Eclipse Sun Shade [photos]

[2FoX2]

I was looking for a decent solution for a sun shade, the dash in my car is mint (not curling around the airbag at all) and I wanted to keep it that way as long as possible.
I don't like having to dig out the folding shade kept in the trunk, nor do I like how awkward it is to stow or how cumbersome it is to put in place so I went searching for an alternative and came across... get this... a company call Eclipse Sun Shades (made for all brands of vehicles, but a fitting name none-the-less). They're a little more expensive than your ordinary shade but in my opinion they're worth it. I installed it this morning in all of 5min, it was a perfect fit, even the lower beveled edge is at the proper angle for our dashboard. I was concerned initially that it would be an obstruction over at the a-pillars but it's hardly noticed at all, the entire setup when retracted only takes up 3/4in and I don't find it obstructing at all especially on the passenger side where it just seems to blend right in to the existing a-pillar.
It's a snap to use, grab the leather tabs in the middle and pull them to meet in the middle, it extends like it's on rails and once touched together the velcro secures it easily. Separating it is a little more tricky as the full length of velcro may hold too well, I've worked out a way to run my finger down the middle and separate it, I'm sure I'll find a more efficient way as time goes on. Once it's separated it recoils back to the a-pillar as if it was spring loaded... very nice. As for functionality, it seems to do the job as good or better than the folding variety, I've only had it in for one day, but it was hot out and my car was parked in direct sun for a couple of hours and it made for a much more manageable temperature inside, not to mention it works great for privacy, with the sun roof shade closed, 5% tint all around, and the new sun shade on the windshield it made it very dark inside.
All in all I would recommend this product, it may be a difficult fit on a car with an a-pillar gauge cluster, but it works like a charm and is discreet at the same time. Here are some photos:

[2FoX2]

After one year of having it installed and using it frequently, one of the recoil cords broke and it wouldn't retract properly. I called the company up and without any hassle they sent me a complete replacement, no questions asked, and no need to return the broken one. Great customer service, and still a great product.