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Valeo Ultimate 18OE vs Bosch ICON

Product Comparison: Valeo Ultimate 18OE vs Bosch ICON

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Valeo Ultimate 18OE Beam Original Wiper Blade

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Bosch ICON Beam Winter/Summer Wiper Blade

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General Specifications

Brand

Valeo

Bosch

Model

Ultimate (18OE)

ICON

About the Product

Valeo wiper blades provide optimum visibility in all types of driving conditions. The Ultimate Wiper Blade series is manufactured exclusively by Valeo and delivers the superior quality, innovation, and performance that drivers rely on to keep everybody in the vehicle safe.

The best solution for the winter season is the ICON beam wiper blade. By design, beam blades are not affected by snow and ice buildup. The bracketless design and tension springs help keep the blade flexible and provide superior wiping performance in all weather conditions.

Origin

Germany

Key Specs

Wiper Length

18 in.

26 in.

Connector Type

Pinch tab, Push button, Side lock

Hook (9x3mm), Hook (9x4mm), Top lock (19mm), Side lock (22mm), Pinch tab, Valeo top lock

Blade Material

Rubber

ClearMax 365

Wiper Length

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Valeo Ultimate 18OE Beam Original Wiper Blade

These are hands down my favorite wiper blades. I have them installed on 2 vehicles. They are very quiet and stay firmly planted on the windshield, even at high speeds due to the quality of the spoiler design on the blade.
I have been using this style of Valeo wiper blades on two different SUVs that I have owned. I have nothing but praise for these wiper blades.
I've been using these blades for many years and I've been very happy with them. I just bought a new car and the brand new OEM blade wasn't providing a clean wipe.
Regardless, these are the best non-branded OEM blades I've had. I think they outperform the Bosch (which I also think were very good).
There's a plastic molded connector to attach it to your wiper arm, but then the rest of it is curved and flexible. It "hugs" your window, and flexes to get positive contact to every part of the windshield.

Bosch ICON Beam Winter/Summer Wiper Blade

I bought the wrong version of this wiper the first time since Amazon says it fit my car, but it was only the length that Amazon was checking.
The fact that Bosch offers not just a variety of lengths down the inch, but also two different spring forces, is another indicator of the fact that these are not your average wiper blades.
The connectors to the wiper arms is very secure and doesn't feel as flimsy as rain-x which is why I had to replace them in the first place (the connector broke and sent my wiper flying off the car!)10/10 will buy again.
I have used Bosch on my Acura TL and C6 Vette with good results so I am not sure if I simply got a bad blade or the length along with the MDX arm design was the issue.
Also, when comparing the length of original to these replacements, they are too long by at least 1.5 to 2 inches.

Size & Weight

Height

0.8 in.

1.2 in.

Width

20 in.

28.7 in.

Depth

2.6 in.

Weight

0.26 lbs.

0.4 lbs.

Features

Construction Type

Frameless

Frame Material

Metal

Steel

Season

Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn

Winter Blade

Yes

Pack of

Extras

Tec3 advanced rubber technology with protective coating offers longer lasting, extreme weather durability, Pre-Installed Hook Adapter: Quick and easy installation, Integrated spoiler design controls wind force for maximum high-speed wiping performance, Exclusive wear indicator changes from black to yellow over time to remind you when to replace worn blades

Up to 40% longer life than other premium blades, Patented beam design with an exclusive rubber technology, Weather-shield double locking connector for easy wiper blade installation, Customized precision fit and performance, Exclusive asymmetrical flexible spoiler design

What customers say about "Features"

Valeo Ultimate 18OE Beam Original Wiper Blade

These also perform very well in the snow and ice, they don't get frozen up and stiff like frame wipers.
It's "frameless", meaning that the metal frame most wipers have don't exist on these. There's a plastic molded connector to attach it to your wiper arm, but then the rest of it is curved and flexible.
Does a much better job with clearing the windshield than framed wipers. I own a Honda CRV and they have always had complaints about the wipers not clearing. I would never go back to frame wipers.
Very good frame less design and about average effort to install.
Blade had bent causing part of the blade not contacting the windshield. When trying to remove from frame plastic piece busted off.

Bosch ICON Beam Winter/Summer Wiper Blade

After doing some research on wiper blades, it was determined the beam type function better and really look much better than the "traditional" frame type wipers.
The spring of the frame-less blade is a little bit too heavy, causing it to hang up over the glass in the middle if the spring in your wiper arm is more than a couple of years old.
I've tried several brands and types of these single piece wiper blades. Too many of them chatter or lift up in wind, but these are the best. They work better than the best metal frame blades I've used and last through the year.
These haven't had to deal with any winter weather yet, but have performed great in wet weather and summer bug season.
After being disappointed by many other brands, these are holding up and are streak free even after a very wet tropical season here in S Florida.

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

2 year(s)

1 year(s)

Certifications

EAC

Other Information

Manufacturer

Link

Manual

Download