UTV windshields come in three materials — polycarbonate, DOT-rated glass, and clear vinyl — and the right choice depends on how you ride. Polycarbonate is nearly unbreakable but scratches unless it's hard-coated; glass is scratch-proof and wiper-friendly but heavier and pricier; vinyl is the budget flexible option that usually comes as part of a soft cab enclosure. This guide sorts out which belongs on your machine.
We stock windshields for Polaris Ranger, Can-Am Defender, Kawasaki Mule, Honda Pioneer, Kubota RTV, and dozens more — including USA-made two-piece windshields from 3 Star Industries and rear windshields from Greene Mountain. Browse everything in our Windshields department, or call 800-596-0785 and we'll match one to your exact year and model.
Polycarbonate vs. glass vs. vinyl: the real differences
| Material | Strengths | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Polycarbonate (Lexan) | 250x more impact-resistant than glass; light; affordable | Scratches easily unless hard-coated; never dry-wipe it |
| DOT glass | Scratch-proof, crystal clear, works with wipers | Heavier, costs more, can crack on hard impact |
| Clear vinyl | Cheapest, flexible, rolls up; standard in soft enclosures | Optical clarity fades; not for high speeds |
Quick rules: trail riders who take branches to the front end want hard-coated polycarbonate. Plow crews and daily-chore machines that use wipers want glass. Anyone buying a full soft enclosure gets vinyl included and can upgrade the front later.
Full, half, or two-piece?
- Full windshield: maximum weather protection. In dusty conditions a sealed full windshield can create a vacuum that pulls dust into the cab — look for vented designs or crack a rear window.
- Half windshield: deflects wind and roost over the hood while keeping airflow. Favorite for summer trail riders.
- Two-piece windshield: the best of both. The top pane opens or removes for airflow, closes for weather. This is 3 Star's specialty and what we recommend for owners who ride year-round.
Two-piece windshields we stock
The 3 Star Polaris Ranger 2-Pc Windshield ($421.19) fits Ranger 500/570/700/800 models and opens for airflow in seconds. Honda owners get the same design in the Pioneer 700 2-Pc ($383.61) — or step up to the scratch-resistant hard-coated version ($488.58), worth every penny if you ride brushy trails. Kawasaki Mule versions cover 3000/3010 ($412.12), Pro FX ($416.01), SX, and 600/610.
Don't forget the rear windshield
A rear window blocks the cold air that swirls into the cab from behind — and it's the cheapest comfort upgrade on this page. The Greene Mountain Full-Size Ranger rear windshield ($147.65) and Kubota RTV-X rear windjammer ($129.46) install in minutes. If you're running a front windshield with no rear panel, you're pulling exhaust dust and cold air straight into the cab.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean a polycarbonate windshield without scratching it?
Flood it with water first to float the grit off, then wash with mild soap and a clean microfiber towel. Never use a dry cloth, paper towels, or ammonia cleaners like standard glass cleaner — they haze the surface.
Can I run a wiper on a polycarbonate windshield?
Only on hard-coated polycarbonate, and even then grit under the blade can scratch. If wipers matter to you — plowing, rain, mud — glass is the right material.
Will a windshield fit my exact model?
Windshields are model-specific — cage shapes differ even between years of the same machine. Every product page lists exact fitment; if you're unsure, call 800-596-0785 with your year, make, and model.
Do windshields ship free?
Most of what we sell ships free to the lower 48 — each product page shows its shipping terms.
Find your fit: shop all windshields by make and model, pair one with a cab enclosure for full winter protection, or call 800-596-0785 — a real person in the USA will make sure you order the right one the first time.