Back in the 60s and 70s, I used nothing but original Bosch and in the
dry & hot San Gabriel Valley, I could get a couple-3 years out of
them.  But times, they (and wiper quality) have changed and most
brands Bosch, Trico, Anco, Tridon, etc., are about the same in quality
and yer lucky to get 9 months from them.  I will second the notion
that the Rain-X Blades are a much better quality and you will pay the
premium price they charge - you get what you pay for.

I generally use Rain-X in the Fall, Winter and Spring and usually
before heading out on the road after a thorough hand-wash of my
vehicle.  No point using it in the hot summer time, yer just wasting
it then.

Interesting side note - The original Bosch style blades on my KIA
Spectra lasted from the time I bought it new in '04 for about 6 years,
which I considered a record.  In one of my servicings at the KIA
dealership I had them replace the blades on this experience, about $10
each, comparable to what they are at a FLAPS or even Target.  I've
never been able to get a year on replacements since.  So much for
factory supplied blades probably cheaply sourced for the parts
department.

One thing that was indispensable when driving Type 2s (and Bugs) with
poor heater systems (no matter how well you sealed them up) and that
was (and still is) Rain-Fog for the inside of the windshield and side
windows.  Thoroughly clean the inside of the windows, then apply wet,
let it air-dry and it's absolutely fantastic on those early moist and
cold mornings without having have a towel to wipe away the fog.  I
always have a bottle of that handy (comes in black, not yellow), even
for my Wasserboxer, more so for my 914.

My nickel's worth :)

--
Jim Thompson
84 GL 1.9 "Gloria"
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
75 914 1.8 "Nancy"
Full Timing From March 1999 To January 2012
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
Find me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jim-Thompson/100000710343835
***********************************

On Mon, Oct 29, 2012 at 12:04 PM, Rocket J Squirrel
<camping.elliott@gmail.com> wrote:
> Are some brands better than others? I put a new set on early this year
> -- don't remember what brand, something mid-priced -- and they are
> useless now, just push the water around with no squeege action. I could
> do better with a butter knife.
>
> The FLAPS seems to have about ten different brands in stock, and before
> I buy another set I'd like to know if anyone knows what brands are
> likely to be better. Something I can find in the US.
>
> --
> Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott
> 1984 Westfalia, auto trans,
> Bend, Ore.