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10" freedom vs windvest for 2015

14K views 31 replies 21 participants last post by  danfor 
#1 ·
Hi guys, so i cant decide which to go with? Looking for input on then from anyone who has one on a 15 glide. Also if you could post pics of it on your bike that would be great. Also in general which one has a bigger lip? Thanks for any input guys!
 
#10 ·
Any comparison between the windvest and freedom shield? also interested. They basically look the same... are they the same? sounds like windvest has been around longer. Freedom comes with new well nuts and trim... not sure how much that matters. I don't use the window trim now and want to be able to switch between shields so unsure if the "improved" wellnuts are universal. Is there any difference in function? Any difference in look? Freedom is supposedly thicker. I would love any feedback from anyone who has seen them in person or used both. J&P is having an open house in Iowa this saturday where I can pick up a windvest. Otherwise I have to order a Freedom. Would love some input from those who have used.
 
#14 ·
I have been riding 3 years now with my WV on my O9.

My wife just upgraded her SG to a 15 RGS. So that I can ride it once in a while I bought a Freedom Shield (12") Since the are similar in form the work the same but the FS is thicker, better clarity, better polished edges and its curve to the top is more elegant and in my opinion better looking. I am so blown away with it I'll be replacing my WV soon.
 
#15 ·
I'm wondering how being thicker is an advantage? And how do you know it has better clarity? I'm looking to upgrade/replace as well, but I don't know how being 30+% thicker is necessarily an advantage. Nor do I know how it has been determined that FS has "better clarity" than WV? Was there some study?

The rest "elegant design and better polished edges and better looking" is judgement stuff; I get that. But I'm not so sure that I want a thicker windshield if there is no advantage to it (and if the clarity is really no different). WindVest has been making pretty good windshields for a long time. Just sayin'...
 
#16 ·
I have both shields sitting side by side in my garage right now. The WV is on my O9 the FS on my 15. The overall appearance of the FS is more polished. If you did not have them next to each other than the WV looks great...next to the FS it is still very nice but the FS has a better finish. The FS is absolutely distortion free should you look through it. I don't usually look through the shield, but next to the WV it appears clearer with a better image. Again if you did not have them next to each other the WV is fine. The profile (form/looks) are close but the FS starts to curve up further down the shield giving it a slightly better more elegant look. The Windvest has a straight appearance until the top and then it flips up. The WV looks fine but next to the FS not as elegant.

Bottom line the WV is GREAT!! I have ridden with it for 3 years after buying 4 other shields. I just happen to find the FS an improvement overall. As far as thickness I doubt it helps the function, and since I never saw my WV crack, bend, deform in any way maybe the extra thickness will never be needed, but it looks/feels more substantial which I like. If someone has a WV keep it and know you have one of the best shields on the market. If you don't have one yet and can't decide between the two I hope this review helps.
 
#23 · (Edited)
Here are a couple shots of my RGS with a 12" Freedom Shield including a straight-on shot (along with the one on my signature). I'm extremely happy with it. Quiet, cuts back a lot on the wind noise, I can hear the music at 80 mph. Great finish and clarity and no distortion. Also, customer service at Freedom Shields is top notch. You can ask them anything before you buy, including what size is recommended for your height and inseam. And if you need a different size, they can ship you a new one, as long as you haven't removed the protective plastic film during your test ride.
 

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#24 ·
The 11" and 12" FS shields look really great on the bike (based on the photos I've seen here and elsewhere).

I think once you go larger than 12" the symmetry starts to change on the 2015.

I was leaning towards an 11" because I figured it would have to be better than the stock windshield, but John @ FS recommended a 12" at minimum or possibly a 13".

I may stick with the 11" and accept whatever improvements it brings without sacrificing too much of the "cool" factor of the stock windshield.

I'm 6'1" with a 34" inseam but I do ride a little back and slouched. The wind from the stock shield hits me about midway up my forehead. The wind is bearable, but the performance in the rain sucks.
 
#27 ·
Yeah thanks for the photos, I like the side look, but not so sure about the head on shot, I kind of like the kW look but not sure if it's worth the extra money. Hey q hog, how's the 10 working for you, you have a head on angle? Thanks for the reply guys.
 
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