js1

I was debating the same thing. Bra or no bra. I decided that I would get one or regret it after a few chips. Just installed it today and it looks great! I'm not usually a big bra fan, but the Mazda bra fits perfectly and is very soft on the underside to protect the paint.

Aftermarket brands like LeBra are pretty good too, but the one thing I noticed with LeBra is that the underside of the bra isn't padded as well. My brother has one for his Accord and it's been pretty good for him. It also fits very nicely. He does have a few superficial marks on the bumper corners from the inside of the bra rubbing around. But again, it's the LeBra with less padding underneath. My reason for paying more for the Mazda one. I think he paid 59.99 at Checker. Mine was 95.00 plus s/h from mazdastuff.com. I think the rub marks on his Accord would come out with a wax job. It isn't through the clearcoat or anything. Not really noticealbe. And it still beats having chips.

But back to my bra, I was initially only going to use the section for the hood because that's where most of the chips happen. Mainly because it's metal there and is less flexible to rocks hitting it Vs the plastic bumper. Anyway, after putting on the whole thing I thought it looked much better than expected. I also feel that a darker colored car looks better with a bra because it won't stand out as much. A white car with a black bra is a little obvious. My P5 is blue by the way.

As far as discoloration, my bro has been using his bra on his dark green Accord for over a year and no fading or paint problems at all. He usually takes it off before washing the car. Just make sure the car and bra are dry before putting it back on. The only thing about the Mazda bra is that you have to unscrew four screws under each front wheel well. Then replace it with screws (included) that allow the bra to snap in place. Took me about 10 minutes each side. But after that it will be easy to snap the bra on and off as needed. Sorry for the novel but I was in the same position not to long ago and couldn't really find detailed answers.
Hope that helps.

Mxyzptlk

What is did you pay for it? Im probably going to get on on the next pay check. Just wondering to the prices. 100 bucks is a lot. But I think thats the avg price.

js1

I paid 95.00 plus 6 for shipping and handling. The total was 101.00 (no tax because I live out of state from the Mazda dealer in Texas where I bought it from). It's Mazda South dealership and the website for parts ordering is mazdastuff.com. My local dealer was asking 115.00 plus tax and he had to order it. Another local dealer wanted 136.00 plus tax! No way. Looks like most dealers don't have the bra in stock so it's going to have to be ordered. Might as well save a few bucks if you have to wait anyway. Took about a week to send out to me.

aries

I got the nose mask from the dealer for $115 - BEFORE I saw it on Mazadastuff for less.

It gets better - The morning after I installed the whole set, I walk out to find that my German Shepherd had decided to play tug of war with the bottom section.

It was tattered, torn and full of bite marks. Now I only have the top part - which I decided to keep on to protect the hood. So far I've only had on tiny little chip on the plastic bumper which I've since touched up with the touch-up paint.

Talk about a short-lived investment.

mooney

That's what I want! How's it holding up, do you like it? Professionally installed or di you DIY?

How much if you don't mind me asking and what company? It seems to be all the same 3m stuff, but diff. vendors (StonGard, XPel, Autoband)

Thanks!

Joe_Pro5

Sorry guys, i put the pic of the deflector back up on my server... didn't realize that I deleted it.

Here's the link again to my deflector:
Protege5 Deflector

stocker

I also bought the bug deflector. I never liked the bra's cause the make the paint fade unevenly. The magnetic ones are ok, but the way someone else mentioned taking it off and putting it back on for certain weeks isn't a good idea IMHO. One that leads to scratches and two the worst thing in terms of corrosion that you can do is get a stone chip and then cover it up with something that will hold moisture.

Plus the bug deflector looks the cat's ***.
Stocker

Racer91

I went with the deflector, it should help the situation i hope and i think it loks good as well.

Thank you to everyone for the info :-)

MYFBPEX00

I got my factory bra for $60 US. I don't use it all of the time but wish I had. For daily driving it is the best thing you canb do for your car. I detailed my car a couple of months ago and put the bra on, well when it snowed i took it back off and when I went to detail it again this past weekend and it had tons of tiny chips in the paint. If you drive a lot then get one and just take it off when you are gonna cruise or show your car. I just got a beater car this week so mine will now sit during the week.

mnkyboy

I just bought myself a Magnetic bra from ebay. The owner of http://www.magnetbra.com/ auctions off the same bras on ebay for more sales. You are more than likely to get a cheaper price on ebay then the MSRP that is on http://www.magnetbra.com/ Many people have given good comments about the magna bra, Im hoping my results are the same

http://www.protege5online.com/For_Sa...netic_bra.html

Syzygy

Bra. A bit of creep, but adjustable. Remove at wash time. Remove prior to rain - not often in AZ.