There are a lot of options when it comes to protective films for the iPad. Wrapsol, Clear Coat, Invisible Shield, Body Guardz, Ghost Armor and more. How do you, the consumer, differentiate between one or the other? What makes one better? What it comes down to is two characteristics. First being ease of installation. With this type of skin you only get one shot at installing it correctly. Mess it up and you’ve wasted money. And second, clarity. How noticeable is the skin on your device once it’s been properly installed?

Wrapsol claims to be the “world’s strongest, cleanest and greenest scratch proof protection system for the iPad.” Their film set is meant to “provide scratch-proof protection from keys, sand, concrete mishaps and other daily wear and tear without adding bulk or changing the look of your device.”

The company was kind enough to send along two Apple iPad kits. One of which I’ll be reviewing here and the other giving away to one lucky reader. So check out the review below and read on through to the end to find out how to enter a chance to win a Wrapsol kit of your own.

The iPad kit comes along with one reusable, lint free microfiber towel, a mister bottle of application solution, a non-marking flexible squeegee and the film set.

One thing I noticed right away is the lack of any side pieces with the kit. After receiving feedback from their customers Wrapsol decided not to include them with their kits (they were at one time.) The company feels that many users like to use their iPad’s in conjunction with a case and that the side pieces, which are not easy to install, aren’t necessary. Although I tend to agree I think I’d still prefer the option of having side pieces.  I don’t often use my iPad with a case (even when I have a kit like the Wrapsol on) but if I did I’d want every inch of the device protected, this includes the sides.

The kit includes both instructions as well as a diagram explaining which piece goes where.  The horseshoe cutout for the home button looked strange to me at first but once I installed it I couldn’t even tell it wasn’t completely enclosed.

I’m admittedly the world’s worst “wet” skin installer. I’ve tried all the brands and always seem to mess them up somehow. Before I continue with the review I’ll say this, I installed the Wrapsol better than any of the other brands I’ve tried. I got it on looking 99% perfect. And if that’s not a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is. A full body kit can have all the bells and whistles, sides pieces, cutouts etc. but if it’s hard to install and ends up looking like crap what good is it? By keeping it simple Wrapsol has created a product which is easy to apply and ends up looking good when it’s applied, that’s what really counts.

The installation process is similar to any wet install product. You use the mister to first spray your fingertips. This prevents the skin from sticking to your hands and then continue to spray the underside of the film as you peel it from the backing. I chose to install the back piece first.

Here’s one of the things that makes the Wrapsol skin different from its competition. The back portion of the skin has a matte finish. The unique matte back not only enhances grip but also eliminates fingerprints. Not only that, it looks really cool too!

The first, and perhaps most important step in the installation process is to completely power off your iPad. Many people I’ve talked to seem nervous or scared at the thought of allowing liquid, even the small amount used in this type of install, near their devices. If you follow the directions you have nothing to fear. I have never, not once, heard of someone damaging their device during a “wet” install, period.

I first made sure there was absolutely zero dust on the back of my iPad. I cleaned it with some electronic cleaner solution and used the microfiber towel to wipe it away. With any shield install dust is your number one enemy. One speck of dust trapped under a skin leads to a bubble.

After spraying a liberal amount of the application solution onto the skin I placed it onto the back of my iPad.

Then I used the included squeegee tool to push and pull all of the bubbles I could from under the skin. You’ll notice I placed the iPad onto a paper towel. I did this so that any solution would be absorbed by the towel and not pool on the iPad. You can see even after five minutes how great the back looks. I love the look of the matte back on the iPad. It mirrors the brushed metal body perfectly. The kit needs at least 24 hours to cure, but I was impressed at how it looked just after a few minutes.

Next I set out to tackle the screen. I knew this would be a little more challenging. I once again made sure there was no dust to be found anywhere on my screen. Then I followed the same procedure as I had done on the back, first spraying my fingertips, then the back of the skin. I then placed the skin onto my iPad.

And using the squeegee I pushed as many of the bubbles from under the skin as possible. While I was able to get most of the bubbles out there were many cloudy spots where the installation solution was still visible underneath the skin. This was to be expected though and the instructions warned to wait at least 24 hours for it to evaporate away.

I wrapped my iPad in the paper towel and let it sit for 2 hours. I figured the paper towel might catch any liquid still seeping out from under the skin and I didn’t need to use my iPad anyway. Be patient here. Make sure you choose a time to instal your Wrapsol when you know you won’t be anxious to use your iPad. This way you can leave it alone, untouched, to cure properly.

I took the paper towel off after 2 hours and powered on the iPad. I used it gingerly for the remainder of the day and then left it alone overnight. Before I went to bed there was still a significant amount of solution visible under the skin and even a few bubbles. When I woke they were all magically gone. The Wrapsol looks as if there is no shield on the front of my iPad at all and that’s exactly what you’d hope for when installing one. And it’ll only get better. After 48 hours any remaining cloudiness should be completely gone.

Like any skin of this type you’ll notice a slight change in texture on the screen of the iPad. No skin can stay as smooth as glass but the Wrapsol does a good of keeping the feel as close to glass as any of the other skins I’ve tried. Your finger still glides naturally along.

No matter how clear a skin claims to be, or how good their fit looks, if you can’t take it home and install it yourself perfectly what good is it? Full body protective skins are a great way to preserve the minty fresh look of your device for its lifetime. The Wrapsol kit was easily installed and looks as if it’s not even there. The matte back not only stops fingerprints but offers a nice grippy texture as well. While I’d prefer the option of installing side pieces I still think the Wrapsol kit is a great choice for DIY full body protection for your iPad.

Wrapsol is made in the USA, comes in recycled, reusable and 100% recyclable packaging. Each one of their kits also comes with a lifetime replacement warranty.

So about that giveaway. Want a chance to win a Wrapsol kit for your iPad? I’ve got one kit to give away. To enter leave me a comment below which includes your favorite iPad application and you’ll be automatically entered. In a few days we’ll pick one winner, at random, and post their name. The winner has a week after the post to contact us to receive their kit.

To learn more about Wrapsol and even order up a kit of your own head to the Wrapsol web site here.

M.S.R.P. – $34.95

What I like - Easy to install, matte back, clear front, lifetime warrantly.

What I don’t like - No side protection.