Windshield Strikes really Suck

[wunce1]

Lets talk about the fact that having a flat windshield really sucks "sometimes". I have a 2021 Black Diamond 4 door I purchased used in 23 if I remember correctly, it was a hard time finding bronco's especially the one that I was wanting. Then all the sudden bam a Black Diamond package popped up just under 12k miles. So pulled the trigger and made the purchase. The first two days of ownership as the wife was driving to work. SMACK the windshield took a rock, this was the beginning of a fantastic glass journey that was about to take place. Had the windshield replaced then the fun started in around the beginning of April 2024 the build started. Then came the events to go to attending such things as SCE, SCW, Indiana Bronco Rally, Broncopalooza, etc. As I was in Colorado I had taken a strike which was able to be filled while I was out in Colorado by Safelite. Well low and behold coming back from Colorado "BAM" took another strike. This time it was a little more than the window actually got the hood as well. This time I was not sure where the rock had made impact as I could not see it. After returning home the next day a crack creeping up from under the windshield wiper. So it was time to make the call yet again. Had the windshield replaced just before heading out to Vegas for SEMA. Now this is the third windshield since ownership. So all was good been driving to many places no big deal and then we decided in 2025 to attend SCE. This was an absolute blast there was allot more people in attendance this year, allot of fun to be had by all. Well low and behold out on one of the drives "Thwack" I took another strike and this one sounded like it hit metal so I thought it had just made contact with my GOBI roof rack. Well as you can guess unfortunately that was again not the case. Now the worst part of this was that I actually maintained a pretty good distance from the bronco in front of me at he time, I would say around two and half lengths distance. That was still not enough! Upon inspection the rock had made contact dead center of the windshield up by the camera, the next day as the temps fluctuated it had started the crack was making its way down the windshield.
Got back home after the event and again made the call. I have had pretty great luck and great service with the folks at Safelite Autoglass. So this time I did a reel with the tech being here about replacing the windshield. I had previously seen a product called @exoshield and it intriqued me however for whatever reason I never did pull the trigger to purchase the product. Now installing my 4th windshield in a two time frame you start to question some of your lifes choices LOL. For those of you that are wondering I do have very good insurance and I pay a boat load of money yearly to have a $0 comprehensive coverage plan. With that being said each replacement which is always OEM costs around $1200 I have heard that aftermarket windshields are cheaper at a cost around $600-$800. So you can do the math and see if having a higher premium is cost effective for me. According to a study done by Safelite the average person replaces their windshield once every seven years "according to my tech that installed my 4th windshield", and stated that I was far above average. This is really not the example of where you want to be above average. I digress, as I was making this reel I thought it would be good to tag @exoshield in the reel stating that I would be the poster child for their product. I did reach out to the folks from @exoshield, at which point they did respond. Once they realized I was on my 4th windshield they offered me an opportunity to partner with them on their Ultra DIY Bronco Kit. I did however go ahead and made a purchase of a second protector so as to protect my wifes new Heritage windshield as well. Now full disclosure in return for the kit I was asked to provide feedback as well as making a few reels and post about the product. I felt that I needed to do a full install video which is currently up on my Youtube channel, it can be viewd from the link below.
You can also follow along the journey on Instagram at TAT2D SQRL. So upon recieving the kits I installed them one day before we took off for the weekend down to Kentucky to meet up with some of the folks from @southernillinoisbroncos and @centralkentuckybroncos for the ride through the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway. I can tell you right out the gate that if you are not comfortable with doing any DIY stuff to your vehicle it is best to seek out a professional installer, this is all explained in the video. So far the @exoshield product has been installed for about three weeks at the time of this posting and so far neither one of the broncos have taking a hit. The added insurance is enough for me at this point as the time and the cost, not just the replacement of the windshield itself but the brow tint and the vinyl graphics that I have on the windshield all adds up. Thus far I am happy that I have been allowed to test out this product as well as being able to show the ease of the install if you are inclined to do so. If you are interested and you would like to purchase for your bronco the folks over at EXOSHIELD have allowed me to give a coupon code for their products which you can purchase over at https://shop.getexoshield.com/discount/SQRL You can use the code SQRL to recieve a 10% discount on your product.
Attached Below are some photos of the last strike to the windshield along with before installing the @exoshield product.

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[Ducati1098]

Lots and lots of threads on windshields, even some with a poll

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...ing-replacements-have-you-gone-through.95602/

 

[CV428]

20,200 miles, original glass. I did get a tiny chip within the first few weeks of ownership, then installed the Aeroskin II. That has helped a lot.

I leave a ridiculous following distance any time I am in traffic, and especially on the highway, and that helps a lot in avoiding front end and window chips. The only time I really hear the dreaded rock chips is when someone pulls a "Carolina Pass" and kicks rocks up at my vehicle. (Carolina Pass is when someone comes flying up behind you, usually on their cell phone, and passes you last second without fully leaving your lane, overcompensates and hits the rumble-strip, kicking up all that sand and rocks at you).

 

[BluebroncoNC]

You forgot, Zero.

 

[BKinn]

You forgot, Zero.

I'll echo this - 2 years of ownership and zero strikes. I always leave a ton of distance between cars, but perhaps I'm just also lucky.

Edit: 37,000 miles

 

[MFP2241]

You forgot, Zero.

Same. Zero on my '21.

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