How do I preserve my headlight lenses?

[phenom]

I recently ordered a set of glossy black projector headlights from ACI, and I was wondering if anyone has every used a specific product/film to protect their headlights from minor scratches or chips. Looking at my stock lenses, I can see small scratches from road debris all over the place. I'd like to avoid this on my new headlights. I was looking at clear Lamin-X, but it's still $50 bucks even for the clear. I was hoping for a cheaper solution, maybe one around $25. Has anyone ever used any other films? Such as the non-precut films from eBay? Just wondering what the pros on C4G may have done to keep these beauties looking like new

[midnight07GT]

That's your best bet, but if they're already damaged use either 3m rubbing compound or meguiars plastx.

[Daxenth]

spray a layer of clear coat on them. that way if you get minor scratches or whatever, strip and re do it.. obviously not as durable as the films but

[phenom]

Thanks guys, I think I'll end up going with the film because I can get clear for the heads and smoked for the fogs, which will look great once I paint my bezels black. If I decide against it though, the clear coat is a great idea. My cars going to the body shop next week for some damage repairs so it would be the perfect time to get it done.