Some input...
I have been installing paint protection films since 2008, and although it is not as long as some other installers, I have noticed a recent change in Xpel Ultimate's adhesive. It seems to get marked very easily during the installation process. I have always liked how aggressive the film is for certain areas of the vehicles, but at the same time I can see that in some future this can pose a risk during the removal process. The aggressiveness in film has meant that if I ever had to lift the film, I would get a line at the edge of where I would stop pulling(idk if this makes sense... like at the end of the "pocket"). It was always time consuming to make it go away, but it certainly always did as long as I would give the film the same amount of stretch when I laid it back down. Easier said then done of course.
Personally I have been using SunTek PPF ULTRA since it came out late 2016, early 2017 and it is an all-around great film. The installation is much easier and the adhesive is very forgiving. I can remove and reinstall panels without worrying about stretch marks or premature adhesion which is one of the biggest concerns when I install Xpel Ultimate paint protection film. I traveled out to the Caribbean to install Xpel Ultimate on a black 2017 Ford Raptor and the adhesive was sticking prematurely which was always normal in this film, but the issue that arose was that the areas that were sticking prematurely were getting marked very easily and on a black paint job they were very noticeable(in my eyes). This was back in early June of this year and unfortunatley I had to redo two panels because of this. I ordered a partial roll to find a solution to this issue about 3 weeks ago and I did.
I have adjusted my installation solution to cope with Xpel's premature adhesion and am more than capable of installing Xpel so it is not so much the issue now. I just keep hearing from some installers that long-term use of the film can lead to head-aches when removing since it's adhesive is very aggressive. I have found this to be true for some vehicles which needed panels removed from installations done 2+ years ago. It has to be removed PROFESSIONALLY. On the other hand, I have had some clients remove their SunTek installs on their own with minimal advice before they turned around to resale their vehicle. I will install whatever the client asks for because at the end of the day, they will be a part of my experience and manufacture's warranty is legally binding as long as it is OEM factory paint, not repainted. Of course I will share concerns and advice and in some cases have them sign a waiver if a product is notorious for problems.
On another note, Xpel has been changing a lot of things including their staff, previously their dealer support didn't take care of me too well so their change to me is promising. SunTek staff is always fast at responding and the best benefit that I find to using SunTek is that they have a major warehouse here in Southern California. Oh, and as far as brand value, they were purchased by Eastman Chemical Company which is Llumar... so as far as warranty goes you know they will do what it takes to keep the best quality control and reputation.
Anyways... below is a link to the Raptor video installation at the Caribbean and some Pictures. Hope you all enjoy... THESE IMAGES ARE ALL DOWNLOADABLE AND WALLPAPER SIZE!!!
CLICK LINK FOR YOUTUBE VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3lXQOhZTJ4
DARWOOD BEACH, ANTIGUA, W.I.
DARWOOD BEACH, ANTIGUA, W.I.
RAINY DAY IN ANTIGUA, W.I.
DEVIL'S BRIDGE, ANTIGUA, W.I.
CLIENT'S PRIVATELY OWNED BEACH, ANTIGUA, W.I.
FORD EMBLEM WITH SCORPION TRYING TO AVOID RAIN
SUNSET VIEW FROM CLIENT'S HOME