Is expensive wax really that good?

[3Fitty]

Re: Is expensive wax really that good?

My position on this is a bit different than it was a while ago. There have been a few things said which are spot on and incontrovertable.

1. Prep is the key. If you prep is good, the car will look good.

2. Meguiar's continues to pump out great products.

3. I have never personally seen a difference in looks from one product to another except I do think Zaino looks a bit more glossy than anything else. Some say it is a plastic look, I think it is shine. However, it is not a huge difference.

4. NXT 2.0 continues to be one of my favorite products out there.

However, here is where I have changed...

If looks is your most important criteria, than I don't think the more expensive waxes look any better. Right now, I have the following LSPs in my arsenal:

Fuzion
Souveran
Black Fire Midnight Sun
Black Fire Wet Diamond
P21's
Z2Pro
Z5Pro
ZAIO
KAIO
NXT 2.0
Meg's Gold Class
Meg's Cleaner Wax

I've probably missed a few, but you get the point. I've also tried Collinite 476s, 845w, Duragloss and the list goes on seemingly forever.

What I have changed my opinion on is "ease of use", which has become my single most important criteria. For this reason, Black Fire Wet Diamond has become by favorite and "go to" product.

How do I distinguish it from others:

1. It goes on easier

2. It comes off easier and;

3. It is non-staining

Do I think it looks better than a less expensive OTC? NO!!!

Do I think it protects better (say than NXT 2.0)? NO!!!

In fact, some "boutiqe" products have (in my tests) abysmal durability. Take Souveran for example... I know many swear by it and that is fine. Personally, I have never found it to look any better than anything else I've used and it only seems to last a few weeks (3 weeks tops). So, that is a lot of money to spend on a product that won't last as long as NXT 2.0, and looks the same (IMO).

However, some would say it is a breeze to use and it is also non-staining. For me, I don't find it any easier to use than NXT 2.0, but it is non-staining. That is my biggest beef with the Meg's products right now. Many (if not most) stain trim.

In any event, those are my two pennies.

[akimel]

Re: Is expensive wax really that good?

My position on this is a bit different than it was a while ago. There have been a few things said which are spot on and incontrovertable.

1. Prep is the key. If you prep is good, the car will look good.

Yep. I agree. I have seen the difference with my Luthien.

2. Meguiar's continues to pump out great products.

Absolutely. But protectants may not be Meguiar's strongest suit.

3. I have never personally seen a difference in looks from one product to another except I do think Zaino looks a bit more glossy than anything else. Some say it is a plastic look, I think it is shine. However, it is not a huge difference.

I agree that the differences in looks, if these differences exist, are subtle and do not represent a "huge difference." But I think I have seen some differences. ... I think.

4. NXT 2.0 continues to be one of my favorite products out there.

Alas, I'm afraid my bottle of NXT sits half-full on my shelf and will probably never be used again. Given NXT's problems with streaking and staining, I don't think I can enthusiastically recommend it. There are superior alternatives, IMHO.

What I have changed my opinion on is "ease of use", which has become my single most important criteria. For this reason, Black Fire Wet Diamond has become by favorite and "go to" product.

How do I distinguish it from others:

1. It goes on easier

2. It comes off easier and;

3. It is non-staining

Yep. Blackfire Wet Diamond has also become my favorite synthetic sealant for Luthien (but not for our larger CR-V), for the reasons listed above, as well as a couple of others. I just applied a fresh coat this morning.

Do I think it looks better than a less expensive OTC? NO!!!

Hmmm, not sure if I can agree with you, but this is so subjective I'm certainly not going to argue. I do love the look of BFWD.

Do I think it protects better (say than NXT 2.0)? NO!!!

I have never really tested the durability of NXT, so I cannot offer an honest opinion. But BFWD did get Luthien through most the winter last year. Unlike most S2K owners, I drive Luthien year around. Perhaps NXT would have done as well.

In fact, some "boutiqe" products have (in my tests) abysmal durability. Take Souveran for example... I know many swear by it and that is fine. Personally, I have never found it to look any better than anything else I've used and it only seems to last a few weeks (3 weeks tops). So, that is a lot of money to spend on a product that won't last as long as NXT 2.0, and looks the same (IMO).

I have seen a difference with Souveran on my black car. I'm pretty confident that I'm just not seeing things. It presents a subtle glow and depth. I think I have also seen this glow with a couple of other carnauba waxes--specifically, SV "Best of Show" and Zymol Vintage. (And before anyone jumps to conclusions, I was given a half-full tub of Souveran and a very small jar of Vintage by a generous young detailers. My pockets aren't very deep at all!.) On the other hand, I do not see much difference at all between the very expensive Fuzion and, say, BFWD. Souveran's durability is lousy, as you note; but everyone who buys Souveran knows this going in. Souveran was my wax-of-choice for the second half of the summer. Luthien looked beautiful dressed in it. It's so easy to apply I don't mind re-applying it every 3 weeks. Is a tub of Souveran worth $100. I would never pay full retail price. Wait for the Xmas BOGO.

However, some would say it is a breeze to use and it is also non-staining. For me, I don't find it any easier to use than NXT 2.0, but it is non-staining. That is my biggest beef with the Meg's products right now. Many (if not most) stain trim.

I am one of those who find Souveran a joy to use. I love the smell. It wipes on easily and wipes off easily. Along with some of the other boutique waxes (Lusso Oro, 50/50, P21S 100%, Fuzion), Souveran belongs to the wipe-on/wipe-off category (WOWO). One doesn't have to wait for it to haze. Also, I have never had it streak on me, nor have I experienced the wax holograms that one sometimes get with high carnauba waxes.

And I agree with totally about staining. Perhaps it just costs too much to produce non-staining protectants within the targeted price-range; but for me this a decisive consideration. I am willing to pay extra for a protectant that doesn't stain. I am only willing to tolerate the danger of staining for a protectant that promises me extreme durability. I am thinking here of Finish Kare 1000p, which is this year's winter sealant for our CR-V.

My detailing shelves are stocked with Meguiar's products, but I'm afraid I'm just going to have to give away my bottle of NXT.

[davey g-force]

Re: Is expensive wax really that good?

^^ Some good point made there by both akimel and 3Fitty.

Is there any tests between waxes out there?

Yes plenty! Have a search on this and other detailing forums!

Most of them end up with the same conclusion though: It all depends what you're looking for, what is important to you, your budget, your paint type/condition and what looks good in your eyes.

[k3ith]

Re: Is expensive wax really that good?

Al and 3Fitty - good convo - too much work for me to put in all the quotes so here are some related comments.

Prep is certainly key. I kinda assume that's a given in a thread like this. I think many of us who enjoy this thread have been through the prep process on our cars and are now constantly tinkering with different LSP - until the hard work is needed again.

I agree BlackFire Wet Diamond is easy to use. I am not sure it looks better than NXT or lasts longer. Considering BFWD, have you ever used NXT with a Poly Booster? I have not, but was curious if you had and what were the results.

I agree with Al, I notice a distinct difference from Souveran and a somewhat unique look from the other products I have used. I am certain I am not imagining it. However, it is most noticeable in certain sun-light conditions. For me, the look noticeably diminishes after the first wash and it's done after the second. This is going to sound weird, but, although not a WOWO, I was surprised by Gold Glass Plus Paste compared to Souveran in a side-by-side.

Staining is a huge consideration as I loathe taping. I'll certainly pay extra for a non-staining product and have my fingers crossed Megs will address this with more of it's products.

Al - I'll take that bottle of NXT your giving away

[akimel]

Re: Is expensive wax really that good?

Al - I'll take that bottle of NXT your giving away

Keith, if you're ever traveling north on I-81, stop by and pick it up.

[rapport25]

Re: Is expensive wax really that good?

Guys a big thanks for all the comments .

I love detailing cars. But as you can imagine it always nice to a little tester on your own with various combo's. For me I think I will stick with nxt tech wax 2.0. Have not tried it yet but I have heard topping this with gold class plus is a good combo. Weather in the UK is a bit cold at the mo only hitting 9 degrees . God I hate the weather over here!!!

[3Fitty]

Re: Is expensive wax really that good?

Al,

Great response, as always.

I am certainly open to the probability that my eye is just not good enough to notice subtle differences. In that regard, you could be right about Souveran.

As I mentioned earlier, I did see some difference when I (begrudgingly) used Zaino. Although I've warmed to the product (and it is also OTC in Canada), it is still too much work for me, for it to ever be a "go to" product.

I have never found Souveran (or anything else) quite as easy to use as BFWD, so it kind of sets the bar for me in terms of ease of use. Everything (including other Blackfire waxes - like Midnight Sun) are just not as easy on/off as BFWD. Add to that, in Canada, you can find BFWD for $19.99 + shipping, whereas NXT is $29.99 OTC, so BFWD looks REALLy tantalizing!

[davey g-force]

Re: Is expensive wax really that good?

3Fitty or Al, can you guys commet on the longevity of BFWD compared to NXT?

Also, where do you get it? I'm looking for someone who will ship to Australia. I looked on Autogeek and they don't seem to have it. There seems to be one stockist here that sells it for $52 per bottle!

[akimel]

Re: Is expensive wax really that good?

3Fitty or Al, can you guys commet on the longevity of BFWD compared to NXT?

I'm afraid I cannot offer a comparative evaluation, as I've never tested NXT's durability over the long haul. Wet Diamond did get my S2K through last year's winter. Luthien's a year-round driver for me, though I don't take her out in the snow. I do know that lots of people here on MOL use NXT as their winter wax. I'm sure they'd be happy to share with you their experience.

[Spidey]

Re: Is expensive wax really that good?

Am i the only one that does not find yellow tech wax and nxt stain? gold class, when i used it, did.... but nxt always wiped off my trim pretty clean... never had problems with staining with any of the waxes from megs... maybe it is because my civic is all colour matched, but even the window frame parts of the side mirror which are plastic, and rain seals never stained.. always been able to buff it off like if it were on paint

[3Fitty]

Re: Is expensive wax really that good?

3Fitty or Al, can you guys commet on the longevity of BFWD compared to NXT?

Also, where do you get it? I'm looking for someone who will ship to Australia. I looked on Autogeek and they don't seem to have it. There seems to be one stockist here that sells it for $52 per bottle!

I have not found a huge difference in longevity between the two. I generally get about 10-12 weeks out of NXT 2.0 (maybe a bit more) and I get up to 16 weeks with BFWD.

BFWD can be purchased on line from proper auto care. I don't know if they ship down under.

[the_mighty_bucket]

Re: Is expensive wax really that good?

.
With cars, it is usually the higher value vehicle, the higher the price of wax. Similarly, if one is going to a $500 a plate social function, would he wear a $7.00 shirt?

well, some would. i know a rich lad who own several multi-hundrend-thousand dollar cars and always buy fake french luxury goods. Why? he said :' well, peoples will think it's real stuff anyway, so why spend a fortune on the real thing? ' quite true. lol.

[the_mighty_bucket]

Re: Is expensive wax really that good?

back on topic, i'm using some german 'premium class 100% Carnauba Wax' made by sonax. it offers all the good easy wipe on/off, brilliant wet-like shine, water repel etc of hyper expensive brands, but there is a down point : it won't last long, only around 7-8 washes. AND, it smells like some sort of really tasty fruit, and cats r strangly attracted by that smell.

wanna give der fatherland a try? lol, i think it's around $60-70 a jar in the states, oh btw, it comes in a nice soft bag with one applicator pad and microfiber polishing towel.

[davey g-force]

Re: Is expensive wax really that good?

Am i the only one that does not find yellow tech wax and nxt stain? gold class, when i used it, did.... but nxt always wiped off my trim pretty clean... never had problems with staining with any of the waxes from megs... maybe it is because my civic is all colour matched, but even the window frame parts of the side mirror which are plastic, and rain seals never stained.. always been able to buff it off like if it were on paint

I've never had any trim staining with NXT either. It just buffs right off for me.

[k3ith]

Re: Is expensive wax really that good?

I am pretty sure 26 does not dry white but I think NXT can be a problem on trim if left for an extended period.