Best in-channel window deflectors?

[DadBald]

I tried some AVS low-profile stick-on visors, but they've changed their design and I don't like them as much as the originals, so I returned them. I was reluctant to try in-channel visors because of bounce-back concerns, but I just don't like the look of any of the other stick-on ones and I really miss the feature, so I'm going to try in-channel. Looking for smoked see-through versions.

I've narrowed it down to the four options below. Does anyone have any comparison experience between any of these? Is there a general consensus of what's good and what's not? Again, my biggest concern is window bounce-back, and second priority would be looks/wind noise. I assume they all keep rain out of a cracked window...

1. Weathertech - these seem to be the most popular. No tape, just put them in the channel, done (except for a couple metal clips on the rears).
2. Putco - these are my favorite look. Are they generally fairly good quality? Any extraordinary fitment/bounce back concerns? How's the wind noise with the more angular shape? These use tape inside the channel.
3. EGR - I have the EGR matte black mustache and it's great. Figured the window visors would be similar good quality? The visors seem to only be available in matte black, is this true? I don't want to create a blind spot. These appear to only use tape in the rear.
4. AVS - These do not extend down to the window sill, only the top edge of the window, which is intriguing to me. I'm not sure how much I like that vertical section. I have read lots of quality complaints with AVS in-channels though. I do like how either end has a tab that sits underneath the trim on the exterior, not entirely in the window channel. I feel like this would help with bounce-back, but in practice I have no idea if it actually helps.

Do all the visors with the vertical section in the front have a protective pad for the window sill for it to rest on? Do any of these use clips inside the window channel, and is that something to avoid (or desire)?

Thanks for any feedback.

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[starcommtrey1]

I have the weathertechs enroute...Ill let ya know how they look!

 

[powerboatr]

I tried some AVS low-profile stick-on visors, but they've changed their design and I don't like them as much as the originals, so I returned them. I was reluctant to try in-channel visors because of bounce-back concerns, but I just don't like the look of any of the other stick-on ones and I really miss the feature, so I'm going to try in-channel. Looking for smoked see-through versions.

I've narrowed it down to the four options below. Does anyone have any comparison experience between any of these? Is there a general consensus of what's good and what's not? Again, my biggest concern is window bounce-back, and second priority would be looks/wind noise. I assume they all keep rain out of a cracked window...

1. Weathertech - these seem to be the most popular. No tape, just put them in the channel, done (except for a couple metal clips on the rears).
2. Putco - these are my favorite look. Are they generally fairly good quality? Any extraordinary fitment/bounce back concerns? How's the wind noise with the more angular shape? These use tape inside the channel.
3. EGR - I have the EGR matte black mustache and it's great. Figured the window visors would be similar good quality? The visors seem to only be available in matte black, is this true? I don't want to create a blind spot. These appear to only use tape in the rear.
4. AVS - These do not extend down to the window sill, only the top edge of the window, which is intriguing to me. I'm not sure how much I like that vertical section. I have read lots of quality complaints with AVS in-channels though. I do like how either end has a tab that sits underneath the trim on the exterior, not entirely in the window channel. I feel like this would help with bounce-back, but in practice I have no idea if it actually helps.

Do all the visors with the vertical section in the front have a protective pad for the window sill for it to rest on? Do any of these use clips inside the window channel, and is that something to avoid (or desire)?

Thanks for any feedback.

I have the westin ones in my 22 f150
They are good
But not near as good as the weather techs I have in all my other vehicles

 

[Hotshot Offroad]

In channel will most likely not work. We have tested every in channel set out there and continued to get the bounce back, even with new calibration from Ford as well as trying to reset it ourselves. The Weathertech ones worked the best overall. We got about 2 weeks of no issues and then the bounce back happened. Now some have stated they have them installed and no issues. So you may get lucky! But out of the F150s we tested these on each one still ended up with the same issue. Non Channel ones would be your best bet.

 

[DadBald]

Thanks @Hotshot Offroad appreciate the insight

 

[Hotshot Offroad]

Thanks @Hotshot Offroad appreciate the insight

anytime. If you do try the WT we hope they work out! We truly liked those the best. Always have. The AVS ones had issues with staying in channel for us. They seemed to keep shifting over time. We even swapped the stick tape out and it kept doing it. The WT uses channel clips which help keep them nice and snug, but these dumb sensors that Ford uses just made it be a pain. We snapped ours out in the middle of a trail run because it started pouring and our windows wouldnt stay up. Thats when we decided its time to give em up

 

[DadBald]

Haha, yeah I'd do the same. Bummer.

Do you have any favorites for the stick on kind? I just couldn't find any I liked the look of.

 

[powerboatr]

In channel will most likely not work. We have tested every in channel set out there and continued to get the bounce back, even with new calibration from Ford as well as trying to reset it ourselves. The Weathertech ones worked the best overall. We got about 2 weeks of no issues and then the bounce back happened. Now some have stated they have them installed and no issues. So you may get lucky! But out of the F150s we tested these on each one still ended up with the same issue. Non Channel ones would be your best bet.

i had one bounce back with the westins
then i helped the window close and after that they have worked as advertised
i also had bounce back and issues with weather tech on the f250
but followed the instructions and that went away
the 23 explorer...zero issues
i put them in and boom it worked and fast ,,,almost caught my fingers

 

[Korazu]

Yeah, I am not as happy with the AVS ones either. I normally get WT but didn't this time. Kicking my self in the a$$ for not.

 

[Sig Oris]

In channel will most likely not work. We have tested every in channel set out there and continued to get the bounce back, even with new calibration from Ford as well as trying to reset it ourselves. The Weathertech ones worked the best overall. We got about 2 weeks of no issues and then the bounce back happened. Now some have stated they have them installed and no issues. So you may get lucky! But out of the F150s we tested these on each one still ended up with the same issue. Non Channel ones would be your best bet.

I'd wager most did not leave the windows closed for 48 hours

 

[Hotshot Offroad]

I'd wager most did not leave the windows closed for 48 hours

We tried that and everything else we could. we went as far as removing the panel and checking to see if the motor itself was just being too stressed or something. We then had ford take a gander and they said the only option left was to possibly just replace the motors and test pressure that way. But at that time it was when all parts were on crazy backorder and we didn’t have that patience. We should certainly revisit it now though.

 

[Hotshot Offroad]

i had one bounce back with the westins
then i helped the window close and after that they have worked as advertised
i also had bounce back and issues with weather tech on the f250
but followed the instructions and that went away
the 23 explorer...zero issues
i put them in and boom it worked and fast ,,,almost caught my fingers

We have had no issues in the 250, maverick, Ranger, or explorer. It’s just been our shop build Tremor that’s given us issues. But I’m glad yours worked! They really are nice to have.

 

[DadBald]

It's a little baffling Ford has OEM in-channel deflectors if the problem is this widespread...
https://accessories.ford.com/side-w...utco-front-and-rear-4-piece-set-for-supercrew

I mean, it can't be that bad, right? ...right?

 

[DadBald]

Also that seems to be a good price on the Putco's from Ford. Everywhere else they are $120. These also have the metal clips that go in the window track. From a design perspective, it seems like this would probably fare the best since it's mechanically being pushed outwards and away from the window.

Is the problem the window hitting the bottom edge of the deflector? Or just how tight it is when it gets to the last 1/4" to seat at the very top?

 

[sbacpo]

Another vote for WeatherTech in-channel. I've had them installed on my '23 for several months with zero issues. I wasn't sure I'd like how the fronts installed on the bottom but it's fine.

I tried the Putco's and AVS and both of them had issues with staying in place and bounce back. Wasted a couple bucks finding ones that worked for me.

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