Window Tinting
LLumar AIR 80 vs IRX: Windshield Tint Comparison [2026]
Blackout Team· Window Tinting Experts
·6 min read
Summary / Direct Answer
LLumar AIR 80: $150-250, 80% VLT, best clarity, moderate heat rejection. LLumar IRX 70: $180-300, 70% VLT, 93% IR rejection, darker look. AIR 80 for maximum clarity, IRX 70 for maximum heat rejection while staying legal.
AIR 80 ($150-250) vs IRX 70% ($180-300) for windshields: Both legal in CA. AIR 80 has better clarity, IRX has better heat rejection. See our pick.
LLumar AIR 80 vs IRX: Quick Comparison
| Feature | LLumar AIR 80 | LLumar IRX 70% |
|---|---|---|
| VLT | 80% | 70% |
| California Legal | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (front side) |
| IR Rejection | ~85% | 93% |
| Clarity | Excellent | Very Good |
| Price (Windshield) | $150–$250 | $180–$300 |
| Best For | Maximum clarity | Maximum heat rejection |
Understanding the Options
When tinting your windshield or front windows in California, you need films that meet the 70%+ VLT legal requirement. LLumar offers two excellent options:
LLumar AIR 80
The LLumar AIR Series is designed specifically for windshields and situations where maximum clarity is essential.
Key features:
- 80% visible light transmission (brighter than minimum legal requirement)
- Nano-ceramic technology for heat rejection
- Nearly invisible appearance
- Optimized for nighttime driving visibility
LLumar IRX 70%
The LLumar IRX 70% is the lightest shade in the premium IRX lineup.
Key features:
- 70% visible light transmission (meets CA legal minimum)
- Advanced infrared-targeting nano-ceramics
- Superior IR rejection (93%)
- Slightly visible tint appearance
Technical Specifications
{/* VERIFIED: Specs from LLumar official technical data sheets, January 2026 */}
| Specification | LLumar AIR 80 | LLumar IRX 70% |
|---|---|---|
| Visible Light Transmission | 80% | 70% |
| Infrared Rejection | ~85% | 93% |
| Total Solar Energy Rejected | ~45% | 52% |
| UV Rejection | 99%+ | 99%+ |
| Glare Reduction | 18% | 28% |
What the Numbers Mean
VLT (Visible Light Transmission):
- AIR 80 lets in 80% of visible light—nearly undetectable on the glass
- IRX 70 lets in 70%—slight visible tint, especially from outside
IR Rejection:
- Both block significant infrared (heat) radiation
- IRX's 8% advantage translates to noticeably cooler cabin temps
TSER:
- AIR 80 rejects 45% of total solar energy
- IRX 70 rejects 52% of total solar energy
Windshield Tinting: Legal Considerations
California Law
California Vehicle Code Section 26708 allows:
- Windshield: Tint only on top 4-5 inches (AS-1 line)
- Front side windows: 70%+ VLT required
Both AIR 80 and IRX 70 meet front side window requirements. For windshields:
- Full windshield tint with either film may attract enforcement attention
- Visor strip (top 5 inches) is the safest approach
- Some drivers accept the risk for full coverage
ADAS and Sensor Considerations
Modern vehicles often have sensors in the windshield:
- Forward collision cameras
- Rain sensors
- Heads-up display projectors
- Auto-dimming mirrors
Both films are sensor-compatible, but installation must work around sensor zones.
Price Comparison
Windshield Only
| Application | LLumar AIR 80 | LLumar IRX 70% |
|---|---|---|
| Visor strip only | $75–$125 | $100–$150 |
| Full windshield | $150–$250 | $180–$300 |
Full Front Package (Windshield + Front Doors)
| Vehicle Type | AIR 80 Package | IRX 70 Package |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | $280–$400 | $350–$500 |
| SUV | $350–$500 | $450–$600 |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose LLumar AIR 80 If:
✅ Clarity is your #1 priority
- You want virtually invisible tint
- Night driving is a concern
- You prefer the "no-tint" look
✅ You have ADAS sensors
- Higher VLT reduces any potential interference
- Clearer for cameras to function
✅ You want conservative appearance
- Less likely to attract attention
- Clear appearance from inside and out
Choose LLumar IRX 70% If:
✅ Maximum heat rejection matters
- Hot commutes, long drives in sun
- Bay Area inland valleys (Gilroy, Morgan Hill)
✅ You want some visible tint
- Slight privacy improvement
- Matching aesthetic with darker side windows
✅ You're sensitive to heat
- IRX's superior IR blocking makes a difference
- Reduced AC load
Real-World Performance
Heat Rejection Test
On a 95°F day, both films significantly reduce heat coming through the windshield:
| Film | Surface Temp Reduction | Cabin Temp Impact |
|---|---|---|
| AIR 80 | ~15-20°F cooler glass | Good cooling |
| IRX 70 | ~20-25°F cooler glass | Better cooling |
The 5°F difference is perceptible, especially with a hand on the dashboard or direct sun exposure.
Visibility Comparison
| Condition | AIR 80 | IRX 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Daylight | Nearly invisible | Slight tint visible |
| Night driving | Excellent | Very good |
| Into sun/glare | Good reduction | Better reduction |
| From outside | Unnoticeable | Slightly visible |
Can You Combine Films?
Yes—a popular combination:
| Window | Film Choice | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | AIR 80 | Maximum clarity where it matters most |
| Front doors | IRX 70% | Legal tint with better heat rejection |
| Rear windows | IRX 15-35% | Privacy + maximum heat blocking |
This approach gives you the best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LLumar AIR 80 legal in California?
Yes. AIR 80 has 80% VLT, which exceeds California's 70% minimum requirement for front side windows. For windshields, California only allows tint on the top 4-5 inches (visor strip) by default.
Which has better heat rejection, AIR 80 or IRX 70?
IRX 70 has better heat rejection (93% IR vs ~85% IR). The IRX series uses advanced infrared-targeting technology that blocks more heat than the AIR series at the same VLT level.
Can I see AIR 80 on the windshield?
AIR 80 is nearly invisible. With 80% VLT, most people cannot tell the windshield is tinted. It provides heat rejection without visible appearance change.
Is IRX 70 noticeable on front windows?
IRX 70 has a slight visible tint—you can tell it's there, especially from outside. It's subtle but not invisible like AIR 80.
How much does windshield tint cost?
Visor strips run $75-$150 depending on film. Full windshield tinting ranges from $150-$300. Pricing varies by vehicle size and complexity.
Will windshield tint interfere with my Tesla cameras?
Properly installed AIR 80 or IRX 70 should not interfere with Tesla Autopilot cameras. Professional installers cut patterns that work around sensor zones. Higher VLT (like AIR 80) provides the most margin for camera performance.
Can I combine AIR 80 on windshield with IRX on side windows?
Absolutely. This is a popular combination—AIR 80 for windshield clarity and IRX 70 on front doors for legal heat rejection. The two films work independently.
Get Windshield Tint in Gilroy
We install both AIR 80 and IRX on windshields—15 min from Morgan Hill, 35 min from San Jose.
| Service | LLumar AIR 80 | LLumar IRX 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Visor Strip | $75–$125 | $100–$150 |
| Full Windshield | $150–$250 | $180–$300 |
Learn more: Automotive Window Tinting Services
Get a Free Quote → or call 408-848-8468
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Sources & Manufacturer References
{/* VERIFIED: All specs from LLumar official technical data sheets, January 2026 */}
Official Product Information:
- LLumar AIR Series — Official specifications
- LLumar IRX Series — Official specifications
- California Vehicle Code 26708 — Windshield tinting law
Last Verified: January 24, 2026
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