There are three main types of windshield wiper blades on the market; conventional, beam, and hybrid. Each type has a different frame or support mechanism for the rubber blade which affects the performance of the wiper.
1. Conventional Metal Frame Wiper Blades
Conventional wiper blades are the most common type as they are also the most affordable. A conventional blade has a metal frame that runs along the length of the blade. This frame applies pressure on the rubber blade to contour it to the curve of the windshield ensuring proper contact between the blade and the glass, so the blade can properly wipe off the water and dirt on your windshield. The metal frame also gives this type of wiper durability for excellent performance in heavy rain.
Although conventional wiper blades are affordable and do a good job most of the time, they’re not as flexible as other types and may not wipe as well after extended use, due to the lack of flexibility. The metal frame can also rust, though it’s pretty uncommon. Some popular conventional wiper blades include the Bosch Advantage and Denso DCP Series wipers.
2. Beam Wiper Blades（or Flat Wiper Blade）
Beam wiper blades have no external frame to keep the rubber rigid. Instead, they have spring steel integrated into the rubber blade. Spring steel is a type of elastic steel that when used in a wiper blade, allows the blade to be flexible and contour to the curve of your windshield more. That’s why beam wiper blades have a cleaner wiping action than conventional ones.
Being a one-piece design, it also looks sleeker on your windshield. Beam wiper blades were initially used on luxury vehicles but are now commonly used on modern cars from almost all automakers.
3. Hybrid Wiper Blades
Like its name suggests, a hybrid wiper blade combines the form of conventional and beam-style blades. It’s basically a beam wiper with the blade concealed in a rugged plastic frame. The plastic frame provides additional rigidity, protection, and more balanced pressure on the wiper blade for consistent windshield contact. The frame is also designed to be aerodynamic to reduce the wind and water resistance on the blade when driving at high speeds or in heavy rain.
Hybrid wiper blades tend to be the priciest type out of all blades, though the price ranges widely depending on the brand and size of the blade.