This or That? Which UTV Windshield is right for you?

Have you been looking for a UTV windshield? Are you confused with all the choices - full, half, tilting, folding, vented, flexible? What material should a UTV windshield be made from, Lexan, acrylic, polycarbonate -what does it all mean? Read on as we explain the different types of UTV windshield materials and functions to help you decide which style is best for you.

First things first, what is the best windshield material? There are many options available including acrylic, polycarbonate, Plexiglas, even actual glass … but which is the best? Glass such as the automotive industry uses would be the best, as it offers the cleanest vision and easiest maintenance, but the drawback is expense and weight. The next best choice for windshield material is Lexan polycarbonate. Lexan is light weight, strong and has a proven track record of durability in high vibration applications, as well as superior impact resistance as it is used in Nascar. Other less expensive choices include Acrylics, Plexiglas and thinner polycarbonates, but these products easily scratch and may shatter upon impact-not a desirable trait when on the trail. These materials are more brittle and have been known to crack at the mounting points, so many of these types of shields must be removed for trailering. Easily scratched, these products are much more difficult to clean, as you must take extreme care as not to scratch or swirl the windshield surface. You may have seen such an a windshield on a UTV that has become so scratched and hazy that it cannot even be seen through.
 

Now that we know that Lexan is the material of choice for UTV windshield applications, the next choice is the material’s thickness. Kolpin UTV windshields are constructed of a full .250” (1/4”) Lexan while many other UTV windshield options use a thinner .177” (3/16”) material. The thicker material provides more stability, less vibration and better protection from damaging branches and rocks. Preparation of Lexan is critical for maximum durability, and Kolpin’s UTV windshields use an MR-10 hard coating on both sides of the shield for protection and scratch resistance. The coating makes cleaning much easier without fear of damage.
 

Now that we have defined the best material for a UTV windshield, let’s take a look at the many styles of Lexan polycarbonate UTV windshields available from Kolpin.

Full-Vented Windshield – definition: Extends from top of dash/hood to the top of the cab frame, with included air vents to provide additional airflow

      #2007 Polaris RZR Full-Vented Windshield

* Back draft is present with all windshield applications, but is intensified when a full shield is used. A rear shield is suggested to reduce back draft.

Pros -
• Protection in colder weather and plowing conditions
• Best protection from limbs, branches, debris on the trail
• Venting regulates air flow and back draft effect
• All benefits of a Full Windshield with more airflow
• Inexpensive and easy to install
• No need to removed for trailering
 

Cons -
• May retain too much in cab heat in warm temperatures.
• Visibility may be a problem in muddy conditions.

Half-Fixed Windshield – definition: Extends from top of dash/hood ¼ - ½ the distance to the top of cab frame

 

#1470 Yamaha Rhino Half-Fixed Windshield

Pros -
• Provides more air flow , great for warm weather riding
• Lip on upper side of shield deflects airflow over operator and passenger
• Increased airflow reduces back draft for less dust in the cab
• Better visibility in mud, rain, or snow
• No need to remove during trailering
 

Cons -
• Less protection from wind, branches or flying debris.
• Cold in winter weather
• No adjustability

Half-Folding Windshield – definition: Extends from top of dash/hood to ¼ to ½ the distance to the top of the cab frame with convenient fold down, military-style design

 #2632 Polaris Ranger (mid-size & mid-size crew) Half-Folding Windshield

Pros -
• Provides more air flow which may be cooler in warm weather
• Versatile system allows you to simply lower the top half of shield on a warm day for maximum airflow. The upper shield stays securely in place – no tools needed
• Lip on upper side of shield deflects airflow over operator and passenger
• Increased airflow reduces back draft for less dust in the cab.
• Better visibility in mud, rain, or snow
• No need to remove for trailering
 

Cons –
• Less protection from wind, branches and debris than a full shield
• More moving parts, installation time is greater than a half-fixed shield

Full Tilting Windshield – definition: Versatile design allows for use as full windshield, half windshield, or extended (half or full) – it is like having 3 windshields in one!

 

#2621 Polaris Ranger XP (full size and Crew) Full Tilt Windshield

* Back draft is present with all windshield applications, but is intensified when a full shield is used. A rear shield is suggested to reduce back draft.

Pros -
• Can be utilized as full or half windshield
• Top section can be tilted to regulate air flow and back draft
• Either section can be easily removed.
• Offers the most options over the broadest range of conditions.
 

Cons -
• Slightly more expensive than standard windshield design

Rear Shield or Back Panel Combo – definition: Effective barrier to keep debris from entering the cab, as well as safely separating passengers and cargo

 

#2009 Polaris RZR Rear Shield            Rear Shield with full windshield

Pros -
• Cuts down on backdraft caused by windshield and reduces chance of dirt/debris entering the cab
• Safely separates cargo loads from passengers
 

Cons -
• Does not allow easy attachment of accessories to the rear cab frame, such as the Kolpin Utility Gear Rail System

Kolpin offers a many styles of windshields to fit the most popular models such as the Polaris Ranger, Polaris RZR, Yamaha Rhino, Kawasaki Teryx, Kawasaki Mule, Arctic Cat Prowler, John Deere Gator, Can Am Commander and more! Visit www.kolpin.com or call Kolpin at 877.9KOLPIN for more information.

GOING GREEN - KOLPIN REVEALS A REFRESHED BRAND IDENTITY

 Kolpin Outdoors, Inc. is announcing a refreshed brand identity showcased through its new packaging, innovative video short film and enhanced website with a renewed emphasis on its tagline ‘The Leader in All-Terrain Innovation.’ The refreshed brand messaging communicates to the consumer that Kolpin provides an honest value in rugged dependability and is the ultimate source for ATV accessories and UTV accessories.

“Kolpin’s refreshed visual identity was designed to strengthen brand messaging, enhance shelf prominence, and establish consistency across multiple distribution channels. The updated brand look and elements reflect Kolpin’s strategy of communicating with powersports and outdoor enthusiasts via modern marketing channels while maintaining Kolpin’s reputation as an industry leader,” said Sarah Hudzinski, Manager of Marketing Services for Kolpin.

The new packaging is just one avenue that Kolpin is utilizing to convey the emphasis on its tagline ‘The Leader in All-Terrain Innovation.’  Also prominent in the brand refresh is the completion of a Kolpin branded short film that visually communicates Kolpin’s extensive offering and high quality standards. This “shortie” illustrates Kolpin’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of today’s marketplace and consumer needs. Watch the Kolpin Brand short film here.

In concert with the brand refresh efforts, Kolpin has committed to more effectively build brand health and awareness while taking advantage of direct consumer communications through a socially minded and prominent social media campaign that includes Facebook, Twitter, YouTube enhanced blog content, QR codes and a completely redesigned website which will launch in September, 2011.

Implementation of the refreshed brand identity will continue throughout the remainder of 2011.

Kolpin® Outdoors Inc. is a growth-oriented marketer and manufacturer of innovative ATV accessories and UTV accessories. As The Leader in All-Terrain Innovation Kolpin sets the standard for quality, innovation and design.  Kolpin continues to redefine the industry with

patented innovations such as our world-renowned Kolpin Expansion System (KXP), Gun Boot® cases and brackets, Stealth Exhaust, DirtWorks™ System and a large assortment of ATV and UTV accessories. To learn about the latest products, news and topics follow us on www.kolpin.com

UTV Sales: Recession Proof?

by Jeff Henson

I just finished up a complete UTV buyer's guide for UTV Off-Road Magazine, and am currently in the middle of putting together a complete off-road motorcycle, ATV and UTV buyer's guide for Digital Dirt Magazine. It's tedious work, gathering up an abbreviated list of the most important specifications for each model, tracking down manufacturer's suggested retail pricing and coming up with sixty to one-hundred words on the key features of each machine.

Frequently, and due to staring at my laptop screen for far too long, I have to take a break in order to make sense of all the different engine displacements, suspension travel numbers and color options. "Oh look," I'll say to myself in absolute delirium, wishing the end was near, "this one also comes in a Ted Nugent, Zebra Stripe Camo Special Edition, with color matched gun scabbards."  The list goes on. It seems like it was just yesterday that there were less than ten UTV models to choose from. Come to think of it - it was yesterday!

My Buyer's Guide includes models from the top UTV manufacturers - Arctic Cat, BRP Can-Am, Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki, Kymco and Polaris, the latter of which has been the most aggressive at bringing new models to the market. Looking at my complete list of now FIFTY-FIVE different UTVs to choose from, Polaris models number thirty. Check it! That's more than all of the other manufacturers combined. There's the Polaris Ranger RZR line-up, which includes the new RZR 900 XP, a $16,000 sand dune dominator that Polaris dealers can't seem to keep on their showroom floors. The same goes for the RZR4 four-seat model and fifty-inch wide trail RZR. The full-size Ranger models have always been popular, available in standard versions or Ranger Crew six-seat models. The latter is even available with a diesel engine. Then there are the value minded mid-sized models available in 400cc and 500cc displacements, and the all-electric Ranger EV.

While Polaris is obviously leading the charge in the UTV market, and doing so with great success, others have caught on and are fighting for market share. Arctic Cat is set to release its new Wildcat 1000i H.O. sport side-by-side, targeted at challenging the Polaris RZR XP 900 with more displacement and suspension travel. John Deere has just released information on its new Gator XUV550 S4, a four-seat UTV, and it looks as if Kawasaki is prepared to announce its own new four-seat UTV, the Teryx4. Can-am continues to press forward with its impressive Commander line-up by utilizing race-bred and adventurous trail options, including a 976cc Rotax EFI V-twin. Can-Am now offers a luxury Commander loaded with Air Control Suspension, FOX Racing piggy back shocks, an onboard air compressor, Garmin Montana 650t touchscreen GPS, a four speaker sound system and everything else you would ever want from a UTV; Sticker price $19,199! That's a lot of 'consumer confidence' right there, but I've actually seen a few of these out on the trail.

These machines are selling! Even beyond UTV dealerships, the affect has created an aftermarket explosion of companies selling products that include billet aluminum dress up kits, roofs and windshields, complete cab enclosures, extra storage, long-travel suspension kits, motor hop up kits... and more. Kolpin has done well with its own line of UTV accessories, which number many.

When the Yamaha Rhino first hit the scene and started the side-by-side craze, most of us inside the power sports media thought the four-wheeled mini-Jeeps were pretty cool, but soon to be just another fad. Boy were we wrong!

UTVs are here to stay; with offerings that will satisfy everyone from the farmers harvesting their crops, to the weekend warriors blazing trails and racing on off-road tracks. The creators of these four-wheeled fun wagons have managed to find growth and competitive satisfaction in an industry that has otherwise fallen a little flat with the times. Once considered a fad, UTVs have spawned new businesses, revitalized others and perhaps even put a small dent in unemployment lines. That's the type of "stimulus" we can all get behind.