ExoShield ULTRA V.S. A Hurricane: A David & Goliath Story

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For most of us, our vehicles are more than just a way to get from A to B. When Matt picked up his new Jeep, he made sure to get the factory Gorilla Glass option. If you’re a Jeep fan, you know the one — it comes with those unique OEM logos that just make the rig feel complete. Matt knew that if that glass ever caught a rock or took a hit, a generic replacement wouldn't be the same. He wanted to keep that original glass (and those logos) in one piece, so he started looking into ways to boost his windshield longevity from day one.

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Matt decided to take matters into his own hands by ordering an ExoShield DIY Windshield Protection Film kit. He was just looking for a little peace of mind on the road, but he didn't know that his choice would eventually be tested by the 120-mph winds of Hurricane Milton. It turned out to be a true David vs. Goliath moment: a thin layer of advanced technology against the raw power of a Category 3 storm.

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The Storm of the Century

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In October 2024, Hurricane Milton tore through Florida. While Matt’s Jeep was parked under a carport, the sheer force of the wind began to dismantle the structure piece by piece.

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"As you can see in the pictures, the aluminum carport panels buckled around my Jeep and the wind caused the panels to damage the PPF and paint on the right roof pillar. The pictures also show how much damage my windshield protection film received from hours of wind pushing the panels on my windshield during the hurricane."

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For hours, the metal panels lashed against the glass. It’s the kind of scenario where you expect to walk out to a spiderweb of shattered glass. But when the storm passed and Matt removed the film, the result was staggering.

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"I am happy to report when the film was removed — my OEM front windshield was not damaged at all!! You can add this to the list of things the product can protect against."

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Learning the Hard Way: Not All Films are Created Equal

After the hurricane, Matt’s journey took an unexpected turn. He temporarily tried a different brand, assuming that most products in this category were interchangeable. He quickly realized that there is a massive performance gap between premium protection and the "garbage" alternatives that often flood the market.

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Matt began documenting the terrifying reality of using a lower-quality film at night.

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"I was attempting to capture the haze and glare the bad windshield protection film caused at night. It was borderline dangerous especially when it would rain."

What is WPF? It's More Than Just a Barrier

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This brings up a vital question for many vehicle owners: What is WPF? At its core, Windshield Protection Film is designed to protect your windshield from shattering during an impact, but Matt’s experience highlights that it must also maintain optical clarity. A film that protects the glass but blinds the driver with glare from oncoming headlights isn't actually keeping anyone safe.

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Whether you are looking for the best Jeep windshield protection or you’re a Bronco owner fighting off trail debris, or trying to figure out which film is best for you,  finding a film that balances extreme durability with crystal-clear optics is the only way to go.

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Matt also discovered that durability is about more than just wind and rocks—it’s about chemical resilience. While his initial film handled life without a hitch, the competitor film began to fail after a simple cleaning routine.

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"Before I parked the Jeep in a storage unit for the summer, I cleaned the glass with an ammonia-free glass cleaner and some kind of spray car detailer product... The ExoShield did not react to any chemical I should or should not have put on it."

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To keep your glass clear for the long haul, it’s worth noting that proper film maintenance and care makes all the difference in preventing pitting or hazing.

Looking Ahead

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Matt is currently counting down the days until he can return to his Jeep and remove the failing competitor film to return to the clarity he had before.

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"I can not wait to remove that stuff because you can barely see out of it at night... By choosing the right film initially, Matt avoided the massive out-of-pocket costs of a Jeep windshield replacement that often follows a major storm or a stray highway rock.

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Well we are happy to report that his windshield is now protected by ExoShield ULTRA again! 

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Why We Share Matt’s Story

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At ExoShield we want to give every driver the opportunity to feel optimistic about their windshield surviving the unexpected. From daily commuters to those looking for the best exterior protection products for their weekend rigs, the goal is to ensure your windshield stays as perfect as the day it left the factory.

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Matt’s experience is a reminder: your windshield is your window to the world. It deserves to be protected by something that is truly designed to endure any environment. 

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Key Takeaways: What We Can Learn from Matt’s Experience

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• Premium Protection is a Shield: A high-quality Windshield Protection Film doesn't just stop rock chips; it can survive a building collapsing on it. See the impact resistance for yourself here.

• Visibility is Safety: High-quality installation and film are key. You can see how a properly applied DIY film should look here.

• Chemical Resilience Matters: When choosing how to protect your windshield from debris, ensure the film can withstand standard detailing products without pitting.

• Preserve Windshield Longevity: By using a DIY Windshield Protection Film kit or professional install, you can keep expensive OEM glass in "perfect" condition regardless of the environment.

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Ready to gear up? Head over to the ExoShield Shop to find the right kit for your vehicle.

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