The new ICON wiper blades from Bosch have been featured on Discovery Channel. After watching some of the commercials, I wondered how a wiper blade could be different. So I requested a pair to test them out.
Using the ICON
When the first rainstorm came I had a chance to find out how good these blades are. After all, a wiper blade is a wiper blade, right? Not exactly. These blades really are smoother than any others. They don’t leave any streaks on the windshield and they are quiet.
According to the company, the blades do not have metal or plastic brackets, joints or hinges plus they look great. I never paid much attention to how my blades looked, but these are really contemporary looking. I do not think the architecture of wiper blades have changed much over the years, but these definitely have a new look to them.
The blades are designed for a 40% longer life than regular blades. I have not had mine long enough to test out this claim, but I’m hoping they are right. Bosch has been making wiper blades for over 75 years, so they I believe they know what they’re talking about.
The Construction
The ICON blades use what Bosch calls “Quiet-Glide” micro-finish wiping edge, which is apparently why I don’t hear any scraping while they are in use. They also use “DirectConnect” one-step installation. In a couple seconds they are on and ready to go.
Other aspects of this new technology are the Bosch exclusive fx dual rubber compound that makes up the blades, asymmetrical aerodynamic flexible spoilers, and an exclusive pre-installed weather shield connector system. This might not mean anything to most motorists, except that new technology is now making its way to auto parts to improve performance. Now if they can only figure out a way to get 500 miles per gallon!
Discovery Channel’s Stormchasers
As mentioned above, these wiper blades have been featured on Discovery Channel. And Reed Timmer of Discovery’s Stormchasers is documenting his experience with these new blades in webisodes: “Why I Chase”, “The Dominator”, and “In The Lab vs. In The Field”.
Reed Timmer
In the commercial for the blades, Reed Timmer explains, “Storms move fast, so we use the best technology. That includes Bosch ICON wiper blades.” He says they have an aerodynamic design and curve to form to the windshield. Timmer claims they are “the best blades out there.”
When you’re ready for new wiper blades, you might want to consider these new ICON blades.
