Factory Honda hood deflector vs. aftermarket

[Steve Smith]

I recently ordered the Honda factory hood deflector for my Ridge. I get 20% off with my shop discount. However, the parts guy said my cost is still over $120! . I saw another local(ish) Honda dealer offering the exact same one for under $100 with tax. I'm sure an aftermarket unit ( perhaps "Auto Vent Shade") would run about $50-$55. I trusted that company to provide me with window shades for the Ridge, which I'm pleased with. Anyone have an after market hood mounted wind deflector? If so, how's the quality?

I'd feel bad telling my dealership I don't want the deflector now.They did have to order it special for me

[PDXBlueRidge]

I got my factory shield from http://www.handa-accessories.com/ridgeline.html for $99, and they usually ship same day. I haven't seen any 3rd party one for the RL yet, but I'm pretty happy with the factory model.

[e_piph_a_ny]

prices from the etailers for Hood Air Deflector

Retail Honda price is 125.00
H&A - 99.60
Anything Honda - 105.41
CheapHondaparts - 99.00

I think you should do more research before buying from a brick and motar store. Save $$ in the long run.

[e_piph_a_ny]

Originally Posted by PDXBlueRidge

I got my factory shield from http://www.handa-accessories.com/ridgeline.html for $99, and they usually ship same day. I haven't seen any 3rd party one for the RL yet, but I'm pretty happy with the factory model.

PDX,

I checked the installation guide at H&A, didn't realized it calls for an adhesive-backed rubber stopper to be placed on the hood itself.

Aren't you concerned about the long-term effects on the paint?

[roadstar01]

Steve,

Where are you located ouside of Philadelphia. I live in Blackwood, NJ. Anyway I have looked at the Honda equipment and think it looks cheesy. No offense. There is a piece of rubber that goes in the center of the hood right on the paint. You cannot see it through the deflector. There is a shop in NJ that can get a Lund clear sheild that can be painted on the inside the same color as the truck. Sheild is about $60.00 and paint is also about the same. He is having a hard time getting one from his supplier but I have found a couple of internet sites that have them. Let me know if you need the sites and I will get them to you.

[norman]

Has anybody tried these invisible paint protector bras that are made specifically for each vehicle? There's one on sale on ebay. I was curious, because it might protect the hood as well as a bug deflector

[NJ-RTL]

I installed the Honda deflector about 10,000 miles ago and have been very happy. It has been through many car washes and is very sturdy. I think its strength partially comes from the peices on the hood. No matter what you choose you cannot go wrong with the OEM deflector.

[Duncan]

I too installed the factory air deflector on my Ridgeline. It is very sturdy and looks very attractive. I really like the screws on the outside that give it a very rugged look. The factory one also has a sturdy rubber gasket on the bottom to help keep the air from coming underneath the deflector. I think any of them will serve their purpose, I just liked the look of the factory one better, different than anything else I had seen.

[meanmachine19]

Originally Posted by Duncan

I too installed the factory air deflector on my Ridgeline. It is very sturdy and looks very attractive. I really like the screws on the outside that give it a very rugged look. The factory one also has a sturdy rubber gasket on the bottom to help keep the air from coming underneath the deflector. I think any of them will serve their purpose, I just liked the look of the factory one better, different than anything else I had seen.

I agree with my fellow Arizonan....it has stood up well in the heat, car washes, dirt roads, etc. I think it looks great and makes it stand out, as well as protects the front hood from nuisance bug and rock damage! And, it was easy to install, especially for someone like myself that is mechanically declined!

If you get another one, post some pics! I'm curious to see what you find and use!!

[kcss88]

Be careful with aftermarket deflectors. My dealer sold one to me when I bought the car...about 1/3 of the cost of the honda deflector. The wind noise that the aftermarket deflector created was unbelievable....next day I had them put a honda deflector on.....no noise and much sturdier. I can't remember the name of the aftrmarket shield...wasn't a common one like ventshade....a name I never heard before and I'm familiar with most aftermarket stuff. Just a note to be careful and make sure you can return any deflector you're not happy with. It seems you generally get what you pay for.