Installed the Reflex wiper blades!

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 11:09 am

There is such a buzz about these blades that my wife asked me to go get them. Checked on-line was told sold out but drove to my local Canadian Tire and voila! a shipment had just come in.Check them out!Regular blade vs Reflex blade.Both on the Vibe, check the shape!My wife is very happy now

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 11:19 am

This is what the buzz is all about: Reflex Wiper Blades Revolutionary flex design leads to continuous even pressure of the blade to your windshield leading to a superior wipe in all weather conditions Hingeless design virtually eliminates snow and ice build-up Low-profile technology leads to superior aerodynamics virtually eliminating wind-lift Exclusive to Canadian Tire Available in eight sizes, from 16"-24"

nismo · Post by **nismo** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 11:22 am

So, I'm assuming there is no way the US members can get these without going across the border?Inder

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 11:25 am

I can always buy them for you They cost 45$CDN and I take Paypal

nismo · Post by **nismo** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 11:30 am

Cool. Thanks. I was just wondering because whenever I may need new wipers I wouldn't mind going with those. Right now, my OE's are working out great Inder

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 1:41 pm

Those are nice! Do let us know how well they work! I may even be interested in importing a set.

kostby · Post by **kostby** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 2:56 pm

$45 CDN approx= $34 US? For a pair of wiper blades? It must be a Canadian Tire plot to get the U.S. of A. back for all the prescription drugs we've been buying 'up there'! LOLOf course, we don't really have WINTER down here in the states... I s'pose the one-piece design makes it far easier to keep them free of ice & snow.Iced-up blades aside, Rain-X works well for me to keep the glass clear. I just need to apply it BETWEEN storms!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 5:09 pm

Quote, originally posted by kostby Â»$45 CDN approx= $34 US? For a pair of wiper blades? It must be a Canadian Tire plot to get the U.S. of A. back for all the prescription drugs we've been buying 'up there'! LOLBOSCH blades run for about the same price...so it's not unreasonable when you look at it like that...

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 9:15 pm

And considering I paid 20-something bucks for just the rear wiper blade that I ordered from the dealer, these are a bargain!

Atomb · Post by **Atomb** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 1:56 am

please let us know how they work...i'm trying to decide whether to succumb to this 'reflex' purchase...(no pun intended...)

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 3:56 am

Quote, originally posted by Atomb Â»please let us know how they work...i'm trying to decide whether to succumb to this 'reflex' purchase...(no pun intended...)Tonight is the first test since they are announcing 15-20 cms of snow!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 8:22 am

SUCCESS!!!I found the American equivalent of Reflex blades.If anyone is curious, the technical name for this new style of blade is "Beam Blade." Manufacturers are migrating to beam blade technology, and eventually it will become OEM equipment on all cars. http://www.tricoproducts.com/n...sitemAvailable at your local Pep Boys fine automotive parts establishment, they are called "InnoVision" and are made by Trico. I got a 18" and 22" blade for US $12.99 and US $14.99, respectively.YES, I know the Vibe calls for 18/21, but I prefer the 22 blade. It fits, and covers more glass.Anyway, pics:These two pics can be clicked to give you a closeup view of the packaging:

nismo · Post by **nismo** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 8:25 am

Cool man. Appreciate it. I didn't feel like paying that much for wipers but if I had to, I would have. But I don't have to now Inder

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 1:21 pm

Glad you found them Mike I can say without a doubt get them! The wipers were fantastic tonight, well worth their price

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 1:53 pm

Definitely much appreciated... I'll be heading to Pep Boys tomorrow, I think!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 5:36 pm

Update:Noticed tonight at Pep Boys there is a $10 rebate on the purchase of 2 Trico InnoVision blades purchased between 12/26 and 1/29.Of course, I realize this AFTER I throw out the package.

Mase · Post by **Mase** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 12:52 am

Is there any way to refill them when they wear out or will I need to shell out another $34US for a brand new pair?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 12:59 am

Non refillable.Frankly, I've never refilled blades. The DECENT brands don't sell the blade separate from the armature, so why buy a good blade just to refill it with a crappy insert.I've always just bought entirely new assemblies.

Mase · Post by **Mase** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 1:02 am

I was just wondering because I would like to install some silicone refills like PIAA or something. Thanks!

nismo · Post by **nismo** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 1:39 am

That sounds like a pretty good idea. but how much would that run though?Inder

Mase · Post by **Mase** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 4:17 am

They're not refillable so, unfortunately, inserting silicone refills is out of the question.I couldn't find any local places that carried the Innovision blades, so I checked online. Amazon.com has the 18"/21" pair for $27US +shipping via Midway Auto Supply.I read the wiper design significantly reduces wind resistance at 115mph...I'll remember that the next time I drive in a hurricane!

POLO · Post by **POLO** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:10 am

Ok guy's,i'm convinced,me to i will buy a set.

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 9:15 am

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»BOSCH blades run for about the same price...so it's not unreasonable when you look at it like that...Very true. But I was sucked in by the hype and bought the BOSCH blades. They worked great, and wiped evenly across the whole surface....for a month...and then the soft rubber compound they are made of started smearing evenly. Not worth the money when good ol annco's will suffice. Now I'm curious about these blades you speak of. Please tell me they dont use crappy soft rubber like BOSCH blades have.

pmh013 · Post by **pmh013** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 9:37 am

I'll wait on the Reflex blades until Sam has thoroughly tested his. My OEM blades lasted over 2 years. I replaced the driver's side one in September 04 (on my way to my nail appointment before my wedding!). Bought the car in July 02. Passenger's side blade is still operational.My husband was fingering the Reflex blades for his Jetta at our last trip to CT. But, the Jetta wasn't listed in the book, and we know they're not the same on each side (like the Vibe), so rather than risk it, we'll just wait.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 12:45 pm

I tried a set of the Bosch blades as well. I don't quite know how or why it happened, but they ended up scratching my windshield. I've got three tiny scratches on the driver's side, at the furthest point the blade travels over there (close to the a-pillar.) And they didn't work near as good as the cheapie Ancos I've always used. The Bosch blades weren't even on there a month, then I switched back to Ancos.Still need to go check out these new-fangled blades, they look rather interesting...

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:12 pm

Quote, originally posted by pmh013 Â»I'll wait on the Reflex blades until Sam has thoroughly tested his. My OEM blades lasted over 2 years. I replaced the driver's side one in September 04 (on my way to my nail appointment before my wedding!). Bought the car in July 02. Passenger's side blade is still operational.My husband was fingering the Reflex blades for his Jetta at our last trip to CT. But, the Jetta wasn't listed in the book, and we know they're not the same on each side (like the Vibe), so rather than risk it, we'll just wait.I have to say so far so good and it has been put to the test this week. So far we have received in Montreal snow, rain and freezing rain (all in one day too) and they have responded well. However they are new so I will say that they are good but I will get back to all of you again in three months for a progress report

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 5:52 am

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic Â»I tried a set of the Bosch blades as well. I don't quite know how or why it happened, but they ended up scratching my windshield. I've got three tiny scratches on the driver's side, at the furthest point the blade travels over there (close to the a-pillar.) It's because of the super-soft rubber on the leading edge of the blade. It grabs dirt and gunk (which gets imbedded in them), and wipes it all over.I would spare no expense for wipers that work better, since they help you see the road, deer, pedestrians, and your ex with the look of terror on their face.....I think I just may check these reflex blades out. The theory is sound, and as long as the rubber is quality, I will buy them.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:30 pm

How are these wipers holding up for you guys? Any complements, complaints, or otherwise?Tried the local Pep Boys, but they don't seem to carry these. I need a new set of wipers, and would like to try these out. Gotta figure out where to get the things first!

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:35 pm

So far I have to say I am very impressed with mine have had no problems at all. They don't freeze up at all Best 40$ ever spent on wipers

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Thu May 19, 2005 11:54 am

So peeps just wanted to give you all an update now since it has been a while.....During the winter time they were simply fantastic! 2 s way up.So far during the springtime still working like the first day I put them on. They tend to be a little noisy at times but still work very well.I still say get your hands on them!!

simon · Post by **simon** » Fri May 20, 2005 5:07 am

Love the Reflex wipers, my father-in-law just bought a new Jetta and they come with similar blades already installed

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Thu May 26, 2005 10:25 pm

Quote, originally posted by simon Â»Love the Reflex wipers, my father-in-law just bought a new Jetta and they come with similar blades already installedI've noticed that many new cars are beig equipped with these types of wipers.

Atomb · Post by **Atomb** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 12:14 am

it's coming to that time of year again...i bought a set for both my vibe and my wife's car and will install soon.ArcsVibe: how are they holding up? Actually any of you that have installed them...?I noticed in the Wal-mart flyer last friday that they are now selling sets JUST like the REFLEX but made by another company. I would have thought patents would have held the market for these guys but i guess somebody figured out a way around it? The prices at Walmart were identical to those at Canadian tire.I managed to get a bit of a deal on mine. I walked up to the cashier at Canadian tire with 4 of them (both cars) and she said "Just give me one of them as they're all the same price." Which they're not...so i quickly scanned the 4 i had and gave her the smallest size (18" i think) and got all 4 for that price! Probably saved me $10 or $12.

dennisdrive · Post by **dennisdrive** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 1:17 am

By the way what would be the size for the vibe ; is it 18 or 20? coz the pictures you have taken shows bought . What would be for the rear one ??

stevo2000 · Post by **stevo2000** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 4:50 am

Wondering if these new-fangled blades actually perform???I still have the factory blades and they've never done anything besides smear, and if they smear long enough I can finally see through the windshield. The blades look fine, just don't do the job.I'd like to turn on the wipers and see the water gone. My other vehicles never smeared and have always had regular blades installed....

Mase · Post by **Mase** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 6:48 am

I had the Trico Innovision blades (same design as the Reflex blades) for a while and finally got around to replacing them. They started acting up about a month after installing them. I don't know if it's because of their light weight or the lack of a re-enforced spine but those things chattered like crazy! I had them for almost a year and they didn't show any signs of rot, so I guess that's good.They look nice and I got a few compliments on them, but if you want practicality, these aren't for you.

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 9:54 am

Quote, originally posted by stevo2000 Â»Wondering if these new-fangled blades actually perform???Just checked out the new 2006 Honda Civic. It comes stock with these new type of blades. They even added an air deflecting edge to help them hug the windshield better on the freeway. They worked surprisingly well.

binary · Post by **binary** » Wed Oct 19, 2005 12:59 am

Quote, originally posted by stevo2000 Â»I'd like to turn on the wipers and see the water gone. On the highway - leave your wipers off and let RainX do the trick. Last few rains we've got I've traveled all the way to and from work without using my wipers on the highway. Even when passing semi's kicking up mist clouds.

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Wed Oct 19, 2005 3:13 am

I have had no problems at all with these wipers Like I said they were the best 40$ I've ever spent on the Vibe

zionzr2 · Post by **zionzr2** » Wed Oct 19, 2005 4:52 am

Quote, originally posted by binary Â»On the highway - leave your wipers off and let RainX do the trick. Last few rains we've got I've traveled all the way to and from work without using my wipers on the highway. Even when passing semi's kicking up mist clouds.I love RainX!!! which reminds me I need to get out and apply a fresh application! I also use washer fluids fortified with RainX

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 2:37 am

Quote, originally posted by stevo2000 Â»Wondering if these new-fangled blades actually perform???I still have the factory blades and they've never done anything besides smear, and if they smear long enough I can finally see through the windshield. The blades look fine, just don't do the job.I'd like to turn on the wipers and see the water gone. My other vehicles never smeared and have always had regular blades installed.... Yeah our blades on my Vibe suck. We're going to go buy new one so I found this thread... I think I might get a pair of these... I hope there are instructions somewhere on how to change the wipers because I have no clue.

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 4:30 am

Quote, originally posted by Sputnik Â»Yeah our blades on my Vibe suck. We're going to go buy new one so I found this thread... I think I might get a pair of these... I hope there are instructions somewhere on how to change the wipers because I have no clue.Honestly it is very easy and yes it does come with generic instructions. IM me if you have questions

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 4:31 am

Thanks! I should do that this week, although with all the Christmas stuff going on it might have to wait a bit.

Atomb · Post by **Atomb** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 11:38 am

sputnik: they're actually VERY easy to install. easier than any other wipers i've ever had to deal with.just take a close look and you'll see a small 'tongue' on the wiper connector. Make sure this 'tongue' slides onto the wiper arm so that it clicks into the hole on the arm. that secures it properly.to take off the current wipers, look for this 'tongue' on the existing wipers and get a small flathead screwdriver. if you slide the screwdriver into the correct slot, it will push the tongue out of the hole in the wiper arm...then the wiper slides off the arm easily.my wife and i have been using them for about a month now (maybe a bit longer?) and Arcs is right, best money i've spent in awhile. They worke really well even with the snow we've been getting!let either one of us know if you have an issue.

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 3:07 am

Yup! Atomb is right on the money! I am approaching my second winter with them and they are awesome!

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 5:01 am

Hey Arcsvibe, the pic here you posted shows 20 and 18 inch blades. When I bought mine today the book at Crappy Tire said for Reflex blades get 21 and 18, so I got 21 and 18... should I take it back and get the 20?All other brands said 20. I triple checked...

northvibe · Post by **northvibe** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 5:17 am

yea sputnik, when i bought my plain wipers this summer they were listed as 21 and 18. some brands dont might not carry 21 though as the nice ones at the store didnt have 21 listed.

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 5:41 am

So my 21s are good then? I can keep them? I can hardly wait to crack them open and get rid of my crappy blades on there now.

Atomb · Post by **Atomb** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 11:26 am

hey sputnik,you were probably looking at the winter blades sizing...or they just assumed winter blade sizing for the reflex (?!?!)winter blades will generally be an inch shorter (only on the longer blade i believe) to compensate for the extra weight the winter wiper will push when clearing snow and maybe the extra wind resistance....so the wiper motor doesn't get over loaded.i've got 21 on my vibe and it works great!

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 12:58 am

Cool. We're going to attempt to put them on today.