The question “What is the best UTV windshield?” has no answer, as needs are subjective and no windshield is superior to all others in every circumstance. But when it comes to Arctic Cat Prowler windshields, Arctic Cat Wildcat windshields, and Arctic Cat Wildcat XX windshields, there are indeed winners and losers. So what differentiates a good side-by-side windshield from a bad windshield, and what type of windshields are better for which environments? These are the questions we’re discussing here today, and we’ve got empirical data as well as real-world feedback from actual riders to back it up. So here they are, the things you should consider when shopping for an Arctic Cat Wildcat or Arctic Cat Prowler windshield!

Half Coverage Vs Full Coverage

Some riders like to smell that sweet mountain air while riding, feeling the wind in their hair and soaking up as much of the great outdoors as they can. Other riders are more concerned about utility, using their machines less for pleasure, and more as a means to an end. But whichever camp you fall into, the right windshield for you will depend heavily on the climate where you ride, as well as the seasons during which you ride.

If you log a good bit seat time throughout winter and live in an area with inclement weather, the frigid wind and snow that blows over a half windshield will leave you cursing the day that you decided to buy one. But even on a perfectly still 75-degree day without a cloud in the sky, you might still get annoyed with some brands of half windshields if they stop directly in your line of sight.

This isn’t to say that half windshields for the Arctic Cat Wildcat and Arctic Cat Prowler don’t have a time and place; they do. In mud, for instance, you’ll definitely be better off with a half windshield over a full windshield without wipers. You might be able to see clearly after the first splash or two, but if you really like mud (or if mud is an unavoidable obstacle between you and your destination), your visibility through a full windshield will be heavily obstructed once the muck and mud start to accumulate. And while you could be content wiping it off occasionally with a portable pump sprayer, this is a risky practice for those with plexiglass, lexan, or polycarbonate windshields which are susceptible to scratching.

It’s not all or nothing with full and half windshields though. You can get a ⅝ windshield, a ¼ windshield with vents, or even a split windshield with a removable upper panel. On temperate days, it’s hard to beat a half windshield. But when the rain starts falling or the dust starts flying, it’s nice to have the complete coverage that full-length glass and polycarbonate windshields provide!

Glass Windshields Vs Polycarbonate Windshields

Like full and half windscreens, both glass and polycarbonate windscreens each have their own unique pros and cons. Polycarbonate windshields are inexpensive, lightweight, and extremely impact resistant. They’re used in both the marine and aviation industries, so you know that polycarbonate windshields can withstand high speeds as well as blunt encounters with hard objects. But polycarbonate isn’t the best insulator, and even hard-coated poly windshields will scratch over time if you're not careful when washing them. Instead of rubbing your poly windshield when it’s covered with dirt, dust, and mud, you’ll want to flush all the debris off with ample amounts of water first. And when you do apply poly-safe cleaning solutions – making sure that they are poly-safe, as non-poly cleaning products will make the windshield foggy, hazy, and opaque – use a microfiber cloth and only wipe in the up-and-down direction, never in a circular motion. If you bought a used rig and it came with a scratched-up poly windshield already installed, try hitting it briefly with a propane torch, as this is an effective method for removing light scratches.

Glass windshields are pretty much the direct opposite of polycarbonate windshields. They’re good insulators and great for wintertime riding, and they won’t develop micro-scratches if you don't care for them properly. That being said, though, glass windshields are more expensive than poly windshields, they’re heavier than poly windshields (especially DOT-approved laminated safety glass windshields with thick metal frames), and they’re more likely to chip on the trailer during transit or when riding at fast speeds behind other vehicles on dirt / gravel roads. Although you can always buy another poly windshield to replace the one you scratched -- be it with your wedding ring while wiping away fog, or with the barrel of your rifle when it was mounted vertically on your in-cab gun rack -- but some riders prefer the one-and-done route, choosing to spend the extra money on a glass windshield that’ll last!

Folding Windshields

If you ask most riders, they’ll likely tell you that the best windshield you can get for an Arctic Cat Wildcat or Arctic Cat Prowler is a folding windshield. We mentioned two-piece windshields earlier with removable upper sections, but with these, you’ve gotta go all the way back to camp when things get hot so you can take the top half off and store it. With flipping windshields, however, all you have to do is detach, secure, and you’re good to go!

There are several different kinds of folding windshield for Arctic Cat side-by-sides, but the scratch-resistant flip-up windshield by SuperATV is a fan favorite. Unlike other folding windshields that pop open in steps, the flip-up windshield by SuperATV is built with a full-length upper section to minimize visual interference when in the closed position. You can open it up fully when the weather permits, crack it ajar slightly for a small bit of venting, or lock it down tightly when it starts getting cold or rainy!

Rear Windshields

The purpose of a rear Arctic Cat Prowler / Wildcat windshield is obvious during the winter, but a rear windscreen will also prove useful on those dry and dusty riding days in the summer. Although it won’t do much to block the engine an d driveline noise of your machine (for that, we’d suggest the Speedwerx output shaft, some sound deadening mats, and spray-on sound insulation for the inside of the center console, the firewall behind the seats, and the belt cover), a rear windshield like the ones by Tusk or 3 Star Industries will definitely prevent the back of your head from getting covered in dirt, water, and mud! On the XX, rear windscreens do cut down on noise from the air intakes that are right at head level, and if you run a front windshield in conjunction with your rear windshield, the combination of the two prevent a significant amount of dust from entering the cabin.

Closing Remarks

While full or half helmets with visors are sure to keep bugs out of your face when riding, they can get quite balmy in the summer. And even though it is possible to make DIY windshields from MR-10 Lexan or repurposed automotive glass, this is a difficult feat for even the craftiest of at-home modders. Besides, with quality yet affordable UTV windshields available from places like Everything Arctic Cat Offroad, why would you bother trying to make one yourself unless that is something you truly enjoy doing? If you ask us, we’d prefer to spend that time out riding, on the trail, or at the hunting lease!