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    The 10 Best Car Anti-Theft Devices to Buy 2020

    You’ve heard it before, in a parking lot or somewhere in your neighborhood. Maybe even in your own driveway or garage after you’ve sat the wrong way on your keys. It’s that blaring siren or rapid honking we all know as a car alarm. Almost every modern vehicle has some kind of alarm installed as security, and the loud, attention-drawing noise they make usually does a great job at deterring any potential thieves.
    But what if you forget to set an alarm, or don’t have one? What if a thief figures out how to disable your alarm, or just plain ignores it? Security doesn’t have to begin and end with a locked door and a car alarm – there are plenty of options for you to take it into your own hands, and that’s what this guide is here to help with.

    Finding the Right Anti-Theft Device
    Anti-theft devices have been available for vehicles for as long as vehicles have been around, so clever innovation has led to an awesome variety on the market. You’ll find everything from simple, low-tech solutions to cutting-edge technology always trying to stay one step ahead of criminals.
    There’s nothing wrong with taking your time and browsing all of your options, but you can save a lot of window-shopping if you start out knowing what you want. To help you with that, we’re going to break down some of the most common types of anti-theft devices and what you should be looking for in each.
    Types of Anti-Theft Device
    Aside from the standard sound-based alarms we’re all familiar with, you can usually classify an anti-theft device under one of a few popular categories. There are more than we could possibly list here, so we’ve focused on the ones we think you’re most likely to run into.
    GPS Trackers: High-tech tracking devices that let you check the location of your vehicle from your phone or PC. They usually require a paid subscription.
    Dash Cameras: Records activity around your car in high-definition, leaving behind video evidence of any would-be criminals.
    Faraday Bags: Deceptively simple pouches, these stop anyone from intercepting your key fob signal and using it to unlock your car. Great for protecting bank cards as well.
    Steering Wheel Locks: You lock these around your steering wheel or column, reducing or eliminating the rotation completely and making it impossible to steer safely.
    Tire Locks: Also known as wheel chocks or tire boots, these make it hard or impossible for tires to rotate, so even if your car is started the thief can’t get away.
    Pedal Locks: Like a tire or steering lock, these fasten onto your pedals and can prevent a thief from accelerating at all.
    We’ll go into further details about these types after the reviews, so if you’re looking for a more detailed breakdown, make sure you take time to check it out.
    Evaluating Anti-Theft Devices
    For each anti-theft device we’ve reviewed, we singled out the key features we felt any good security device should include so we could compare and contrast between them better. We’ll also spell out any important technical details, so you can tell at a glance if one of our picks is best for you.
    Size
    While this is one of the quickest things to explain, it’s the first thing you should look at no matter the type of anti-theft device you’re dealing with. You don’t want to end up with a steering wheel lock too small or too large, or to end up with a standard-sized GPS tracker when there are much more compact options available on our list. For locks, this is the range they can extend between. For our other picks, it’s the dimensions of the device.
    Security
    A security device is nothing without the ability to secure what you’re putting it on, and every pick on our list brings something unique to the table in that regard. Whether you’re looking for a cheap and simple additional layer of protection or the latest and greatest tracking devices, we’ll let you know exactly how well they’ll protect you and you valuables.
    It’s worth keeping in mind that – like we talk about in the full guide below – there’s no such thing as fool-proof security. Anti-theft devices are awesome and more than worth the potential insurance savings, but none of them are magic solutions to crime.
    Durability
    Nobody wants their expensive new lock cut through or their GPS device broken by a light bump. Each device on this list is more than suitable enough for its job, but our reviews include any standout details about the materials or build quality.
    Convenience
    We take into account the ease of use, installation, and all-around convenience of every pick. A solid, reliable steering wheel lock works great, but you’ll need to remove it every time you want to drive the car yourself and put it back on whenever you want it secured. Before you end up with something overly complicated for your tastes, check out this section to see our thoughts on the subject.
    Once you know how we evaluated each of these anti-theft devices, you should have a great idea where to look to find out exactly what you want to know about each of our picks and why they’ve been included on this list. If you’ve still got questions, you can check out our FAQ section below, or read through our full buyer’s guide after the reviews.

    Top 10 Best Car Anti-Theft Devices 2020

    1. Best Overall Anti-Theft Device: Winner International The Club 3000 Twin Hooks

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    Why we like it: Fitting most cars with a standard-sized steering wheel, this lock from a well-known brand sets the standard when it comes to steering wheel locks. Considering price, compatibility, and general reliability, there’s no reason you shouldn’t have one of these in your vehicle.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Notes:
    Type: Steering wheel lock
    Size: More

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    The 10 Best H11 Bulbs to Buy 2020

    The last thing people want to worry about is their vehicle’s headlights. Automobiles have a lot of maintenance to deal with, and a quality set of headlight bulbs can reduce replacement intervals and improve performance. With the wrong H11 headlight bulbs, you can end up without sufficient visibility or end up blinding other drivers. For this reason, you need to choose your next set of H11 bulbs carefully.
    So what is an H11 bulb? It’s a headlight bulb standard (type of bulb shape and housing) that fits on specific car models. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your halogen headlights, or just need to replace a burnt-out standard set, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn about H11 bulbs and what you need to consider when shopping for a set. We did the research and compiled a list of our ten favorite H11 bulbs.

    Features to Consider When Shopping for H11 Bulbs
    Shopping for H11 bulbs is more complicated than it seems. There are a lot of different H11 bulbs available, which makes choosing the right one difficult. There are a few variations you need to be aware of, so we’re going to take you through a handful of critical aspects of H11 bulbs.
    Type of H11 Bulb
    H11 bulbs are referred to as H11 because of their standard size and housing. These are bulbs that can be used as high beams, low beams, and fog lights. While H11 bulbs are designed to fit the same applications, there are three different types: halogen, LED, and HID.
    Halogen
    Halogen H11 bulbs are typically found in mid-range vehicles produced in factories. These bulbs became popular in the 1960s because they last for over 1,000 hours without burning out. Halogen lights are dimmer than LED and HID lights, and they’re more fragile. The glass needs to be handled with care, and halogen bulbs need to be changed roughly every two years.
    While halogen H11 bulbs come stock in most vehicles, you can get high-quality aftermarket bulbs too. Because halogen bulbs are less bright and don’t last as long as LED or HID bulbs, you can get a two-pack for a fraction of the price. H11 halogen bulbs are also compatible with most vehicles that use halogen lights already, so you won’t need to make changes to your vehicle’s computer.
    HID
    HID H11 bulbs are the brightest products you can find. These lights are known for causing glare and being powerfully bright, which can blind other drivers. For this reason, automakers don’t typically install HID lights stock. In fact, it’s challenging to find a high-quality HID H11 bulb. Still, for people that live in rural areas, HID bulbs are worth it. They provide enough light to see for 200+ meters in total darkness.
    LED
    LED H11 bulbs are the most common aftermarket H11 bulbs you’ll come across. While there is a wide variety in pricing, the bulbs are more expensive than HID and halogen lights because they produce more light. These lights have upwards of 8,000-12,000 and last 30,000 hours, on average.
    LED H11 bulbs also give your vehicle a unique look. The color of the lights can be blue or white, depending on how hot they are. On sports cars, this can give your vehicle an aggressive appearance you miss out on if you choose HID or halogen lights.
    Lumens
    Every H11 bulb has a different degree of brightness. The brightness of a light bulb is measured in lumens, which refers to the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. The average automotive headlight is rated at 700 lumens on low beams and 1,200 lumens for high beams. So, you’ll want to shop for lights brighter than 1,200 lumens, or you’re back where you started with stock lights.
    Still, especially in urban environments, you don’t want your headlights to be too bright. While some products offer more than 10,000 lumens, we recommend avoiding them unless you live in a rural area without much light. Lights with a lot of lumens are great for lighting up roads, but they can be dangerous to other drivers.
    Temperature
    The temperature of H11 bulbs is measured in Kelvin. For example, an H11 bulb producing 3,000K is yellow, while an H11 bulb making 6,500K is closer to blue. Most halogen lights are yellow, while most HID and LED lights produce blue or white colors. Higher temperature bulbs produce ‘clearer’ light but aren’t as effective in dusty or foggy environ
    Price
    H11 bulbs are similar in price, but there are a few exceptions. H11 bulbs made with premium aviation-grade aluminum are more expensive than H11 bulbs with comparable performance to factory-made headlights. After reviewing each of the products, we’ve grouped them into one of three categories:
    $: Around $20$$: Around $35$$$: Around $50
    Once you know what to look for, finding the right H11 bulbs is straightforward. So, we’re going to take you through the ten best H11 bulbs and offer shopping tips along the way.

    Top 10 Best H11 Bulbs 2020

    1. Best Overall H11 Bulbs: Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs

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    Why we like it: The Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs come with everything you need to change your headlight bulbs in your driveway. They are bright without compromising longevity.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts
    Price: $$
    Type: LED
    Lumens: 10,000
    Temperature: 6,500K
    The Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are built well and easy to work with. They feature a plug-and-play design that makes installation a breeze. Simply disconnect your vehicle’s stock headlight bulbs and replace them with these bright LED bulbs. Depending on your vehicle, installation can be done in as little as ten minutes in your driveway. These H11 bulbs are also compatible with H9 and H8 housings.
    The Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are also durable. They’re made with an aviation-grade aluminum housing that’s great at heat dissipation, and it features a 12,000 RPM silent turbofan that keeps the bulbs cool. While they’re 300% brighter than typical stock headlights, they also last for up to 50,000 hours.
    What Sets it Apart
    The Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are unique because of the 360° adjustable locker ring. LED headlights are bright, which can be dangerous for other drivers. Fahren uses a 360° adjustable locker ring to make sure that the beam is lower to the road and out of other driver’s faces. The lights can accomplish this while providing a viewing range of 200 meters, which is no easy feat.
    Things to Consider
    The Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are great, but they’re only one beam. This means that, depending on your vehicle, they’ll function as low or high beams. While the lights are potentially bright enough to eliminate the need for high beams, some drivers prefer having a brighter option.
    If you like the quality and brightness of these H11 bulbs, but need high and low beams, the BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb is a great alternative. It’s made with similar aviation-grade material but offers more than one beam.
    Who It’s For
    Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are for drivers that need bright LED lights and aren’t concerned with high beams. These lights are well-rounded and offer plenty of brightness and high-quality materials. While they’re more expensive than other products, they’re affordable enough to fit most budgets. You’ll always have the light you need without having to flip between low and high beams.

    Pros

    12,000RPM Turbo fan for cooling
    Aviation-grade aluminum
    360° adjustable locker ring
    200-meter range
    50,000-mile lifespan

    Cons

    Only one beam

    2. Best Premium H11 Bulbs: NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs

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    Why we like it: Our favorite feature of the NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs is how bright they are. Twelve thousand lumens is enough to see for over 200 meters in total darkness.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts
    Price: $$$
    Type: LED
    Lumens: 12,000
    Temperature: 6,500K
    NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are impressive. These H11 bulbs are made with premium aviation-grade aluminum and use multi-core electric technology. This technology makes each bulb strong enough to penetrate darkness as far as 200 meters. The beam that these lights create is also thick enough to give you a great vision of your peripherals, even in dense fog.
    The NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are also made with an adjustable 360° mounting bracket, which makes them compatible with 99% of vehicles on the road. These H11 bulbs are also cooled by a 10,000RPM mute fan, which uses a dual-bearing design for increased longevity.
    What Sets it Apart
    NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are unique because of the premium technology they use. While other H11 bulbs last between 30,000 and 50,000 hours, these bulbs have a lifespan of 55,000-hours. Every component is made with care, and while they use a lot of different technology, they’re still easy to install. These H11 bulbs are premium by all standards.
    Things to Consider
    NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are great, but they’re expensive. They’re worth the money, but you can find H11 bulbs of similar quality for a better price. One example is the Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs. These bulbs use similar technology, and they’re almost as bright with a similar 200-meter range.
    Who It’s For
    NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are for shoppers looking for a premium product. If you want the best H11 bulbs you can find, this product is the right choice. They last longer than other H11 bulbs, and they’re easier to install and have impressive technology.

    Pros

    Aviation-grade aluminum
    Mute dual-bearing fan
    55,000-hour lifespan
    Wide beam range, up to 150 meters

    Cons

    High price
    Too bright for urban areas

    3. Best Fanless H11 Bulbs: BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb

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    Why we like it: The BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb is impressive because it relies on advanced convection, not on a fan to dissipate heat.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts
    Price: $$
    Type: LED
    Lumens: 8,000
    Temperature: 6,500K
    The BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb is a high-quality product that’s made with premium materials. The housing is made with aviation-grade aluminum that’s designed to dissipate heat. This prevents the housing from melting if the temperature is too hot. While the bulb doesn’t come with a fan, rubber grooves flush heat away from the housing using convection.
    The BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb also has a long lifespan. Traditional halogen bulbs last around 2,000 hours, but these bulbs are rated for over 30,000 hours. This increases the time between needing a replacement, saving you money in the long-run.
    What Sets it Apart
    The BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb is unique because it doesn’t use a fan to keep the bulbs cool. Fans are a great way to keep light bulbs from overheating, but they can end up failing, which leads to bulbs overheating and breaking. The rubber grooves are an innovative way to dissipate heat without putting a strain on your vehicle or damaging the lights.
    Things to Consider
    The BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb is a great choice, but it’s not as bright as other products. While 8,000 lumens is a great place to start, other bulbs can reach 10,000-12,000 lumens. For some, these bulbs might not be bright enough compared with stock halogen bulbs.
    If you like the design and style of these bulbs, but need brighter lights, the Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are a great alternative. They’re made with similar aviation-grade material but boast an additional 2,000 lumens.
    Who It’s For
    The BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb is an excellent product for people that don’t want to worry about complications. With the lack of a fan, there is no need to worry about other components failing before the lights do. Once you install these H11 bulbs, you won’t have to worry about them for years.

    Pros

    Doesn’t rely on a fan to cool the bulbs
    Aviation-grade aluminum
    Not bright enough to blind other drivers

    Cons

    Not as bright as other LED H11 bulbs

    4. Best Budget H11 Bulbs: Philips H11 Standard Halogen Headlight Bulb

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    Why we like it: We love how affordable and easy to install these halogen bulbs are. They’re simple replacement H11 bulbs that fit most modern vehicles.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts
    Price: $
    Type: Halogen
    Lumens: 2,000
    Temperature: N/A
    The Philips H11 Standard Halogen Headlight Bulb is as close to OEM as it gets. These halogen bulbs are designed to act as replacements for your stock headlights and perform as such. The lumens are also similar to stock headlights in terms of brightness as well, so you don’t need to worry about blinding other drivers.
    While the Philips H11 Standard Halogen Headlight Bulb is an essential product, Philips didn’t cut any corners. The bulbs are secured in aviation-grade aluminum housings that keep them from getting damaged, and they’re simple to install. With these bulbs, you don’t need to worry about additional wires or headlight decoders.
    What Sets it Apart
    The Philips H11 Standard Halogen Headlight Bulb is unique because of the price. Most H11 bulbs are expensive, especially if you’re looking for premium bulbs. Philips offers a budget option for shoppers looking to replace their original bulbs. There are no over-the-top features, and for some, simple is better.
    Things to Consider
    The Philips H11 Standard Halogen Headlight Bulb is a good budget product, but it pales in comparison to premium H11 bulbs. The brightness is low, closer to OEM, and they only last a few thousand hours. They’re great as replacements but nothing more.
    If you’re looking to replace your OEM bulbs with something better, the Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs is a great choice. They’ll cost you more money, but they last longer and produce more light.
    Who It’s For
    If you’re looking to save money and only need to replace your headlight bulbs, this product is a great choice. These bulbs won’t blow you out of the water, but they’ll perform as well as your stock headlights.

    Pros

    Performs like OEM headlight bulbs
    Simple to install
    Inexpensive

    Cons

    They don’t last as long as HID or LED bulbs
    They’re not as bright as LED or HID bulbs

    5. SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs

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    Why we like it: We love how the SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are bright enough to light up the night but dim enough to keep other drivers safe.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts
    Price: $$
    Type: LED
    Lumens: 6,000
    Temperature: 6,000K
    SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are durable and efficient. They’re made with high-quality aluminum that’s great for dissipating heat. While the aluminum is strong enough to handle high temperatures, these bulbs come with smart-cooling that leverages heat sinks to keep excess heat away from the lights. This technology helps the bulbs last for around 30,000 hours without needing a fan.
    The SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are also not too bright. Most LED lights come with 8,000+ lumens, but these lights show you a clear path at night without blinding other drivers. They also have an impressive range of about 200 meters and have a white color thanks to their high color temperature of 6000k.
    What Sets it Apart
    SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are unique because they have excellent beam density and a lucid white color. Beam density refers to how well a beam holds up in different weather conditions. The beam density in these bulbs is rated for thick fog, rain, snow, hail, and other inclement weather conditions.
    The white color is unique because most ultra-bright LED lights use too much heat, resulting in blue colors. If you have a vehicle with black paint, or if you like the color white, these H11 bulbs can enhance the appearance of your vehicle.
    Things to Consider
    The SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are excellent for most applications, but they’re only slightly brighter than OEM halogen lights. While this is great for other drivers on the road, you’ll run into trouble in total darkness on back roads.
    If you need brighter LED H11 bulbs, the NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are a great alternative. With 12,000 lumens of light, you’ll never have to worry about being unable to see the road ahead.
    Who It’s For
    SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are great for anyone that wants LED lights in a metropolitan area. The LED lights are bright, but they won’t blind other drivers.

    Pros

    30,000-hour lifespan
    Not too bright
    Fanless cooling
    200-meter range
    Great beam density and light temperature

    Cons

    Not much brighter than OEM lights

    6. Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs

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    Why we like it: We love how bright these bulbs are without generating a significant amount of heat. It’s impressive that such low wattage bulbs can be so bright.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts
    Price: $$
    Type: LED
    Lumens: 10,000
    Temperature: 6,000K
    Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs are a well-rounded workhorse option that comes with a lot of premium features. First and foremost, they boast an impressive 10,000 lumens while only generating 6,000K of heat. That’s a lot of light to produce without generating significant levels of heat. Plus, they include a 10,000RPM fan to keep the bulbs cool.
    While the fan and brightness are great, this product is also made with premium materials. Cougar Motor makes use of aviation-grade aluminum to ensure the bulbs don’t break within their housing. These bulbs are also 100% waterproof and rated for use in extreme climates.
    What Sets it Apart
    Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs are unique because of the energy they save. Most bulbs that produce over 10,000 lumens use a lot of wattage, typically upwards of 40 watts per bulb. It’s impressive that Cougar Motor was able to reduce the wattage in their LED bulbs without compromising their brightness. This makes the lights less of a burden on your vehicle’s alternator, battery, and fuse box.
    Things to Consider
    The Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs are great for multiple applications, but the fan can get annoying. While the fan works well and doesn’t break easily, it generates more noise than other H11 bulbs that use fans. Plus, based on reviews, the fan makes more noise over time.
    If you like everything about these bulbs, except for the noisy fan, the Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are a great alternative. They’re almost identical, but the Fahren fan uses silent technology to reduce noise.
    Who It’s For
    Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs are great for anyone that has a lot of aftermarket work done to their vehicle. Your fuse box can only handle so much before blowing fuses, so these low wattage bulbs are a great way to keep energy consumption to a minimum.

    Pros

    High lumens with low wattage output
    Durable, high-performance cooling fan
    Not too bright

    Cons

    The cooling fan is noisy

    7. HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs

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    Why we like it: We love the HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs because they make shopping for an H11 bulb simple. They fit 99.9% of vehicles, so you don’t need to worry about getting disappointed when it’s time to install them.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts
    Price: $$
    Type: LED
    Lumens: 10,000
    Temperature: 6,000K
    HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs are durable and made with premium materials. The housing is made with aviation-grade aluminum, and there is a dual-turbo 10,000RPM fan to keep the bulbs cool. While the lights are bright, this product comes with a 360° adjustable beam pattern that makes it compatible with almost 100% of vehicles that use H-style housings.
    The HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs are also easy to install. The parts are compatible with most vehicles, so it’s a plug-and-play product. You can get the installation done in your driveway in about ten minutes, depending on the vehicle. These bulbs also last 50,000 hours, which is longer than most LED lights around, and their warranty lasts two years.
    What Sets it Apart
    HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs are unique because they’re compatible with almost every vehicle. The adjustable beam ring makes it compatible in Dodge, Ford, Chevy, Honda, and GMC. For older vehicles or of a unique made and model, most of the parts that come in this set are DIY. So, you can make variations to the housing to make the bulbs compatible with other vehicles.
    Things to Consider
    HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs are great for anyone that needs new headlights, but they’re too bright for some situations. For example, if you live in a crowded metropolitan area, 10,000 lumens is too bright. Not only will it make it difficult for you to see, but it puts other drivers in danger.
    If you live in a metropolitan area and need dimmer headlights, the SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are a great choice. They’re made with similar quality but have fewer lumens.
    Who It’s For
    HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs are for shoppers that need a reliable H11 bulb that can fit most vehicles. Working on cars is a hassle, and when things go wrong, it’s frustrating. With the adjustable 360° beam pattern, you’ll be able to make these bulbs fit 99.9% of vehicles on the road. If you don’t want to worry about checking your make, model, and bulb size, this product is an excellent choice.

    Pros

    Adjustable 360° beam pattern
    Fits 99.9% of vehicles
    2-year warranty
    Dual-turbo fan for cooling

    Cons

    Too bright for metropolitan areas
    A dual-turbo fan can fail, which leads to the bulbs burning out

    8. Best Halogen H11 Bulbs: Sylvania H11 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb

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    Why we like it: We love the Sylvania H11 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb because it’s a simple replacement bulb. It’s easy to install, and you don’t need to worry about blinding other drivers on the road.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts
    Price: $
    Type: Halogen
    Lumens: 1,700
    Temperature: 3,000K
    The Sylvania H11 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb comes in a pack of two. These H11 bulbs are designed to replace your stock halogen headlights. The H11 bulbs are also halogen bulbs, making them easy to replace and compatible with most vehicles. Also, because they’re halogen lights, you don’t need to worry about blinding other drivers on the road.
    The Sylvania H11 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb is also made with aviation-grade aluminum to keep the bulbs safe in their housing. There are no fancy features, like a cooling fan, because the bulbs don’t reach high enough temperatures to need one. These are simple halogen H11 bulbs.
    What Sets it Apart
    Sylvania H11 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb is unique because of its simplicity and affordability. While the bulbs are inexpensive, they’re made with premium features like robust filament and durable glass. For the price, they’re a simple replacement bulb that performs better than OEM halogen headlights.
    Things to Consider
    Halogen lights all suffer from the same drawbacks. For example, halogen lights don’t last as long as HID or LED bulbs. Halogen lights are also not as bright as HID or LED bulbs. Still, they’re more adorable, and you don’t need to worry about blinding other drivers with halogen bulbs.
    If you’re looking for brighter replacement bulbs, the Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs are a great alternative. These bulbs offer double the brightness.
    Who It’s For
    The Sylvania H11 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb is for shoppers that need a reliable replacement Headlight bulb. If you’re not looking for anything fancy or expensive, this product is a great choice. It won’t blow you away, but they’re higher in quality than most OEM headlights.

    Pros

    Won’t blind other drivers
    Made with aviation-grade aluminum
    No cooling fan or fancy features
    Easy installation
    Inexpensive

    Cons

    Not as bright as LED and HID bulbs
    Shorter lifespan than LED and HID bulbs

    9. Best H11 Bulbs for Fog Lights: Alla Lighting H11 LED Fog Light Bulbs

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    Why we like it: We love how Alla Lighting designed H11 bulbs for use as fog lights.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts
    Price: $
    Type: LED
    Lumens: 2,800
    Temperature: 6,000K
    Alla Lighting H11 LED Fog Light Bulbs are designed to fit most fog light housings. Fog lights are located underneath your headlights and shine light through fog to alert other drivers. For this reason, upgrading stock halogen fog lights to bright LED fog lights is a great idea.
    The Alla Lighting H11 LED Fog Light Bulbs are made well and feature aviation-grade aluminum. While the housings are robust, the bulbs are simple to install. There are no additional wires, so all you need to do is plug-and-play. They also come with an intelligent IC chip and a 1-year warranty.
    What Sets it Apart
    Alla Lighting H11 LED Fog Light Bulbs are unique because they’re specifically designed for fog lights. Instead of being as bright as headlights, they’re dim enough to not blind other drivers on the road. Overall, they’re an excellent replacement for your standard lights.
    Things to Consider
    The Alla Lighting H11 LED Fog Light Bulbs to perform as advertised, but they’re for fog light housings. Unfortunately, you can’t use these lights as headlights. Even if you did, they wouldn’t be bright enough.
    If you need H11 bulbs for your headlights, any product like the Sylvania H11 XtraVisison Halogen Headlight Bulb is a great alternative.
    Who It’s For
    Alla Lighting H11 LED Fog Light Bulbs are for shoppers that need to replace their fog lights. They’ll perform better in foggy conditions and enhance the style of your vehicle, especially if your fog lights are yellow.

    Pros

    Great for fog lights
    Helps other drivers see you in the fog
    1-year warranty
    Intelligent IC chip

    Cons

    Only suitable for fog lights

    10. Best H11 Bulbs for Rural Areas: Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: Our favorite feature of the Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs is the intelligent IC drive. This small component makes the installation hassle-free when dealing with modern computers.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts
    Price: $$
    Type: LED
    Lumens: 12,000
    Temperature: 6,500K
    Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs give off a white light that chops through the night. The white light is also great for fog, snow, rain, and other conditions. Plus, it can enhance the aggressive appearance of a sports car or truck. The white light is brighter than most H11 bulbs you can find, but they line-up with stock halogen headlights. So, the beam is in the same place, which means other drivers won’t get blinded by the light.
    Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are also made well. The housing is made out of durable aluminum and includes a high-speed fan to dissipate excess heat. This gives the bulbs a long lifespan of 30,000 hours before burning out. These bulbs are also easy to install because there are no additional wires; it’s all one unit.
    What Sets it Apart
    Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are unique because they come with built-in intelligent IC drives. When installing aftermarket H11 bulbs, your car’s computer can get thrown off. Auxito uses the IC drives to keep electromagnetic interference to a minimum, and it solves most computer problems that plague other H11 aftermarket bulbs. For most vehicles, you won’t need an additional headlight decoder.
    Things to Consider
    Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are great, but they’re too bright. Whereas 8,000 to 10,000 lumens is acceptable, 12,000 is pushing it. Even if the beams are in-line with where the stock headlights used to be, if someone catches a glimpse of your lights, it can be dangerous. Twelve thousand lumens will help you see, sure, but it’s dangerous for other drivers on the road.
    If you like the style of these H11 bulbs but need a little less brightness, the HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs are a great choice. They’re not as bright and won’t blind other drivers.
    Who It’s For
    If you live in a densely wooded area, or somewhere remote without streetlights, the Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are a great choice. They’re brighter than most H11 bulbs you can find, so you’ll be able to see in absolute darkness. Still, if you’ll be around other vehicles often, we recommend getting H11 bulbs that are less bright.

    Pros

    Great for remote and dark areas
    Intelligent IC drive increases compatibility with modern computers
    Plug-and-play design, no additional wires
    30,000-hour lifespan

    Cons

    Too bright for urban and suburban driving

    Everything you Need to Know About H11 Bulbs
    [Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/car-headlights-run-through-flood-water-1388476514 alt text: Headlight in the rain]
    Shopping for H11 bulbs is a breeze when you have the ten best products in front of you. Still, you should shop based on your needs. Narrow down your options based on the factors below.
    Getting Started
    Before we get into specific locations and situations, it’s essential to determine the type of H11 bulb you need. There are halogen, HID, and LED lights to choose from.
    Halogen
    Halogen H11 bulbs are basic but serve a purpose. They come stock on most cars and trucks. They’re not fantastically bright, but get the job done. This makes them useless during the day and average at night. While halogen bulbs are basic, they’re inexpensive and compatible with most vehicles. This means you won’t need a headlight decoder if you replace your stock halogen lights with an aftermarket set.
    If you’re looking for an affordable halogen replacement, the Philips H11 Standard Halogen Headlight Bulb is a great choice. It’s budget-friendly and performs as well as stock halogen bulbs.
    If you like the style and performance of halogen lights, but are looking for an upgrade, the Sylvania H11 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb is a great choice. It performs better than average halogen bulbs and has a longer lifespan.
    LED
    For many shoppers, LED lights are the cream of the crop. These lights boast impressive levels of brightness, and they’re versatile enough to be used as fog lights, headlights, and high beams. LED bulbs also last, on average about 30,000 hours. While LED lights are well-rounded, they’re more expensive than halogen lights.
    If you’re looking to upgrade to LED lights, Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are a great place to start. They have an average price tag but come with premium features like aviation-grade aluminum, a 12,000RPM cooling fan, and heat sinks.
    How Location Plays a Role
    Knowing what type of H11 bulb you need is a great place to start, but location is everything. Depending on where you live, your headlight needs vary. So, we’re going to take you through the three common living areas and break down the H11 bulbs that work best for each one.
    Urban Areas
    We’ll start with urban areas. Urban areas are filled with people, cars, lights, and buildings. In densely populated areas, the need for bright headlights diminishes. If you live in a city, you don’t need to worry about having the brightest lights, so under 10,000 lumens is acceptable.
    If you live in an urban area, the SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are a great choice. They’re premium LED lights that aren’t bright enough to blind pedestrians or other drivers.
    While LED lights work well in urban areas, so do halogen lights. If you’re looking for a cheap replacement, and you live in the city, the Philips H11 Standard Halogen Headlight Bulb is a great product. The bulbs are cheap, easy to install, and won’t blind your neighbors.
    Rural Areas
    Rural areas have a lot of open roads, woods, wilderness, and wildlife. There is little to no light pollution, and street lights are uncommon. This makes rural areas challenging to drive through at night because it’s hard to see the road. Plus, if there is a hazard on the road, you might not see it until it’s too late.
    If you live in a rural area, you need LED H11 bulbs. Not just any LED bulb, but the Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs. This Auxito H11 bulb is bright enough to give you 200 meters of vision. In a rural area, that’s ideal.
    Suburban Areas
    The suburbs are right in-between rural and urban areas. The suburbs lack tall buildings and crowded street corners, but there are still plenty of lights, people, towns, and well-lit roads. Still, some suburban towns are darker than others, so having a good set of LED H11 bulbs is ideal.
    For suburban driving, our favorite H11 bulbs are the HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs. These bulbs fit 99.9% of vehicles, and they’re bright enough to light up the neighborhood without blinding the neighbors.
    How to Replace Your Vehicle’s Headlights
    Finding the best H11 bulb is only half of the battle. Replacing your headlights seems like a challenge, but if you know what you’re doing, for most vehicles, it will only take you about ten minutes. So, we’re going to show you how to replace your stock headlights with aftermarket H11 bulbs in five easy steps.
    Step 1
    First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure there is no power running through your vehicle. To do so, turn the engine off and make sure your keys aren’t in the ignition. If you leave your keys in the ignition (even if your headlights are off), in modern vehicles, at least, some headlight systems will remain on.
    Step 2
    Once you know your vehicle is off, pop open the hood and familiarize yourself with the engine bay. We recommend taking a look at your vehicle’s owner’s manual to identify the tools you’ll need to complete the job. The owner’s manual can also show you where the hood release pin, lever, or button is.
    Tools aside, you’ll also want to locate the housing for your headlights. For most vehicles, this will require you to remove the front bumper. Luckily, most bumpers and grilles can be removed with a 10mm socket and ratchet.
    Step 3
    Next, you’ll want to disconnect the wires that run from your battery to the headlights. Typically, three wires are connected to a harness. To remove the cables, and harness, simply push the clips in and gently pull the lights out.
    Step 4
    Once you have the harness disconnected, it’s just you and the bulbs. While every vehicle is different, most headlights can be removed by unscrewing them. If your bulbs are stock, we recommend using pliers or a vice grip. You want to be careful here because if you break anything, you’ll need a new harness. Use a pair of gloves here as the threads can produce sharp metal filings.
    Step 5
    The final step is screwing your H11 bulbs into place. This is straightforward, but there are a few precautions you need to take before you do so. Be careful not to contaminate the bulbs with dirt and oil, as they can cause lights to overheat and burst.
    [embedded content]
    FAQ
    [Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/h11-led-bulbs-1364763701 alt text: Yellow H11 bulb]
    What Vehicles use H11 Bulbs?
    H11 bulbs are single-beam bulbs that many modern vehicles use. Even if your vehicle didn’t come with H11 bulbs, there is a good chance it came with H8 or H9 harnesses. The good news is that many vehicles with ‘H’ style bulb threading can accommodate H11 bulbs; just be sure to look up your make and model before choosing a bulb size.
    Can H11 Bulbs be Used in any Weather?
    Yes, H11 bulbs can be used in most weather conditions. Halogen, LED, and HID lights are all safe to use in the rain, snow, fog, and extreme temperatures. Still, some lights are better than others for specific situations. For example, LED lights perform better in the rain, and HID lights are the best at night.
    Do H11 Bulbs Turn Yellow?
    The color of your H11 bulb depends on the temperature output of the bulb. If a bulb drops below 3,000K, it will begin to take on a yellow color. If you have halogen lights, this is normal but LED and HID lights will not fade in temperature color over time and thus should never be yellow.
    What Headlights Blind Other Drivers?
    While LED lights are bright, they’re safer than halogen and HID lights. LED bulbs are bright, but you can control the beam density and position of the light to keep other drivers safe. With HID lights, though, more glare is created, and it’s difficult to control how light overflows beyond the beam.
    Wrapping Up
    Nobody wants to replace their headlights; we get that. Still, at some point, it’s a chore you’ll have to do. Knowing everything you can about H11 bulbs makes it easy to find the set you need when that dreaded time comes. Plus, when you have the ten best H11 bulbs in front of you, shopping becomes nearly hassle-free. More

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    The 10 Best Tonneau & Truck Bed Covers to Buy 2020

    Here’s how it goes. You buy some new flat-pack furniture from your favorite flat-pack store, throw the cardboard box of goodies into your truck, and it rains. “If only there was a better way!” you shout into the void as soup leaks from its cardboard box onto your driveway. Then you realize that you don’t live in an infomercial, and that tonneau covers have existed since the first trucks rolled off the assembly line, so you consider grabbing one.

    Covering the Basics of Truck Bed Covers
    First things first, because we know you want to know. Why the heck is it called a tonneau cover? Well, tonneau is the French word for cask, which at first was used in the 20s and 30s to describe the barrel-like cloth covering that protected the back half of cars. People would stretch fabric over the rear seats of their convertible in order to get an aerodynamic edge. It was a simpler time. Nowadays, it’s synonymous with a truck bed cover, and they primarily come in two flavors.
    Hard or Soft Tops
    Modern truck bed covers are either soft, made usually of fabric or vinyl, or hard, where they are made from plastic or metal. Each type comes in numerous styles, which we’ll discuss here in the quick guide. They are made from a huge variety of materials too, which we’ll touch on down in the big guide at the bottom.
    Soft
    Soft covers are soft. Shocking, we know. Soft covers offer good weatherproofing and are very easy to stow when not in use. They aren’t as durable as hardcovers, but are often much cheaper.
    Hard
    Hardshell covers are stronger and more secure than soft shell covers. They are not necessarily more weatherproof than soft covers, but they will last longer and resist damage a lot better.
    Tonneau Cover Styles
    In addition to the shell material, tonneaus come in a handful of styles. The way they retract affects how usable your truck is as a truck and how easy they are to operate in general.
    Folding
    A folding cover is segmented, and each segment folds back onto the previous one. Most are either 3 or 4 segments. The best part of a segmented tonneau is that you can open it up part way and use it as the trunk on a car. The bad news is that even when they are open as far as possible, they still take up a lot of space.
    Roll Up
    Covers that roll up can be a godsend if you often need to haul oversized objects. If you need to stow them, you just roll them all the way up into a tight bundle. Then you’ll have access to your entire bed. The downside is that rolling them up and then having to unroll them is inconvenient and slow.
    Retractable
    A fancy alternative to rolling up a cover is to have a box that it retracts into. Picture a set of blinds on your home’s windows. These work the same way and offer something that is a lot like a compromise between rolling and folding. They offer the most coverage options, but the box still takes up valuable space.
    Automatic
    If money is no object, you can get covers that open and close at the push of a button. Ladies and gentlemen, Star Wars has nothing on us.
    Double- Then Triple-Check the Size
    Truck beds come in a lot of sizes. A short bed Tacoma is 4ft by 5ft. If you live the Taco life but go crazy and buy a cover for a long bed F250, no amount of DIY will allow you to simply lop 1ft off the width and 3ft off the length. Most manufacturers offer a ton of sizes on their product page, but you can also use Amazon to double-check for you by setting up your garage.
    There are a lot of options out there, which is why we narrowed it down to 10. Take a look; it might be helpful to browse through all of the options just so you know what kind of crazy stuff is out there. We even included one for a Wrangler, so that Jeep people don’t feel excluded.

    Top 10 Best Tonneau & Truck Bed Covers 2020

    1. Best Overall Tonneau: Tyger Auto T5 Alloy Hardtop

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    Why we like it: It’s indestructible, easy to operate, and is one of the most budget-friendly hardtops on the market.
    Editor’s Rating:

    At a Glance:
    Type: Hard
    Material: Aluminum
    Stow Away Method: 3-fold
    Who Is It Best For?
    If ease of use, durability, and style are your primary concerns, then this is the lid for you. It’s also one of the least expensive hardtops out there, so it won’t set you back too far. Basically, people who are just looking for a great cover that will keep up with the demand that trucks require, here it is.
    If you haul a lot of stuff, though, it will be in the way more often than not. Check out a rolling tonneau like the Gator here instead.
    What Feature Stands Out?
    Tyger really goes out of their way to make their tonneau covers easy to install. In fact, their folding soft top is one of the best values out there and is also highly rated on our list here largely because of how easy it is to install and use. The Tyger mounting system uses big cammed clamps that take minutes to lock onto your bed; it’s very nice. You don’t need tools. You don’t even need an extra person to help.
    Our Thoughts
    It’s just hard to believe that you can get an easy to use, aluminum tonneau for this price. Security and protection from elements are two of the biggest reasons to get a bed cover, and the Tyger T5 has both in droves. If your tailgate is locked, people aren’t getting in. The weather can’t get in either; the Tyger has some awesome weathertight rails that also cushion the top.
    Those rails make it a very quiet unit to operate. That’s sort of against truck mentality, but when you go camping and are trying to sneak out the donut box before the rest of the family wakes up, you’ll be thankful for it.
    There’s got to be a bad side, right? Nothing is just good all around. There is, but they are only bad sides that are inherent to all folding hardtops. It will leak if it isn’t installed perfectly square. It’s not hard to adjust it, and it’s really not a big deal if a little water gets in along the sides most of the time. It just is an issue.
    It also takes up a lot of space when fully opened, but as we said: get a roll-up cover if you need the full amount of space. There’s even a hardtop roll up here, so you don’t have to sacrifice the security.
    The Tyger’s other issue is that the hinges don’t last as long as more premium brands. That’s just a product of the price. It’s really not a huge downside. You can spend twice as much on the BakFlip and get better hinges if you want.

    Pros

    Really great value
    Very easy to use
    Very easy to install too

    Cons

    Prone to leaks if not seated correctly
    Hardware quality could be better

    2. Best Soft Tri-Fold Tonneau: Tyger Auto T3 Soft

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    Why we like it: The T3 is very budget-friendly, very easy to use, and still strong enough to keep your stuff safe.
    Editor’s Rating:

    At a Glance:
    Type: Soft
    Material: Marine-grade vinyl
    Stow Away Method: 3-fold
    Who Is It Best For?
    Ok, so if you saw our overall pick and thought, “dang, I want all those nice features, but it’s out of my budget,” then you are in luck. The Tyger T3 is still waterproof and easy to get in and out of. It’s about as close as a softcover can be to a hardtop.
    The only thing you might miss is the extra security of a hardtop, and if that’s the case, there’s no substitute for a hardtop. Just grab the Tyger T5 instead.
    What Feature Stands Out?
    Just like with the T5, the T3 is just really, really easy to install. You don’t need tools, and the aluminum ribs just slide into place. It’s hard to overstate how nice it is to get a product that you can just walk out to your truck and install.
    Our Thoughts
    It really was a tough call for us to choose the aluminum Tyger offering over this vinyl one. Both are really easy to operate, both are weatherproof, and both offer no-tool installation. The vinyl is a lot cheaper but doesn’t offer the security or extra durability. The lack of durability is ultimately what prevented the T3 from the top spot. That doesn’t mean it’s terrible by any means, just not quite as good as the T5. It’s a lot cheaper, though, and will make it a better buy for a lot of people.
    The T3 is great, is what we are saying in fewer words. The 3 fold design makes it effortless to get to your cargo, and the installation can be done by one person in a matter of minutes. It’s not as amazingly waterproof as the Gator soft top on our lists, but it makes up for it by being easier to live with. Plus, you can just add more weatherstripping and solve the issue, just make sure the seal between the cab side of the bed and the install brackets is perfect.

    Pros

    Inexpensive
    Very easy to use
    Very easy to install

    Cons

    Not as secure as other products
    Weatherproofing can take some time

    3. Best Budget Tonneau: Gator ETX Soft Roll

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    Why we like it: Gator offers this budget-friendly option in a ton of sizes and styles, so it’s easy to get the right one for your truck.
    Editor’s Rating:

    At a Glance:
    Type: Soft
    Material: Leather-grain vinyl
    Stow Away Method: Roll-up
    Who Is It Best For?
    The type of person who grabs this Gator softcover is the type of person who just wants a basic cover that’s durable enough to protect their stuff without breaking the bank. It’s for the person that occasionally needs to haul a dirtbike but mostly just wants to keep their tools or luggage out of the sun.
    What Feature Stands Out?
    Nothing really stands out about the Gator, but we mean that in the nicest way possible. It’s exactly what a softcover should be: easy to unlatch, weatherproof, and storable in a way that offers 100% bed access.
    Our Thoughts
    Sometimes a truck accessory just needs to be an extension of the utilitarian nature of trucks. Or rather, trucks are for getting stuff done, and you don’t need anything fancy. That’s what Gator offers. It’s no TruXedo, there’s no auto tensioning or fancy fabric. The top is just thick vinyl that’s waterproof and damage resistant. It’ll scratch and get beat up over time, but that only means it will match the rest of the truck.
    The Gator cover is exceptionally waterproof, but the fit could be a lot better. It’s a bit of a strange issue since usually bad fitment is what leads to water penetration. Gator’s softcover just extends so far over the rails that it acts like a big vinyl umbrella for your trucks. An umbrella that can be heavy and hard to work with, sometimes, which can be annoying. The Tyger soft top is much easier to work with if you don’t want to fight the vinyl. You will lose the 100% bed access, so it’s up to you to choose utility or ease.

    Pros

    Waterproofing is excellent
    You get total bed access when it’s rolled
    Inexpensive

    Cons

    Vinyl scratches easily
    Can be a bit hard to work with sometimes

    4. Best Premium Tonneau: BakFlip MX4

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    Why we like it: The MX4 is simply one of the best hardtop folding covers on the market.
    Editor’s Rating:

    At a Glance:
    Type: Hard
    Material: Aluminum
    Stow Away Method: 3-fold
    Who Is It Best For?
    The BakFlip is tough. You can put up to 400lbs on top of it, and that makes it the right cover for tradespersons or anyone else that needs durability above all else. Further adding to the all work attitude of the BakFlip is the fact that it can be stowed upright, so you can still use your bed to haul rocks without damaging it. It’s not as full access as a roll-up, but it’s close.
    What Feature Stands Out?
    After folding it up, the BakFlip locks in place upright. That gives you full access to the bed. Granted, it’s at the expense of seeing through your back window, but that’s what mirrors are for. It does leave your brake light exposed, something they advertise often. If you are using your truck bed to its fullest, you probably will cover it up anyway.
    Our Thoughts
    To get a really good feel for how tough the BakFlip is, take a look at the complaints around the web. Through a hurricane, there was a little bit of water that got underneath. It got dented during a hail storm. There were, gasp, scratches after the truck rolled over. Those are events that would destroy other covers and everything underneath them. Still, instead of replacing their cargo, people just complain online. If that doesn’t speak volumes about how good the durability is, we’re not sure what would.
    All things considered, it’s not even that expensive. It’s twice as much as the Tyger, sure, but it’s downright cheap compared to losing a bed full of tools.
    We do wish it was a little more secure. The aluminum Recoil on the list has its own external lock, whereas the BakFlip does not. It opens from both sides, convenient, but makes it a little easier to pry open with a crowbar.
    The only other bad thing is that it’s harder to install for a folding tonneau. Not hard, just not as frustration-free as something made by Tyger.

    Pros

    Durable
    Folds out of the way for full bed access
    Opens from both sides

    Cons

    Not as secure as other premium models
    Takes a while to install

    5. Best Premium Soft Tonneau: TruXedo Pro X15

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: There are two things that make the X15 stand out: it looks fantastic, and TruXedo is an awesome brand name. But it’s also one of the best soft tonneau covers money can buy.
    Editor’s Rating:

    At a Glance:
    Type: Soft
    Material: Black woven fabric
    Stow Away Method: roll-up
    Who Is It Best For?
    This is one of the best soft tonneau covers you can buy, so if you are the type of person that values premium products, then here it is. You get all the benefits of a roll-up cover. You also get a fabric top that is stronger and much easier to look at than the vinyl tops like the Gator. It’s much more of a truck accessory for the suburban warrior than the farm truck.
    What Feature Stands Out?
    The woven cloth top is especially nice, but what makes it really stand out is the auto-tension system. Fabric stretches over time, and one of the big drawbacks to a fabric top is that it will sag and look terrible when it stretches and distorts it. Most soft tonneaus get around that issue by having ribs or aluminum supports that span the bed’s width to hold it up. The TruXedo holds the entire top under tension with springs instead.
    Our Thoughts
    The TruXedo is a dream to work with. The woven top is lightweight and easy to roll, and won’t become a nightmare when it’s cold. It’s also really good looking. The top doesn’t stick up despite sitting on top of the rails, and the lack of ribs give you a uniform look across the entire surface.
    There’s a price to looking good. There always is. Like most premium products, the TruXedo has a premium price. Especially compared to the very utilitarian Gator soft top. Even for a woven fabric top, it costs a lot. You can get the Lund for nearly half the price.
    It’s also not great for the working man, so to speak. The fabric can be torn easily compared to vinyl, and water can sometimes find its way in since it doesn’t entirely cover the top of the bed.
    It’s very good quality, though. We say that it’s easy to be torn easily, but that’s only in comparison to heavy vinyl tops. It’s tough fabric, and the rails will outlast your truck.

    Pros

    Woven fabric is very easy to work with
    Auto-tensioner keeps cover tight over time
    Looks really good

    Cons

    Expensive for a soft top
    Could stand to be more waterproof

    6. Best Retractable Hard Tonneau: Gator Recoil

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    Why we like it: The Gator Recoil is a secure, durable top that rolls all the way up. That way, you get the best of both hard tops and soft tops.
    Editor’s Rating:

    At a Glance:
    Type: Hard
    Material: Aluminum
    Stow Away Method: Retractable
    Who Is It Best For?
    A hardshell unit’s security and the raw, unlimited convenience of a roll-up cover make this perfect for families. Let us explain.
    You take the truck to the store and get a bunch of groceries? Just retract the top, unload the cart, pull it back closed.
    Kids traveling with more luggage than a Persian Prince? Open the cover, throw it all in the bed, close the lid.
    Your SO caught a bunch of salmon and needs a pickup? Open the cover, place them in the back with their fish, and return home without stinking up the cab.
    What Feature Stands Out?
    The recoil part of the Gator Recoil means that it’s super easy to access your stuff. It “coils” up as it slides along the tracks. That means you can open it as little or as much as you want, and that it’s incredibly easy to get into the bed.
    The downside to the recoil part is that it takes up a lot of space. The rolled metal slats are just a lot bigger than a rolled soft top like the other Gator on the list.
    Our Thoughts
    Usually, installing a tonneau cover is a death sentence for the convenience of having a bed. You don’t have to make that sacrifice with the Recoil, and that makes it fantastic. It’s aluminum, which makes it tough, and the flush mounting makes it look fantastic.
    It’s not as easy to install as other units just because of the retraction mechanism, but it also isn’t very expensive for a fancy hardtop.
    The low cost is why there are some quality issues. It’s a lot less money than the Roll N Lock, our other retractable option, and it does show. The aluminum is thinner and can flex in the middle. The tracks need to be fiddled with more than other units, and it can sometimes get stuck while you are retracting it. Just jiggle it, it’ll come loose easy enough.
    None of those downsides are worth overlooking the Recoil, though. It’s hard to overstate how easy it is to use and work with.

    Pros

    Easy to use
    Durable
    Good looking

    Cons

    Takes up a lot of bed space
    Could stand to have better rigidity

    7. Best Ridiculously Fancy Automatic Tonneau: Roll N Lock E-Series

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: The features and styling of the Roll N Lock transcend truck culture and dip straight into the James Bond gadget territory.
    Editor’s Rating:

    At a Glance:
    Type: Hard
    Material: Coated aluminum
    Stow Away Method: Automatic retraction
    Who Is It Best For?
    We’re just going to come right out and say it. This is perfect for anyone that wants to show off. You roll up to your friends’ house, hop out of the truck, and hit the button so the tonneau automatically retracts right in front of their awestruck eyes.
    You could argue that someone who has difficulty operating traditional covers from a disability could really benefit from the automation. After all, everyone loves trucks, even if you have to load a wheelchair into the back every so often.
    It’s just that we all know the reality is that the average person who buys this unit is doing it to be impressive, and that’s ok.
    What Feature Stands Out?
    The obvious stand out feature is the automatic retraction, but the Roll N Lock has no end of other great things. It has its own lock, so you can lock it independently of the tailgate. It has extra, over-engineered waterproofing. Really though, it’s the automatic retraction that will make you want this.
    Our Thoughts
    This is the most expensive unit on this list. It also takes up the most space and is the hardest to install. If you can overlook that, then it is one of the most amazing units out there. Picture it, you drive up to the hotel, and the valet comes out. You hold up a finger and hit a button, the tonneau retracts. You grab your luggage, and the tonneau closes and locks into place. Your remaining cargo is safe, and everyone in the lobby is staring. Nice.
    The Gator Recoil retracts too, so if you don’t want to spend the dough but still like the cool look and ease of use, get the Recoil. The Recoil isn’t automatic, though; that’s Roll N Lock territory only.

    Pros

    Has extra security measures
    Automatically retracts
    Looks awesome

    Cons

    Expensive
    Takes up a lot of bed space

    8. Best Simple Weatherproof Tonneau: Lund Genesis Elite

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: The Lund Genisis is good looking, lightweight, and does exactly what you need it to do.
    Editor’s Rating:

    At a Glance:
    Type: Soft
    Material: Premium canvas
    Stow Away Method: Roll-up
    Who Is It Best For?
    The Lund is sort of like the balance between the no-frills, rugged Gator soft top, and the looks and luxury of the Truxedo. Basically, if you don’t want to spend a ton, but still want something nicer than the Gator, Lund has the Genisis Elite just for you.
    What Feature Stands Out?
    The thing that sets the Lund apart from the Gator soft tonneau is how easy the canvas is to work with than the standard vinyl. If you’ve ever worked with cold vinyl, you know how much of an absolute pain in the rear it can be to deal with. Get this Lund if you live in a cold place or plan on rolling and unrolling your cover a lot. The time you save not having to fight with the vinyl will make the price worth it.
    Our Thoughts
    The Lund sits in a weird place. It’s a premium product. The woven canvas top is one of the best soft tops out there. It’s easy to work with and looks really good. At the same time, they market it as ultra-tough and work truck ready, despite the cloth top being less durable than a vinyl top.
    It costs more than the more utilitarian products too, so it’s really not the working man’s cover. It’s in between, which makes us wonder who the product is for. People wanting a premium product will probably spend more and get a hardtop, and people who need something tough will probably get less costly Gator or Tyger.
    That being said, it’s a really nice roll-top tonneau. It installs easily with a set of wrenches. It has a quick-release function that makes it easy to roll up, and like we keep mentioning, the fabric is nice. At the end of the day, people who just want something nicer for their work truck will love the Lund.

    Pros

    The woven fabric top looks great
    The quick-release function makes the bed easy to access
    Installs quickly

    Cons

    A bit expensive for a simple soft top
    Not as durable as vinyl tops

    9. Best Cheap Folding Tonneau: Mostplus Quad Fold

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: It’s amazing that you can get a folding, easy to use cover for so cheap, and that forgives some of its quality issues.
    Editor’s Rating:

    At a Glance:
    Type: Soft
    Material: Vinyl
    Stow Away Method: 4-fold
    Who Is It Best For?
    There exists a type of person on this earth that gets a thrill out of buying really cheap, unproven products and making them work. This cover is for them. It’s quirky, very cheap, and Mostplus is the least convincing name for a knockoff item we have ever seen. It does what it says, though, so if money is your biggest concern or you are just one of the people who like fighting with technology, this is for you.
    What Feature Stands Out?
    The low cost is the thing that offers the biggest draw for the Mostplus, but it does have another neat feature. It folds and stows upright like the BakFlip, giving you a lot of access to the bed despite the fold-up design.
    Our Thoughts
    The Tyger T3 is a proven, good quality tonneau that only costs about $50 more than this Mostplus. Get the T3 unless you are comfortable doing some DIY modifications to a product.
    That being said, the Mostplus does come with everything that a good cover should come with. It’s got a tool-less installation, it’s easy to flip up, and it is waterproof.
    Where you will notice the lack of quality is in the vinyl cover. It’s thin and unlined. That makes it bad at withstanding damage, so don’t expect it to survive the trail. It also means that any yahoo with a pocket knife can get into your bed if they really want to.
    At the end of the day, though, if you just need a tonneau cover for general weatherproofing that’s easy to use, you won’t feel ripped off if you pick up the Mostplus.

    Pros

    Cheap
    Stows upright for good bed access
    Has tool-less installation rails

    Cons

    Quality isn’t great
    Prone to ripping

    10. Best Jeep Wrangler Tonneau: Shadeidea Tonneau

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: Trucks shouldn’t get all the love. If you own a Wrangler and want the benefits of a tonneau, this one’s for you.
    Editor’s Rating:

    At a Glance:
    Type: Soft
    Material: Marine-grade vinyl
    Stow Away Method: Fold and stuff into a carrying case
    Who Is It Best For?
    It might be a little too obvious to point out, but since this is a product built for Wranglers, it’s best for people with Jeep Wranglers. If you love running topless in your JK but hate it when mud crusts over your camping gear, this is the perfect product. It covers the cargo while still allowing you to enjoy the full top-down doors-off life.
    What Feature Stands Out?
    The Shadeidea is a straightforward cover that has a lot of little smart things that make it great. First, it folds into a case that can be carried around, so when you’re not using it, instead of leaving it attached to the Jeep, you just throw it into your garage. Second, it just stretches and hooks to a few attach points: no button snaps, no zippers, just stretch, and hook.
    Our Thoughts
    Why should trucks have all the fun? Wranglers have a bed too, and there’s nothing exclusive about wanting to keep your cargo dry. That’s where the Shadeidea comes in; it’s a tonneau for your Wrangler.
    If you have a truck, it won’t fit. Get the Tyger T3 or something.
    The carrying case is a neat idea, and the simple way it just hooks on makes it one of the fastest installing covers on our list. Unfortunately, the fast stretch and hook system can leak if it gets caught up on something.
    Beyond that, it’s a high-quality tonneau for your Jeep. That’s all it needs to be to be awesome.

    Pros

    Specially made for Wranglers
    Easy to install
    Comes with a carrying case

    Cons

    Only fits Jeep Wranglers
    Can leak if it doesn’t fit perfectly

    The Ins and Outs of Tonneau Coverage
    Still on the fence about getting a cargo cover? That’s fine; we are here to lay out all the facts so you can be sure you are making the right choice. Let’s start with the reasons most people get a tonneau.
    The Best Reasons to Install a Tonneau Cover
    There are some very good reasons to install a cover over your bed. There’s also a common reason that’s not very good, but it gets built up a lot, so we’ll include it.
    Protection From the Elements
    This is perhaps the biggest reason to get a bed cover. Most of the things people haul on the day to day are not gigantic; they will fit under a tonneau without any issue. It’s nice to know that your stuff is safe from the elements if it rains or some other weather event.
    In general, one-piece roll-top tonneaus like the Lund we recommend offer the best protection since they stretch over the rails and don’t have hinges or seams that can leak.
    Security
    The second most compelling reason to get a cover is to protect your stuff from other people. This is where fabric covers can be undesirable since many can be undone from the outside of the truck.
    They can also just be cut with a knife, so even if they secure from the inside, they don’t do much to stop a determined thief. Compare that to coming out and watching some poor fool trying to cut up a hardshell like the Tyger with a pocket knife.
    In the real world, the inconvenience of having to undo a softshell to steal your stuff will deter most thievery. Since the enterprising criminal can’t just reach into the bed and pull out your stuff, they will probably just move to the next vehicle.
    Looks
    When you cover a truck bed, especially with something clean and low profile like the TruxEdo, it can really make the entire truck look better. Something is pleasing about better aerodynamics. This reason is more subjective than the last two.
    Some people likely don’t like the looks, and if you are one of those people, that’s ok. There are a lot of people who do, though, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting a good looking truck.
    Gas Mileage
    This is the section where the mythology runs wild. There are claims of up to 10% better mileage with the addition of a bed cover. You won’t see anywhere near that level of improvement. Mythbusters famously did an episode about this very thing (Episode 64) and found that the gas saved from a tonneau cover was minimal.
    Most people report between 3-4% better economy, which means you would have to buy $16k worth of gas for an average cover to pay for itself. There are many great reasons to pick up a tonneau; it doesn’t need to also be a miracle gas saving device.
    Materials
    There’s a lot of materials in the tonneau world. The materials are often the biggest difference between an inexpensive cover and a premium cover, so it’s good to know a little bit about what the differences are.
    Vinyl
    The biggest problem with vinyl is that it’s heavy and doesn’t like to cooperate when cold. It’s good at keeping water out, it’s plenty durable, and it resists damage just fine. You just don’t want to be out on a cold morning trying to roll it up or stretch it back into place. It also scratches easily. If you accidentally drag a toolbox across the top, it will leave marks.
    The upside is that it’s cheap; vinyl top covers like the Tyger T3 come in at less than half the price of the TruXedo.
    Treated Fabric or Canvas
    Compared to vinyl, woven fabrics are lightweight, easy to keep clean, and much easier to stretch and keep tight. They can be easier to tear, although that depends more on the thickness of the vinyl you compare it to. Older fabric covers used to be noisy. They would whip and flap in the wind and be all sorts of annoying unless they were brand new.
    Modern fabric systems like you find with the Lund cover don’t do that. They are just as silent as their vinyl and hardshell counterparts.
    Hard Plastic
    We actually didn’t include any hard plastic tonneaus on our list, but that’s not because they are bad. It’s simply that they are rarer nowadays, and we had limited spots. Many trucks came with hard plastic covers as a factory option, like the SportTrac or Avalanche, so they are still out there. They are lightweight, waterproof, and can be very high quality.
    The biggest reason people avoid them is that they fade in the sunlight over time. Everyone has seen an Avalanche going around with plastic trim that has faded to pure ugliness. No one wants that for their bed cover.
    Aluminum
    The most common hardtop material is aluminum. Most soft tonneaus also contain aluminum, either in the frames of folding units or the support ribs of roll-up units. It’s lightweight, strong, and plentiful on this earth. There’s nothing not to love until you drop something on it and put a gnarly dent into it that wouldn’t have even left a mark on the fabric.
    There’s a solution, though. If you just picked up the Tyger T5 and are worried about dents, don’t drop things on it. Easy.
    Fabric Covered Aluminum
    This is a weird one. Some companies wrap aluminum slats in fabric and make a product that looks like medieval armor. You get a cover that is cheaper than a full aluminum top, but still really durable.
    It’s rare to see unless you get into the more premo manufacturers like Roll N Lock. We suggest their E-Power on our list, but they also make a retractable, fabric-covered aluminum product.
    How the Cover Attaches to the Truck
    [Image:https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/black-truck-bed-tonneau-cover-1427995370 alt text: a stretch and snap style vinyl tonneau cover]
    It’s hard to talk about how a tonneau attaches to a bed just because everybody has their own idea. Tyger uses these big woodworking clamp looking things, while Gator uses standard bolts. What we can do is define some of the more common terms for you. It probably won’t be the deciding factor when choosing a tonneau, but it will help to know what you are getting into after you order one.
    Tool-Less
    This is Tyger’s big thing; both the T5 and T3 use big clamps that are easy to operate. Tool-less installs rely on clamping to your truck bed without extra rails, and it makes them the most convenient things to install out there.
    Just watch this video and you’ll understand instantly why we talked so much about Tyger’s installation process.
    Drill-Less
    Gator and Lund offer “no-drill” installation, which means you don’t have to put holes into your bed to thread screws or bolts.
    Roll-up covers need their own rail system to attach to, so tool-free rail installations use clamps to hold onto the bed. Other no-drill rails use bolts that need to be tightened with a wrench. Roll N Lock’s rails have to be clamped onto the bed using hex head bolts and screwed into the clamps using Phillips screws. While you technically don’t need a drill, you still might want one.
    On Top vs. Inside
    If you take a look at the Tyger T5, you’ll notice it sits on top of the bed. That gives you a little bit better waterproofing, and it’s easier to install that way.
    Compare that to the low profile Gator Retractable that sits inside the bed. Low profile covers are better for aerodynamics, looks, and security. A thief won’t be able to just work a small tool under the cover and pop the rail off if it’s inside the bed.
    There are also in-between covers like the Lund. They sit up on the rails, but the rails are inside the bed, giving it a very low profile and great waterproofing.
    Tonneau Accessories
    Once you have the cover, the possibilities only get more limitless. If you are a hardcore adventurer, consider grabbing a set of over cover rails to mount a rooftop tent, like the ones we talk about over here.
    There are even covers that come with their own rails, like [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NZV7815″]this one[/amazon] from Trax. Grab some vinyl conditioner if you have a vinyl top to keep everything shiny, or puck lights to throw underneath the cover so you can see in the dark. If nothing else, there’s always room for another bed-mounted toolbox.
    Enjoy the Height of Aerodynamic Design
    Trucks are awesome, but the open bed does present some big downsides. Solve them with a cover. Keep thieves and water away from your important stuff by getting a cover. There’s no substitute for peace of mind, and there’s also no substitute for getting all your camp gear out to the lake safely for a great weekend. More

  • in

    The 10 Best RV Antennas to Buy 2020

    The best thing about life on the road in an RV is it brings you up close and personal with Mother Nature. National Parks filled with spellbinding beauty fill America from coast to coast, with scores of spectacular and diverse landscapes to explore.
    After a long day soaking up all that scenic glory, there’s nothing more relaxing than vegging out in front of the TV. But when you’re tucked away deep in backcountry woodlands, getting a good signal can be testing at the best of times. That’s why you need a top-quality RV antenna: you can still enjoy your favorite shows wherever you may roam.
    We’ve put together this in-depth buyer’s guide to educate you on everything there is to know about RV TV antennas. And to help make the purchasing process more accessible, we’ve rounded off a top 10 list of the best products on the market.

    Before You Buy an RV Antenna
    RV antennas aren’t all one and the same; there’s a fair bit more to the gadget than you may think. Before you start shopping for an antenna to attach to your rig, we recommend you mull over the following eight considerations. Note, this is a list of the top antennas for watching TV while in your RV. If you are looking for an antenna to boost your radio signal, you’ll want this list instead.
    Type
    RV antennas come in two distinct types—the basic UHF/VHF antenna or a satellite system. If you are looking for free TV over the airwaves, the basic option is your best bet. However, if you can’t imagine living without hundreds of channels and don’t mind a monthly subscription fee, then you’d best opt for satellite.
    Dimensions
    Roof real estate is essential on an RV as you need plenty of room to squeeze on solar panels, air vents, fans, sports equipment, and A/C units. Look for an RV antenna that will fit within the space you’ve got to spare.
    Price
    Our recommended RV antennas range from $50 to $1300, so the cost may be the deciding factor when working out what to buy. Forgoing fancy extras like exterior mounting, satellite subscriptions, and in-built boosters will save you significant sums of cash.
    In-Built Boosters / Amplifiers (UHF/VHF Only)
    Antennas with in-built boosters have an extended range to allow you to obtain a signal where you otherwise wouldn’t. If watching crystal clear TV in far-flung places is a must, it’s worth investing in one of these.
    Mounting (UHF/VHF Only)
    UHF/VHF RV antennas are either mounted inside or outside the rig, either on the roof or around the windscreen. Exterior antennas are more expensive to purchase and install but boast a superior range.
    Multi / Omni-Directional (UHF/VHF Only)
    Multi-directional antennas receive a signal from every direction, so you don’t have to move them, but their range isn’t great. Omnidirectional antennas have a long range but must be pointed towards the nearest tower by hand.
    Dual Arc Technology (Satellite Only)
    High-end RV satellite antennas have a fancy feature called Dual Arc Technology, which tracks signals from both east and west orbiting satellites. As a result, you’ll get a superior signal no matter what area of the country you are driving in, even when the weather’s not being nice. 
    Networks (Satellite Only)
    If you go for a satellite antenna, you need to think long and hard about which network you want to watch. Some only offer DISH, while others are compatible with DirecTV or BELL TV.
    For more in-depth information about RV antennas, skip forward to our buyer’s guide.

    Top 10 Best RV Antennas 2020

    1. Best Overall Pick: KING OA8500 Directional Over-the-Air Antenna

    View on Amazon

    Why we like it: This brilliant exterior directional antenna rotates 360 degrees to find the optimal signal.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: UHF/VHF
    Mounting: Exterior
    Multi / Omni-Directional: Omni-Directional
    Dimensions: 12.00 x 16.00 x 8.90 inches
    In-Built Booster: No
    The OA8500 from KING is royalty in the RV antenna world thanks to its powerful omnidirectional antenna that outperforms the competition at this price point. The in-built signal finder uses SureLock technology to hone in on the best available signal, and an easy-to-use internal knob lets you rotate the antenna up to 360 degrees, letting you watch your favorite shows without interference.
    Another nifty feature of this antenna is its built-in signal meter that helps you find the nearest TV tower (no more Googling their locations) to find the best possible signal in a flash. Once the meter locks on, simply run a channel scan on your tuner, and you’re ready to roll.
    We find it does an outstanding job at enhancing UHF reception, a massive bonus considering the most popular channels are broadcast in this frequency. Nonetheless, for the most part, it also does well at picking up VHF, so there’s usually nothing to worry about if you want to tune into this frequency as well.
    If real estate on your roof is in short supply (as it often is when you’ve stacked on several solar panels), you’ll be pleased to know the KING OA8500 is also one of the smallest exterior antennas on the market. At a petite 12 x 16 x 8.9 inches, you’ve still got plenty of room for solar, A/C, and a fan or two.
    The only downside to KING is their customer support isn’t the best. If you run into problems or just want help with the install, expect to wait for days for a response (or work it out for yourself).

    Pros

    Powerful directional antenna
    Compact design saves on roof space
    SureLock technology finds the closest tower
    Excels at receiving UHF signals
    Rotates 360 degrees

    Cons

    Directional antennas require manual configuration
    Customer support can be lacking at times

    2. Best Budget Pick: Winegard FL5500A FlatWave Amped Indoor Antenna

    View on Amazon

    Why we like it: This best-selling product from Winegard performs well and is super inexpensive.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: UHF/VHF
    Mounting: Indoor
    Multi / Omni-Directional: Multi-directional
    Dimensions: 12 x 0.6 x 13 inches
    Winegard is one of the biggest names in the TV antenna game, and its flagship indoor FlatWave FL5500A model is a testament to their success. Despite being an indoor antenna, the unit boasts an impressive range thanks to its high-tech in-built amplifier. Forget about tracking down a booster separately because Winegard has already got you covered.
    A low 1dB of noise ensures the signal is crystal clear, at least compared to many of its low-cost competitors. And the fact it’s an indoor model negates the need for expensive exterior installation. Whether you hang it on a wall or lay it flat on the table or floor, the device does an outstanding job of intercepting a UHF/VHF signal.
    This particular model isn’t specifically designed for RVs, but that’s no reason not to purchase one for your rig. The ultra-thin, multi-directional antenna looks sleek and sophisticated as well, perfect for RVers who don’t want to ruin their interior aesthetic with an unsightly design. If you like the look and feel of the FlatWave but don’t want to fork over much cash, it also comes in a cheaper, [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0063705PE”]non-amplified model[/amazon] that has a lower range.
    A word of warning, though: Multi-directional antennas work best when the TV towers are located in different directions. If you tend to RV in an area where the towers are all located in the same direction, you’d be better off grabbing an omnidirectional antenna. Nonetheless, for the vast majority of RVers out there, multi-directional antennas get the job done.

    Pros

    In-built booster/amplifier
    Impressive range
    Reasonably priced
    Sleek design

    Cons

    Doesn’t perform as well as exterior antennas
    Not ideal when all TV towers are in the same direction

    3. Best Premium Pick: Winegard RVW-395 Sensar

    View on Amazon

    Why we like it: Put simply; it’s the best UHF/VHF RV antenna money can buy.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: UHF/VHF
    Mounting: Exterior
    In-built Booster: Yes
    Dimensions: 47.6 x 15.9 x 8.5 inches
    Omni / Multidirectional: Omnidirectional
    If you’re an avid watcher of free-to-air TV and you don’t mind spending extra on a powerful exterior antenna to pick up your favorite UFH/VHF shows, look no further than the Winegard RVW-395 Sensar.
    Although it comes in at about double the cost as our top pick, the KING OA8500 Directional Over-the-Air Antenna, it’s well worth it if you’re planning on watching free-to-air TV in remote areas. An effective in-built booster makes the Winegard RVW-395 Sensar the best performing UHF/VHF antenna on the market, boasting a whopping 55-mile range. And with that kind of reach, you’re bound to get a decent signal just about everywhere you go.
    We do find the Sensar isn’t quite as good as the KING OA8500 in terms of usability, as there’s no SureLock system to help you pinpoint the nearest tower. Nonetheless, it’s easy to raise and lower with a hand crank inside the RV, and it won’t take you all that long to set it up and start watching some shows.
    The big drawback here, however, is the size. The Sensar requires 46.25 inches by 15.25 inches of unobstructed roof space on your rig, a hefty area that inhibits your ability to pack on more solar and other goodies. But if you’re driving around in a big rig or towing an oversized fifth wheeler, then you’ve probably got plenty of roof real estate to squeeze this one in.

    Pros

    Longest ranged UHF/VHS receiver on the market
    Easy to use hand crank and direction adjuster
    Perfect for watching UHF/VHS in remote areas
    In-built booster for optimal performance

    Cons

    Expensive
    No tower finder functionality
    Takes up a lot of room

    4. Best RV Satellite Antenna: Winegard Pathway X2 PA6002R Satellite TV Antenna

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: The high-performing Winegard Pathway X2 connects seamlessly to the DISH network in even the most challenging weather conditions.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: Satellite
    Mounting: Exterior
    Dimensions: 24.2 x 22.5 x 20.7 inches
    Dual Arc Technology: Yes
    Networks: DISH
    RVers in love with satellite TV would be wise to invest in the Pathway X2, a high-powered satellite antenna/receiver designed for the DISH network. The expansive Pay-As-You-Go network features a broad selection of quality movies and shows, enough to keep even the most passionate couch potato enthused for months on end. One thing we love about DISH is there’s no pricey activation fee or annual contract, which usually equates to significant savings for the casual user.
    Those of you rolling around in massive mobile homes will be delighted to hear the system works with two TVs simultaneously; there’ll be no more twiddling your thumbs while the kids watch Frozen for the third time that day. Another nifty plus is that the antenna is 100% automated, so all you have to do is tell it what state you’re in and let the micro-processor do the rest—that gives you precious extra time to catch up on your favorite films.
    Unlike some of the cheaper RV satellite antennas on the market, the Pathway X2 incorporates dual arc technology to intercept both east and west orbiting satellites. And that high-tech duality lets you enjoy the high definition DISH network regardless of the weather conditions.
    It’s easy to clean and set up, too. The system runs off one coax cable (no need for an extra power cord), and you can quickly wipe it clean with a damp cloth should you notice the signal falter.
    If you need a roof mount kit, you’ll need to purchase one separately. Otherwise, you can just plop it on the ground (use the stand to keep it safe from dew) outside your rig. Just remember to bring it back inside when you’re done because you wouldn’t want a fellow RVer to wander off with this expensive bit of kit.

    Pros

    Receives east and west orbital arcs for superior signal
    Works well in adverse weather conditions
    Compatible with the DISH Pay-As-You-Go network (good for casuals)
    Automated system tunes TV automatically
    Easy to set up and clean

    Cons

    Pricier than most satellite antennas
    Doesn’t include roof mount kit

    5. Most Convenient: KING OA1501 OmniGo HDTV Antenna

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: The KING OA1501 doesn’t require any tuning or pointing; just place it on the ground, and you’re good to go.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: UHF/VHF
    Mounting: Exterior (portable)
    Omni / Multidirectional: Omni-directional
    Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 2 inches
    In-built Booster: Yes
    After a long hard day driving through this gorgeous country of ours, the last thing you want to do is stuff around with a TV antenna to obtain a decent signal. And that’s where the KING OA1501 OmniGo shines—this handy little antenna does all the legwork for you.
    The antenna incorporates the best of both worlds: omnidirectional technology gives you an impressive range of up to 50 miles, while multi-directional signal acquisition means you don’t have to point it in the right direction yourself. No installing, no tuning, no rotating—just set it and forget it.
    Sure, its range won’t match the dedicated omnidirectional antennas on our list, but avoiding the hassle of manual configuration makes that a worthy sacrifice. Plug it in, turn it on, and let the amplified signal booster work its magic.
    Now, there’s one rather big caveat to consider here: the device cannot be mounted onto an RV. Instead, you’ll have to carry it outside and place it on a tripod on the ground (it doesn’t work indoors), which does add a layer of effort.
    A magnetic RV mount comes included in the deal, but it’s only intended for temporary use. Should you forget to take it off and drive away, there’s a very good chance it’ll end up on the highway. On the bright side, its durable design is sturdy and weatherproof, so it might still be working when you double back to find it again.

    Pros

    Omni-directional range with multi-directional signal acquisition
    Doesn’t require installation, tuning, or rotating
    Compact and lightweight design enhances portability
    Range of up to 50 miles in favorable conditions
    Comes with a tripod and magnetic RV mount

    Cons

    Cannot be attached to RV; must be placed outside
    Magnetic mount isn’t suitable for driving

    6. Best Basic Satellite Antenna: Winegard PL-7000R DISH Playmaker

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: The PL-7000R Playmaker brings satellite TV to your RV for an affordable price.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: Satellite
    Mounting: Exterior
    Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 13 inches
    Dual Arc Technology: No
    Network: DISH
    Satellite TV is an expensive endeavor, especially when you’re living life on the road. Not only do you need to invest in a pricey dish for your rig, but you’ll have to sign up for a paid subscription to access the best movies and shows.
    Winegard understands this, and that’s why they bought out the PL-7000R Playmaker, which costs well over a hundred dollars less than their premium model, the Pathway X2 PA6002R. With the money saved, you can watch a plethora of Pay-As-You-Go movies and shows through the DISH network.
    Of course, if you’re paying less, you’re not going to get the same quality, and there are a few notable drawbacks to this device. First off, it doesn’t come with dual orbital arc technology, which intercepts signals from satellites traveling both east and west. In short, that means it won’t quite work as well in adverse weather conditions.
    Another downside is the PL-7000R Playmaker doesn’t work on two TVs at once, but for RVers with modest-sized rigs, that isn’t going to be an issue. And finally, it doesn’t come with a roof mount, although you can buy one separately for a reasonable sum.
    Despite these missing features, the PL-7000R Playmaker offers the high-quality design you’d expect from Winegard. As part of the package, you get a durable dish with an aluminum alloy reflector for an optimal signal interception. A remote control enhances usability, and in-built apps like Netflix are superb for streaming (internet not included, so use your cellphone hot spot).
    What’s more, the dish automatically tunes in to the appropriate orbital locations, so you don’t have to stuff around setting it up manually.

    Pros

    Good value for money satellite antenna
    Works on the DISH network
    Automatic tuning mechanism
    User-friendly remote control

    Cons

    Doesn’t work perfectly in adverse weather
    Can’t watch two TVs at once
    Roof mount must be bought separately

    7. Best Boosted Range: Winegard RZ-6035 Rayzar

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: A non-crank rotation mechanism and an impressive boosted range make the RZ-6035 Rayzar a worthy contender.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: UHF/VHF
    Mounting: Exterior
    Max Range: 50 miles
    Dimensions: 7 x 16.25 x 8.4 inches
    In-Built Booster: Yes
    This high-performance model from Winegard comes with an in-built booster to afford the antenna an impressive 50-mile range, which is only 5 miles less than our top premium pick, the RVW-395 Sensar.
    Although it works with omnidirectional technology, as most good exterior-mounted antennas do, the RZ-6035 Rayzar doesn’t require you to crank the antenna because the unit is fixed in place. And anyone who’s had to wind up an antenna every day for months and years on end will understand just how tiresome the chore can become.
    The streamlined design of the RZ-6035 Rayzar looks sleek on the latest model RVs, and the fact it comes in both black and white options guarantees it’ll look slick on your rig. We found the UHF reception to be outstanding, although VHF was a little lacking at times. At least all the mounting equipment and cables come included in the package, so there’s no need to purchase anything else.
    Another big plus of the RZ-6035 Rayzar is it’s been designed to be easily retrofitted over the top of an existing antenna. So if you’ve already got an exterior antenna in place and you’re not entirely happy with its range, then consider upgrading to this model for an easy fix.

    Pros

    Fixed design doesn’t require cranking
    Comes with an in-built booster for a 50-mile range
    Strong UHF signal interception
    Sleek modern design with two color options
    Easily replaces an old antenna

    Cons

    VHF signal isn’t always perfect

    8. Best for DirecTV: KING VQ4100 Quest Satellite TV Antenna

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: This high-quality satellite antenna is a brilliant choice for users with a subscription to DirecTV.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: Satellite
    Mounting: Exterior
    Dimensions: 17 x 18.75 x 13.5 inches
    Dual Arc Technology: No
    Network: DirecTV
    While many of the satellite antennas we recommend work exclusively with the DISH network, the KING VQ4100 Quest is a suitable alternative for anyone who’d rather watch DirecTV.
    A subsidiary of AT&T, DirecTV is one of the leading satellite broadcasters in America, boasting a whole host of exciting entertainment packages to choose from. In particular, their sports coverage is better than most, so the KING VQ4100 for those who love nothing more than cheering for their team.
    If DirecTV isn’t your network of choice, you can easily upgrade to the [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N3GHXNY”]KING KOP4800 One Pro[/amazon] version, which is compatible with the DISH network as well.
    As for the equipment, it’s got all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a premium KINGS product. Its tough weather-resistant design is able to withstand the rigors of Mother Nature, while both portable and roof-mounted options afford ample flexibility. You can even use it to watch two TVs at once, although you’ll need to have two receivers installed. And the fact that it’s powered via the coaxial cable means there’s no need for an external power supply.
    On the downside, you’ll only be able to watch Standard Definition programming, which is the primary reason we don’t rate this model as high as others on our list.

    Pros

    Perfect for DirecTV users
    Sturdy weather and wind-resistant design
    Roof-mounted and portable options
    Doesn’t require an external power supply

    Cons

    No HD programming

    9. Best In-Motion Satellite Antenna: Winegard RT2035T Roadtrip T4

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: The Roadtrip T4 lets the kids watch satellite TV while you drive.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: Satellite / In-Motion
    Mounting: Exterior
    Dimensions: 15.6 x 18.75 x 15.63 inches
    Dual Arc Technology: Yes
    Networks: DISH, DirecTV, BELL
    Every parent knows how annoying kids can be on a road trip—there’s only so many times you can patiently explain, “No, we’re not there yet.”
    But what if there were a way to keep them entertained while you focus on driving? Enter the RT2035T Roadtrip T4, an ‘In-Motion’ satellite antenna that can pick up a crystal clear picture while you’re doing 70mph on the freeway.
    While standard satellite antennas don’t have a hope of intercepting signals at such speeds, In-Motion technology overcomes that obstacle—and it’s a godsend for traveling RV families. Of course, it’s highly irresponsible (and illegal) for a driver to watch TV, so you’ll need to position the screen well away from any rearview mirrors.
    Aside from the advanced In-Motion feature, the RT2035T Roadtrip T4 makes for a mighty fine satellite antenna. RVers can use it to watch not one but three networks—DISH, DirecTV, and BELL TV—with impressive clarity anywhere in America.
    A simple one-push button mechanism sets the machine in action, prompting it to make all the necessary configurations and signal acquisitions on your behalf. It’s super quiet, too, so there’s very little chance you’ll hear the unit over the roar of the engine.
    The downside to the design is price: In-Motion antennas don’t come cheap. At well over a thousand bucks a pop, this product is by far the most expensive on our list.

    Pros

    The kids can watch satellite TV while you drive
    Three different networks to choose from
    One-push button configuration
    Quiet operating mechanism

    10. Best for Bad Weather: KING DTP4950 DISH Tailgater Pro Bundle

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: This high-tech satellite receiver incorporates dual arc technology to pick up a signal when the weather is playing foul.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: Satellite
    Mounting: Exterior
    Dimensions: 17 x 18.75 x 13.5 inches
    Dual Arc Technology: Yes
    Networks: DISH
    The DISH Tailgater Pro Bundle is KING’s answer to the Winegard Pathway X2, offering almost identical functionality for a similar price.
    Much like the Winegard model, this state-of-the-art antenna features dual arc technology to intercept signals from both east and west orbiting satellites, thus giving the user a superb viewing experience on rainy and cloudy days. You can also connect it to two televisions at once, which is fantastic when you want some alone time. Furthermore, as with the Winegard, you can use it to run apps like Netflix and games, although you’ll need an existing Wi-Fi connection with plenty of spare data.
    Coming in at just 8 pounds and measuring a meager 17 x 18.75 x 13.5 inches, it’s smaller and more compact than the Pathway X2, a blessing when you’re running out of room on the roof of your rig.
    Although the two products are super similar on paper, we did find the Winegard to have better performance, especially in poor weather conditions. Nonetheless, the Tailgater Pro Bundle from KING is still an excellent RV satellite antenna that’s worthy of consideration.

    Pros

    Dual arc technology performs well in wet weather
    Can be used on two TVs at once
    Plays apps like Netflix (Wi-Fi connection required)
    Lightweight and compact
    Reasonably priced

    Cons

    Doesn’t perform as well as the Pathway X2

    RV Antennas Buyer’s Guide
    Here’s where we dish out the nitty-gritty on everything there is to know about RV antennas. We recommend giving this section a thorough read through before purchasing an antenna to ensure you’re making a well-informed decision.
    What Is An RV Antenna?
    An RV antenna, also known as an RV TV antenna, works in much the same way as your TV antenna at home. The device intercepts the radio waves broadcast by nearby television stations or satellites and transforms them into something called ‘radio frequency alternating currents.’ Your TV has an in-built tuner, which uses these currents to create a signal.
    The big difference between an RV TV antenna and a standard house antenna is that it’s specially designed to fit on a vehicle and features a compact, wind-resistant design to keep it firmly held in place.
    RV UHF/VHS Versus RV Satellite Antennas
    Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) antennas are the cheapest and most common method of intercepting television broadcast signals in America. Generally speaking, VHF channels occupy numbers 2 until 13, while UHF takes 14 to 51. All the UHF/VHF RV antennas on our list work with both frequencies, allowing them to pick up a wide range of popular American TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and more. UHF/VHF antennas must be within a certain range of a TV tower to function, which can be challenging when you’re traveling about in remote areas.
    RV satellite antennas, on the other hand, are an outdoor parabolic antenna, commonly referred to as a satellite dish, which intercepts a signal from a satellite orbiting the earth. As the signals are broadcast from space, there’s no requirement to be close to a TV tower. Therefore, the RVer can watch their favorite TV shows anywhere on earth (provided there isn’t an obstruction like thick foliage or rain clouds), which is ideal for travelers who love getting well off the beaten track.
    Because satellite communication technology is expensive, these services require a paid subscription to watch.
    As these two technologies are unique, a satellite dish won’t pick up UHF/VHF signals, and a UHF/VHF antenna won’t intercept satellite signals. Of course, if you want to watch both free-to-air and subscription TV, then you can always install both options in your rig.
    Outdoor Antennas Versus Indoor Antennas (UHF/VHF Only)
    [Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/travel-holidays-motorhome-satellite-dish-on-1527899078 Alt-Text: RV with an antenna attached to the roof]
    All satellite antennas must be installed on the outside of your RV to receive a signal. Note that you’ll also need to have a relatively clear view of the sky, so satellite antennas don’t always work properly when you’re parked in dense woodlands.
    UHF/VHF antennas can both be installed inside your RV or out. The interior models are much cheaper, both in the purchase price and because they don’t require professional installation. All you need to do is plug it in and adjust the antenna rods until you find the optimal signal.
    Investing in an exterior RV UHF/VHF antenna will allow you to enjoy a significantly clearer signal as the walls of your RV won’t block the radio waves. Furthermore, exterior antennas tend to be bigger and more sophisticated, which results in a superior range.
    The only interior antenna we recommend is the Winegard FL5500A FlatWave Amped Indoor Antenna, which offers a reasonable range at a low-low price. All other antennas on our list must be installed or placed outside your RV.
    Satellite antennas must always be installed on the roof or set on a tripod on the ground. As they require a direct line of sight with the sky, they simply won’t work if you try to use them inside.
    RV TV Antenna Boosters (UHF/VHF Only)
    If you’re always struggling to find a good signal while on the road, an aerial signal booster might cure your TV woes. The high-tech devices work by overcoming signal losses to create a clearer and more consistent picture on your screen.
    It’s important to note these machines aren’t magic—they won’t be able to intercept a signal when there isn’t one in the first place. But if you’ve got a weak or inconsistent signal, they may be able to boost it into a more reliable one. And unlike cellphone boosters—which typically cost upwards of a grand—antenna boosters are relatively cheap, so you don’t have much to lose.
    Also note, however, that boosters can pick up too much signal or amplify the wrong signals, which may even make the situation worse.
    Many of our favorite UHF/VHF RV antennas come with a booster already built into the design. However, you may need to purchase one separately, in which case this model from Channel Master is the best of the bunch.
    Multi-Directional Antennas Versus Omni-Directional Antennas (UHF/VHF Only)
    There are two main types of UHF/VHF antennas: multi-directional and omnidirectional.
    Multi-directional antennas intercept signals coming from any direction, which means you don’t usually have to move them around a lot to find a good signal. However, as they don’t focus in any particular direction, these antennas have a substantially inferior range.
    If you tend to stick close to major metropolitan regions, you’ll do okay. But should you venture well off the beaten track, you may find a multi-directional antenna just doesn’t have the range you need.
    Omni-directional RV antennas focus their receiver in one specific direction; therefore, you’ll need to manually point the antenna—normally by way of a hand crank—in the appropriate direction. And that means you’ll first have to figure out where the nearest TV tower is (hint: it’s usually in the same direction of the closest city).
    The process is a bit more cumbersome, but the benefit is you can pick up a TV signal from much further away than you could with a multi-directional antenna.  If you’re someone who loves getting as far away from civilization as possible, then an omnidirectional antenna is the obvious UHF/VHF choice.
    Try the KING OA8500 Directional Over-the-Air Antenna if you want an omnidirectional antenna or the Winegard FL5500A FlatWave Amped Indoor Antenna if multi-directional sounds okay by you.
    Dual Arc Technology (Satellite Only)
    Satellites orbit the earth in either an easterly or westerly direction, and most antennas on the market will only track those traveling one way or another. Some high-end antennas, however, have a specialized processor called ‘Dual Arc Technology,’ which allows them to track both orbital arcs at once.
    As satellites traveling in the same direction are often few and far between, Dual Arc Technology allows an antenna to intercept a far superior signal. The difference is particularly profound during heavy cloud or rain, when the satellites on both orbital arcs work together to enhance the signal substantially.
    If you tend to travel in perpetually rainy or overcast regions and can’t stand the thought of going without a signal for an extended period, then it would be well worth investing in an antenna featuring Dual Arc Technology. Our favorite model is the Winegard Pathway X2 PA6002R Satellite TV Antenna.
    How To Improve Your TV Signal in Your RV
    Regardless of what kind of RV antenna you’ve installed on your RV, there will still be times when your signal—be it satellite or UHF/VHF—is frustratingly weak. But don’t despair, for there are a few simple things you can do to fix the issue.
    Scan Your Channels Again (UHF/VFS Only)
    Because you’re always on the move in your RV, your TV could become out of tune as you venture from place to place. To rectify the issue, you can simply re-scan the channels on the tuner that’s built into your TV. Use the remote to open up the settings and look for the option to re-scan your channels, a process that should only take a minute or two.
    Research the Broadcast Stations in Your Area (UHF/VFS Only)
    Re-scanning your TV tuner doesn’t always automatically find the optimal frequency in your area—sometimes; a little manual tuning can go a long way. Google the correct frequency of the station you want to watch in your area and do a manual scan through the tuner function in your TV settings.
    [Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/telecommunication-mast-television-antennas-on-sunset-345863198 Alt-Text: Locate the nearest TV tower]
    Another nifty trick is to find out where the nearest broadcasting tower is—again, Google is your friend here—and manually adjust the antenna to point in that direction. Pro tip: the closest tower will likely reside in the direction of the nearest metropolitan area.
    Adjust Your Antenna (UHF/VHF Only)
    RVers traveling in low altitude areas may be able to raise their exterior antenna to obtain a better signal. If the model you’ve got doesn’t allow this, you could look into creating a manually operated rising mechanism or installing an antenna extension.
    Should you have an interior antenna, you might get better results by moving it around and pointing it in different directions.
    Camp Strategically (UHF/VHF And Satellite)
    Mountains, forests, canyons, and ravines all inhibit the ability of your antenna to intercept a reliable signal. Moving your RV into a wide-open field and avoiding rugged terrain will help you achieve a clearer picture on the TV.
    Try parking under the open sky, away from tree branches that may block the signal. Rotating the dish or antenna to give it a clear line of sight with the sky often yields positive results as well.
    Check Your Coaxial Cables (UHF/VHF And Satellite)
    Closely examine your coaxial cable (the one that connects the TV to the antenna) to check for signs of wear and tear. If it appears frayed or kinked, a replacement cable might help you get a better signal.
    You should also double-check it’s properly plugged in. The constant bumps and vibrations that occur on the road have a habit of niggling cables out of place over time.
    Plug Into The Cable TV Hook-up At Your RV Park (Satellite Only)
    Sure, this isn’t the ideal solution to your weak signal woes. But if you’ve wracked your brains and still can’t find an answer, then opting for a cable TV hook up at the nearest RV park is a sure-fire way to get back in front of the TV.
    And if you’re favorite football team is due to kick off an incredibly important game, it’s the only way to guarantee you won’t miss a minute of the action.
    RV Antenna FAQs
    If you’ve got this far and still have more questions, there’s a good chance you’ll find them below.
    How Do I Install an RV Antenna?
    Exterior UHF/VHF antennas and satellite dishes may require a professional installation, in which a technician will get the unit working on your behalf. All you need to do is scan for channels on your TV tuner, which you’ll find in the settings menu.
    If you fancy yourself as a bit of a handyman (or woman), then it’s entirely possible to install these on your own. Pay close attention to the instruction manual to ensure you don’t make any mistakes as you go.
    For interior UHF/VHF RV antennas, you’ll only need to plug the device into the TV and move it around until you find the sweet spot.
    How Do I Use an RV Antenna?
    RV antennas are designed to be easy enough to use for the layman, so you shouldn’t have any issues getting yours to work if it’s in good condition.
    Ensure the antenna is installed correctly
    Use the hand crank to point the antenna towards the closest TV tower (omnidirectional UHF/VHF only)
    Scan for channels using the tuner function in your TV (try the settings menu)
    Start watching your favorite shows
    Be aware that depending on the type of antenna you’re using, and where you’re located in America, you may or may not be able to obtain an acceptable signal. RV life can be challenging at times, and spotty reception is one of the many hurdles that may come your way. If you can’t fathom the thought of going without TV, then a satellite antenna is worth the extra expense.
    How to Point an RV Antenna?
    There’s really no right or wrong answer here, and the process often requires a bit of trial and error. Move the antenna around in different directions until the signal improves. If that fails, try re-scanning your channels with the antenna in different positions to see what yields the best results.
    Researching where the nearest broadcasting tower is and aligning your antenna accordingly might help expedite the process.
    Do RV Antennas Receive Wi-Fi?
    The term ‘RV antenna’ refers to TV antennas, none of which are capable of receiving a 3G/4G signal or any other sort of internet connection. Although some poorly researched buyer’s guides out there claim RV antennas are capable of obtaining ‘Wi-Fi,’ that’s simply not the case.
    Most RVers use their cellphone as a mobile hotspot, which they can connect to via a Smart TV or normal TV via a streaming dongle like Roku.
    If you’re looking for a way to boost your cellphone signal, then you need to invest in a cellphone signal booster.
    RV Antennas: Final Thoughts
    In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about RV antennas and compiled a list of the top 10 options on the market. And as avid RVers and shameless tech geeks ourselves, we’ve spared no effort in bringing you the most accurate and up-to-date information on the net.
    Now that you’re well versed in the technology and the various different options, we recommend you browse through our recommendations to find the perfect antenna for your needs—there’s bound to be something on there that aligns with your budget and requirements.
    And once you’ve got the ideal antenna installed on your rig, you’ll have the freedom to watch crystal clear TV in your RV while relaxing or doing laundry, even when visiting the most remote locales. More

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    The 10 Best Headlight Restoration Kits to Buy 2020

    “Cloudy yellow headlights are awesome!” said no one ever. Unfortunately, if you live where sunlight can reach the earth, your headlights will fade eventually. Faded headlights can be dangerous since they don’t work as well, and seeing at night is widely considered an essential part of car performance.
    Perhaps worse still, you’ll be embarrassed when you pull up to the car meet with sad-looking lamps that scream “old car.” It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Restoring headlights is easy and fast, especially with a kit that includes everything you need. Keep reading to see our favorite headlight restoration kits for 2020.

    Choosing the Right Kit for You
    All the big names in car care offer their own headlight restoration system. Brands you know you can trust, like 3M, Meguiar’s, Turtle Brand, etc. Choosing the right one might be as simple as brand loyalty. If you love Rust-Oleum products, they make a lens restoration wipe that will look great on your shelf between the rest of their products.
    We believe it’s a bit more complicated than that, though, and you might want to read through this quick guide. That way, you can get the product that fits your situation best.
    How They Work
    Headlights are plastic, and they get clouded because the top layer gets damaged by UV and scratches. The best way to clear them up is to sand off that top layer and reveal the beautiful layers beneath.
    How most kits differ is in how they sand the top layer off. Some use a variety of polishing compounds, some use varying grits of sandpaper, and some use chemicals to soften the layer so you can wipe it off. Many use a combination of methods. Honestly, it’s not a very important consideration when buying a kit. Let the academics and engineers argue about which way is best. All we care about is results.
    Power Tools vs. Elbow Grease
    There are two main flavors of headlight restoration kit: the kind that needs power tools and the type that uses calories instead. They both have drawbacks and advantages, but your deciding factor will probably come down to whether you have the power tools to do it. The most common rotary tools for buffing and restoration are: die grinders, orbital sanders, angle grinders, buffers, and drills.
    Kits for Power Tool Owners
    If you hop down to the 3M kit we recommend, you’ll notice that the pictures on the product page all show a drill. The sanding pad itself has a stick coming out of it meant to be chucked into a drill. That means you can sand and buff a lot more area in a lot less time than you could by hand.
    Kits for Everyone Else
    Sanding by hand is tedious, but you can actually get better results. That’s why the kit we recommend the most is actually a hand kit and not a power tool kit. Plus, you don’t have to lug out the power tools to use them. You can buy one and just restore the lights in the parking lot of your favorite restaurant while your buddy spends twenty minutes deciding which cheeseburger they want.
    The Balance Between Effort and Clarity
    Most headlight restoration kits on the market will make your headlights look better. There are very few products that just outright won’t work at all, as one would hope. The degree to which they work varies, though. Some will shine your headlights to the point where they are concourse ready. Some will work just good enough to get you a few extra dollars at trade-in.
    Generally, the difference between crystal clear and just ok is the effort it takes to get the result. Some kits, like the Rust-Oleum wipes on our list below, take minimal effort. They won’t make your headlights sparkle or anything, but they are good enough for a daily.
    On the flip-side, building your own kit from dry/wet sandpaper and compounds takes a lot of effort, but it is the highest quality result you can get. It’s not really worth it when kits like the Sylvania option exist, but technically it’s true.
    What’s in the Box?
    One more thing to consider when you buy a kit is, “what comes in the box?” Some kits come with attachments or pads that are reusable, and can be used in other applications. Other kits might not include a compound that you really want. The 3M kit, for instance, doesn’t include a clear-coat, but the one from Meguiars does.
    None of the kits we mention are very expensive; few are more than $20. If you buy a really cheap kit that doesn’t include a component you really want, you’ll end up spending more hunting down the individual piece.
    If we did our job, now you know what to look for. Now you have to sift through the thousands of competing products on the market, hoping that some guy reviewing it doesn’t just have a vendetta against the company. Just kidding, we compiled the top ten here so you can just pick one and know you’ll be getting a good product.

    Top 10 Best Headlight Restoration Kits 2020

    1. Best Overall Pick: Sylvania 3 Step

    View on Amazon

    Why we like it: The Sylvania 3 Step kit produces the best results, and at the end of the day, that’s what matters.
    Editor’s Rating:

    What You Get:
    Activator
    Clarifying Compound
    Clear Coat
    Sand Paper
    Cloth Applicators
    Lint Free Cloth
    Vinyl Glover
    Is It Easy to Use?
    Super easy. All the parts have labels like “step 1” and “step 2.” You don’t need power tools, and the sandpaper pieces included are big enough to last a long time.
    Our Review
    The best thing about the Sylvania kit is that when you are done, your headlights will look cherry. There are easier kits, kits with more gadgets, and kits that take way less time. None of them will look as good as the Sylvania, and that earns it the top spot.
    The kit itself is reasonably complete. It comes with everything you need, including a clear finishing coat that will keep your headlights looking good for years. That’s usually the first thing a company will skimp out on, but it’s essential to apply unless you want to redo all the work after a year.
    The only thing you’ll really want to do if you buy this kit is to remember to mask off your paint around the headlight. Maybe you won’t care if you drive a beater, but the same compounds that soften the top plastic layer of your headlights will absolutely soften the top layer of your paint job. Sylvania doesn’t include that in their instructions, so keep it in mind.
    What Else Could You Need?
    A roll of masking tape could go a long way towards keeping the car clean. The Visbella kit includes masking equipment, and the Sylvania box is definitely big enough to fit a small roll of tape in.
    It’s not a deal-breaker. Everyone should have a roll of blue painters tape on hand anyway. It’s easily the second most useful tape in existence behind duck tape.

    Pros

    Makes your headlights look amazing
    Doesn’t require extra tools to use
    Shine lasts a long time

    Cons

    Takes longer than other kits
    The applicator could be bigger

    2. Best Drill-Powered: 3M Headlight Lens Kit

    View on Amazon

    Why we like it: This 3M kit is cheap, works great, and chucks into a drill.
    Editor’s Rating:

    What You Get:
    Pad Holder for Drill
    Sanding Discs for Holder
    Polishing Pad for Holder
    Rubbing Compound
    Is It Easy to Use?
    The 3M kit is incredibly simple. You chuck the pad holder into a drill, step one. Then you use the holder to wet sand the lenses. Finally, you use the holder with the compound pad to polish the lenses. Done.
    Our Review
    The 3M kit is probably the best value you can get when it comes to a restoration kit. It barely costs over ten dollars and comes with a pad holder you can use for way more applications than just restoring headlights. You just need a drill. If you don’t have one, though, you can use it as an excuse to go pick one up with the money you’ll save over our premium pick. A harbor freight battery-powered drill will work fine. Avoid their house brand headlight restoration system, though. It’s not great.
    Once you chuck the holder into the drill, the entire process will be over before you know it. Use the sandpaper, smear on some polishing compound, and wipe off the haze. It won’t produce the absolute best finish, unlike the Sylvania 3 Step, but you can finish in less than half the time.
    What Else Could You Need?
    You’ll want two things: masking and a clear coat. Like the Sylvania 3 Step, the 3M kit doesn’t come with any masking. It is easier to avoid getting the 3M compound on your paint. The paste-like 3M stuff is cleaner to work with than the liquid spray in the Sylvania kit. The other thing you’ll want is a clear coat to protect the lenses after you restore them.
    The Meguiar’s kit contains both those things, but it costs twice as much. Even if you buy tape and wax, you’ll still save money with the 3M.

    Pros

    Fast
    Easy to use
    Produces really good results

    Cons

    The kit doesn’t include a clear coat
    Requires a drill

    3. Best Premium Pick: Cerakote Ceramic Restoration Kit

    View on Amazon

    Why we like it: The Cerakote system is a really nice system with a ceramic finish and outperforms other premium products.
    Editor’s Rating:

    What You Get:
    Oxidation Remover
    Applicator Pad
    Sand Paper
    Ceramic Clear Coat
    Gloves
    Is It Easy to Use?
    You don’t need a drill, every compound is packaged with its own applicator, and the whole thing comes in a resealable bag instead of a box. That might seem like a dumb thing to point out, until you find yourself with plastic cleaner leaking out of a soggy cardboard box in your back seat.
    The individual parts are also clearly labeled based on when you should use them. Honestly, the Cerakote might be the easiest to use kit on our list.
    Our Review
    We call the Cerakote system “premium.” That’s a lofty way to describe anything that is just a bunch of plastic bags in a bigger plastic bag. This kit, however, earns the title thanks to it’s many intelligent design decisions.
    Each individual component is packaged individually and labeled in big, bold lettering. The applicators are color-coded, and the instructions are printed on the packaging in multiple locations. We call the Cerakote premium because of the collection of little things that it excels at.
    It also includes a ceramic clear coating. For those of you who don’t know, ceramic clear coats are all the rage nowadays. They are tougher and more durable than your standard wax finishes, and they protect against UV really well. That means once you finish with the easy process of cleaning your headlamps using this kit, you can rest easy knowing that your lights will stay looking great for a long time.
    That comes at a price. The alternative from Turtle Wax also includes ceramic protection but comes in at half the price. Meguiar’s offers their own proprietary clear coat, and you can use the applicators repeatedly. You will only find the combination of amazing clear coat and ease of use in the Cerakote kit, though.
    What Else Could You Need?
    The Cerakote doesn’t include anything to help with cleanup, so make sure you have a bottle of Windex and some paper towels on hand. Also, like almost everything else, it doesn’t come with masking, so grab some blue tape.

    Pros

    Very easy to use
    Ceramic clear coat is really durable
    Instructions are really easy to follow

    Cons

    More expensive than other kits
    Headlights won’t be as clear as the less expensive Sylvania

    4. Longest Lasting: Meguiar’s Heavy Duty

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: The Meguiar’s restoration kit is just a very nice kit to work with. The pads are of high quality, and they give you a lot of compound for future projects.
    Editor’s Rating:

    What You Get:
    Plastic Cleaner and Polish
    Applicator Pad
    Wool Pad
    Sanding Disks
    Easy Grip Sanding Pad
    Is It Easy to Use?
    If we are completely honest, it’s not the easiest to use. The instructions tell you to use a drill, but they also include a hand applicator. The steps aren’t labeled, and you have to sand for a long time because they don’t include lower grits. The kit is more for a hardcore, break out the clay bar on the weekend type person who has a lot of experience detailing and polishing.
    Our Review
    Meguiar’s is a household name in the car detailing world, and they have to work hard to keep their high reputation. It shows in this kit. First, it works great. There’s no arguing that. Second, the applicators and pads are of high quality. You’ll be able to keep them around and use them for other projects.
    The downside to the Meguire’s is that the company seems to know that the person most likely to buy their product is already familiar with using their other products, which is a roundabout way to say that it’s not very beginner-friendly. Their instructions, for instance, could definitely be better.
    If you are looking for an easier to use, high-quality kit, get the Cerakote package. If you want something more dedicated to power tools, Mother’s has you covered here.
    If needing to do a bit more work doesn’t scare you, though, you are getting really high-quality products when you buy this kit.
    What Else Could You Need?
    We are becoming a broken record, but you’ll want to go get some masking tape. It’s frustrating because it’s such a small thing, but only Visabella seems to think you want to protect the paint on your car.
    The other thing you might want is a drill. You don’t need one; the kit comes with a hand applicator pad. However, the instructions indicate that it makes life easier if you have one. It totally does, so it’s not bad advice. It’s up to you whether you want to spend money or time.

    Pros

    High-quality components
    Includes clear coat
    The result is very good

    Cons

    It’s a little complicated
    More expensive than other kits

    5. Best Budget Pick: Turtle Wax Speed Restorer

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: It’s a complete kit for ten dollars, ’nuff said.
    Editor’s Rating:

    What You Get:
    Bottle of Repair and Renew
    Applicator Pad
    Ceramic Wipes
    Gloves
    Is It Easy to Use?
    There are only two steps, so there’s nothing to complain about. It takes longer than other kits because it doesn’t have multiple grits of sandpaper to work through, so that’s a mark against it.
    Our Review
    Turtle Wax is another one of those household names, but unlike the other big names on our lists, the Turtle brand doesn’t feel the need to charge you for their logo. This is the cheapest system on our list. The only way to get a less expensive kit is to source every part out individually.
    The price forgives a lot of the issues with the Turtle Wax kit. The applicator isn’t big enough, the instructions aren’t amazing, and it takes a long time to get a decent shine. You do get a ceramic coating, though, so there’s that.
    At the end of the day, if you are just looking for a kit to shine up your car on a budget, the Turtle Wax kit fits the bill. Get the more expensive Sylvania 3 Step if you want a really clear lens, or the Cerakote if you really love the ceramic coating.
    What Else Could You Need?
    If you run out and grab a bigger applicator, you’ll be happier. They don’t cost very much, and it can save your hands from cramping.

    Pros

    Inexpensive
    Ceramic coating is very durable
    One step compound is very convenient

    Cons

    Takes a while to get a good polish
    Even if you spend forever polishing, it won’t be as good as other kits

    6. Best Applicator: Mother’s NuLens

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: Mother’s is a high-quality brand with tons of experience making polishing products, and their ball applicator is super useful.
    Editor’s Rating:

    What You Get:
    PowerBall Polishing Tool
    PowerPlatic Liquid Polish
    Backing Plate
    Restoration Disc
    Is It Easy to Use?
    The Mother’s kit is simple; there’s not much to do, which makes it really fast and easy to understand. What makes it a bit hard to use is the actual process of applying the finish. It takes practice to get a feel for using a polishing ball.
    Our Review
    People will fight forever over the merits of Mother’s vs. Meguiar’ s anywhere detailing enthusiasts gather. We don’t want to cause an argument, so we’ll keep it simple. If you want to do more work by hand, and pay more attention to detail, the Meguiar’s is your choice. If you want to work faster and use power tools, though, Mother’s has your back.
    The kit includes a ball applicator, which is something everyone should just have anyway. If you own a drill or similar rotary tool, get one. Unlike flat applicators, a ball applicator can get into corners and over curved surfaces. Since most headlights are pretty curvy, you can see why that’s a good thing.
    What does annoy us about the Mother’s kit is that it doesn’t have anything extra. It’s a higher-priced kit. It should come with cleaner, sandpaper, and a clear coat, but it doesn’t. You just get a big bottle of wax. The wax is excellent, don’t get us wrong. We just wish it also had a clear coat.
    What Else Could You Need?
    The Mother’s compound is not a hardcore polishing compound, which means it’s much safer for paint. That means we can’t really chastise them for not including masking. Instead, you have to buy a clear coat, which makes this kit the same as the 3M at nearly twice the price. It’s hard to overstate how useful that ball applicator is, though. That probably makes it worth it.

    Pros

    Comes with a cool applicator
    Comes with enough polish for four or more headlights
    Very fast

    Cons

    No clear coat
    Won’t fix deep scratches

    7. Most Versatile: Visbella DIY Vehicle Restoration

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: The Visbella kit is one of the most comprehensive kits out there. They even include tape for masking.
    Editor’s Rating:

    What You Get:
    Masking Tape
    Wool Applicator
    Drill/Grinder Attachment
    Sanding Discs
    Hand Applicator Pad
    Polishing Paste
    UV Protective Clear Coat
    Is It Easy to Use?
    It’s ok. The Visbella kit has a lot of components, which makes it a little intimidating to just jump into. Even the drill attachment is two parts so that it can also work on an angle grinder. Also, the instructions are just ok. They are on a little piece of paper with some fine print on it. Trust us when we say that it’s really annoying when the instructions blow away.
    Our Review
    First things first, this is the only kit that includes its own masking. Congratulations to them, we won’t have to whine about it in the “what else” section. In fact, we don’t have anything to whine about in that section. The Visbella is a really complete kit.
    That doesn’t mean we don’t have anything to whine about, though. Visbella’s biggest flaw is also its biggest asset: it’s comprehensive. You need a drill, you need a lot of patience, and you need to set aside a lot of time to make sure you get to know each step of the process.
    The reward for all that work isn’t the best finish on the list. It’s outclassed by the faster 3M kit. All added up, though, it’s cheaper than the 3M kit because it includes a clear coat, so you have to choose which sacrifice you want to make.
    What Else Could You Need?
    We don’t know. Whatever you want to drink while the wax sets? Maybe some paper towels to clean up if you accidentally spill some stuff on the drill? You don’t really need anything else.

    Pros

    It’s a very complete kit
    The applicator is adaptable for numerous tools
    The kit can also be used to fix the clear coat on your car

    Cons

    Complicated
    Leaves some scratches behind

    8. Easiest to Use: Rust-Oleum Wipes

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: If all you have is some minor fogging, the Rust-Oleum kit is as simple as it gets.
    Editor’s Rating:

    What You Get:
    Wipes
    Polishing Pad
    Gloves
    Microfiber Towel
    Is It Easy to Use?
    Yes, it’s effortless to use. Like most kits, you start with cleaning and sanding. Unlike most kits, the final step is just to wipe it down with a special wipe. It doesn’t get much easier than that. The only frustrating part is that unlike the other wipe based kit from Cerakote, you only get one applicator that you have to use on both headlights.
    Our Review
    In the quick guide, we talked about how effort is directly tied to quality. The Rust-Oleum was what we had in mind when we said that, it’s the epitome of low effort, ok quality. Yes, it will clean your headlights, as long as the scratches aren’t too deep. Just about everything else will clean them better, though.
    The speed and convenience is the selling point, though. If you have a beater or a daily that just needs a quick spruce up, you probably don’t care too much about making the lenses perfect. If that describes you, the Rust-Oleum wipes will work great.
    There’s not much else to say, honestly. Yes, they work, no, they aren’t the best, but they are very cheap and easy to use.
    What Else Could You Need?
    Cleaner and sandpaper, if your yellowing is really bad. The Rust-Oleum wipes are really only for shallow surface issues, if you have serious discoloration, you’ll need to buy your own cleaners and sandpapers. Or just buy a kit like the Sylvania 3 Step that includes all that stuff.

    Pros

    Inexpensive
    Very easy to use
    Fast

    Cons

    Not good for deep imperfections
    Doesn’t polish as good as similar products

    9. Best For Pros: 3M 025146 System

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: If you own a shop, or plan on restoring the headlights of everyone in your neighborhood, this 3M system is amazing.
    Editor’s Rating:

    What You Get:
    Powered Sanding Tool
    Powered Polishing Tool
    Plastic Cleaner
    Polish
    Sanding Discs
    Soft Applicators
    Adapters
    Sand Paper Holders
    Is It Easy to Use?
    No. These are tools for someone that is taking headlight restoration really, really seriously. There’s no instructions or color-coded pads, just some bottles and some buffers. The other 3M product on our list has big, full-color instructions and is very simple to use. If you need that, go grab that one.
    Our Review
    Do you plan on restoring more than ten headlights a year? No? Then save your sanity and turn away. Get the Sylvania kit, you’ll be happy with the results, we promise. Are you willing to drop nearly $500 when everything else costs less than $30? No? Then save your sanity and piece together your own kit.
    If you are still here, then take a look. This kit is fantastic. We called the Visbella kit complete, but it’s got nothing on 3M. The Visbella requires you to have a drill, the 3M system includes two. Actually, they are not really drills. They are air-powered random orbitals, and some of the best small buffers on the market. It’s not even about headlights. If you do a lot of polishing and sanding, this kit is excellent.
    You just really need to know what you are getting into with this system.
    What Else Could You Need?
    You need an air compressor, for one. With the compressor, you need hoses, fittings, and a water trap. You should probably also have an entire shop to work in, because the only way to justify the price is if you are going to use these sanders constantly.
    You also need masking supplies. If you have a shop, you have those, but this section feels empty if we don’t point it out.

    Pros

    Includes two high-quality DA buffers
    3M polishing compounds work great
    Polishing a headlight takes minutes

    Cons

    Really, really expensive
    You need an air compressor

    10. Best Drill Sanding Kit: Poliwell Polishing Kit

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: The Poliwell kit is just a nice sandpaper kit and drill adapter. You have to DIY some parts of the restoration process, but it’s good for all kinds of polishing.
    Editor’s Rating:

    What You Get:
    Drill Adapter
    A Bunch of Sanding and Polishing pads
    Is It Easy to Use?
    No, it’s not. First of all, you have to go buy your own polishing compounds and clear coats. Second, using a drill to sand is very fast, but it does take a lot of practice to get it perfect.
    Our Review
    We included this product on our list of car headlight restoration kits for the people that like using their own polishes and cleaners. If you are the type of person that would love to see if toothpaste makes a great plastic cleaner, this is the kit for you.
    The Poliwell doesn’t include any chemicals, it’s just a bunch of abrasive pads that attach to a drill. That makes it a lot more useful than many kits just because you can use it for a lot of things that are not headlights. Want to buff your toaster? Boom, you have the kit to do it.
    The downside is that after you try all the wacky internet suggestions like Weed Killer and WD40, you are just going to wish you had just bought the 3M kit. At least you’ll have the pads to do other things with.
    What Else Could You Need?
    Polishing compound, cleaning compound, clear coat, and masking. In fact, you are going to just need everything that’s not a buffing pad.

    Pros

    Versatile
    Drill pad attachment works great

    Cons

    Despite being marketed for headlights, it doesn’t actually include any headlight specific products
    It has a high learning curve

    Tips, Tricks, and General Info for Restoring Headlights
    Once you have chosen a headlight restoration kit, you are ready to dive into using them. We want to help you get the most out of your product so that we don’t look like big phonies, so we compiled this list of tips, tricks, and general information to help. Just to be clear, though, nothing we say is more important than the kit’s instructions.
    Read the Instructions
    We said it before, but it needs to be repeated. Every kit is different. Every manufacturer has their own interpretation of the exact process that they designed the kit around. They are the ones that know how to get the best results.
    Your pride as a DIYer will not suffer nearly as much as your pride in your car if you end up with a swirly, scratched mess of a front end. RTFM. Consult Manuella. Watch the video if there’s a video. Do it.
    Keep Everything Clean
    Cleanliness is always important, and when it comes to headlight restoration, there are two main categories.
    Masking
    We complain about how no kit other than the one from Visbella comes with masking materials, and that’s because you should mask off your headlights before attempting to restore them. The chemicals used to soften and polish the lenses can be damaging to paint.
    If you get a little aggressive with your sanding, you don’t want to be sanding off-color. It takes a few minutes to run the tape around the outside and protect things. Bonus point, you won’t have to wipe off the extra goop that gets flung everywhere, just peel off the masking and go.
    Clean the Lenses
    Some kits include cleaners. Most don’t. The fantastic 3M kit doesn’t include a cleaner. They just low-key mention it on the box that you should clean the lights first, so don’t rely on anyone to remind you. If you go straight into polishing and there are big chunks of debris stuck to your lens, you will be putting deep scratches into the plastic.
    Spray some Windex on the lens, wait a moment, then wipe it off. Wipe it off in one direction, and switch to a clean part of the rag every time you complete one pass. That’s just a pro-tip for car cleaning in general, free of charge because we like you. Once it dries completely, then start the restoration process.
    Practice Using Power Tools Before Starting
    [Image:https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/car-care-concept-mechanic-cleaning-headlights-159537323 alt text: Buffing a car headlight with a giant grinder buffer]
    Units like the smaller 3M kit we recommend are built to be used with drills or other power tools. The 3M total system even comes with its own. The thing is, those tools can be a bit tricky to get the hang of. Drills, especially, want to “walk” around when you try to sand with them. You have a lot of leverage because of the length of the tool, and it can be tough to keep the sanding or buffing disc flat.
    There’s no shame in practicing on garbage before risking putting deep scratches into your headlight. That’s one of the advantages of the ball style polisher the Mother’s kit comes with. With the ball style, it doesn’t matter if you are perfectly flat or not, it has enough give to conform to the contours.
    Do You Really Need a Kit?
    No, you don’t. You can just get a handful of dry/wet sandpaper and some wax and have at. ChrisFix, a semi-famous youtube car DIYer, thinks it’s the best way to do it.
    The problem with the DIY method is that there are no instructions. There are not convenient labeled bottles or useful applicators. Also, the price of failure is high. Most kits come with soft applicators and the right rubbing compounds to ensure you get a good result.
    If you jump into the DIY world with the wrong kind of sandpaper, you can permanently destroy your headlight lens. That means you are risking a $200 part to save like $5. There’s just no reason to.
    Remember, restoration kits aren’t the only way you can improve the look of your headlights, especially If you’re willing to invest. Upgrading to LED headlights or a full HID headlight kit can have a much more dramatic effect than a restoration.
    Why Do Lenses Get Foggy Anyway?
    There are a few reasons, actually. The simplest reason is that dust and other abrasives in the air constantly scratch up the outer layer of your headlights. The biggest reason is that UV light from the sun causes oxidation. Oxidation is also what turns iron to rust, it’s a destructive process that breaks down the plastic lens and messes up your shine.
    If you want tips on preventing foggy headlight syndrome or want to know more about some other headlight problems, the Glass Doctor has an excellent write-up here. Just ignore the part about using toothpaste. Just like with other DIY solutions, it’s not worth it to use $5 of toothpaste and potentially scratchy cloth when you could just spend $9 on the Turtle Wax kit.
    Clear Headlights, Clear Peace of Mind
    “Those headlamps look great!” is something you will definitely love to hear after restoring them. No more dangerous night driving, and it’s amazing how much clear lenses pop. It’s good for you, it’s good to have clean, great-looking parts on your car. If nothing else, it will improve resale value, there’s just nothing to complain about. Grab a kit and get buffing. More

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    The 10 Best Motorcycle Glasses to Buy 2020

    The feeling of freedom offered by riding a motorcycle is hard to explain but simple to understand once you find yourself behind the handlebars. However, that freedom comes at the expense of the many comforts and safety measures offered by standard automobiles.
    A relative lack of safety is something all riders have to accept, but it’s also why they need to do everything they can to take their security into their own hands. Every piece of a rider’s equipment plays a role in adding to their safety and comfort, and a good pair of motorcycle glasses can make all the difference.
    Whether you’re on the hunt for a great pair of sunglasses to reduce glare and improve visibility or a full face covering to keep dust and wind from causing irritation and distraction, we’ve got you (and your eyes) covered in our list of the top 10 motorcycle glasses currently on the market.
    Before we dive into the list, let’s go over the criteria we used for selecting our products and a brief rundown of how the reviews are structured so you can quickly find the perfect pair of motorcycle glasses for your needs.

    What to Look For in Our Reviews
    When it comes to motorcycle glasses, there are a lot of factors to consider regarding your specific needs and preferences. Each product review will detail the important aspects of that product by looking at the product from three distinct angles: practicality, quality, and the type of person we believe would get the most out of that product.
    Practicality
    In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and important aspects regarding its ease of use. This section focuses on viewing the product from a function over form perspective and will detail the use cases and practical benefits of each pair of motorcycle glasses.
    Quality
    Every product on our list provides a strong quality to cost ratio, but your specific needs and wants will ultimately decide whether the item offers enough benefits to warrant its cost. No one likes wasting their money and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to decide whether a product is worth the asking price or not. This section is dedicated to describing the quality of the item regarding its materials, build quality, and its design and overall execution.
    Who It’s Best For
    Our list is packed full of great motorcycle glasses, but finding the ideal product for you is all about figuring out what exactly you’re looking for and which product best meets those needs. This section is dedicated to identifying the aspects of the product we think are most important and the type of person who would most likely be able to make the most of those motorcycle glasses or goggles.
    We end every product review with a final pros and cons section that will briefly recap the key aspects of the product so you can quickly scan through the page and find the best pair of motorcycle glasses for your needs with ease.
    Without any more stalling, let’s rev up and get into our list of the top ten motorcycle glasses money can buy. We have a more in-depth guide below.

    Top 10 Best Motorcycle Glasses 2020

    1. Best Overall Motorcycle Glasses: BELINOUS Riding Glasses

    View on Amazon

    Why we like it: The Belinous Riding Glasses are an all-around great and affordable pair of motorcycle glasses that offer comfort and protection for your eyes no matter what time of day it is.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Practicality
    These Belinous Riding Glasses provide excellent value at a reasonable cost thanks to their interchangeable lenses and intelligent design. With four lenses that can be easily switched out, these motorcycle glasses are excellent eye protection for riding in various weather conditions and lighting.
    The elastic foam padding located around the frames provides comfort for the wearer as well as protection from the lenses getting fogged over during long rides or cold weather. Designed in the style of wraparound sunglasses, these Belinous Riding Glasses are comfortable and lightweight enough for wearing on or off your bike.
    Quality
    These motorcycle glasses strike a great cost to performance balance by combining intelligent design with sturdy materials. All of the lenses are constructed from scratch-resistant and shatterproof polycarbonate material and the smoke lenses offer UV400 eye protection—a must-have for daytime motorcycle rides for dealing with dangerous, vision-impairing glare.
    Belinous is confident in the quality of its product and offers an 18-month warranty that covers any defects in their riding glasses so you can rest easy knowing your money won’t go to waste on these.
    Who It’s Best For
    These Belinous Riding Glasses are an easy recommendation thanks to their versatility, affordable price point, and sturdy construction. You might not earn any fashion awards for these, but they are perfect for new riders looking to get some comfortable and functional eye protection without breaking the bank.
    These motorcycle glasses are also comfortable enough to wear for general outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, or just going for a hike. The interchangeable lenses allow you to easily and quickly switch between the different lens types to best suit the current conditions outside.

    Pros

    Sturdy and practical
    100% UV protection for the eyes
    18-month warranty
    Inexpensive
    Versatile with 4 easily interchangeable lenses

    Cons

    Not the greatest looking glasses on our list
    Only the “smoke” lenses offer UV protection

    2. Best Premium Motorcycle Glasses: Oakley Gascan Sunglasses

    View on Amazon

    Why we like it: Oakley makes excellent eyewear and these Oakley Gascan Rectangular Sunglasses tick all the right boxes when it comes to motorcycle glasses.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Practicality
    If you have a helmet and a full face mask, a solid pair of sunglasses with polarized lenses that offer UV protection for your eyes and reduced glare are all you really need. Oakley is known for its great sunglasses and these are fitted perfectly for wearing inside a full motorcycle helmet thanks to their wraparound style and tapered arms that allow the frames to fit snugly around your face and head. However, they are not exclusively targeted at motorcyclists.
    Quality
    Sure, you can buy a pair of polarized lens sunglasses for a fair amount less than these, but you’ll notice where all the corners were cut after a few moments of close inspection. Oakley is a respected eyewear brand that has put time and money into developing custom materials and processes specifically engineered for providing the utmost in comfort, longevity, and visibility.
    The lenses on the Oakley Gascans offer 100% UV protection to keep your eyes safe while also improving visibility by cutting down on glare. The wraparound style of the frames and lenses provides better peripheral vision than boxy glasses while also protecting you from indirect glare that happens when sunlight seeps in around the edges of standard sunglass styles.
    Who It’s Best For
    These Oakley Gascan Sunglasses are great for anyone looking for a solid pair of sunglasses but their design makes them particularly well-suited for motorcycle riders. These are an easy recommendation thanks to Oakley’s attention to detail and superb quality.
    These glasses are great for general purpose use and are easily comfortable enough for continued use all day long. They also come in a ton of different color options so you can easily customize the look to fit your preferences.

    Pros

    Fantastic optics and eye protection
    Stylish and sturdy
    Come in a large variety of style options
    Built to last
    Comfortable and practically designed

    Cons

    Not designed specifically for riders
    Pricier than most options on our list

    3. Best Budget Motorcycle Glasses: MF Payback Sunglasses

    View on Amazon

    Why we like it: These MF Payback Sunglasses get the job done at a price that is sure to make you smile.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Practicality
    With how cheap these are, it’s kind of amazing just how well these motorcycles glasses perform. These boast UV 400 lenses that have a double-sided coating that protects the lenses from getting fogged up during use.
    The foam padding around the eyes helps to seal off the excess wind to prevent tearing up when riding without a proper face covering. The padding also reduces light leaking that can negatively impact visibility while on the road. Unfortunately, the rubberized coating on the pads around the eyes can lead to a sweaty face especially when worn on a hot day due to the poor ventilation and breathability of the material.
    Quality
    These glasses are surprisingly well-made considering how inexpensive they are. These aren’t going to win any awards for sturdiest or most attractive riding glasses, but they get the job done at a price that simply can’t be beaten without making major sacrifices either to performance, comfort, or both.
    You aren’t going to find a better pair of motorcycle glasses at this price, but a cost this low is only achievable by cutting some corners. The MF Payback Sunglasses aren’t particularly comfortable due to the aforementioned sweating issues. The rubber ear pads on the arms of the glasses can cause some friction and pull at the hair around your ears, but overall these are reasonably comfortable and completely functional.
    Who It’s Best For
    These are great motorcycle glasses for the budget-minded among us who just want something that cuts the frills and just works. If you’re looking to try out motorcycle glasses for the first time but aren’t sure whether you’ll like using them, these are the perfect tester set. The MF Payback Sunglasses also make for a great stocking stuffer or gift idea thanks to their affordability.

    Pros

    Seriously cheap motorcycle glasses
    UV protection against eye damage and glare
    Foam padding to prevent light and air leaking into the eyes

    Cons

    Not the sturdiest riding glasses out there
    Comfort is a little lacking especially for warm weather rides

    4. Best Over-the-Glasses Goggles: Pacific Coast Airfoil Riding Goggles

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: These Pacific Coast Airfoil Riding Goggles are solidly built and perfect for riders who want to wear their glasses under protective goggles.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Practicality
    Over-the-glasses goggles are great for people who wear corrective glasses or those who want to keep their glasses and face protected while on the road. These Pacific Coast Airfoil Riding Goggles offer 100% UV protection, making them perfect for prescription glasses owners that want to add a bit of glare and eye damage protection.
    Quality
    With shatterproof polycarbonate lenses, these Pacific Coast Airfoil Riding Goggles boast a sturdy construction combined with solid design sensibilities and all offered at an affordable price. On the downside, the foam padding on these goggles are a bit on the cheap side and can get a little itchy for some. The plastic body is solid but a little cheap feeling overall with the plastic components on the straps being particularly chintzy.
    The flexible strap is solid, thick, and wide enough to offer reasonable comfort and a secure fit. Most glasses fit easily inside of these goggles, as they are designed specifically for wearing on top of your glasses, and the fit is snug without creating any pressure points. The lenses also do a good job of staying clear and easy to see through thanks to anti-fogging technology.
    Who It’s Best For
    These riding goggles were designed specifically with glasses-wearers in mind and those are exactly who we’d recommend these to. Having said that, wearing glasses is by no means a necessity and these riding goggles are perfectly suitable for being worn on their own.
    The smoke lenses offer 100% UV protection so you can use these on their own or go for the clear-coated lenses and put sunglasses on under them. These Pacific Coast Airfoil Riding Goggles do an excellent job of protecting expensive eyewear like prescription glasses or these great Oakley motorcycle glasses on our list.

    Pros

    Fits perfectly over glasses
    Anti-fogging for great visibility
    Comfortable with no pressure points
    Affordable

    Cons

    Foam padding could be a better material
    Plastic components are on the cheap side

    5. FAGUMA Sports Sunglasses

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: Inexpensive but built for performance, these Faguma Sports Sunglasses offer 100% UV protection and fit perfectly inside a motorcycle helmet.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Practicality
    While not designed specifically for motorcycles, most riders will get a lot of bang for their buck with this great pair of polarized sports sunglasses. Their curved design and thin, tapered arms allow them to easily fit even when you’re wearing a full-face helmet. Comfortable and practical enough for everyday use, these glasses are great for improving visibility and reducing eye strain and damage caused from UV rays.
    Quality
    While these aren’t made to survive the apocalypse, they are sturdy and well-built enough for most practical applications and are well-suited for wearing while riding. The lenses offer 100% UV 400 protection which is a must-have for riders who need to maintain maximum visibility even in the bright sun. The lenses are also shatterproof to protect the eyes from damage in the event of a collision.
    Who It’s Best For
    These Faguma Sports Sunglasses are a solid pair of UV protection lenses that are suitable for any outdoor activities. While they aren’t specifically designed for motorcycle riders, they are well-suited for the task thanks to their slim and flexible arms and the wraparound design of the frames.
    These glasses come in a wide variety of colors and styles so you can easily match them to your personal style. They also have a 30 day 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can try them out and get your money back if you aren’t happy with them after your first month of use.

    Pros

    UV 400 eye protection from sunlight and glare
    Inexpensive
    Comfortable and lightweight
    Shatterproof lenses
    Available in numerous styles

    Cons

    Not specifically designed for motorcycle riders

    6. Best Standard Motorcycle Goggles: Bobster Cruiser 2 Goggles

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    Why we like it: These Bobster Cruiser 2 Goggles offer everything you need in a pair of motorcycle glasses and nothing you don’t and at a price that is tough to beat.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Practicality
    These Bobster Cruiser 2 Goggles are made with the budget-minded motorcycle fan in mind. As to be expected from a company that specializes in eyewear for riders, these goggles have everything you’d want to find in a pair of riding goggles. The lenses are shatterproof and offer 100% UV protection from eye damage and wreck-causing glare.
    These goggles also sport foam padding around the eyes to provide a seal that prevents air and light from leaking into the eyes. Bobster also ventilated their Cruiser 2 Goggles to prevent them from getting fogged over on long rides or in inclement weather conditions. The strap is standard fare, but provides a snug fit and reasonable comfort.
    Quality
    Bobster has made a name for themselves in the motorcycle niche as manufacturers of solid and practical eyewear and these Cruiser 2 Goggles are one of the most popular products they make thanks to their sturdy build quality and comfort.
    The lenses are great and they come in 3 coatings (smoked, amber, and clear) that can be easily interchanged depending on the time of day and the rider’s preferences. Our main complaints are that the strap could be more comfortable and we’re not big fans of the open cell foam because the material can get a little itchy.
    Who It’s Best For
    These are an easy recommendation for any rider looking to try out motorcycle goggles for the first time. Bobster is one of the most well-respected motorcycle eyewear manufacturers and these are an excellent entry-level offering that provides all the features a rider needs to keep themselves safe and comfortable during road trips.

    Pros

    Inexpensive yet well-built
    Offers 100% UV protection
    Excellent ventilation to prevent fogging and provide comfort during long rides
    Interchangeable shatterproof lenses for riding in different lighting

    Cons

    The strap and foam padding could be better

    7. Global Vision Outfitter Motorcycle Glasses

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    Why we like it: These Global Vision Outfitter Motorcycle Glasses offer solid eye protection from wind and debris and good peripheral vision thanks to their clever design.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Practicality
    These motorcycle glasses are sort of a hybrid of goggles and glasses thanks to their oversized design that allows these to be worn over the top of standard glasses. The side ports give increased peripheral visibility compared to other glasses and goggles like these, but the smaller form factor of these makes them a little hit and miss for glasses wearers.
    Not everyone can comfortably wear their glasses under these, but they do offer solid eye protection from wind and debris without negatively impacting visibility much.
    Quality
    Made with a nylon frame, these Global Vision Outfitter Motorcycle Glasses are sturdy and comfortable enough for longer rides. The lenses have an anti-fog coating to maintain visibility and the frames and lenses are both ANSI certified as safety glasses so they will do a great job of protecting you from rocks, dust, and wind during your rides.
    The foam padding does a decent job of reducing light and air leak so your eyes stay unobstructed and dry while you’re on your bike.
    Who It’s Best For
    These Global Vision Outfitter Motorcycle Glasses are a very affordable way to try out motorcycle glasses. They are especially nice for riders who wear prescription glasses and want to keep them protected during their rides. The lack of UV protection makes these less than ideal for wearing on their own in sunny conditions, but they can be paired with smaller sunglasses to great effect.

    Pros

    Inexpensive
    Solidly constructed
    Can fit over prescription glasses to protect them
    ANSI Z87.1+ rated for safety

    Cons

    May not fit over some glasses
    Not rated for UV protection

    8. Best Motorcycle Face Covering: Detachable Fogproof Face Mask Goggles

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    Why we like it: Combining a face mask with a pair of quality goggles at this price makes these an easy recommendation for people who prefer half helmets but want to keep their face protected.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Practicality
    This GGBuy Detachable Fogproof Face Mask and Goggles set allows you to easily swap between standard goggles and full-face protection at any time. The face mask sports vents and a breathing filter to keep dust and large particulates from getting in your mouth or airway.
    The goggles offer UV protection to keep your eyes protected from the sun and your vision safe from glare. Using this as a full face mask will help keep your face warm during cold rides, and combining this with a half helmet will allow you to easily adjust your gear setup to match the current weather conditions. Furthermore, this mask and goggle combination is excellent for other sporting activities such as playing paintball, snowmobiling, and dirt biking.
    Quality
    With a price this low, you can expect some concessions made to the overall quality of the product. Having said that, this mask and goggles combo set is surprisingly well-made and fairly rugged.
    The goggle lens is made from shatterproof polycarbonate material that offers UV protection and sports an anti-fog coating so you can maintain maximum visibility at all times. The body of the mask and goggles are made from a sturdy plastic that holds up fairly well to a beating.
    One of the drawbacks is the attachment system used to allow the goggles and mask to detach and reattach. The plastic components that connect the two parts are a little fragile and prone to breaking if care isn’t taken when attaching and detaching them.
    Who It’s Best For
    As we mentioned above, this mask and goggles setup is particularly great for riders who prefer wearing half helmets but could use some face and eye protection at times. This setup also makes for a great way to protect your face while participating in all kinds of sporting activities outside of riding a motorcycle. The low cost of this makes it an easy recommendation to anyone interested in protecting their face and eyes.

    Pros

    Detachable system for easy customization
    UV protection from glare and eye damage
    Breathable mask with anti-fog coating to provide excellent visibility at all times
    Affordable and versatile

    Cons

    Components are on the cheap side
    Attachment system is known to be a bit fragile

    9. Surpassme 3-Pair Riding Glasses

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    Why we like it: This set of 3 Surpassme Riding Glasses is a bargain that’s tough to pass up thanks to their versatility and surprisingly adequate quality.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Practicality
    Three sets of motorcycle glasses with different lenses for riding any time of day or night at an incredibly low cost makes these Surpassme Riding Glasses a painless purchase for people who want to give motorcycle glasses a try. The smoke lenses offer UV 400 protection while the other lenses are intended for low light riding.
    Quality
    All of the lenses are made from shatterproof polycarbonate and the foam padding around the eyes allows these motorcycle glasses to protect your eyes from wind and debris. The padding is made from a silicone material that provides ample cushioning but not a lot of breathability. The pads are designed to allow for some airflow out of the glasses to prevent fogging without causing your eyes to water from excessive airflow.
    These are incredibly inexpensive so the materials are rather cheap. The lenses in particular are prone to getting scuffed fairly easily so be careful when handling these motorcycle glasses. Overall, the build quality is surprisingly sturdy for how low these are priced.
    Who It’s Best For
    These Surpassme Riding Glasses are incredibly affordable for people looking to protect their eyes while riding on the cheap. The three different lens types provided in this set allow you to try out different lens styles without having to fork over much cash and having additional pairs of riding glasses can come in handy when you have someone riding along with you.
    All things considered, we think these are best for people who want to try out motorcycle glasses and see how they like different colored lenses. Eventually, avid riders will most likely want to replace these with a higher quality pair of motorcycle glasses, but these will help riders figure out what to look for when buying riding glasses in the future.

    Pros

    Incredibly affordable
    Three different pairs of glasses for various lighting conditions
    Smoke lenses provide UV protection
    Padded eyepieces protect eyes from wind, dust, and debris

    Cons

    Cheap materials that aren’t likely to hold up to much punishment
    Lenses are prone to getting scuffed

    10. Most Stylish Motorcycle Goggles: Evomosa Vintage Motorcycle Goggles

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    Why we like it: These Evomosa Vintage Motorcycle Goggles are inexpensive, super cool, and rather comfortable in the right conditions.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Practicality
    These motorcycle goggles emphasize style over pure practicality, but that doesn’t mean these don’t serve the purpose of protecting your eyes while you ride. The lenses offer UV 400 protection to keep your eyes safe from harmful rays and potentially dangerous glare. The cushioning around the eyes also makes these comfortable while preventing wind leakage that can cause teary eyes, impacting visibility.
    Quality
    The low cost of these Evomosa Vintage Motorcycle Goggles means the quality of the materials isn’t amazing. However, the overall quality of the build is quite nice and the goggles hold up well.
    The lenses are made from shatterproof polycarbonate to keep your eyes safe from harm and the plastic body of the goggles is sturdy yet lightweight. The padding is comfortable and prevents any pressure points; however, the material covering it can grow warm and may cause discomfort in warm weather conditions.
    Who It’s Best For
    These Evomosa Vintage Motorcycle Goggles are more of a style-first option than most other offerings on our list. That doesn’t mean these aren’t fully functional motorcycle goggles however. These come in three distinct style variations with five options for lens coloration. They go great in conjunction with half helmets thanks to the lined band that prevents the goggles from slipping off the smooth surface of a helmet.
    We think these are particularly great for people looking to up their style game on their bikes or even for cosplayers and Halloween costumes. Their low cost makes them an easy recommendation when combined with the fact that they offer 100% UV protection.

    Pros

    Inexpensive
    UV 400 protection from glare and harmful rays
    Stylish
    Lightweight

    Cons

    Not ideal for warmer climates due to lack of breathability
    Lenses are prone to scuffing

    Guide to Buying the Best Motorcycle Glasses
    Motorcycles offer a lot of great benefits: they are cost-effective thanks to fuel efficiency and their relatively low cost compared to standard automobiles, their small size makes them easier and cheaper to park and store, and they are just a heck of a lot of fun to ride.
    However, motorcycle riding also comes with its fair share of downsides: they are considerably more dangerous than cars, they’re harder to operate, and riders are a lot more exposed to the elements. The best way to compensate for these shortcomings is by taking all the proper safety precautions and one of the best ways to stay safe while riding is by wearing the right gear.
    The Importance of Motorcycle Glasses
    While most riders understand the importance of things like gloves, a jacket, and a helmet, one of the often overlooked safety measures is eyewear. Our eyes are one of the most vulnerable parts of our bodies—especially when riding at high speeds on an open-air vehicle like a motorcycle.
    Not only are our eyes vulnerable, but it also turns out they are pretty important for doing things like riding a motorcycle. When riding something as dangerous as a motorcycle, every second counts – and you never know when you might need to quickly react to conditions on the road.
    Getting some dust or a gust of wind in your eye is normally an annoyance at most, but it can be life-threatening when you’re on a motorcycle as it can impact your vision at a dangerous moment in time.
    Aside from the immediate harm that can come to a rider as a result of poor or no eye protection, there is also the lasting harm caused by exposure to the sun’s UV radiation. People who spend a lot of time outside like motorcyclists are at a higher risk of experiencing the negative impacts that prolonged UV exposure to the eyes can bring about.
    As you can see, everyone should protect their eyes but motorcycle riders have specific risk factors that make it even more important for them to take extra precautions for the safety of their bodies and their eyes.
    Motorcycle Glasses VS Motorcycle Goggles
    The primary difference between motorcycle glasses and motorcycle goggles is that goggles tend to offer more protection from impacts while glasses tend to provide better overall visibility.
    The frames of motorcycle goggles can get in the way of peripheral vision and require you to turn your head more. This is also true of full style motorcycle helmets as the sides of your vision are blocked.
    Motorcycle goggles generally do a better job of protecting your eyes and the area around them, but this can come with discomfort for many as the increase in surface area coverage leads to your face getting hotter. However, not all motorcycle goggles and glasses are created alike.
    Many styles of motorcycle goggles and glasses are designed to straddle the line between the two, with many glasses sporting padded frames or larger areas of protection for the general eye area and not just the eyes themselves.
    Goggles are excellent when used in conjunction with half helmets or visorless helmets as they provide additional protection for your face. On the other hand, glasses are often used in combination with a full helmet and visor setup to provide improved visibility and protection from harmful UV radiation.
    Ultimately, choosing between goggles or glasses comes down to personal preference and taking into consideration what other types of gear you wear.
    Eye Protection and Visibility
    Having a physical barrier between your eyes and the rest of the world is incredibly important for motorcycle riders but good lenses can do more than just protect your eyes from wind, dust, and debris. A good pair of motorcycle glasses can protect your eyes while also improving your overall visibility thanks to modern optics technology.
    We already talked about UV protection and how sunglasses are a great way of saving your eyes from the sun’s damaging radiation. But lenses can also help reduce and prevent damage from other types of harmful light rays like damaging blue light produced by modern lights.
    Beyond this, properly treated motorcycle glasses lenses can also improve visibility by reducing glare. Polarized lenses can block scattered light rays that cause glare and negatively impact visibility. Blocking light in this way reduces eye strain and provides wearers with less obstructed vision.
    Polarized lenses aren’t ideal for low light situations, as they can make an already dark scene even darker and difficult to perceive; however, they are ideal for daytime riding and a combination of polarization and UV protection is recommended for riders who plan on being out on their bikes in the sunlight.
    Most of the products on our list offer different lens types so you can pick the ones that will be best for you or get a variety of them so you can adjust your optics depending on the lighting conditions for your upcoming ride.
    Bottom Line
    Wearing the proper safety gear can make all the difference when it comes to your safety while operating a motorcycle and a good pair of motorcycle glasses go a long way in keeping you and your eyes safe from harm.
    As well as glasses, we’ve included goggles and facemasks so you can make an informed choice. Stylish and safe glasses can make your regular rides even more of a joy than they already are. We packed this list full of great motorcycle eyewear options and hoped you found something that’s right for you. More

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    The 10 Best AGM Battery Chargers to Buy 2020

    A flat battery is a sure-fire way to ruin your day. You’ll have to wait around for a roadside assistance service to show up (forking out for a hefty fee if you’re not a member) or try and find someone to kick start your battery with jumper cables.
    Neither option is ideal. But there’s one way to revive a flat battery yourself without having to rely on outside help: an AGM battery charger.
    These handy high-tech devices are capable of consistently and safely recharging any AGM battery, perfect for when you’re running low on juice, or you’ve accidentally let your battery run completely flat. And they’re not just for automobiles, either, as they can charge the leisure battery on your boat or RV as well as the starter battery for motorbikes, jet skis, ATVs, and a whole host of other mechanical toys.
    To help you find the best AGM battery charger for you, we’ve put together an insightful buyer’s guide and compiled a list of the top 10 AGM battery chargers on the market in 2020.

    Features to Consider
    Before you start sifting through our top recommendations, it’s essential to get a little background info on what to look out for. Take the following points into consideration when shopping for an AGM battery charger.
    Price
    There’s no point forking out $100 when a $50 charger will do everything you need, so look for a charger that covers your core requirements and nothing more. If you plan on using your AGM battery charger frequently, such as to charge the house battery in a boat or RV, then investing in a more expensive model would be worth it in the long run. Conversely, you plan on using your AGM charger on the rare occasion, a budget option such as the AmazonBasics Battery Charger would suffice.
    Type
    AGM battery chargers come as chargers, maintainers, and re-conditioners, or a combination of the three. Make sure the model you go with covers what you need. See our section on for more info.
    Furthermore, some AGM chargers are explicitly built for PowerSports batteries, a special kind of battery commonly found in jet skis, snowmobiles, ATVs, and other small vehicles. PowerSports chargers won’t work on the starter batteries of bigger vehicles like cars and vans.
    Discharge Rating
    You need to make sure the discharge rating, which is classified in a unit called amps (A), is suitable for your needs. If you’re not sure what you should get, consult the owner’s manual of your automobile or the sticker attached to your battery for more information. It’s crucial to get a charger with a suitable discharge rate; otherwise, the device mightn’t work at all.
    Voltage
    Another critical consideration is voltage, which refers to the pressure of the power source on an electric circuit. Look at the voltage of your battery—usually either 6/12V, although it may be higher for large batteries such as those used on boats—to ensure you’re buying the correct product. Take the time to investigate your requirements carefully because if you mess up the voltage, the charger won’t work at all.
    Safety
    Safety is an important consideration, both for you and your battery. A poorly designed, off-brand charger could cause a potentially lethal electrical shock, while a model without an automatic shut-off could overcharge and damage your battery. We only recommend quality products from trusted manufacturers, so your safety is assured if you shop from our list.

    Top 10 Best AGM Battery Chargers 2020

    1. Best AGM Battery Charger Overall: NOCO GENIUS5

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    Why we like it: The GENIUS5 offers smart precision charging that works like a dream on automobiles and big boy’s toys.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: Charger / Maintainer / Re-conditioner
    Volts: 6 / 12V
    Amps: 5A
    Size: 4.61 x 3.43 x 7.95 inches
    If you’re after a single, high-quality product that does everything you could ever want and more, then you can’t go past the NOCO GENIUS5. As the latest in the company’s highly sought after GENIUS range, this unit is smaller and more powerful than ever before.
    The reason the GENIUS product range has achieved such widespread popularity is because these devices offer more versatility than their competitors. The unit will quickly and safely charge just about any AGM battery on the market—think automotive, marine, RV leisure batteries, and more. It even works on lithium batteries as well, which would save buying a new one if you decide to upgrade further down the track.
    Another massive plus is the automatic temperature control, which monitors the outside temperature and adjusts the charging rate accordingly. Should you live in an extremely hot or cold climate, the tech will significantly enhance the shelf life of your AGM battery.
    For car owners who forget to switch the headlights off, rest assured the GENIUS5 will get her ticking over again. The device charges batteries as low as 1V, so it’s a brilliant ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ card when you’ve let your battery run fully flat, and charging cables come included as part of the deal.
    It’s not the cheapest option on our list, but well worth the expense for those with demanding needs.
    Note that the device is rated for batteries up to 120 AH. If you’ve got something bigger than that, consider upgrading to the [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W3QT226″]NOCO GENIUS10[/amazon].

    Pros

    Charger, maintainer, and re-conditioner in one
    Temperature monitoring and compensation
    Works on small and large vehicles alike
    Good for lithium as well as AGM
    Compact design and lightweight

    Cons

    More expensive than other chargers

    2. Best PowerSports AGM Battery: Battery Tender Plus Charger and Maintainer

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    Why we like it: The Battery Tender Plus is a user-friendly and highly-effective AGM battery charger/maintainer that gets the job done.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: PowerSports Charger / Maintainer
    Volts: 12V
    Amps: 0.75 / 1.25A
    Size: 11 x 4 x 11 inches
    Deltran is one of the biggest names in the AGM charging world, and this model—their flagship product—is a runaway success. The widely popular 0.75 / 1.25A charger works wonders on smaller vehicles like motorbikes and UTVs, and it’s so simple to use even a complete novice could work it out in minutes.
    A super basic two-color monitoring light lets you instantly know the state of charge. If the battery level should drop too low, an ISM adaptive charging function will automatically kick start the power again. Then, once the power level maxes out, it’ll switch back to float mode to avoid overcharging and damaging your expensive AGM battery.
    The other big reason we rate this unit so highly is its versatility as the Battery Tender Junior works on a wide array of setups—choose from either 6V or 12V and 0.75A or 1.25A and you’re ready to start recharging your rig. Whether you’ve got a flat battery on your jet ski or ATV, or you just need to restore the leisure batteries of your boat or RV, this nifty little unit will get the job done.
    Oh, and the fact it’s small, lightweight, and very reasonably priced also adds to the appeal.
    Now, note that this model is a PowerSports battery, so it’s not going to work on cars or larger vehicles.

    Pros

    Available in multiple volts/amps
    Automatic charging capability
    Easy to use
    Reasonably priced

    Cons

    Only suitable for PowerSports batteries

    3. Best Budget AGM Battery Charger: AmazonBasics Battery Charger 12 Volt 2A

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    Why we like it: Low cost and highly effective, Amazon does a brilliant basic battery charger for those with modest charging needs.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: Charger / Maintainer
    Volts: 12V
    Amps: 2A
    Size: 2.88 x 3.13 x 8.63 inches
    If you just want a straightforward AGM charging solution that actually works, you might want to take a closer look at this cost-effective unit from AmazonBasics. Forget about maintaining, conditioning, or any other fancy bells and whistles, because this model does one thing only: charging AGM batteries.
    With either 6V or 12V options, it’s compatible with cars, boats, motorbikes, and most other small vehicles, so there’s a good chance it’ll work for you. Of course, you’ll need to check whether 2 amps are enough for your battery as that isn’t quite enough juice for the bigger power banks found on SUVs and RVs. On the flip side, however, if 2 A are too much, you can easily downgrade to save even more (The [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TTNV9LZ”]0.08A model[/amazon] comes in at under $20).
    Worried it might be a little too cheap? Amazon backs the product with a one-year warranty, so you know it’s not going to break straight away.
    On the downside, it’s more of a trickle charger than a jump starter, so don’t expect the unit to work on a heavily drained battery. Buy this to keep your batteries well charged rather than to bring them back from the dead.

    Pros

    Super cheap
    Easy to use
    Works on a wide range of vehicles
    Small and lightweight
    One-year warranty

    Cons

    Won’t charge a heavily drained battery
    Not powerful enough for bigger batteries

    4. Best Premium AGM Battery Charger: CTEK MULTI US 7002

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    Why we like it: The powerful 7A unit charges, maintains, and re-conditions massive AGM batteries with ease.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: Charger / maintainer / re-conditioner
    Volts: 12V
    Amps: 7A
    Size: 7.52 x 3.5 x 1.89 inches
    If you’re happy to invest a bit more cash in a powerful AGM battery charging solution that’ll last you for years to come, then the MULTI US 7002 from CTEK is about the best money can buy.
    The high-tech charger, maintainer, and re-conditioner combo pumps out a whopping maximum level of 7A, which means it’s suitable for starter batteries of bigger vehicles like trucks and oversized RVs. Specifically, the system will recharge any AGM battery under 150AH, even if it’s been left to run down almost entirely flat.
    CTEK incorporates an innovative 8-step automatic switch charging system into the design, allowing it to slip between different modes seamlessly for an all-round smoother charge. And that has two distinct benefits for the user: you can set it and forget it plus it’ll extend battery longevity (up to three times the battery life compared to a cheaper charger).  Another plus for folks living in harsh climates is the system adapts to all weather conditions, making it capable of charging efficiently between –4°F and +122°F.
    Despite its state-of-the-art functionality, the MULTI US 7002 is remarkably easy to use—the simple interface with big buttons and LED display lights is intuitive for novice and experienced users alike.
    The desulphation process used in the re-conditioning mode also works better than most, allowing you to extend the shelf life of your AGM battery longer than ever before. And that reason alone is largely why this state-of-the-art charger can command such a high premium.

    Pros

    Extends battery life
    Doesn’t require any monitoring
    Works on big batteries up to 150 AH
    Great for harsh climates
    Easy to use for novices and pros

    Cons

    Expensive compared to other chargers

    5. NOCO Genius G750

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    Why we like it: The G750 does a brilliant job at charging low capacity AGMs, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: Charger / maintainer
    Volts: 6 / 12V
    Amps: 0.75A
    Size: 4.5 x 2.7 x 1.3 Inches
    If you liked the look of our top pick, the NOCO GENIUS5, but have less demanding charging needs, then the G750 of the GENIUS range is well worth a look. Expect to find many of the same high-tech features and quality craftsmanship as the GENIUS5, but with a lower amperage rating, which equates to a much lower price.
    But the lower discharge rate doesn’t mean the G750 won’t be any good for your vehicle as its 0.075 A is ample for charging and maintaining most AGMs, including bigger automobile batteries for cars and trucks. The big difference here is that it won’t charge big batteries that have run completely flat, although you can still use it to revive smaller vehicles such as motorbikes and jet skis (anything up to 30AH can be brought back from the dead).
    The system works on a variety of other lead-acid type batteries and has both 6 and 12V settings for optimal versatility. And like other NOCO products, all you need to do is plug it in and let the automated system work its magic.
    The G750 comes with a generous 5-year warranty, which is far longer than most options on our list.

    Pros

    Compact and affordable
    Highly regarded brand
    Can maintain and charge large batteries
    Can charge small batteries from a low voltage
    User-friendly automated charging

    Cons

    Won’t charge big batteries from a low voltage

    6. Best AGM Battery Maintainer: Schumacher SC1299 Automatic Battery Maintainer

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: The Schumacher SC1299 does just one job, and it does it exceptionally well.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: Maintainer
    Volts: 12V
    Amps: 0.08A
    Size: 3.00 x 4.00 x 9.00 inches
    Should you already have an AGM battery charger, and you’re looking to add a maintainer to your tech collection, then the Schumacher SC1299 is an excellent choice. Because the product serves solely as a maintainer, it works exceptionally well and comes in at a very reasonable price.
    Although the unit runs on a modest 0.08A, that’s more than enough given the task at hand. While chargers require higher amperage to get batteries back up and running again, maintainers only need a small amount to keep them level. The bottom line? 0.08A is pretty decent in this context.
    A handy multi-stage charging mechanism allows for optimal precision, which helps enhance the longevity of your precious AGM battery. It’s easy to use, too, with charge status LEDs and a simple interface. And just in case you do mess up and hook the clamps in reverse, a built-in protection device will automatically switch it off to stop you overcharging the battery.
    While it does a brilliant job on most vehicles, don’t expect the product to maintain big batteries for trucks, tractors, RVs, and the like. You’ll have to look elsewhere for that, specifically, something like the CTEK MULTI US 7002.

    Pros

    Purpose-built maintainer
    Affordable maintaining solution
    Easy to use even for novices
    Reverse clamp protection

    Cons

    Doesn’t charge batteries
    Not suitable for large vehicles

    7. Schumacher SC1281 Fully Automatic Battery Charger

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    Why we like it: This state of the art product from Schumacher is powerful enough to jump start big vehicles.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: Charger / jump starter
    Volts: 6 / 12V
    Amps: 30A (charger) / 100A (jump starter)
    Size: 11 x 10 x 8 inches
    Weight: 12.65 pounds
    Sometimes you don’t have the time or patience to wait around for hours to trickle charge your AGM battery. There will be times when you need to juice up your car battery straight away so you can take it for a spin. And at those times, you need the Schumacher SC1281, a fully automated AGM battery charger that doubles as a jump starter.
    A powerful 100A in jump starter mode gives you the energy you need to get the engine ticking over straight away, affording you the freedom to hop in the driver’s seat and get on the road. It’s not just for small cars either, as the SC1281 has enough power to jump-start SUVs and pick-up trucks.
    Another great unique feature about this product is its alternator-run diagnostic function, which allows you to pinpoint electrical issues with your battery. The feature is probably best left to the techie types, but it’s nice to have nonetheless.
    Of course, the Schumacher SC1281 works wonderfully as an everyday battery charger; its beefy 30 A of power and microprocessor-controlled automated float mode allows you to recharge rapidly and safely. What’s more, the included LED lights, and a simple push start/stop button improve usability.
    The only drawback? It might be a little too powerful. You’ll need to carefully check whether the system is appropriate for your battery to avoid frying it through overcharging.

    Pros

    Able to jump-start cars big and small
    Whopping 30A of power
    Electrical diagnostic function
    Fast and precise charging
    Easy to use (aside from diagnostics)

    Cons

    May overcharge your battery
    No maintainer or re-conditioner function
    The diagnostic process is complex

    8. Best AGM Battery Charger for Boating: Promariner 43021 Battery Charger

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: Twenty amps of power allow this heavy-duty device to charge big boat batteries with ease.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: Charger / Maintainer
    Volts: 12 / 24 / 36V
    Amps: 20A
    Size: 14.5 x 6 x 8.5 inches
    Sailors in search of a turbo-powered battery charger and maintainer for their beloved seafaring vessel have long been turning to Professional Mariner. The industry-leading maritime battery specialist has been producing high-quality products for over 35 years and the Promariner 43021 lives up to their high standards.
    This powerful maritime charger is designed to be installed onboard, which negates the need to carry around various portable chargers to kick start your ship. And its impressive in-built energy-saving mode and fast-charging capability allow you to bring your battery back up to full in as little as 8-10 hours—an easy overnight charge.
    The fact the company has included an automated multi-stage digital charging function ensures your marine AGM will last longer than ever before, and that’s a definite plus as batteries of this size don’t come cheap. Another cool feature is its ‘distribution-on-demand’ technology, which automatically allocates amperage from your engine starter battery to your house or trolling motor battery as required—a truly high-tech innovation that optimizes efficiency.
    The battery charger has been known to overheat, although it does come with a respectable two-year warranty so you can expect to get a good amount of use out of it.

    Pros

    Powerful 20A for big marine batteries
    Multi-stage charging improves battery life
    Distribution on demand enhances efficiency
    Installed onboard, so no portable battery required
    Charges fast from 8 to 10 hours

    Cons

    Rather expensive
    Sometimes overheats

    9. Optima Digital 400 12V Performance Maintainer and Battery Charger

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: This petite battery charger from Optima packs a punch.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: Charger / maintainer
    Volts: 16V
    Amps: 4A
    Size: 8.2 x 3.7 x 7.4 inches
    Who said good things had to come in big packages? The Optima 400 is one of the smallest chargers on our list yet pumps out a whopping 4A, enough to bring back most AGM batteries from the dead. The potent little unit has enough juice to restore flat batteries as heavily discharged as 1.25V, far lower than most other chargers on the market.
    Aside from being small and lightweight, we also love how the Optima 400 can be set upright on an included stand or hung from above—perfect for home or professional garages with a scarcity of space.
    A hybrid LED charging gauge and LCD display lets you monitor the state of charge at any time, making this swanky device more user friendly than most. Furthermore, a built-in battery health and performance monitor enhances the battery maintainer function, allowing you to extend the overall longevity of your AGM.
    The unit costs quite a bit more than a basic AGM charger, but it’s worth it for frequent users. Although it comes with a generous three-year warranty, you’ll need to be careful to keep your original receipts.

    Pros

    Small yet powerful 4A device
    Revives car batteries as low as 1.25V
    Comes with stand and hook for hanging
    LED gauge / LCD display for usability
    Works well as a maintainer

    Cons

    Costs more than other chargers/maintainers
    Impossible to claim on the warranty without original receipt

    10. NOCO GENIUS2

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: The GENIUS2 does a stellar job at fulfilling your everyday charging needs without breaking the bank.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Quick Facts:
    Type: Charger / maintainer / re-conditioner
    Volts: 6 / 12V
    Amps: 2A
    Size: 3.43 x 4.25 x 6.97 inches
    While the NOCO GENIUS5, is our favorite battery charger overall, the lower amperage version of the NOCO GENIUS2 is an outstanding alternative for users who don’t need stacks of power. This compact model is significantly cheaper, smaller, and lighter, all valid reasons to purchase it if 2A is sufficient for your needs.
    Other than the amperage rating, there isn’t a whole lot of difference between the two models. Both have precision charging with an integrated thermal sensor to power you up in any climate, as well as an anti-sulfate re-conditioning function to get your time-worn AGM back into good health. And despite coming in at a notably lower price point, the GENIOUS2 can still revive 40 AH batteries from as low as 1 V. You can even use it on lithium batteries should you decide to make the switch at a later date.
    Before you get too excited, remember that 40 AH is well below the average car battery size of 50-100 AH. In short, it’ll work brilliantly on your motorbike or dune buggy but not the family car.

    Pros

    Small and affordable
    Charges, maintains, and re-conditions
    Precision charging and temperature control
    Revives batteries as low as 1V

    Cons

    Modest 2 A discharging rate
    Doesn’t work on batteries over 40 AH

    AGM Battery Charger Buyer’s Guide
    It’s always wise to do a little background research into a product before pulling the trigger and making a purchase. We’ve done the legwork for you by compiling this in-depth guide on everything you need to know about AGM battery chargers. Read on to become an expert on AGM batteries and how those techy types manage to keep them adequately charged.
    What Is An AGM Battery?
    AGM, which stands for absorbent matt glass, is a type of lead-acid battery that’s especially common in automobiles, from motorbikes to cars and oversized trucks. The key to the AGM’s success is its absorbency—it’s capable of soaking up the sulfuric acid inside through superfine fiberglass mats, which prevents the corrosive acid from spilling or leaking.
    As a result, AGM batteries can withstand an enormous amount of bumps and vibrations, far more than most other battery types on the market. And for that reason, coupled with a relatively cheap manufacturing process, they’re the electric battery of choice for just about anything that moves.
    Amps and Voltage
    We pay close attention to amps and voltage in all our reviews, as these are two critical factors that determine whether a product will be right for you.
    Voltage (V)is the pressure an electrical current is under when it passes through a circuit board. In simpler terms, you can think of voltage as kind of like a system. American homes run on a 120V system, which powers all the appliances you use in your day-to-day life. Generally speaking, however, in the automotive space—think RVs, cars, boats, etc.—we tend to use 12V, although lower (6V) or higher (24V / 36V) isn’t unheard of either.
    Amps (A) basically refer to the electrical flow or power of the charger, and the higher the amperage, the more powerful it will be. Small AGM batteries like those found in motorbikes are fine to be charged on something as little as 0.75-1.25A, while bigger batteries might need 3A or more. If you have to charge an extensive battery system on a heavy vehicle like a yacht, then you might need as much as 20A (like the Promariner 43021 Battery Charger, for example).
    Understanding Amp Hours
    Whether it’s AGM, another lead-acid type, or even lithium, we use the term Amp Hours (AH) to refer to how much power you can draw from a battery before it runs flat.
    To give you a rough idea, a small motor found on something like a dirt bike or jet ski will have a starter battery of approximately 30 AH. Bigger vehicles require more amp hours in the starter battery to get the engine running, with most cars sitting somewhere between 50 and 100 AH. The leisure batteries of boats, RVs, and off-grid homes will be bigger still, sometimes up to 200 AH and with multiple cells connected to the same system.
    Note that some AGM battery chargers are rated for use up to a maximum number of AH. If you’ve got a bigger battery than that, you’ll need to find a more powerful charger.
    AGM Battery Charger Types
    There are three different types of AGM battery chargers, each of which performs distinct functions. It’s quite common for a unit to do the job of more than one type; for example, charger/maintainers are particularly prevalent.
    Chargers
    These are by far the most common variety, and they do precisely what the name implies: recharge an AGM battery to top it up or bring it back into a working state.
    AGM chargers are specially designed to run on the correct level of voltage and amperage to safely and efficiently restore power to an AGM battery. Using any other kind of charger could damage or destroy your AGM, so never try to mix and match.
    Maintainers
    Battery maintainers, as the name suggests, maintain the current level of the charge in the battery—it won’t go up nor down.
    But why would one want to maintain the same battery level, you may ask? Well, when AGM batteries are kept in storage for a lengthy period, the battery will slowly discharge and eventually run flat. Over discharging an AGM battery will damage the system and significantly reduce its lifespan, and an AGM battery maintainer will prevent this from happening.
    Re-conditioners
    Again, re-conditioners do exactly what they claim: re-condition a badly worn and poorly performing battery back into a more effective state. Over time, contaminants will build up inside a battery cell and prevent the unit from producing the optimal amount of power—and eventually, it could even stop working entirely. The re-conditioner uses a high-tech system to clean out the blockages and improve the overall performance of the affected battery.
    These dedicated devices are commonly found in auto-repair shops. The fact they’re rather expensive and not entirely necessary for day-to-day use means they’re not widely purchased for domestic purposes, although you will find a few combo options on our list.
    PowerSports Batteries
    PowerSports batteries are specifically designed for small, outdoor leisure machines like ATVs, ski mobiles, jet skis, and low-horse-power motorbikes. Some battery chargers, such as the Battery Tender Plus Charger and Maintainer only work with PowerSports batteries. Therefore, if you buy one to use on your car battery, you’ll only be wasting your money as it won’t work at all.
    Battery Jump Starters versus Battery Chargers
    Generally speaking, battery jump starters are a different product altogether, one that’s designed to immediately pump enough power into your AGM battery for you to start using the vehicle straight away. Battery chargers, on the other hand, will slowly recharge a low (or perhaps even fully flat) battery over time, anywhere between two and twelve hours.
    However, some manufacturers combine both functionalities into the same product. See our review on the Schumacher SC1281 if that sounds like something you need.
    The Benefits of Owning an AGM Battery Charger
    The primary purpose of owning an AGM charger is the ability to recharge your vehicle battery once it runs flat or dangerously low. AGM batteries need to be charged slowly with the correct amperage and voltage; otherwise, you could end up damaging or ruining it. Attempting to charge an AGM battery with any other kind of charger that isn’t specifically built for the purpose is asking for trouble.
    Having an AGM charger at home is convenient, as it allows you to recharge your battery without removing it from the engine bay or getting the car towed to an auto repair shop.
    Aside from recharging your battery, AGM chargers have another useful purpose: monitoring. Many varieties come with an electronic display that tells you the current level of charge and can give you an indication of how badly worn out your battery is. That way, it won’t come as a surprise when it comes time to buy a new one, and you can budget your expenditure accordingly.
    Using an AGM Battery Charger
    Non-mechanically minded folks don’t need to worry about wracking their brains to comprehend an overly complex system because AGM battery chargers are remarkably easy to use. Although the exact process varies between models, the general procedure is to connect the cables to your battery, plug the charger into the power grid, and switch the unit on.
    High-quality AGM battery chargers will automatically shut off at the appropriate time to avoid overcharging the battery. Furthermore, the better models have in-built microprocessors that gather information about the relevant elements within the battery and regulate the correct voltage and current. In this situation, it’s just a matter of ‘set it and forget it.’
    There are a few simple things to remember, however:
    Clean the cable connectors before using them because dirt and dust can accumulate and significantly reduce the efficiency of the charger.
    Always connect the cables to the car battery before plugging it in and turning it on. You don’t want to be handling a live current under any circumstances.
    It’s best to wear a thick pair of gloves while connecting the cables. A thin layer of dried sulfuric acid, which looks like a chalky white powder, may accumulate on the battery, and it’s best not to let this come into contact with your skin. Alternatively, you can carefully wipe it clean with a rag.
    Remember to connect the positive and negative cables into the right port—there will be a marking engraved into the battery. No matter what battery you buy, the red cable will be positive, while the black cable will be negative.
    When to Charge Your AGM Battery
    Most AGM batteries reside within the engine bay of an automobile, and these generally don’t need to be charged up at all (at least not manually, anyway). A car’s alternator draws electricity from the pumping pistons inside the engine to recharge the battery as you drive, which means you don’t have to worry about it. However, if you run the A/C too long or forget to turn the headlights off, then you’re battery will run low, and you’ll need to recharge.
    Leisure batteries, AKA house batteries, which are used in boats and RVs, will also usually (but not always) draw power from their gasoline-operated engines. However, as the engine isn’t running all the time, it’s often necessary to charge them from an external source, the most efficient of which is the AGM battery charger (solar panels can only provide so much juice).
    AGM batteries shouldn’t be discharged more than 50% to avoid permanent damage over time. The avid sailor and RVer has a voltage meter installed in their rig and knows to stop drawing power and start recharging once it hits 12.05V in order to preserve the longevity of their battery.
    The Charging Time
    The amount of time it takes to charge an AGM battery depends on several factors—the battery capacity, condition, and the charge rate—so it’s impossible to provide an exact figure. Expect to wait anywhere between two and twelve hours for a full charge up. A high-end AGM battery charger will automatically shut off when it reaches the optimal level, which makes life easier.
    Of course, you don’t need to recharge a battery fully to start your car. Many cars can start with a battery voltage as low as 11.9V.
    The Best AGM Battery Chargers
    If you’ve made it this far through our guide, you’re now something of an expert on AGM batteries and the best ways to charge them. Whether you just want to maintain or re-condition your AGM to extend its shelf life or you need to charge it regularly from the mains, there’s an AGM battery charger out there to suit your needs.
    Take the time to mull over our meticulously researched top 10 list of AGM battery chargers to find the device that best works for you. More

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    The 10 Best Spray Waxes to Buy 2020

    Cars and Coffee. Cruise Night. Hot August Nights. They all have, well, a lot in common actually. A lot of noise, people kicking tires, and chocolate-covered hands way too close to freshly polished chrome. They also have cars that shine and sparkle better than when they were brand new.
    Whether you are in the show, in the parking lot, or just want your car to stand out while running errands, achieving that shine on your ride is always a worthy endeavor. The good news is that there are a ton of products, collectively called spray waxes, that can condense the hours it takes to get that sparkle down to minutes.

    An Introduction to Spray Wax
    We get it. You are busy. Way too busy to spend an entire afternoon with a clay bar, a tub of paste, and a pile of clean rags. That’s why we wrote this guide. Keep going to read about the main features of spray wax, and browse through our top ten picks. If you have a few spare minutes, get some tips and in-depth knowledge in our complete guide below.
    Benefits of Spray Wax
    If you want a full breakdown, check the bottom of the page here. The short of it is that spray wax is faster than traditional wax, but still offers great short term protection from the elements. Using spray wax is easy, good for your paint, and is a great way to get things shiny in a now sort of way.
    What Spray Wax Isn’t
    Spray wax shines your car, protects the paint, and makes it easier to keep clean, but it’s not a replacement for a good wax job. It’s also not a cleaner. You use a spray wax to keep your clear coat awesome between detailings and after washing. If you spend any time online reading reviews, you’re going to read reviews hating on spray wax because people didn’t understand that it’s not a deep cleaner.
    Apply spray wax to a clean car with good paint. Yes, even the ones that say they are also cleaners. Stuff like Shine Armor claims to be a cleaner and a wax, but they are only talking about a bit of dust or spotting. Rubbing dirt and grime into your paint will scratch and destroy the finish. Best case scenario: if you wax a dirty car, you apply a nice protective layer to the dirt. Don’t be like the people who can’t read directions and yell about it online.
    Key Features of Spray Wax
    Spray waxes have a handful of features that make them great. Let’s break them down real quick so you know what to expect. We’ll touch on how spray waxes do these things down below if you really want to know the science stuff.
    Protection from Water
    Waxes repel water, which is great for protecting your ride from mud and other liquid stains. Water protection helps eliminate water spots after a wash too. That makes it easier to keep a car clean with a quick rinse.
    Protection from UV
    UV damages a car’s finish, so the more you can do to protect your paint from the sun, the better. Some sprays are specially formulated to offer better protection against UV, like the Car Guys product we recommend.
    Protection from Dust and Debris
    When the wax is applied, no matter the form, it hardens over time to form another layer of protection from scratches and chips. Products with ceramic, like the Meguiar’s spray wax here, offer better debris protections than pure carnauba like the Mother’s.
    Make Your Car Shiny
    Like a treasure from a sunken pirate ship, or something like that, Wax makes your paint pop. Spray wax is a great, quick way to get the most out of the clearcoat. Unfortunately, there is usually an inverse correlation to the amount of shine you will get and the amount of work you’ll have to do. Torque makes a product that takes longer to use, but looks fantastic.
    How to Choose the Best Spray Wax
    There are hundreds of spray waxes on the market, and most of them are really similar. That makes it super irritating to pick the best, so we broke it down into three main categories. How good the protection is, how easy it is to use, and how good your car will look.
    Durability
    Durability is the combination of how good the wax protects against different elements and how long it lasts. Good UV protection becomes useless if it washes off after the first rain.
    Ease of Use
    The number one reason to use a spray wax over a paste wax is the speed and convenience it offers over the more traditional method. If it takes a ton of work and time to use a spray wax, it will need to do something else outstanding to justify buying.
    Looks
    Spray wax has to make your car look good. That’s the bare minimum, but there’s some nuance to it. Some waxes offer a higher level of shine, some work better on dark colors, and some are better for certain surfaces like plastic or rubber.
    As a note, when it comes to looks, we’re going to use subjective terms like deep. In general, there are two desirable finishes. A deep, glass-like shine tends to result from a thick, even coating of material. A shallower, glossier “wet look” shine is still really good looking. It just will lack the mirror finish that a more expensive process will get you.
    As we mentioned before, hundreds of these things are on the market, and they all claim to be the best. The truth is they might have things that make them better in certain areas, but nothing is the greatest at everything. We reviewed and ranked 10 of the best, so it’s easy for you to choose one and shine.

    Top 10 Best Spray Waxes 2020

    1. Best Overall Pick: Car Guys Hybrid

    View on Amazon

    Why we like it: It’s legitimately hard to find bad things to say about the Car Guys Hybrid Spray. It looks great, protects well, and even smells good.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Durability
    Few products on our list offer great water resistance, great UV protection, and extra scratch resistance. The Car Guys spray does. It’s not the longest-lasting, that would be the Torque further down, but it will get you through a few months without reapplying.
    Ease of Use
    It’s safe for all surfaces, so you don’t have to be careful spraying. The sprayer is excellent, so you don’t have to fight with it. You can finish an average-sized car in 15 minutes. You can even use it to help dry your car, so you don’t have to worry about completely drying off after a wash.
    The only thing to watch out for is heat. Most spray waxes don’t do well in the heat, so it’s not something that you can really avoid. The Car Guys spray is just extra unfriendly if it’s too hot.
    Looks
    Your car will look fantastic. This hybrid spray has carnauba for that deep shine and builds up enough of a layer to hold that mirror finish for a long time. The Shine Armor Polish might look better at first, but the Car Guys will still have kept your car looking good after a month.
    Our Thoughts
    It’s really simple. If you just want to get a great spray and not think too hard about it, Car Guys is perfect. The only thing we don’t love is the price; there are cheaper sprays that work almost as well—namely, the Turtle Wax Ice. The sprayer on this unit is nicer, though, and honestly, that makes the price difference worth it. It’s amazing how frustrating a gunked up sprayer can be.

    Pros

    Looks great
    Easy to apply
    Offers good protection

    Cons

    Could cost less
    Sensitive to heat

    2. Best Budget Pick: Lucas Slick Mist

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    Why we like it: The Lucas Slick Mist works excellently and is nearly half the price per ounce compared to average spray waxes.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Durability
    The Slick Mist doesn’t have any advanced UV protection and it’s not formulated for scratch resistance. It does offer really great water resistance, however, allowing it to hold up even after multiple washes. The instructions suggest reapplying it every month, but you’ll be able to get away with a lot longer.
    Ease of Use
    Good sprayer? Check. Applies evenly in a single coat? Check. Doesn’t need an excessive amount of buffing to look great? Check. Ok for use on most exterior materials? Check. Just make sure your car is dry before applying it.
    Looks
    One of the best things about the Slick Mist is that it still makes your car look awesome despite being cheap. Usually, the shine is the first thing to go when we talk about inexpensive sprays, but Lucas seems to have worked that kink out. You can even use it to shine stainless and chrome, and nothing beats the look of polished chrome against mirror-finished paint.
    Our Thoughts
    Every so often, a product comes along to remind us that we’re in the future now. Go back twenty years and try to tell someone there’s a really cheap, easy to use spray that will make your car look just as good as it did in the showroom. You’d be laughed out of the building.
    The only way it could be better and the only thing keeping this spray wax from the top spot is the lack of advanced protection. Both the Car Guys and the Turtle Wax have that extra bit of durability for protecting your paint. If they somehow added the same coating to this product, we don’t think you’d see anything else being used at car shows.

    Pros

    Very inexpensive
    Easy to use
    Gives a very decent shine

    Cons

    Low UV protection
    Car should be completely dry before applying

    3. Best Basic Protective Wax: Turtle Wax Ice

    View on Amazon

    Why we like it: Turtle Wax Ice offers a great balance between shine, protection, and price.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Durability
    The UV and scratch protection are great, but where this spray wax shines is in water protection. Few products will make water bead and roll like Turtle Ice will. It doesn’t seem to last as long as other sprays, but as long as you reapply it monthly, you should enjoy some really top-notch protection.
    Ease of Use
    It’s in the time it takes to get a good finish with the Turtle Ice that the flaws start to show. If you don’t buff it long enough, you get streaks. Don’t get us wrong; it’s still a lot faster and easier than a traditional paste job, but compared to the options from Lucas or Meguiar’s, it can feel like forever. Also, the spray drips. You’ll notice we talk about the sprayer a lot. Use the Turtle Wax to learn why we emphasize the value of a good sprayer.
    Looks
    Assuming you get the streaks out, see above, the Ice looks great. However, just because of the risk of haze or streaks, people with lighter colored cars will probably be happier than people with dark colors. The extra water protection will help keep your car cleaner though, and means won’t have to work as hard to keep your car looking great.
    Our Thoughts
    When it comes to value, you have two options. The Lucas spray wax looks great and is easier to apply. If you are all about detailing your ride before a show, get that one. The Turtle Wax offers really great protection for the cost, though.
    If you want to better protect your paint and don’t care as much about the shine, get this one. The other choice you have is to pay a lot more and not have to compromise, but who wants to pay more?

    Pros

    Good UV protection
    Inexpensive
    Great water protection

    Cons

    Takes a while to buff
    Sprayer could be improved

    4. Best Premium Pick: Shine Armor Quick Coat

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: Shine Armor’s 3-in-1 technology makes it about as close as you can get to a single bottle detail spray. It cleans, shines, and protects with minimal effort.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Durability
    The strength and protection that Shine Amor offers are best in class. It lasts a long time, it’s probably the best UV protection you can get in a spray bottle, and it will stand up to a hard wash. The only thing that it’s not great at is water-repelling. The Turtle Wax is better at that.
    Ease of Use
    Shine Armor gets points off for being temperamental. You can’t use it on a wet car, or a hot day, or directly in sunlight where different areas can dry at different rates, or with a standard terry cloth. It’s just really important that you do it their way. The good news is that if you follow the directions, it’s a fast, painless process. It’s part cleaner, though you shouldn’t rely on it. Treat it more like a detailing spray, you wouldn’t use it to clean your car, but you would use it to touch up your car.
    Looks
    The shine is deep, lasts forever, and unlike the rest of the sprays, you can even rejuvenate an older finish. It’s not the best tool for rejuvenation, but it will improve an old paint job. The only thing better is also made by Shine Armor, and it’s down here on our list. Largely the difference is in the carnauba content. The more pure wax offers a better shine but doesn’t offer the protection this does.
    Our Thoughts
    Oh man, this is a great product. It’s a dream to use, as long as you follow the directions. It lasts for months, and you definitely won’t be using it as often as other products. And it looks really good, can it do no wrong?
    Well, it turns out that if you spend a whole bunch of money, you get a pretty good product. It’s the most expensive spray per ounce on our list, and it’s even on the higher end of detail products in general, save the F11 types, but we won’t go there. That makes it really hard to justify.
    It’s so expensive because it comes in a tiny bottle. Not only do you have to pay a lot per coating, but you also have to buy it more often. It’s hard to justify the cost when stuff like the Lucas Slick Mist is so much cheaper and still works fine.

    Pros

    Beautiful shine
    Is a mild cleaner in addition to being a finish
    Great UV protection

    Cons

    Expensive
    The bottle is tiny compared to everything else

    5. Best for Car Shows: Chemical Guys Banana Spray

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: The Chemical Guys Banana Spray is fun, and sometimes that’s what you need in today’s world. Oh, and also, it will make your car look great with minimal effort.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Durability
    The durability is fine. It’s on par with other wax heavy sprays like the Mother’s California Spray. Beading will be good, but not as good as ceramic or hybrid sprays. UV protection is ok but not as good as formulated sprays. It will last six weeks or less. That’s just a downside to the high wax content sprays; without additives to make it harder, it will wear off a lot faster.
    Ease of Use
    We are going to compare it to the Mother’s product again since they are both high wax content sprays. In this category, that’s a good thing, because these are some of the easiest to use sprays out there. Spray on, wipe off. It takes minutes, and your car will shine.
    Looks
    Do you like shiny? Because the Bana Spray brings the gloss. It’s not a deep shine like the Shine Armor Polish, and it won’t make any attempt to restore your clear coat like the Shine Armor Quick Coat will. But it will make good paint pop. It nails the “wet look” on plastics and vinyl too, so go wild with it.
    Our Thoughts
    The Car Guys wax is still easy to use and offers better protection. Lucas Slick Mist is just as fast and versatile but costs less. Neither of them smells like banana, and neither of them will spark conversation like the Banana spray. That makes this the perfect thing to take with you when you go to Cars and Coffee. You can shine your car while people ask you dumb questions, and you can lure in that barista you like with the smell.

    Pros

    Smells like taffy
    Really nice shine
    Easy and fast to apply

    Cons

    Doesn’t offer great protection
    More expensive than Mother’s, which is pretty much the same but doesn’t smell like taffy

    6. Fastest Spray Wax: Meguiar’s Quick Wax

    View on Amazon
    Why we like it: The Quick Wax is formulated to be wiped up before it dries, making application super fast.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Durability
    It’s about the same as the Lucas Slick Mist. You’re not going to get the best protection from a product that’s meant to be a fast shine. Turtle Wax Ice and Car Guys have better water protection, and formulated products like Shine Armor are better for UV. It will also only last about a month. All in all, it’s not terrible, but you will want more if your goal is durability.
    Ease of Use
    It’s not the easiest thing on the list, but it is the fastest. You can do two coats and get a really nice shine in the time it takes you to prep for other sprays. There’s nothing really special about the process; it works the same way as the Lucas Slick Mist. It’s just that the combination of slow dry time, fine spray, and low streaking make it a bit faster to use.
    Looks
    If you have a new car, it will keep it looking new. If you have great pain already, it will keep it looking great. If you have an oxidized clear coat and tons of scratches, it will make it look like you poured some water on an old paint job. The Quick Wax will never build as thick as other waxes, so it won’t ever look as good. It’s ok, but like the Turtle Wax, it’s not great.
    Our Thoughts
    The Meguair’s Quick Wax is a purely middle of the road product. It’s something you buy if you don’t really care to have the best, but still want to keep your car waxed between detailings. Avoid Concours events, and you’ll be thrilled.

    Pros

    Very fast to apply
    The bottle is large and easy to use
    Inexpensive

    Cons

    Durability could be improved
    The Car Guys spray is only a few dollars more, is very similar in application, and is a better product

    7. Best Spray Wax and Wash Combo: Meguiar’s Premium Wash and Wax

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    Why we like it: This kit comes with everything you need to make your car look stunning, including buckets and rags.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Durability
    The wax this kit comes with is one of the most protective on the market. It’s right there with the Shine Armor or the Turtle Wax. Meguiar’s calls it a unique special ceramic hybrid, but it’s pretty much the same as any hybrid wax. That’s a good thing because those types of waxes offer the best durability out there.
    Ease of Use
    I mean, the kit comes with everything you need, which is awesome. But the wax isn’t friendly to plastics, so you have to make sure to keep it controlled. It also takes a long time. The product can dry almost immediately, meaning you can only work in small areas at a time.
    Looks
    Looks great. It’s not the deep, beautiful shine of something like the Shine Armor Polish, but you get that satisfying glossy wet look that lasts for a long time.
    Our Thoughts
    If you are just getting into detailing your car, or just need a really handy kit, Meguiar’s has your back. This kit includes buckets, rags, wash, and wax. The wax is one of their better ones, the wash works well, and the wash mitts make something fun to use once before throwing away and replacing with some high-quality sponges.
    The price is a bit of a gut punch. This is the most expensive entry on our list, but that’s because of the amount of stuff you get. Per ounce, the wax is average in price, and you are basically getting the buckets and towels for free. We think it might be expensive to just buy for yourself, but it would make the absolute perfect gift for someone who just got a new car.

    Pros

    Comes with everything you need to wash and wax
    The wax offers great protection
    The wash is good too

    Cons

    It takes a long time to do it right
    The initial price is high

    8. Best High-Quality Shine: Shine Armor Polish

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    Why we like it: The Shine Armor Polish is probably the closest you can get to a traditional paste job when it comes to brilliance.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Durability
    Shine Armor Polish has no additives for UV protection, and it doesn’t get as hard as ceramic or hybrid sprays, but the water beading is fine. This product really is very close to a traditional paste wax. You get a fantastic shine, really good water control, and ok dust protection. That comes at the cost of the sciency stuff other sprays like the Meguair’ s Premium Wash and Wax or the Car Guys sprays have.
    Ease of Use
    Usually, high-end sprays like this are harder to use, but the Shine Armor Polish’s simplicity saves it from that fate. It’s just as easy as the Banana Spray or Lucas Slick Mist. It does take longer if you want to really buff out any hint of streaking. Most of the cheaper sprays it’s just not worth doing, but this is one of the best looking products on our list. It’s worth the extra five minutes.
    Looks
    Oh man, we’re just going to say it. The Shine Armor Polish is the best looking spray on this list. It’s hard to make that claim because there are many great looking products in today’s world. Car Guys makes a great product that will give you a beautiful shine. So will the Torque Mirror Shine, and per ounce, both are cheaper. But if you need the absolute best of the best in the looks department, here it is.
    Our Thoughts
    It’s another expensive product in a tiny bottle from Shine Armor, and if you read our thoughts on the Quick Coat, then you can probably guess our thoughts on the Polish. It’s great, but probably not worth it unless you really, really want that super shine. That’s it, enough said.

    Pros

    Easy to apply
    Beautiful
    Mildly restorative

    Cons

    Expensive
    Not very good protection

    9. Longest Lasting Spray Wax: Torque Mirror Shine

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    Why we like it: The Torque Mirror Shine is a good looking wax that will protect your car longer than most sprays.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Durability
    It says six months on the bottle, and the Torque is probably the only spray wax that can get close to that claim. That’s fantastic. You can’t get better longevity out of a spray bottle, not even the Shine Armor.
    The protection layer is not as hard as other sprays. You might get some dust and water sticking, but at the same time, no spray will protect your car past a month or so. The time between coats might make the average protection over the course of a year way better with the Torque unless you religiously apply wax.
    Ease of Use
    Like the other higher-end products, the Torque is temperamental and needs a perfect vehicle to work. They recommend multiple coats, multiple buffing sessions, and only apply the product after a complete clay bar session. Frankly, it’s a pain in the butt to get the Torque spray’s full benefits, and that’s only marginally acceptable because you don’t have to do it nearly as often as other sprays.
    Looks
    People will argue all day whether a polymer shine, like this product, or a heavy wax shine like the Shine Armor Polish, is better looking. Either way, you are going to get that mirror shine if you use the product correctly.
    Our Thoughts
    The Torque spray is meant to compete with the “professional” sprays like the F11. It totally does, in the sense that it’s a bit overpriced, and there are much cheaper sprays that look just as good.
    That being said, the Torque Spray is an excellent product. If your car is new and you want to keep it looking new as long as possible, you won’t be disappointed.

    Pros

    Great shine
    Lasts a long time
    A little bit of product goes a long way

    Cons

    Expensive
    Takes a long time to apply correctly

    10. Easiest to Use: Mother’s California Spray

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    Why we like it: Mother’s California Spray if you just want to take a few minutes to wax, and don’t expect much more from it.
    Editor’s Rating:

    Durability
    It will last a month, offer adequate water protection, mild UV protection, and dust will be marginally easier to wipe off. In other words, it’s fine but doesn’t stand out in any way. The only thing that makes it worthy of our list is that it’s cheap and comes in a big bottle. You can overcome the durability limitations by applying it frequently without feeling bad.
    Ease of Use
    We call a lot of things easy to use. That’s largely because that’s the whole point of spray waxes, and the truth is the Mother’s isn’t the best. It’s more or less tied with any of the other spray-on, wipe off waxes. The Lucas product on our list is just as easy, and the Banana Spray is just as easy and smells like banana.
    This spray wax gets to be called the easiest to use because it is the stand out feature of the California Spray wax. It cleans, it polishes, and it takes minimal buffing to avoid swirls.
    Looks
    Your car will look great after using the Mother’s California Spray. It’s a high wax content spray, and it’s going to make your clear coat shine. The issue is that it’s not going to last as long as others. Again, though, you get a ton of it for cheap, so just reapply when necessary.
    Our Thoughts
    The Mother’s Spray Wax is the definition of perfectly adequate. It does what the label says, and nothing more. It won’t surprise you, it won’t let you down, and it costs exactly what you think it should cost.
    What that makes it really good for is a baseline for everything else. If you are just getting into detailing, or want to learn about how different products work, then get the Mother’s and have at it. That way, when we say things like “the Shine Armor might not be worth the extra price,” you can be like, yeah, because the one from Mother’s isn’t that much worse. Conversely, when we praise the Lucas Spray for their sprayer, you can be like, yeah, because most sprayers are garbage, and I hate them.

    Pros

    Inexpensive
    Meets expectations
    Easy to apply

    Cons

    Sprayer is garbage
    Doesn’t offer great protection or great anything, really

    All About Spray Wax
    Wax is one of those things that’s easy to understand on the surface, but gets super deep the more you look at it. We aren’t going to get into the chemistry of it, but we do want to set you up with all the knowledge you need to argue about it with your friends.
    What Does Wax Do Anyway?
    A car’s finish has a bunch of layers, and all of them have different attributes. The primer creates a surface that paint can bond too and sticks to the metal. The paint gives it color. The clear coat makes it shiny and protects the paint.
    Each layer has defects because nothing in life is ever perfect. Wax fills in those defects so that dirt and water can’t get trapped in them. If you are a visual learner, let Bart from Donut Media explain it. He’s talking about ceramic finishes specifically, but the underlying principles are the same.
    Spray Wax vs. Paste Wax vs. Liquid Wax
    Wax comes in three main flavors. (Note: please don’t eat the wax!) Wax comes either in spray form, paste form, or a liquid. Sometimes it’s not really a liquid, it’s more like a gel, but for this article’s purposes, a gel is a liquid. If you want to venture into the world of other waxes, we here at AutoQuarterly already have a guide to set you up right here.
    Paste Wax
    Paste wax is a lump of goop that sometimes has the consistency of a crayon, and sometimes has the consistency of a good flan. Ideally, it’s in-between the two. It all depends on the brand and temperature.
    To use paste wax, you have to spend a ton of time spreading an even layer over your car’s entire surface, then wiping off the excess. Remember Karate Kid? Wax on, wax off. That’s how traditional wax, an ancient martial art, works.
    The hard work translates to the most durable, shiniest finish you can get. Nothing compares to a good old fashion shine and wax.
    Spray Wax
    This entire article is all about spray wax, so hopefully, you have a pretty good idea what it is by now. It’s like paste wax, but you can just spray it on and wipe it off. No super long wax on, wax off martial art practice session.
    The downside is that it’s never going to be as durable or as long-lasting as a paste job. You won’t build up the layers needed to get that miracle shine, and it won’t get hard enough to save you from the elements. It’s absolutely perfect if your car just needs some shine maintenance, though.
    Liquid Wax
    Wax as a liquid is the balance between spray and paste. It’s a little easier to use than the paste, but it still takes longer than the spray. You get a good layer of protection, but it’s not as good as the paste layers.
    The Compounds in Spray Waxes
    Modern spray waxes vary significantly in composition. In ye olden days, carnauba was king. It’s wax made from palm trees. Nowadays, you got ceramics, polymers, and whatever weird stuff is in Meguair’s green bottle wax. So what do they do?
    Natural Wax
    It turns out that wax occurs all over nature and is used by plants and stuff for the same reason we use it for our cars. It repels water and keeps things clean. Like we said before, carnauba comes from palm trees. Natural waxes don’t last as long, which we point out a lot during the review section. They do look great. That’s why waxes like Shine Armor Polish rate higher in the looks department.
    Synthetic Wax
    Better living through chemistry is a saying made famous by DuPont. They make finishing supplies, so they know. Polymer waxes have come a long way since they made that slogan in 1935, and some people prefer the look and advanced protection that synthetic waxes offer. Torque makes a great synthetic spray, but most waxes we reviewed are hybrids between synthetic and natural. That gives you the natural shine and synthetic protection.
    Ceramic
    Ceramic is the newest player in the finish scene. It’s harder than even the hardest waxes and is a super cool word to have on a wax bottle. The truth is that unless you are getting a hardcore ceramic coating, the amount of ceramic in a spray wax isn’t enough to make a huge difference.
    Products like the Shine Armor Quick Coat have ceramic in them and do offer some of the best protection, but one of the biggest benefits of a ceramic finish is the amount of time they last. Spray waxes don’t last.
    How to Use Spray Wax
    Spray wax is easy to use. So easy, we can run you through the entire process here and feel confident you can get great results no matter what product you choose.
    Gather the Materials
    First, make sure you have a bunch of clean microfiber towels. The Car Guys spray comes with some if that makes your life easier. Other useful things include a handful of old rags, just for cleanup, and a drying cloth just in case there’s water hidden somewhere.
    Wash Your Car
    This can be as complicated or as easy as you want. There’s plenty of waterless washes out there that work fine or products like the Meguair’s kit we recommend come with a whole car wash kit. Popular Mechanics has a pretty good rundown of how to get great results.
    Read the Directions
    We all know you will wait until the last minute to read the directions. That’s fine. Though do your best to read them before actually applying the wax. It’s just that every product is a little different, so you want to make sure there isn’t some secret to it that can make your life way better.
    Dry Your Car
    Air dry, chemical dry, sunlight, shammy, use whatever works best for you. Even if the spray wax you grab says it works on wet surfaces, we guarantee it will work better on a dry surface.
    Apply the Wax
    Some waxes you apply by spraying onto a rag and then messaging into the paint. Other’s you just spray onto the paint directly. Either way, work in small areas to avoid streaks due to the wax drying out.
    Wipe Off the Wax
    This is where the directions will help. Some waxes need to dry partially before being wiped off. Others, like the Lucas spray, can be wiped off immediately.
    Buff if Necessary
    Waxes like the Banana spray can be buffed to a mirror polish after spraying. Again, read the directions. Buffing will make sure you get the most shine you can get.
    Apply Another Layer of Wax to Any Bald Spots
    Some products, like the Torque, simply suggest applying another layer to the entire car. Most of the time, you just look for a dull spot and touch it up. That’s it, enjoy the sparkle.
    Ready, Set, Spray
    Spray wax is the best way to keep your car looking great between hardcore detailings. That means you have no excuse. Go blind people during cruise night; it’s the right thing to do. More