The Uber expensive waxes...what are they REALLY?

Personally I always had dark color cars and for years I was not using proper techniques and was basically just washing then waxing the car, no paint correction. And all I was using was M26 or NXT wax. I was satisfied because I did not know any better. I discovered the virtues of paint correction when I ended up with a black non metallic car where every defect shows but is like a mirror when the paint is clean.

As other mentioned it's pretty much about the surface prep and not the wax topper. After doing some research on the web I discovered Pinnacle Souveran based on great reviews and it took me a while to take a dive an purchase a jar but never regret it. I felt at the time it was so expensive for a car wax. But the smell, ease of use and overall shine is worth the money in my opinion. But having a foot in the fancier waxes door made me wonder if the more expensive ones are worth the money. I used Souveran for about 2 years (and still have some) until I decided to try the Swissvax Concorso and bought a jar. It is more durable and shine is as good or a bit better than Souveran, but not 3x better than Souveran. I was interested in trying higher end waxes and got a Zymol small kit with Concours-Destiny-Atlantique samples. So far I only had a chance to try the Destiny. Pretty hard to buff but very durable wax, sheeting is fantastic and the paint really felt "thicker". Shine seemed to be the best I have seen on the car but not 2x better than Concorso or 7x better than Souveran. The gains are modest for the money invested. Looking forward to try the Atlantique (60% carnauba) in spring time. I also got a small Swissvax Mirage sample that I will have to try.

My favorite for the money is the Autoglym HD Wax but not being as easy to use as the Souveran, which makes the Souveran the perfect wax for me and my car and I often go back to that one, even if less durable than others. I also have tried the Fuzion, seem on the black car the Souveran looks a bit better but both are good products.

If I would be able to go back in time I would probably had started right away with Zymol Vintage which offers free refills. But I enjoy trying different waxes like many other fellows on this forum ! Cheers.
 
Wax Wars vs. Star Wars:

{Note: I could delve into what the Chemists are instructed by, for instance: Manufactures/Marketers...On what attributes/characteristics to impart upon the waxes they blend...But I won't.}

-Just suffice it to say that:

-I only select and use waxes that contain the highest grade "banana-oils"...

-It makes people go ape-sh!t when they see the starry-reflections emitting from my vehicles' top-coat paint film at Car Shows!



Yours truly,

Chiquita® Rivera
 
feslope said:
I live in the English Colony Condos, North side of Warner a little East of Dequindre. My family was in the restaurant business in Warren for a lot of years. Our offices and warehouse are on Ryan just south of 10 Mile. I have Vintage and Royale. If you would like to try them, I will be back in MI after 4/10.
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I am over in Novi, grew up in Detroit, lived in Sterling Heights and Eastpointe at one point or another. When you get back into town I would love to see what the differences are with the "uber" waxes versus standard fare. I still don't see how a wax could ever be worth more than a $150 plus........but then again I have never used one that expensive!

C. Charles Hahn said:
What are the Uber expensive waxes really?

Bose speakers of the detailing world.
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Nice!! Kinda like a Rolex of the watch world!
 
I have tried many expensive waxes. Most seem harder to use and dont really offer alot more to cover their value. I find Souveran and Fuzion about all thats needed.
 
killrwheels@autogeek said:
I have tried many expensive waxes. Most seem harder to use and dont really offer alot more to cover their value. I find Souveran and Fuzion about all thats needed.
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i own swissvax concorso and souveran..the onyldifference isswissvax lasts longer great durability. but souveran has the same look actually i think souveran has alittle wetter look .ill allways be a pinnacle fan ..
 
crash93ssei said:
I know that isn't directed at me, and I am not wanting to jump in and get a free sample, however, I would love to see a side by side comparison between those waxes, and Souveran or Fuzion. If you guys do this, I would love to take the drive down for a day to meet, visit, and maybe change my views.
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I tried to PM you, your box is full. Clear some of your messages and pm me.
 
Feslope, my Mom and step Dad live behind Chatterton middle school, small world, huh. I'll let you know when I come back in town for a visit where we can all meet up, I'm sure Derek and I would be interested in seeing what you've got there for sure.

One thing I've noticed in this 3 pages so far is this, Souvern and Fuzion seem to be the "tipping point" for those looking for something that's not all to expensive. I seem to agree, going over $100 a jar seems to be a bit much and I need to "see it for myself" to be convinced and honestly, since I drive a CR-Z, don't see myself buying the Swissvax Concorso anyways but who knows, maybe Derek and I will go in halves on the stuff, LOL!

Right now I'm really into the Zaino Z-5 pro and Zaino Clear Seal, talk about easy to use and results, well, they speak for themselves IMO.

Has anyone used/heard about the new Griots caranuba? BTW, I'm really liking this thread, its exactly what I was told about this site, keep up the good work guys, its much appreciated and I'm sure others are learning from this as well.
 
killrwheels@autogeek said:
I have tried many expensive waxes. Most seem harder to use and dont really offer alot more to cover their value. I find Souveran and Fuzion about all thats needed.
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I've used the souveran. Honestly I can't say this wax leaves anything to be desired except longer durability. Can you tell me, if any, what is different about the fusion?
 
Klasse Act said:
I checked out that GT-R, nice, nice work and I don't think your being cocky, you did an amazing job on a amazing car, confidence is what it is....CONFIDENCE!

Now, what Uber expensive wax have you tried and/or have that you think really makes all the difference in the world? I ask you because of what you posted here in my thread, thought you'd have a product to talk about. As far as me buying one and deciding for myself, well, as soon as I line up all the numbers in one row on my my lotto ticket I will, trust me because if that happens I'll try out everything and have everything and then I'll be confinded to an institution because I'll be the garage for monthes and monthes:buffing:
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Thanks for the compliment :props:

Well.... I tried every single PBMA wax, I have zymol, glasur,ital concours,vintage, royale, sv crystal rock, saphir, mystery, CG Celeste, pete's53, dodo BVpro, supernatural ETC.ETC..

Only lines I didn't try is Migliore,

I'm not going to talk about them for 2 reasons, people will call bs on me or it will be deleted because it's product that AG doesn't sell.

Try it, that's the only thing I have to say. Sometimes it depend where you live, some wax are easier to remove/apply depending on the weather, same goes for durability, but I'm 100% positive there's a difference.

Is the difference worh 10x times the price ? I DON'T THINK SO. is there a difference ? yes. Conclusion: if you can afford it or your customer pay for it, do it!
 
Now Cobra you mentioned the climate/weather in the area and what do you think about this, is it true that caranuba's because of what they're made of, could melt away when applied on a car that's in hot weather all the time compared to a product like, say Klasse or Zaino? Your answer is appreciated as you seem to really be into the high end caranuba products!

BTW, what's up with the rims on the R32?
 
I personally feel any wax is limited no matter what the cost. Because, well...it's wax. Unless polymers and other man made protectants have been added...it's just carnuba for the most part. I'm no scientist, nor do I know a ton about the ingredients that really make up a wax. But, regardless...wax is wax, and I've used MANY different kinds. I know some do work better than others...but how much better really?

No way would I pay $1800 or anything even close to that. That's simply insane.

I think price tags like that are just a mind trick. It even worked on you. The price tag is what made you even ask about it. If it costed $20...you most likely wouldn't even take a second look unless it's been recommended to you, or has a following of sorts. But, the hefty tag is sort of enticing in a way. Makes you wonder doesn't it? lol

To me, that's all it is.
 
Not to be obtuse, but the high end wax vs low end, process vs product wax debate is similar to many other debates on a variety of topics the world over. I like to suggest some similar questions =)

Is a $500 steak dinner really that much better than a $30 one? After all, beef is beef and calories are calories

Is a $2000 LV bag really that much better than a $20 one from Walmart?

Is a Ferrari twice the car that the Nissan GTR is?

Is a 24MP full-frame Nikon DSLR 4 times better than the 12MP entry level one?

If the consumer can easily afford either option, then there is really no argument. It's only when you can't mentally afford it that you try to rationalize why it isn't all that much better. Just my observations of human nature =)
 
Niebelung said:
Not to be obtuse, but the high end wax vs low end, process vs product wax debate is similar to many other debates on a variety of topics the world over. I like to suggest some similar questions =)

Is a $500 steak dinner really that much better than a $30 one? After all, beef is beef and calories are calories

Is a $2000 LV bag really that much better than a $20 one from Walmart?

Is a Ferrari twice the car that the Nissan GTR is?

Is a 24MP full-frame Nikon DSLR 4 times better than the 12MP entry level one?

If the consumer can easily afford either option, then there is really no argument. It's only when you can't mentally afford it that you try to rationalize why it isn't all that much better. Just my observations of human nature =)
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+1

Its different markets for different people, thats why these justification threads are worthless as its a never ending topic.

One things for sure a cut of wagyu steak is worlds better than your average beef but if you dont have the ability to discern the difference then to you its just over priced beef.
 
Umm I would like to comment on the steak comment for sure! I used to go to Ruth's Kris Steakhouse every year for my wedding anniversary when I was married and I can tell you this, the difference between the Ruth's steak and one from say, Outback is like the difference in quality/looks of the 80's Hyundai's and today's Hyundai's, period! I understand the comparisons of the other items but not with steaks, that's for sure!

Everyone is spot on with the marketing though, but I do seem to see a common bond, pardon the pun, about the durability of the Uber stuff, those who've actually used it all talk about durability but all seem to say they don't notice as much concerning shine, so there you go. I'd like to try one "just to see", anyone wanna make my day and let me try the Uber product?
 
Klasse Act said:
Feslope, my Mom and step Dad live behind Chatterton middle school, small world, huh. I'll let you know when I come back in town for a visit where we can all meet up, I'm sure Derek and I would be interested in seeing what you've got there for sure.
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Across the street from my old office. Call me when you are in the area.
 
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