TRICO Flex vs TRICO Ultra
In short: Owners praise TRICO Flex more often for ease of fitting, while they praise TRICO Ultra more often for how long it lasts.
Where they differ
We never name a winner, so pick by what matters most to you.
- Lasts
- TRICO Flex: 4.7 Weak · 3 of 8 reports lasted six months or more
- TRICO Ultra: 6.5 Good · 4 of 5 reports lasted six months or more
- Fit and install
- TRICO Flex: 7.0 Strong · 16 praise, 3 complaints
- TRICO Ultra: 6.0 Middling · 10 praise, 3 complaints
- Connector
- TRICO Flex: SWIFT® Easy Connection Technology
- TRICO Ultra: SWIFT® Easy Connection
Within half a point: Wipes clean
We earn a commission if you buy on Amazon. The affiliate links never change which lines we list or what we report about them.
Our scores, topic by topic
| Topic | TRICO Flex | TRICO Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | 6.0/10 Middling 63% of 54 owner reports are positive Full verdict | 6.3/10 Middling 67% of 53 owner reports are positive Full verdict |
| Published tests | 6.4 Middling 1 scored test | Too few reports |
| Wipes clean | 6.3 Middling 6 praise, 2 complaints | 6.3 Middling 4 praise, 1 complaint |
| Lasts | 4.7 Weak 3 of 8 reports lasted six months or more | 6.5 Good 4 of 5 reports lasted six months or more |
| Fit and install | 7.0 Strong 16 praise, 3 complaints | 6.0 Middling 10 praise, 3 complaints |
| Owner reports | 54 Reddit 3 · forums 14 · store reviews 37 | 53 Reddit 9 · forums 16 · store reviews 28 |
| Posted | 2016–2026 | 2018–2026 |
No published test we have found rated both blades. TRICO Flex: 2 tests
How we score
We score blades from 1 to 10 overall and on each part using evidence on the page, not impressions. The typical blade in our catalog scores 6 on every part, so scores show how a blade compares with that baseline. Scores of 7 and up are strong, 6.5 to 6.9 are good, 5.5 to 6.4 are middling, and under 5.5 are weak. We do not use store star ratings because they bunch between 4 and 5.
From Reddit, car forums, YouTube, and store reviews, we count praise and complaints on wiping, noise, winter use, fit, and whether blades last six months. Each time a blade's ratio of praise to complaints doubles compared to a typical blade from that same mix of sources, it gains a point and a half, and it loses a point and a half each time it halves. Store reviews must reflect a month of use before counting toward wiping, noise, or winter use, though fit counts right away. Small numbers of reports are pulled toward 6, and topics with differences no greater than chance get counts but no score.
A blade needs at least 15 owner reports or two scored tests to get a score. Published tests count by finish and score, with lab and club tests weighted highest, followed by magazines, and then shops or affiliate sites, while older tests count less. To find the overall score, we weigh tests the most, followed by clean wiping and lifespan, then noise, winter use, and WiperFinder reviews, and finally fit. Parts with more reports carry more weight, and the verdict's first line shows the share of positive owner reports.
For each line, we count Reddit posts, car forum posts, store reviews, and YouTube videos where drivers show their own use of a blade, leaving out sponsored videos and videos made by brands or shops. Store reviews written in exchange for a free product or a discount count half.
Specs side by side
| Spec | TRICO Flex | TRICO Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Beam blade Same | |
| Frame | Memory Curve Steel® beam | Not stated |
| Connector | SWIFT® Easy Connection Technology | SWIFT® Easy Connection |
| Lengths | 13" to 32" | 16" to 28" |
| Tested to | 1,500,000 wipe cycles | Not stated |
| Warranty | 12 months Same | |
What TRICO says about Flex
These are TRICO's own words from its product pages, not our findings.
TRICO Flex® is a step up from the average, conventional blade into a standard beam blade.
What TRICO says about Ultra
These are TRICO's own words from its product pages, not our findings.
TRICO Ultra® are premium beam wiper blades made in the U.S.A. that harness the power of the wind, are built with chamfer-edge end caps to protect against damage from ice scrapers and come with Swift® Easy Connection for quick and easy wiper replacement.
- Winter
built with chamfer-edge end caps to protect against damage from ice scrapers
- Noise
Precise profile design for improved reversibility and less chatter
Where owners weigh them together
We list threads that name both lines with a link, but we do not quote the posts.
- Where do you all buy your Windshield Wipers? r/CX5 · Nov 2024
- Your "Go-To" Wiper Blades? bobistheoilguy.com · Sep 2018
