Oris Windstop

A windstop is designed to block the backward (yes) flow of air into the cabin. It helps keep airconditioned or heated air inside the car, and it keeps noise down. I like it hot, so I found that I use my windstops mostly when it would otherwise be too cold for me to drive top-down.

The Oris windstop is a professional-quality windstop for the Miata. The same manufacturer makes the windstops for the Mercedes SL roadsters.

But the U.S. importer discontinued it, so I ended up buying a Keith Tanner windstop instead. The Keith Tanner is an excellent windstop and very low cost (you can make it yourself, or Keith will make one for you for about the cost of a single good tire.) However, the Oris is just much more sophisticated in looks and ergonomics. Fortunately, Larry Cohen, of Serious Automotive Accessories, and South Coast representative of the Bay Area Miata Association, has brought it back. I got one of the first ones to arrive.

Installation

You have to screw two separate brackets in existing holes. I looked on while Larry and Dale did this in about 3 minutes. Very simple. The actual windstop is pushed into these brackets and clicks into place. You can pull the windstop out of the brackets to remove it. You can instead just push it down if you are off the highway: it is hinged.

Evaluation

Various reviewers on miata.net have complained about the cost of the Oris, but it was about what I paid for my sway bars. Much less than my Bridgestone Re 930 tires or my Genie exhaust. And it is really a high quality accessory. Bozo is worth it.

Here is a list of observations, with some comparisons with the Keith Tanner windstop where appropriate. I have no experience with other windbreakers, but I understand they do not work effectively, so I do not worry about them.

Looks:

Functionality.

Handling:

Conclusion? Regardless of all the pros and cons, both are very good windstops. I do believe most decisions between Oris or Keith Tanner are probably going to be based on weighing looks versus price, not so much on features. The main exception I would see is the desire to adjust your seatbacks freely and independently, which requires an Oris.

I love mine. Mark Petry has my old Keith Tanner, and I am sure he is happy with it too.

Price

Since I lived in the San Francisco Bay area at the time, I joined the BAMA (Bay Area Miata Association), and got a special BAMA price of $210, plus $25 for the storage bag. I have seen $233 somewhere for Miata club members. Serious Automotive Accessories, 408 475 5722.
Serious Automotive Accessories
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