XPEL Prime Automotive Window Tint: CS vs HP vs XR Black vs XR Plus | Everything You Need to Know

Table of Contents

XPEL, a leader in the automotive protection industry, offers a suite of top-notch window tints that cater to diverse needs. They are designed to not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle but also provide substantial functional benefits such as heat rejection, glare reduction, UV protection, and more.

Today, we’ll dive deep into the specs and perks of four standout window tint products from XPEL: Prime CS, Prime HP, Prime XR Black, and Prime XR Plus.

XPEL Window Tints: An Overview

Before we proceed to our comparison, let’s familiarize ourselves with these products.

  • Prime CS (Basic): This color-stable, dye-based film offers enhanced aesthetics and increased privacy. Despite being an entry-level product, it provides excellent UV protection.
  • Prime HP (Good): The Prime HP (High Performance) series, a hybrid dyed metalized film, offers improved heat rejection compared to Prime CS. The tint’s reflective finish gives it a unique look and enhances solar performance.
  • Prime XR Black (Better): This nano-ceramic window tint stands out for its superior heat rejection capabilities and low reflectivity. It’s designed to reduce glare and provide a higher degree of comfort.
  • Prime XR Plus (Best): This is XPEL’s premium offering. It uses multi-layer nanoparticle technology for exceptional heat rejection, UV protection, and signal enabling properties. It’s non-reflective and has a rich, black color that looks stylish and sophisticated.

In-depth Comparison

Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison, focusing on key parameters such as Visible Light Transmittance (VLT), Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER), and Infrared Rejection (IR), among others.

Feature Prime CS Prime HP Prime XR Black Prime XR Plus

Shades / VLT (Visible Light Transmitted)

5%-88%
5%-50%
5%-70%
5%-70%

TSER (Total Solar Energy Rejected)

Up to 45%
Up to 59%
Up to 66%
Up to 71%

Heat/IR Rejection (Infrared Rejected)

Up to 12%
Up to 32%
Up to 85%
Up to 96%
UV Rejection % (Ultraviolet Rejected)
99%
99%
99%
99%

Glare Reduction

Up to 95%
Up to 96%
Up to 95%
Up to 95%

Color

Charcoal
Charcoal with reflective finish
Black
Rich Black

Technology

Dyed
Hybrid Dyed-Metalized
Nano-ceramic
Multi-layer Nanoparticle Nano-ceramic

Signal Friendly

Yes
Most of the time
Yes
Yes

Comparing the different films, it’s obvious why we don’t carry the Prime CS line of film at Tap And Tint. Prime HP, XR Black, and XR Plus are superior films in nearly every metric.

Actual spec sheet from XPEL can be found here.

Visible Light Transmittance (VLT%)

The VLT% tells you how much visible light can pass through the tint. A lower percentage means less light gets through, providing greater privacy but potentially compromising visibility. The Prime XR Black and Prime XR Plus both offer a wide range of VLT options, accommodating varying customer needs.

Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER%)

TSER% quantifies how much total solar energy (visible light, infrared, and UV) is rejected by the tint. This determines the heat rejection capabilities of the tint, with a higher percentage equating to a cooler interior. The Prime XR Plus excels in this respect, rejecting up to a whopping 98% of solar energy.

Infrared Rejection (IR%)

Infrared heat is responsible for the hot greenhouse effect inside a car on a sunny day. The Prime XR Black and XR Plus, using superior nano-ceramic technology, reject up to 88% and 98% of IR respectively, providing outstanding heat control.

UV Rejection

UV rays are harmful to both the skin and the interior of your vehicle. All four products provide 99% UV rejection, protecting you and your vehicle from sun damage.

Warranty and Aftercare

Reputable window tinting shops stand behind their work and offer comprehensive warranties that protect your investment. If any issues arise, they will promptly address and rectify them. 

At Tap And Tint Calgary, we offer FREE LIFETIME Warranty on all our window tint installs – from material defects to workmanship, we’ve got you covered. You can learn about our industry-leading warranty here.

Conclusion

XPEL’s window tints cater to diverse needs, each excelling in their respective ways. Whether you are seeking enhanced privacy, exceptional heat rejection, or a sleek look, there’s an automotive window film designed for you.

Choosing the right tint depends on your specific needs. If you live in a hot climate and want the best heat control (Alberta gets a LOT of sun), the Prime XR Plus would be a great choice, with the Prime XR Black being Calgary’s most popular choice. On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and seeking basic protection, the Prime CS or Prime HP should suffice. Regardless of your choice, you can rest assured that with XPEL, you’re choosing quality and performance.

Remember, always consider local tint laws when choosing the VLT percentage. Happy tinting!

What's your main goal today?

  1. Get a free quote: If you’re considering protecting your vehicle with world-class tint film, paint protection film, or changing your vehicle colour with vinyl wrap, click here to request a free quote. Just answer a few quick questions and get an instant quote within minutes!
  2. Work at Tap And Tint: We’re always on the lookout for talented, skilled, and hardworking people. If you or someone you know is considering a career in PPF, vinyl wraps, window tinting, or ceramic coating, check out our Careers page here.
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