41 AM	#14
M 3Rilla Wingman 56 Rep 133 Posts Drives: 17 F80 ZCP Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: DMV iTrader: (0)	Very happy with Suntek Ultra full wrap Attached Images __________________ SSII ZCP
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02-20-2018, 02:25 PM	#15
Vectors2final Brigadier General 1349 Rep 3,345 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 YMB/SS ZCP Join Date: May 2011 Location: Austin, Tx iTrader: (0)	Suntek Ultra front clip. __________________ 2019 Ruby GT350 - Gen 5 Whipple on corn making 855RWHP. Sold: 2018 F80 Part Deux /DCT /YMB /Full SS /CF Trim /ZCP /ZEC w/Black 666M Sold: 2015 F80 /DCT /YMB /Full SS /CF Trim /ZEC /ZLP /HK /S&TVC- 18''///M
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02-20-2018, 09:38 PM	#16
R-M4 Lieutenant 302 Rep 500 Posts Drives: 2022 X6 M CP Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Central Florida iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the feedback guys I went to a local shop (It looks to be reputable and the place was spotless) The owner of the company recommended ClearGuard Nano SR for the hood and 3M for the front bumper. Thoughts? Thank you!
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02-21-2018, 11:18 PM	#19
volkl23 Second Lieutenant 46 Rep 236 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 M3 ZCP Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	From all the reviews I've read, it appears that Suntek Ultra does look better applied, but is thinner than Xpel. I had Xpel Ultimate on my 2015 M3 for the last 3 years and have been amazed that the front has been pristine. Not a single nick/cut from rock chips on the film. While I wold love to have the glossier look from Suntek, I'm worried about the durability of the thinner Suntek and the potential of showing more cuts/nicks from rock damage. For those that currently have Suntek, how has it held up? Any visible damage from rocks?
	Appreciate 0 Quote