shoplmart's Full Review: Rain X Latitude Premium Graphite Coated Wiper Blad...
I have always found Rain-X brand products to be superior to its competitors, however I never could justify spending close to 20 dollars each for Rain-X's Latitude brand wiper blades. That being the case, whenever I needed a new set of blades I usually opted for a cheap pair of ACDelco or ANCO blades. I figured that wiper blades were all probably close to the same when it came to performance, and that Rain-X's Latitude blades couldn't be so good as to justify their premium price tag. That all changed, however, when I test-drove a car that was fitted with these Latitude blades. I was so impressed that I purchased a set for my own vehicle.
What are so special about these blades?
Rain-X Latitude is a different type of windshield wiper blade. Unlike a traditional blade that has various pressure points, Rain-X Latitude blades provides a linear pressure across the length of the blade, which is supposed to stop streaking. These wiper blades also boast a built-in spoiler that, according to the Rain-X Company, reduces drag, wind lift, and noise. Rain-X makes these blades in just about any size, so most automobile owners will have no problems finding a size that fits their vehicle, whether it be a Ferrari or a Dodge Neon.
Ease of Installation:
These blades couldn't be easier to install. I own a Civic and literally was able to put them on in less than five minutes. No additional accessories were needed in my case (a multi adapter is included): you can simply snap the old wipers out and the new Latitudes in: it's that easy.
Performance:
Rain:
When it comes to travelling, there are few things worse than having to drive in a heavy downpour and not being able to see the road in front of you. This was a common issue that I had while travelling in rainy weather using either ANCO or ACDelco blades. Unlike those cheap blades, my Rain-X Latitude's work incredibly well at sweeping water off of my windshield during heavy downpours or when passing big semi trucks (which just exacerbates visibility problems) in inclement weather. Even during blinding downpours visibility remains good with my Latitude blades: something I previously didn't think possible from any windshield wiper blade. Light rain can also play havoc with visibility, not because of water building up on the windshield, but because of streaking. My Rain-X Latitude blades provide a streak free surface with each swipe. I have also noticed that I am more inclined to use a lower windshield-wiper speed setting with my Latitude blades, as even the lower speed setting usually does a good job enough clearing away precipitation. Snow:
This year we actually got quite a bit of snow here in NC. Although the dry powdery variety of snow in the Northeast usually doesn't pose much of a problem for visibility (unless you toss wind in the mix), the wet snow we get here in NC can make for blinding experience due to the huge sloppy wet flakes. With the Rain-X Latitude wiper blades, I can drive in these types of weather conditions without it being a blinding experience.
Bugs/Road grime:
With the previous wiper blades that I had been using, i.e. ANCO or ACDelco, or even Bosch trying to remove bugs with just my wipers and water/washer fluid would oftentimes turn my windshield into more of a mess than a success at gaining better visibility. Unlike said wipers brands, Rain-X Latitude's do a wonderful clearing my windshield of bugs, road grime, and just about anything that happens to makes its way onto my windshield while driving. Even with just plain ole water in my windshield washer reservoir, the Rain-X Latitude blades always do a good job removing the elements from my windshield.
Noise Levels:
What I find most impressive about Rain-X Latitude blades is just how quiet they are. I am sure most of you have experienced the painful sound of a wiper blade moving against a windshield that doesn't quite have enough of a lubricating surface: as in the case when there is a slight mist in the air. Even when there is only a few drops of liquid on my windshield, or no liquid at all, these blades make no obtrusive noises. Even after over one year and 20,000+ miles of having these on my Civic, My Rain-X Latitude's are still as quiet as day one. I even get complements from my passenger's who are quick to notice just how quiet these blades are.
Long lasting?:
At nearly $20 per blade I was expecting my Rain-X Latitude blades to last longer than the cheap $5 dollar ANCO blades that I usually buy, however I wasn't expecting them to last well over a year and still work as good as they did on the first day that I had bought them. It has been well over 20,000 miles & 5 seasons and these blades still show no signs of wear: performance is still geart and even upon close inspection these blades still look like new. As mentioned, my Latitude blades are still very quiet and would still out-perform a brand new set of ANCO or ACDelco blades.
Cost/Availability:
Though I paid nearly $20 each for my Latitude blades, the prices have dropped a bit over the past year. The cost for these wiper blades range anywhere from $12-$20. With such huge price variations it's probably a good idea to shop around. The good thing is, is that just about every major automotive store carries these, as does Wal-Mart, Kmart, and a number of other discount retailers.
Final Thoughts:
Rain-X Latitude wiper blades have proven to be the best wiper blades that I have ever had on any of my vehicles. Despite these blades being over a year old and forced to operate through 5 seasons, they still work just as good as they did when they were new. If you are on the market for a new set of windshield wiper blades, I can't recommend these blades enough. Though the price of Rain-X Latitude wiper blades are a little steep, the peace of mind of knowing you have a great set of wiper blades when it rains or snows makes the $20 per blade well worth it.
Fantastic prices with ease & c...(Stock status: N/A)
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