Both window tints are excellent options to have over the glasses of your vehicle, as these films protect you from that blazing sunlight and dangerous rays.
However, Formula One Stratos is more recommended by those installers than 3M Crystalline because of the fact that it doesn’t change its color when reflected with light.
However, 3M is thicker with 7 layers of protection and provides better protection as well as a living environment in a car than Formula One Stratos. 3M is also more durable than Formula one, depending on your selected series.
In addition, the warranties for both tints vary as Formula One provides you with a lifetime transferrable warranty, and the 3M Comes with a limited lifetime warranty ensured by the store dealers who install this tint on your vehicle!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specific Features | Formula One Stratos | 3M Crystalline |
| UV Rejection | Blocking more than 99% of UV Rays | Blocking more than 99% of UV Rays |
| The Action In Bright Sun | It Doesn’t provide any shading | It turns or casts off a purplish rainbow shade |
| Recommendations From the installation store guys | Higher | Standard |
| Pricing | A little expensive tint | Cheaper tint installation |
| Durability and running time | Higher | Excellent |
| Visible light transmission | Up to 69% | Up to 72% |
| Warranty | Lifetime Transferable warranty | Limited lifetime warranty. |
| Total Layers Construction | Up to 6 layers of protection | Up to 7 layers of protection |
Key Differences Between Formula One Stratos And 3M Crystalline
As I said earlier, both tints are from the two most famous brands out there.
That’s the reason people find themselves confused while making a decision between these window tint options. But don’t worry, because I am here to help!
- UV Rejection
As the Earth’s Temperature rises with every passing day, it results in more ultraviolet rays emission towards the living ones on the planet.
Just in case you have to drive through direct sunlight, you may want to consider finding a peaceful and comfortable environment in your vehicle.
A Window Tint is the best option to provide you with that because it protects you from those dangerous UV rays.
So, when we consider UV protection for both window tint options, the 3M and Formula one offer the same 99% level of UV protection.
This factor is almost similar for both window films, and one can rely on either of these if that person is looking for a window tint based on this factor.
Also Read: Differences Between 3M Obsidian And Crystalline Window Tint.
- The Action In Bright Sun
Under Direct Sunlight, usually window tints or films turn their colors.
In our considered options, the same thing happens with the 3M crystalline window tint, as it gives you a purplish rainbow shade.
However, you won’t find such a shade with the Formula One Stratos window tint.
One can find a major difference between these two products designed for vehicle protection!
- Recommendations From the installation store guys
If you’d go to a store selling or providing the installation solution for both window tint solutions, the experts will likely recommend Formula One Stratos over 3M Crystalline.
That also happened to me when I came to my nearby store for the window tint installation above the screens of my car.
It means there are higher recommendations for the Formula One Stratos than 3M Crystalline.
- Pricing
Comparing both window films on the pricing, Formula One Stratos is a little more expensive window tint than 3M.
Therefore, you’ll have to specify your budget accordingly before considering either window tint option!
- Durability and running time
There is nothing wrong in saying that both products have an excellent level of running time and protection against unusual wear and tear.
You won’t get disappointed with either window tint being installed on your vehicle because both will work for a reasonable period of your life.
- Visible Light Transmission
Comparing the base options of window films from both series, we can see that the light transmission with 3M Crystalline is a little lower than the light transmission of Formula One.
It helps you understand which film will help you have more sunlight visibility in your vehicle. In that case, you can help yourself by considering a specific window tint for your next installation!
- Warranty
Both products come with unique warranties.
You can see and enjoy the lifetime transferable warranty with the Formula One Stratos.
And at the same time, the 3M Crystalline provides you with only a limited lifetime warranty.
These warranties are provided by the installer to the original owner of the car.
- Total Layers Construction
Another great difference between these two window tints or films is the layers used in their construction.
The Formula One Stratos comes with up to 6 layers of protection which is slightly higher than the 3M Crystalline.
Here, 3M Comes with 7 layers of construction which shows superior protection and lower light emission into your vehicle’s interior!
Which Window Tint Is Better For Your Vehicle?
The decision with either window tint will always be based on your personal liking and disliking.
In this comparison, we can see that Formula One doesn’t give any shade; if you don’t want the same, you may want to consider it.
But if shading is not a problem and you are looking for a thicker and more durable window tint, 3M crystalline is the best choice you can make. The rest is up to you!
Also Read: Differences Between 3M And ASWF Tint.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Both are great window tints, but 3M is a little thicker and requires more technique and effort in installation than Formula One. But Formula One exceeds 3M in all the remaining qualities.
It’s a great window tint option if you need something for a lifetime over your vehicle to protect it from all rays and wear and tear and ensure excellent privacy.
Crystalline is better than ceramic tint because it is more durable and thicker.
No one is better, but both offer great features in Windows Tint for reasonable prices.
Conclusion
Conclusively, you may want to go for the 3M Crystalline window tint because of its 7 layers construction when comparing the Formula One Stratos and 3M Crystalline.
However, if you have a prior experience with the Formula One Stratos, it won’t be a bad consideration to go with it.
Yet, 3M is better in quality and cheaper in price. However, it might only be a shading effect that may make the installers recommend Formula One than 3M Crystalline window tint!
