I recently applied the 3M clear bra product to one of my cars. I was disappointed by the installation, as wrinkles were left at various points of the application. In an attempt to find another installer to replace the application, I came across Lance Pugh from www.Clear-Pro.com. He installs throughout southern California. He said that he could reapply the same 3M product, but he recommended "VentureTape" as being a superior product. I was skeptical as 3M is a much more established brand. He then suggested that he apply a piece of the VentureTape next to the 3M product on my car and watch it over a couple of weeks. I was very impressed. My car is dark and the recently applied 3M product had an orange peel appearance to it. One didn't have to look hard to notice that there was a clear bra applied. (I suspect that the 3M bra is more apparent on a darker car.) The Venture Tape next to the 3M is almost invisible. It has the same smooth finish and luster as the uncoated paint surface.

I asked Lance to replace the 3M product with the VentureTape and am very happy with the appearance. There was a minor touch up that Lance freely came out to take care of. He guarantees satisfaction and the product has a lifetime warranty.

 

I have 3M on my VW and VentureShield (made by Venture Tape) on my MCS and I concur with your observations. Both of my cars are black and the VentureShield is virtually invisible by comparison. Clearbra of Oregon http://www.clearbraoregon.com/ did my install 2 years ago and I haven't had a single issue with the VentureShield. Stongard of Bellevue, WA did the VW and it looks like crap. They even assured me that over time the orange peel effect will smooth out. 5 years later, they're still there. VentureShield is a superior product.

 

I got the 3M bra first from mini dealer, was never happy with the look, it was too obvious and gave the car a cheap plastic look. I had paint work done and decided to go with venture - am I glad I did the finish is way clearer and when you apply plexus cleaner to the bra (recommended ever other week) it shines like the rest of the paintwork after a waxing. We put on the bra's because we care what our car looks like and want to preserve its look. I've had both and venture is superior.

 

I had 3M on my 03 MC. Now I have a GP and my guy only uses VentureTape now. I agree. The VentureTape is by far the best. No wrinkles; looks painted on!!! More forgiving than 3M. Of course in 03 the price was 275 but in in 06 it was 550 ; thanks to OPEC and the impact on petroleum products!!

 

the material IMO is a lot less important than the job done by the installer. Any product will look crappy if its installed poorly. We have XPEL film on my wifes car, and it looks great.

 

RIGHT ON!

I know that first hand. My dealer jacked mine twice and ended up having the hood repainted. All ended well and they were great. I finally found THE EXPERT in Colorado: The Bra Man!!

 

Has anyone done tests to see how well the 3M and VentureGuard hold up to road hazards? (i.e. rocks)

 

I'm not going to take a bb gun to my car to test but I had the 3m for about 16 months and it held up well and I've had the venture for about 8 months and its doing its job nicely too - zero blemishes to date after rock and shredded truck tire impacts. The 3m is visibly thicker so I would guess it would take a harder knock.

 

4 k in winter driving on my GP VentureTape and no issues. Hydro makes it look even more transparent!