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Windshields

Side by Side Source carries comprehensive windshield selections from full windshields providing maximum weather protection to vented designs balancing protection with airflow, folding or tip-out styles offering versatility, and rear windshields preventing dust and debris from entering the cab from behind. Whether you need full weather protection for work use or winter riding, vented windshields balancing protection with airflow for warm weather, folding designs providing multiple configurations from fully closed to fully open, glass windshields offering optical clarity and DOT compliance for street legal conversions, or rear windshields completing cab enclosure systems, we've got windshield solutions from manufacturers who understand that windshields are critical safety equipment affecting visibility, comfort, and protection.
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Buyer's Guide for UTV Windshields: Helping You Shop!

UTV Material Selection: Polycarbonate vs. Glass

Polycarbonate windshields are definitely the go-to material in the UTV world, and it’s no mystery as to why this is the case. They’re extremely resistant to impacts, even from big ole rocks and branches, while still being lighter than glass. A hard-coated polycarbonate windshield will also resist scratches like no other.

Glass UTV windshields still have plenty of applications in side-by-side use, especially by those who prefer to have the best visual clarity possible. It simply doesn’t get better than glass when it comes to keeping a crystal clear view of the world in front of you. The trade-offs here are, as mentioned, being heavier than polycarbonate as well as being less resistant to impacts. 

Know Your Side-by-Side Windshield Styles: Full, Vented, Folding, and Half

Full windshields (i.e., fixed in place with no vents) are what you need if you’re keeping both debris and severe weather out. When you prioritize protection over airflow, there’s no question that full is what you want. The main drawback with a full UTV windshield is felt in the summer time, because those things will trap heat, and quickly.

Speaking of heat, if you go with a vented UTV windshield, you can still get solid protection while allowing for airflow when you want it. Lower vents direct air into the cab, upper vents exhaust hot air, dual vent systems (upper and lower) provide best airflow control.

Folding or flip windshields (hinged designs allowing windshields to fold down or flip open entirely) provide maximum versatility. They give full protection when closed, open-air experience when folded. Two-piece designs (separate upper and lower sections) allow removing or folding the upper while maintaining lower protection. 

UTV Windshield Thickness, Optical Quality, and Visibility

Material thickness affects both strength and optical quality. Polycarbonate commonly ranges from 1/4" (0.250") to 3/16" (0.188") for UTV applications. Thicker is stronger and more impact-resistant but heavier and more expensive. 

When it comes to getting the clearest optical quality possible, manufacturing quality is the name of the game. A high-quality side-by-side windshield is carefully engineered to keep a uniform thickness. Even the slightest bit of variation in the thickness can cause (potentially dangerous) distortion. 

3 Top Selling Windshield Brands

  1. Fortress manufactures tip-out windshield designs providing versatile protection with quality construction.
  2. 3 Star Industries produces comprehensive windshield solutions including vented designs with hard-coat options.
  3. Extreme Metal Products offers glass windshield options providing premium optical clarity.

5 Top Selling Windshield Products

  1. Versatile protection for Kawasaki Mule Pro comes with this Fortress Tip-Out Windshield by Ranch Armor, featuring adjustable airflow capability.
  2. Kawasaki Mule Pro-FX/FXT owners get quality tip-out design with this Tip-Out Windshield by Fortress, providing weather protection with ventilation options.
  3. John Deere Gator XUV 835/865 coverage comes with this 2-Piece Lexan Windshield with Vent and Hard-Coat Options by 3 Star Industries, featuring modular design and protection options.
  4. Rear cab sealing for Kawasaki Teryx arrives with this Rear Windjammer by Greene Mountain, preventing dust and debris from entering from behind.
  5. This  Glass Windshield by Extreme Metal Products brings crystal clear visibility in a laminated glass build.

Side-by-Side Windshield FAQs

Does polycarb scratch with cleaning?

It certainly can if you don’t wet down your surface first. Also, make sure to use microfiber to avoid scratches.

Are side-by-side windshields a must for trail people?

Basically; they’re highly advised for trail. 

Can I just use auto-grade cleaner?

Never do this on polycarbonate; use plain water with mild soap (or polycarbonate cleaners). You can use auto-grade cleaners on glass, however.