UTV Windshield Buying Guide
Upgrading your UTV with a windshield is a wise investment. This side-by-side accessory can boost your riding experience in many ways. Feel less affected by poor weather, such as rain and unrelenting sun, so you can hit the trail more often. Block out wind and improve your riding endurance. Get extra protection against kicked-up debris, dust, bugs, and so on. Keep out mud and gunk, improving your riding comfort. No wonder so many powersports riders invest in a UTV windshield!
With so many styles, features, and options on the market, however, it can be tough knowing which one to pick. We created the following UTV windshield buying guide to make the shopping process easier. If you have any questions, reach out to the expert staff at Interstate Cycles. We also offer a range of side-by-sides for sale if you are looking to upgrade. Our dealership is based in Lake City, Florida, and we also serve those in Jacksonville and Gainesville.
Pick The Windshield Material
The first major decision is what type of UTV windshield you want. There are three main options with their own advantages and disadvantages: polycarbonate, acrylic, and glass.
Understanding Polycarbonate UTV Windshields
This is the most commonly used material for UTV windshields—and for good reason. It's 25 times stronger than acrylic and 250 times stronger than glass. It's the same material used for bulletproof screens in banks and police stations, which means it can easily withstand obstacles on the open trail.
The main downside is that it is also the least scratch resistant. But there are options with a hard coating that improve its scratch level resistance.
Understanding Acrylic UTV Windshields
Think of acrylic UTV windshields as the middle ground option. It offers mid-level strength, about 10 times stronger than glass. However, when it does break, it can shatter and cause a safety hazard for the riders.
It also offers a mid-level of scratch resistance. In many cases, the scratches can be polished out.
Understanding Glass UTV Windshields
This UTV windshield material offers the best scratch resistance. You'll be less likely to incur a scratch and they are easier to fix.
The key downside of this option is that it offers the lowest strength. It's more easily broken, which means you'll need to be careful of kicked-up rocks from riders in front of you. If the glass does get hit, it can turn into a cracked and broken mess. This will be difficult to see out of and will need to be replaced as soon as possible.
Pick The UTV Windshield Style
Next, you will need to decide what kind of coverage you want.
The Full Windshield
This is the most common style due to the ideal coverage it offers. A full windshield covers the front of the cab and offers the best protection against weather and kicked-up debris.
Some models include vents that can open and close. This allows you to let in more air when you want.
If you go mudding often, however, this may not be the best choice. Mud can quickly cover the windshield and compromise your visibility. You may need to stop the ride and clear off the mud before you can continue.
The Half Windshield
This covers the full width of the cab, but is only half as tall. Some wind is blocked while some air is directed over the cab. It's important that the top edge isn't in your line of vision, so be sure to keep that in mind before purchasing.
Flip Windshields
There are two main flip windshield designs. The standard one is simply called a flip windshield. It offers the most flexibility. You can adjust it to get a full windshield or half windshield, depending on the given ride's needs.
The flip down windshield offers similar levels of flexibility. However, you cannot open it to get a bit of airflow and you do have to step outside the side-by-side in order to move the upper portion back. This can be an extra challenge for shorter individuals.
Rear Windshields
When you only have a front windshield, it can result in a 'dust suction' that brings debris into the cab from behind. Installing a rear windshield easily solves this problem. Plus, it keeps the cab warmer, which is especially appreciated on cold days.
Full Cab Enclosures
This approach utilizes a full front windshield, rear windshield, doors, and a roof. This results in optimized protection and rider comfort.
We hope you found this UTV windshield buying guide useful. Remember the friendly staff at Interstate Cycles is always happy to help answer questions and give personalized recommendations, whether it's for a UTV windshield or discussing our various UTVs for sale. We can help you find the right match for your budget and lifestyle, so don't hesitate to contact us. You can visit our dealership in Lake City, Florida. We also proudly serve those in Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida.