Raam Mat vs Dynamat Xtreme - my impressions

So I decided to apply sound deadening to the interior of my truck.

I started with the back wall and worked my way forward. The install wasn't difficult, just time consuming. Due to availability I started with a bulk buy of Dynamat Xtreme. I was able to complete the back wall and floor with 9 sheets.

I then decided to tackle the doors. Since I needed to purchase additional sound deadening I decided to try Raam Mat.

After using both, I must say the they both have their pros and cons:

Dynamat Xtreme:

I liked working with the Dynamat. I found it easy to cut and install. The sticky layer doesn't appear as tacky as the Raam Mat, which makes it easy to reposition. Once it sets though, it will definately stay stuck. It also has a little stretch to it, which is nice to get into all the crevisis.

Pros:
- Readily available (Circuit City, eBay, etc)
- Thicker foil topper
- Thicker Butyl layer
- Easier to install because Butyl layer isn't as sticky initially

Cons:
- Sharp foil topper (I have cuts all over my hands and legs)
- Expensive

Raam Mat:

I found this mat a little more difficult to work with. The Butyl layer is quite gooey. It makes for a messy install. It is also VERY sticky - which means it is hard to position into small areas (like the inside of the doors).

Pros:
- Cheaper than Dynamat (it comes in a large roll)
- I like the additional Ensolite material - easy to install

Cons:
- Very sticky and hard to reposition
- Has more of a smell than Dynamat
- Not as thick as Dynamat

Overall I'm happy with my install. Installing the sound deadening really helps reduce the ambient sounds in the cabin and really seems to kick the stereo's sound up a few notches.

I think the Dynamat is a good product. I think the addition Ensolite material is what helps Raam Mat with overall sound deadening. If I had to do the whole thing over again I would have purchased Dynamat as the Butyl layer and then purchased Ensolite as a topper.

Cheers,

R

 

If you liked the Dynamat you def. need to check out Second Skin Audio. Best stuff on the planet in my opinion. www.secondskinaudio.com

 

What is the the estimated cost for using the Raam Mat and Dynamat for typical installation in the 2nd generation tacoma (doors, behind rear seat and floor)?

 

I used to hear about something called... "Brown Bread" I think... thoughts anyone?

x2!!

 

This should answer all your questions.
http://www.sounddeadenershowdown.com/

 

good article with good cost analysis. Do you know how many sqft are needed to do a 2nd gen. taco?

 

depends on what you consider "done" I am a firm believer in two things when it comes to car audio. #1 you can never have enough power. #2 you cannot have enough deadener. I firmly believe in this deadening in this order with our trucks.

Doors and door panels.
backwall
roof
floor

Do your deadening in that order, really doing the floor with deadener should be your last choice, the foam insulation works better on the floor.

I would say to do a "good" job 36ft should do your doors and back wall nicely, if your going to do the roof and floor I would suggest another 36ft. Like I said you cannot have enough deadener IMO. Keep in mind the Taco have some pretty thin metal and I sugest doubling up in several areas.

 

With the one roll of Raam Mat I bought, I completed all four doors and still have plenty for the back wall and much much more.

 

doing the doors only is fine if you just have speakers, amp and NO sub I am thinking. this sound about right?

 

I think it's all a matter of how crazy do you want to be. More matting is going to reduce more outside noise & reflection, but it's all at a price. Each vehicle has different levels of need -

for sub comparison, my '86 Accord created more rattle than my friend's '97 Cadillac, but my brother's '91 LeMans hatch sounded best. The non-scientific of this is that for the same listening level, the Accord had low restriction but also low insulation, Cadillac was pushing all the sub noise to the metal because the seats were soaking up everything that emanated forward, and the LeMans had no restriction.
For speakers, the Cadillac sounded best because of its natural insulation, the LeMans sounded worst because it was a tin can on wheels and you could hear tons of road noise.

Start small and see where your comfort level is?

 

Yeah, had a chat with Marvelous Marv just now...

doors are a must... back wall 2nd....

I like the idea not only for stereo but road noise cut down etc.

my system isnt a drop dead system but no matter what it is I always try to make the most out of whatever is in front of me. Especially with women....lol

Pioneer deh-p400ub head unit (like it)
alpine spr-69c 6x9
alpine spr-17c 6.5
and to follow: amp....undecided between http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=PDX-4.100 and http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/CarAudioVideo/Amplifiers/PRSSeries/PRS-D4200F
so...as you can see there isnt a sub and will only be 75-100 rms per channel....
so....
doors completely and back wall...done deal!

Sound about right to you?
thx