Talking about windshield wipers and comparing them may seem boring, that is, until that unexpected winter storm comes along while driving alone on a curvy highway. Sometimes we get so caught up with the major things going on with our cars that we forget about the little things.
Rain-X and Bosch are the number one and number two windshield wipers sold on the market. Although they both may look the same, the two companies manufacture distinct products that may interest consumers.
Traditional Wiper Blades
A traditional blade has plastic or metal brackets connecting the rubber part of the blade to the vehicle's wiper arm. The problem is that snow and ice usually build up on these parts, reducing the blade's wiping efficiency. Older cars use these traditional wipers and both Bosh and Rain X still produce them.
Bracketless Blades
Both companies manufacture bracketless wiper blades (beam blades). Bracketless blades have no joints or hinges, which prevents snow and ice from collecting on the blade. They are sleek in style. Bosch and Rain X design their bracketless blades to resist heavy rain, snow and ice through a beading process, which improves the driver's visibility during heavy storms. There is also a wind spoiler on both Bosch's and Rain X's bracketless products that help blades cling to windshields better and reduce wiper noises.
Okay, now let's compare Bosch and Rain X!
Rain X Latitude and Repel Blades (Bracketless)
Rain X markets their next-generation Latitude and Repel bracketless wiper blades by claiming they are easy to install, they give drivers a high-performance wipe and their frame is ice resistant. Latitudes and Repels are graphite-coated wipers with a uniform pressure design. These blades fit all vehicles and are now number one in the wiper blade market. Rain X places a wind spoiler on them to reduce wiper noise.
There is only one difference between Latitude and Repel blades. Repel blades come with Rain X's patented water beading technology, which is a chemical treatment that is placed on the windshield during installation and activates when using the wiper in wet weather.
Rain X Bracket Blades
Rain X adds galvanized steel to their Weatherbeater bracket wiper blades from to prevent rusting. The experts at Rain X claim that the Weatherbeater is “Consumer Rated best in wet weather driving visibility.”
Bosch Evolution (Bracketless)
Bosch has made wiper blades for over 75 years. Their top of the line wiper blade, Evolution, is a bracketless blade made with a special blend of steel and graphite. Bosch puts two steel tension springs on the Evolution used for hugging a vehicle's windshield. This wiper has a multi-functioning aerodynamic wind spoiler that blocks snow and ice for reaching the wiper's tensions springs and uses outside air to push the blade closer to the windshield.
Bosch DirectConnect Wiper Blades
This precision cut blade uses natural rubber, and it has an aerodynamic steel frame that Bosch coats with zinc primer to resist rusting. Consumers install the blade using Bosch's trademark DirectConnect feature that gives them a one-step process when exchanging the blades on their vehicles.
Bosch MicroEdge Wiper Blades
MicroEdge has all the features of the DirectConnect and includes fully enclosed tension springs for better weather protection. The blade also incorporates Bosch's trademark Quiet-Glide technology, which reduces the blade's noise when in use.
Bosch Excel+ Wiper Blades
This blade has all the features of the MicroEdge and includes a dual rubber compound on the blade for harder wiping. The wiper also lasts twice as long as Bosch's other bracket blades.
Bosch ICON Wiper Blades
This blade has all the features of the Excel+ and includes a pre-installed weather shield connector that protects wiper arms from rusting.
