Avs / Weather Tech in vs out channel preference

I had OEM out of channel installed before I took possession of the truck and HATED the look when I saw them. They looked exactly like what they were - something glued to the outside of the truck.
I replaced those with the Weathertec in-channel and keep trying to remember if the wind noise I hear now existed before I installed them, or not. It's not severe but enough to be noticeable, and definitely when there's a cross-wind.
I used to always have wind deflectors because, as a (former) smoker, they were beneficial because I could smoke even when it rained and flick ash without getting the cigarette wet. I quit smoking 2 years ago and really don't need them now so wonder why I even bothered to install them again. Creature of habit, I guess.

I have Weather Tech in channel. They look great compared to the stick on, but do make a lot of noise at highway speeds. I think I actually have an air leak with them too.

I bought my truck and it already had in channel. I do have wind noise and in winter can never get my window down. I think I’ll try stick on next time. Im a function over looks guy on small things like that

I have the Weather Tech in channel and I quite happy with them.

I hd EGR in channel on my previuos truck, with the in-channel you can take them out anytime anywhere. Like sight seeing during the fall colors or driving through the mountains where you want a bigger view

I had the AVS in channel and they would not stay.
Switched them out for the WeatherTech in channel. They have been excellent.
In the past I only used 3M taped models. After using the WeatherTech in channel, I will not go back to the 3M tape models

Great post, this exactly was on my mind too.

jsvz71 - great photo thank you. I am leaning this way.

Anyone have a nice close up photo similar to JSVZ71 but for weathertechs? I'd like to see comparison for looks. tia

this is the vent shades I purchased on Amazon. fits my 2020 fine.

MX2 said:

Hello all! Just replaced my 2001 S-10 with a 2019 z71 crew cab and I’m trying to figure out which window deflectors to go with. On my 01 I had out of channel which seem to work fine for 19 years but I am wondering what the overall preference is between AVS vs Weather Tech is as well as what is a better seal, what has less noise, etc.
I have searched many threads on this forum and can’t seem to find answers to some of these questions. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

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IMO, In Channel always, just make sure the weather is warm enough when you install them so the glue can adhere.

19CanyonWT said:

I agree with @jsvc71 on the in-channel AVS. I always put a set on every truck I own and love them.

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Wow, that sure is a dirty truck. Like the vent visors though.

WeatherTech doesn't use tape on theirs. Installed sets in Honda's (parents cars) no tape for the in channel. The fit is that exact. Even for the rear windows, the Honda's have the rear windows unlike my extended cab.

Thank you gherbert!! Those look good too.... now I am thinking in channel for sure... just not sure AVS vs Weathertech….

Well both are good products.
My personal experience the AVS would not stay in place. It used 3M tape that would not stay.
The WeatherTech does not use any tape. Very exacting fit. Have them on my Colorado and both of my parents Accords.
And that personal experience was the in channel version on my Colorado that I just mentioned.
Used to always use the outside mounting ones in the past. Will stay in channel from now on.

I like the weather techs but they cost a lot more.

Installed the WeatherTechs back in 2018 and the rears did have an adhesive strip. I seem to recall reading they may have added that after initial production runs because there had been instances of the rear window deflector falling out. Been happy with them.

Just watched some of the installation videos they had at WeatherTech.com, some videos show tape others don't. Must be based on the production run like you said. Their Acrylic seems tougher then other brands plastic.