Hey, new guy here =)
Up until now, I've been using Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax religiously. It's stupid easy to use, great results but admittedly very poor longevity. Water beading quality was always a bit disappointing as well. I was using the wax about every 3rd wash, I tried to do it at least once a month.
I got my hands on Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax about 2 months ago; I watched a bunch of videos and felt confident on how to use it properly.. Quite frankly, I used it exactly as directed but by establishing the "base layer" and I even purchased a high pressure washer to ensure maximum results (and less water usage). I am ABSOLUTELY AMAZED, the results are STAGGERING. After drying my car, it glistens like it's still soaking wet! Hand to God, I may never go back to caranuba protectants again! I'm digging this SiO2 craze! It's changing the game in my opinion!
I've had it on my car about 2 months, about 2 washes and each time, the water still beads up nicely! About 10 days after the first application (prior to any "maintenance" applications) we got some rain, the water flung right off of my car as I drove, and was almost totally dry when I got to work! I've reapplied it twice in these 2 months, and my car still looks glistening wet even on its dirtiest day!