FK 425 versus Optimum Instant Detailer?

[CEE DOG]

Did you test OID diluted or Full strength??? I am sure this will affect the testing

Oh no, it was definitely diluted.

Corey, you need to put FK 425 in a different spray bottle. I do not like that sample bottle at all. I moved mine out of the 31oz bottle that it came in to a black Wolfgang spray bottle. It made it so much easier to use do to the size. Plus I like the sprayer on the Wolfgang bottle. Also start using 2 towels when doing a qd or qw, 1 dedicated to spreading product and 1 dedicated to buffing. A 3rd for final wipe doesn't hurt either.

Richard, thanks for the tips on the bottle. Does AG seel those bottles empty? Do you have a link. If not I do have some spray bottles already that will probably work great.
As far as the wiping why do you prefer using seperate towels rather then just flipping the towel? Would there be any benefit to doing it that way on a small test like this?

 

[DARK HORSE]

I just took a sniff of the FK-425 and then took both FK-425 and OID out to the garage for a test.The OID does streak easier then the FK-425. I have always wiped with a dry side after using OID. You almost have to in order to not get streaking. With the 425 I didn't have to wipe with dry side. I could just work with 1 side and it came out great. However if it's windy the FK-425 will go everywhere since the sprayer produces such a fine mist.) I like the scent of the OID better but functionality is more important then scent. Price is on OID's side though.

Test
Humidity 51%
Temperature 86 Deg.

Looks - Tied (In this lighting anyway)
Slickness - FK-425 (Noticeable difference)
Ease of use - FK-425
Fragrance - OID
Price - OID

Edit: I didn't factor in cleaning ability (fyi in case that matters to anybody reading)

Conclusion:
If price is important or you are using it as part of your drying method with a semi wet vehicle then go with OID.
If price isn't important then go with FK-425.

Here are a couple pics that I will post since I already took the trouble to take them. They aren't any help though...
FK-425 is on the right of each picture
OID on the left

I have to agree with Ron on this one Corey; Your paint looks freaking awesome man :dblthumb2:

PS: Not bad on the review eitherrops:

Soon the "Little Brown Truck of Joy" just may be dropping off some FK-425 at your house in a pre-packaged bottle that I really like for applying 425 with...

 

[Da Fats]

Well guess ill be trying my 425 out in a different bottle next time

 

[Bunky]

I did a side by side with FK425 and Adam's detailing on several panels after my last wash (1/2 hood, doors, etc). I could not really see any difference. The FK425 was definitely slicker.

However, I did not see any difference in dust build up so too early to tell on anti-static.

 

[sportscarhiatus]

Wow! Thanks for all the responses guys! I didn't think I would get this much attention

It's interesting to see that there is still almost an even split between FK425 lovers and OID lovers. I think the consensus is FK425 is a "tiny" bit slicker and less streaky at original dilution than original dilution OID. Am I fair with that assessment? The smell part I could care less... as long as it doesn't smell like Ammonia or anything putrid, I'm ok with it.

So, to keep you guys updated, what I ended up doing was placing an order for BOTH products. I was already low on OID (I had the 16oz'er to try first), so I bought the 32oz'er (to make a gallon), and I also bought the FK425 31oz'er. I bundled it with some Poliseal (1st time to try), ONR (refill again), OCW (refill again, bought the gallon!!! I LOVE this stuff too), and Menzerna Power Lock Sealant (also 1st time to try...read good things about it). I took advantage of the July 4th sale and got in on FREE shipping!!! Im the MAN

I will let you guys know when I try BOTH out and give an honest opinion as well.

p.s. I think someone mentioned in another thread that OID gets slicker the more you use it... not sure if it layers or what not... but I've experienced that aspect of OID and love it. So I am hoping FK425 can do that too...to a certain extent.

 

[Rob T]

Been using both products for a year and a half now.

The main conclusions I have are: 1) OID definitely streaks more/easier than fk425, so it is not as user friendly and you have to be more thorough/careful in wiping it off 2) OID is more cost effective than FK425.

In terms of gloss/appearance, it really is probably too close to call, but if I were forced to pick one, I think OID may give just a tad more gloss.

I tend to use the fk425 more often though, because of its ease of use and not having to worry about streaking.

 

[A4 1.8tqm]

I'm a huge fan of FK 425, and I definitely like the fine mist the sample bottle gives. Now I have to try OID...

 

[Rsurfer]

Been using both products for a year and a half now.

The main conclusions I have are: 1) OID definitely streaks more/easier than fk425, so it is not as user friendly and you have to be more thorough/careful in wiping it off 2) OID is more cost effective than FK425.

In terms of gloss/appearance, it really is probably too close to call, but if I were forced to pick one, I think OID may give just a tad more gloss.

I tend to use the fk425 more often though, because of its ease of use and not having to worry about streaking.

:iagree:some say OID gets slicker, but I haven't notice any difference.

 

[akimel]

I love my 425, but I did have to transfer the stuff into an old Meguiar's quik detailer bottle. The sprayer they sell with 425 is awful. But the sprayer is my only complaint. I have never (knock on wood) experienced any streaking with 425. So far, it has worked like a charm. Two thumbs up! :xyxthumbs::xyxthumbs:

 

[Dubbin1]

I love my 425, but I did have to transfer the stuff into an old Meguiar's quik detailer bottle. The sprayer they sell with 425 is awful. But the sprayer is my only complaint. I have never (knock on wood) experienced any streaking with 425. So far, it has worked like a charm. Two thumbs up! :xyxthumbs::xyxthumbs:

If you want a really good sprayer for QD's then give these a shot.

Clear 12 oz. Bottle with Sprayer

Very fine mist that works great for QD's and spray wax.

 

[akimel]

Anyone have any experience comparing FK425 and OID with Griot's Speed Shine? The last thing I need is another gallon of quick detailer, but the positive things I've heard about Speed Shine are tempting me.

 

[Bunky]

Anyone have any experience comparing FK425 and OID with Griot's Speed Shine? The last thing I need is another gallon of quick detailer, but the positive things I've heard about Speed Shine are tempting me.

I have a sample but have not used it yet. I did take a smell and it is not fruity, etc.

 

[Rsurfer]

Anyone have any experience comparing FK425 and OID with Griot's Speed Shine? The last thing I need is another gallon of quick detailer, but the positive things I've heard about Speed Shine are tempting me.

Great QD, has some nuba in it. My new find is Victoria Quick Detail.

 

[omgitselaine]

Luuv Fk 425 like many others here have said !! I didn't know one can get this in a gallon size soo I just may have to order it this way rops: !!

I usually flip between this and the Zaino Z6 / Z8 combo ?

 

[Old Tiger]

If you want a really good sprayer for QD's then give these a shot.

Clear 12 oz. Bottle with Sprayer

Very fine mist that works great for QD's and spray wax.

I could not agree more! These bottles are the very best for QD or Spray Wax. I found this out when I got XMT in this bottle. I have about a dozen now. I had one pump break but AG threw one in on another order.

 

[Dubbin1]

Corey, Mikes is the man, but you are his kid brother in the AG review world. I know most Geeks will agree with me!

I think Cory tops Mike in the review department as he can give a real answer, Mike will NEVER say what he likes best.

 

[mchess1]

I think Cory tops Mike in the review department as he can give a real answer, Mike will NEVER say what he likes best.

::::Begin Thread Hijack::::

Corey is the man! Seeing a new review with the CEE DOG tag is like being a kid on Christmas morning. :wave:

Gotta cut Mike some slack, he works for a distributor and manufacturer of many products. I know that AutoGeek is pretty good about dropping product lines that don't pass the quality test, so it's actually hard for anyone to point out a lousy product they sell.

We all have our favorites and products we don't like so much, but considering the number of variables that go into detailing (color, paint hardness, quality of paint, heat, humidity, pollution, rotary vs DA, etc) it's hard to say something is best at anything. Unfortunately many of the things that are hardest to be objective about are the ones we are most passionate about. (uhh, waxes or sealants)

Having read his posts since he joined AutoGeek and been to a couple of his classes, I have actually gotten fairly good at reading between the lines to figure out some of Mike's preferences on products.

::::End Thread Hijack::::

 

[Dubbin1]

Gotta cut Mike some slack, he works for a distributor and manufacturer of many products.

And that is why I feel Cory gives the better product reviews then Mike does. If he thinks something sucks then he really cant say it. Plus Mike gets long winded sometimes and it makes it hard to read his reviews/articles (Sorry Mike).

Back on topic

I think I may have to give OID a shot and see how it performs against FK425. There's nothing better then trying out a new QD

 

[sportscarhiatus]

Ok guys... here's the update. Here's what I found on my doorstep today!!! (all opened and set aside of course) rops: A very special thanks to Autogeek for including several foam applicators AND that LC red CCS pad as a gift in my package!!! You guys are the best. I also still have to try OptiSeal and the PowerLock.

So since it was going to rain tonight, I only had time to truly test the FK425 stuff. Notice the new pump sprayer that came WITH it? I think it's different from the other sprayers that you guys may have gotten with it in the past. Perhaps Autogeek heard our pleas and replaced the crappy sprayer? Anyways... the sprayer worked really well for me.

My impressions of the product...

Pros:

- Definitely less streaking than OID. Even if I took my time buffing it away, it was definitely easier to work with. On the hood however, since it was fairly hot after driving, it did tend to streak just a tad with the hood heat... I did not notice any other streaking elsewhere.

- I think gloss was a TIE between the two... I can't really tell the difference.

Cons:

- I think OID is a tad slicker.
- I didn't notice the smell like I did with OID.

Overall, I really love the less streaks... on days when I'm rushing, I'll reach for this. On days when I have some more time, I'll use OID. It's still good to have both in my arsenal I think. Here's some pics of FK425 on my G. You guys be the judge. (Surface was prepped with OID and OCW a couple weeks ago).

 

[Dubbin1]

Notice the new pump sprayer that came WITH it? I think it's different from the other sprayers that you guys may have gotten with it in the past. Perhaps Autogeek heard our pleas and replaced the crappy sprayer?

Same sprayer as I got with mine months ago and I still think its a crappy sprayer. I like a fine mist with my QD's.