Did a search and saw a few people were recommending HotSpot for tinting, just down the street from my house. Contacted them and asked for a quote for 30% Ceramic. They said that they only have 40% Ceramic ($300) or 30% Hybrid ($170). I've never heard of hybrid tint, as I used ceramic on the STi. I also know I only paid $170 for 35% Ceramic before, double that seems a little absurd. I'd prefer to just do it right, so I may be looking into other locations...I know SoK uses NJ Tint.
K&L Window Tinting in Norcross uses either 35% Hybrid (part-metal) or 35% ceramic and does it for $160 (for a WRX sedan)
it's for an Acura TL, so it's a little larger, but not by much. Is there a downside to hybrid tint? I've been reading about it on the internet and doing some research, but I haven't really seen any personal responses other than the day somebody had it done and how great it looks...anybody know long term longevity?
If they give you a lifetime warranty on the hybrid tint I would go for it. Especially if they are using Llumar. I know Llumar will pay any Llumar dealer to re-tint whatever windows go bad if using a lifetime warranty film of theirs.
what about effects on nav / xm / am? I know my antenna is external, but they say metal based tints also effect sensors on the car's exterior, like tire pressure sensors and what not
Ceramic is a bit thicker so it blocks a few times more heat than hybrid. It's also a bit more durable. K&L used metalized 20% 3M film a few years ago on my Impreza which IMO is high quality and has not faded yet. They don't carry it any longer because it was too expensive. So if you are gonna keep the car for a while...look into metalized.
There is a chance metalized tint may effect AM signals. Integroid made a solid point on warranty too...