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Hood Deflector / Bug Shield, best options

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Prieth, May 25, 2019.

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  1. Prieth

    Prieth Junior Member

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    I'm looking for a bug shield for my 2010, hoping for some reviews, pics or feedback on some options. I'm trying to find one that goes on the hood.

    I'm most curious about the option from Weathertech, they don't show any pics of the actual Prius version, so I'm not sure what style this is... anyone know?
    Weathertech, $60

    It looks like the Priuschat shop used to have one, but apparently they quit selling it. No indication of what brand it was.
    Priuschat Shop, $129

    I think this option from Formfit is the same manufacturer they used to sell here, does anyone know? This is what I'll probably do, but it's international and no indication on shipping times.
    Formfit, $99

    AVS Aeroskin has one, but it goes on the grill/bumper instead of the hood. I've seen posts here where folks put both styles for extra coverage.
    Aeroskin, $36

    Any options I'm missing?

    ...

    While we're at this, any recommendation for a heat shield? The options for sale on PC look very bulky to store, how are they in practice? I've used the spring style most recently and they fold very small.
     
    #1 Prieth, May 25, 2019
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Are you form or function:whistle:?

    I bought the Le Bra for our 2010 and it was $69:).

    But it was black and an “eye sore” on the front of the car, but it was excellent at its intended purpose ;).

    On the wife’s RX450h I went with Suntek film which looks great(y).
     
    #2 Raytheeagle, May 25, 2019
    Last edited: May 25, 2019
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  3. Prieth

    Prieth Junior Member

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    A bit of both. Form, I like the look. Function, fewer bug splats and rock chips is nice.

    Both, there is a small crease (I guess you'd call it) right in the middle running along the front edge, this would hide it nicely.

    I've never had one, but there is a ton of sand and dirt blowing around here that I expect would rub the paint raw. Can't keep that stuff out if anything. Wind advisory today I think only gets to 20 or 30 mph, but it can get bad this time of year.
     
    #3 Prieth, May 25, 2019
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  4. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    The Le Bra is a definite great barrier to prevent paint damage;).

    So it is function over form:).

    Good luck with your decision (y).
     
    #4 Raytheeagle, May 25, 2019
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  5. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    If a bug shield or hood deflector doesn’t do justice, you can use paint sealant. You see bugs literally skidding on the hood all the way up to the windshield and over like a slip and slide
     
    #5 Grit, May 26, 2019
    Last edited: May 26, 2019
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  6. Pluggo

    Pluggo Senior Member

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    Personally, I use the Lebra 551364-01 which is a close-enough color match for Winter Gray Metallic, but for any other color you should consider an invisible vinyl bug and stone shield like this one Invisible Bug Guard and Hood Protector Similar products are available on eBay.
    [​IMG]
     
    #6 Pluggo, May 26, 2019
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  7. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    The film applique type does a good job protecting the paint, but does nothing to keep higher-flying bugs from hitting the window.

    The wing type sacrifices MPG (sometimes significantly) and adds wind noise.

    Just something to consider.
     
    #7 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, May 26, 2019
  8. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Pretty much nothing does that.
     
    #8 sam spade 2, May 26, 2019
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  9. marvingloria2011

    marvingloria2011 Active Member

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    You're absolutely correct @sam spade 2. I purchased the factory Toyota hood deflector after I did some research on here about the pros and cons of hood deflectors. Drove the 1300 kms to Calgary from Winnipeg in the middle of the night. Nothing stops the bugs from hitting your windshield or hood. Passed through a blizzard of bugs by Swiftcurrent, Saskatchewan and it didn't do a thing, but get covered in bug goo.
     
    #9 marvingloria2011, May 29, 2019
  10. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    I bought my 2009 Gen II (used) back in 2014, and it came with what I call a "mini-bra". I'm not sure if it's WeatherTech or OEM, but here's a pic:
     
    #10 WilDavis, May 29, 2019
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  11. marvingloria2011

    marvingloria2011 Active Member

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    I think that's OEM because I purchased the same one from Toyota when I had my 2005 Prius. There's a Toyota logo on that somewhere if I remember correctly.
     
    #11 marvingloria2011, May 30, 2019
  12. Starbrand

    Starbrand Senior Member

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    [​IMG]
    the cloth bra I got few years ago is still going strong. It took a few days to get shaped correctly and I only washed it twice. Could be something to consider.

    Here's a link to the exact product.
     
    #12 Starbrand, Jun 1, 2019
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  13. James Powers

    James Powers Senior Member

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    Unfortunately, I was told I bought the last one from PriusChat... :whistle: I like both the look and the function. Doesn't do ish for rocks but I have waaay less bug juice on my windshield. Though the other post is correct, the bugs will hit if they come in at the right angle but I do see them go up an over.
     
    #13 James Powers, Jun 4, 2019
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