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ZAGG InvisibleShieldScratchproof transparent film for the Garmin Rino 530HCxJune 24/09 Written by Greg  I recently purchased a Garmin Rino 530HCx, and wanted a clear film to protect the screen from scratches. We're constantly getting our gear covered in dust, and I was afraid that I'd scratch the GPS screen when I wiped it with a dirty glove. I actually had left the factory film in place right up until I was ready to install the InvisibleShield. After wiping it a few times with my gloved thumb, it was scratched, peeling, and difficult to see through. But of course, it's not designed to be left in place permanently.On my first ride with the GPS, I was showing somebody the map through the dusty screen, and the FIRST thing they did was wipe the screen with their dirty glove, before I could even say "DON'T TOUCH THE SCREEN!!" Good thing I'd left the factory plastic film in place. When I posted about "what's the best screen saver", Roughcountry posted that the ZAGG InvisibleShield was the best for the money. I checked out their website, and also checked out other sites, and decided that the ZAGG InvisibleShield was indeed the way to go. The Rino 500-series InvisibleShields are priced at US$9.95, plus $4.53 shipping via USPS. Admittedly, it seems a little pricey for a little piece of plastic, but it's cheaper than replacing the Rino screen, and I have seen scratched Rino screens. I ordered one for Reidler at the same time. They were shipped right away according to the confirmation email, and they arrived at my door 9 days later.  The box contains the InvisibleShield, ShieldSpray, and an installation squeegee. The instructions were easy to follow; the only things I'd add are to be extremely careful to not touch the adhesive side of the film, and don't be afraid of using lots of spray. The InvisibleShield is in the exact shape of the Rino 500-series screen, which means the bottom edge is shaped like a bat wing. It's not just a rectangular piece of film. When I installed mine, I lined up the bottom edge, then centered it. The fit is pretty exact, so make sure you get it right so that none of the film is "off" of the screen, meaning make sure all of the adhesive side is adhering to the Rino screen and not touching the case plastic. You have a limited time to "slide" the film into place, more time if you've used more ShieldSpray. Once it's in place, use the squeegee to remove the spray and any bubbles from between the film and the screen, working from the center to the edges.The instructions say to wait overnight before using the unit to allow the ShieldSpray to completely dry and cure, but after squeegeeing it, it seemed to be pretty much set. I won't be riding for a few days anyways, so no problem.  The InvisibleShield is just that, invisible once installed. Their website states that the film "has its origins in the military, where it was used to protect high-speed helicopter blades from dust, dirt and debris." The film is self-healing, and they have a video on their site showing an InvisibleShield protecting an iPhone from getting scratched and scored by a key. It seems to be pretty tough, despite being only 0.2mm thick.The InvisibleShields are made from a patented scratch-proof film, are military-grade, and have a lifetime warranty: if it wears, scratches, or peels off, they will replace it for free, for the life of your device. If you order from ZAGG's website, your product is automatically registered for the warranty. If you purchase from a retailer, you have to visit ZAGG's website to register for the warranty. So far, I like what I see. I'll update this review after my next ride. One other bonus is that I'm not worried about tossing my GPS into a bag with my keys or other items that might have scratched the screen. ZAGG makes InvisibleShields for specific models of GPS's, digital cameras, cell phones, laptops, PDA's, watches, digital multimeters, and other products with display screens. UpdateJuly 13/09: On my last ride, my Rino got covered in dust, and a bit of mud. No problem wiping off the screen with my shirt, and the display (actually, the screen protector) looks as good as new. On the previous ride, I had the Rino loose inside the glove box of a Yamaha Rhino all day (the high-sensitivity receiver tracked just fine), and I noticed a small scuff on the InvisibleShield from the Rino rubbing against something, and attempting to "polish" it with my shirt after breathing on it didn't clear it. However, when I wiped off the screen from the latest ride, the scuff had disappeared. Contact InfoZAGG, Inc. Website: www.zagg.com Phone: 1-800-700-ZAGG (9244) |
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