Beam blades are made from a piece of rubber, which is custom-molded to fit the windshield’s form. The blade can maintain consistent pressure along its entire length, resulting in a consistently spotless wipe.
Compared to conventional blades, beam blades are often more aerodynamic, which can lessen wind lift and noise at high speeds.
Common features of both wipers:
- Both wiper blades are beam-style.
- They’re both made of rubber.
- Both work with nearly any car.
- Both are frame-less wipers.
- Both have a one-year warranty.
- Both wipers have hybrid designs.
Table of Contents
Michelin Optimum:
- It has asymmetric spoiler.
- Specifically made for extremely cold weather.
Rain X Latitude 2-in-1:
- It has aerodynamic spoiler.
- Best for extreme weather conditions.
- It has water repellent coating.
Specifications:
| Name | Rain X Latitude 2-in-1 | Michelin Optimum XT |
| Material | Synthetic rubber and metal frame | Synthetic Rubber and metal frame |
| Blade Sizes in market (inches) | 16 to 26 | 12 to 28 |
| Blade type | Beam | Beam |
| Application | Vehicle Specific fit | Vehicle Specific fit |
| Spoiler | Aerodynamic | Asymmetric |
| Adapter | J-Hook adapter (9mm and 3/16″) Multi-adapter (9mm and 1/4″) Side lock adapter (22mm and 19mm) Bayonet adapter (7mm) Pinch tab adapter (5mm and 6mm) | Side Pin Adapter (4.8mm and 6.35mm) Bayonet Adapter (7mm) Hook Adapter (9×3 and 9×4) Pinch Tab Adapter (4.8mm and 6.35mm) |
| Coating | Graphite | hydrophobic coating |
Design & Material:
Rain X Latitude:
The Rain-X Latitude 2-in-1 wiper blade is a hybrid beam blade. It has a distinctive design that blends the strength and endurance of a conventional bracket-style blade with the aerodynamic capabilities of a beam blade.
It is designed like a modern beam style wiper and is composed of synthetic rubber with a water-repellent finish.
Its durable synthetic rubber composition improves wiping efficiency by sustaining wear and tear.
The blade’s curved, beam-like frame exerts constant pressure over its whole length for better contact with the windscreen.
Wiping is smoother and quieter as a result of this design’s contribution to noise and streak reduction.
The water-repellent material on its blades, which is transferred from the squeegee to the windscreen, aids in maintaining a crystal-clear windscreen by deflecting rain, snow, and sleet. Moreover, it enables smooth, quiet wiping.
Michelin Optimun XT:
The Michelin Optimum XT wiper blade is a hybrid design, featuring a mixture of a conventional metal frame and a flexible rubber casing.
With a consistent pressure distribution throughout the windscreen due to its design, a clean, streak-free wipe is possible every time.
The Michelin Optimal XT wiper blade is comprised of tough synthetic rubber and is intended to survive for an extended period of time.
The synthetic rubber material helps to maintain a clear windscreen and improves wiping efficiency.
The Michelin Optimal XT wiper blades have a special dual-shield hydrophobic coating that aids in water repulsion and maintains the clarity of the windscreen.
Water is less likely to stick to the blade and leave streaks or smears on the windscreen thanks to the coating, which is applied to both sides of the blade.
Performance:
Water Repellancy:
Rain X Latitude is coated with water repellent, which is shifted to the windscreen when the wiper blades are being used.
Rain-X Latitude 2-in-1 wiper blade also features a traditional metal frame that adds additional sturdiness and strength.
Due to its hybrid construction, the blade can survive even the worst weather and continue to operate well for a longer time.
Its graphite covering gives a non-streaky wipe, repels water, and cleans the windscreen without making a bothersome squeaking sound.
A special dual-shield hydrophobic coating on the Michelin Optimal XT wiper blade repels water and aids in maintaining a clear windscreen.
The coating, which is applied to the blade’s two sides, is made up of a fluoropolymer coating and a hydrophobic coating made of silicone.
Water droplets are separated from the blade by this combination of coatings, which makes it easier for them to bead up and roll off the windscreen.
Both wipers are hybrids, work similarly, and have coatings that make them water-resistant. In this instance, both are on an equal footing.
Wiping effectiveness:
The effectiveness of a wiper blade depends on how much pressure it applies to the windscreen of an automobile. Beam-shaped wiper blades apply pressure consistently along their whole length.
However different wiper blades can apply varying pressures, depending on how they are constructed.
Rain X Latitude thanks to its innovative design elements, such as a distinct synthetic rubber compound, deliver exceptional performance.
Water droplets on the windscreen are successfully repelled by the rubber and removed from the glass surface.
In addition to Rain X Latitude graphite coating, which improves their water adhesion even more.
This coating makes the wipe smoother and more efficient by reducing friction and preventing squeaking.
The Michelin Optimum XT wiper blades include “Smart-Flex” technology, which allows the blades to conform to the shape of your windscreen for improved wiping performance.
The blades also have “WeatherShield” technology, which is a hydrophobic coating designed to repel water and improve visibility in wet weather.
It’s important to note that the WeatherShield coating is not permanent and will wear off with use.
So, both wipers are equally effective in this domain.
Performance in Extreme Weather:
The Rain-X Latitude blade, on the other hand, quickly removes snow and ice from windscreens and helps to increase visibility.
The aerodynamic design of the blade and the graphite-coated rubber wiping element allow for smooth and silent wiping even in harsh weather conditions.
Similarly, Michelin Optimum XT is has asymmetric aerodynamic blade which prevents the wind lift and provides efficient visibility.
Weather-shield technology is applied to the rubber portion of the wiper blade to create a water-repellent surface that reduces streaking and improves overall wiping performance.
During light rain or misty conditions, this coating can help to improve visibility and reduce the need to use your wipers.
Both are exactly equivalent in this context. because both wipers are very effective.
Cost & Warranty:
Both wipers offer warranty period of 1 year. Rain X Latitude 2 in 1 is slightly expensive in comparison.
Conclusion:
Rain X Latitude 2 in 1 and Michelin Optimum XT both perform similar in almost every context so whatever you choose you’ll get similar outcomes. Michelin Optimum XT is a bit inexpensive comparatively.