Just to provide some input to this thread, I've had the Valeos on my G since I received my snow tires in November. I got them from Tirerack, at about $30USD each, I believe. They came with some windshield stuff, similar to rainX, but in some sort of applicator, which I applied to my windshield as instructed.

I mention all this because over the last two weeks, I was in Florida. i took the G with me and the first night of driving, I spent most of it, driving in the rain. The Valeos started to make a really annoying shudder/chatter noise/action. Only the driver side displayed this and it was driving me insane. The only way I could 'fix' it was to use the washer fluid (it was raining steady, and I would call it a medium rain) every couple of minutes. In watching the wiper action, the portion closest to the base of the wiper arm seemed to be 'sticking' as it was wiping and would actually 'skip' along the windshield.

Another anoying thing that I noticed with the Valeos was that there was a section of the windshield that wouldn't get cleaned properly. This was extremely annoying as the section was directly in my field of vision, right where the passenger side wiper came over to, in front of my eyes. It seemed as though the glass was 'concave' and when the driver side went over it, there seemed to be an oval spot that wasn't wiped of about 5x3 inches. I don't recall this happening right away upon installation, but it did appear shortly afterwards.

When I was in St. Augustine, Fla, I stopped in at the Advanced Autoparts store and picked up a pair of the Bosch Icons. They cost me about $20USD, each. I also bought some strong glass cleaner, thinking that the chattering was caused by the 'rainX' film on my windshield. Once installing the wipers, I was able to confirm that the chattering was completely gone. No need for the glass cleaner.

Other than this chattering and the 'missed spot' that the Valeos began to exhibit, the performance of the Bosch and Valeo is identical - perfect clearing of the windshield at 130-140km/h, even when clearing the dry salt with the washer fluid. The design of the two wipers is quite different - see pics. I've seen Valeos on VW's/BMWs/MBs/etc and they too look different from the ones that I have - more like the Bosch (completely rubber covered). Also, as seen in the pics, the area that mounts on the wiper arms is actually quite a bit larger on the Valeos than on the Bosch - not sure how much of a difference this makes as both wipers seem to be very well made, just thought I'd mention it for Gordgee as he made note of his preference of the Valeo design over the Bosch. Other noticeables:

- Bosch completely covered with rubber; Valeo 'spine' is exposed metal;
- Bosch has a larger 'spoiler' on the wiper;
- Bosch has more 'bend'

If anyone is interested in my used Valeos (they may work perfectly fine for you as I'm not convinced the problem I had isn't 'rainX' related), PM me and I'll give them to you if you want to pick them up. I'm located in Kitchener and the blades are off a 2005 sedan (not sure if there is any difference among year/body style).

Here are the pics: (Bosch is on top in pics when pictured together)

 

Thanks for the feedback and the comparison pictures!

 

Great info and feedback Akrus.

 

+1 great feedback....
I think I'll try to locate some Icons while I'm here in Cali.

 

I'm getting a pair through Rick at Aerocarparts as soon as his stock comes in. CDN$36 for the pair + shipping.
I'll give my review once I've had them on for a while... through a few westcoast rain storms.

 

Good idea. Won't be too hard to stuff into the suitcase.

 

autozone has icons, and a $15 rebate on a pair of them

 

Ian, Sounds like AutoZone has Icons right now with a $15 rebate. Don't think we can benefit from that, but you could. G/L

TNX abcdang for the tip.

C.

 

hmm, my parents are heading down to the states in the coming weeks as well, maybe i should get them to pick some up for me...

 

why doesn't he just pick up a big box and bring them back. i'm sure someone here will help him out when he's stuck at the custom's detention office

 

1. Gordgee
2. Whatacar
3. RBull
4. Endless G
5. Msedanman
6. BurntRenolds
7. God|Zilla168
8. wood_man
9. inTgr8r
10. cmx1o1
11. SupraTTurbo
12. 2SAVVY
13. oggie
14.giddyup69
15.lg777
16.noodleman (350z - 1 20" and 2 18")
17. PDT
18. jasonintoronto (350z - 1 20" and 2 18" and rear blade)
19. brooch
20. ljg35

 

1. Gordgee
2. Whatacar
3. RBull
4. Endless G
5. Msedanman
6. BurntRenolds
7. God|Zilla168
8. wood_man
9. inTgr8r
10. cmx1o1
11. SupraTTurbo
12. 2SAVVY
13. oggie
14.giddyup69
15.lg777
16. PDT
17. jasonintoronto (350z - 1 20" and 2 18" and rear blade)
18. brooch
19. ljg35

Pulled myself out, I'm just gonna get the Bosch blade via my parents, just makes my life a little easier

 

Just bought the Bosch Icons (thanks matt for the sizes)

Had a pretty crazy rainstorm this morning, and these worked like a champ, no noise/chatter. No special steps needed to "prep" the windshield. The bend seems to match the windshield perfectly...so far so good.

Oh, and autozone has a $15 gift card mail in rebate right now for them:
http://www.autozone.com/in_our_store...tore_deals.htm

 

Tried getting icons from Autozone (& other places) here in Cali...no luck.

LOL....Finally realized that rain is not an issue here in Socal.
It's drier here than a popcorn fart

 

LOL Ian, no such problem here.