Expensive waxes

I bought the Fuzion mini @49.00 but it was included in my holiday purchase w/free shipping and forgot the percentage off, so I paid less but that's my limit.

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I kind of worked up the ladder. Started with MaxWax, then Purple Haze Soft, then Souveran, then Supernatural. Supernatural when applied properly is amazing and competes with waxes costing WAY more. So that's good enough for me.

Want to know the BEST look I ever got and have ever seen on dark colors? I melted Souveran and Purple Haze Soft in their containers in the oven, then mixed together 1/8 cup from each into another container. Laugh if you want. It's too bad I lost all the pictures of the look it created.
 
509IS350 said:
I'll never spend over 100 on a wax/sealant when a $40 will do just as good a job if not better. Remember its all in the preparation!
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Prep will get you 90% of the way there but, that last 10% can make a big difference.

I've had the opportunity to use some high end waxes and they do stand out in a crowd.
 
I am a little reluctant to post on this, but I actually have experience and use high end waxes.

Most of the people who say there is no difference haven't actually done a full side by side test.

My friend; who owns AO here in Edmonton, actually schooled me when I made the proverbial mistake of saying "Does the price really make a difference"

Now with waxes, it comes down to a deep science. Yes the price makes a difference. He should me how on a black 458 panel they laid down all of the SV range, Zymol, RG Black, CG line for a side by side test.

He broke out is $4k gloss metre to actually see how much difference there was. Now SV Crystal was by far the glossiest of all, and I dont remember how the other waxes stacked up other than they descended to their general price range.

I have personally seen Pete's 53 and SV Crystal on the same panel next to each other. You see the difference, trust me.

Now I am sure everyone here has tried Dodo Juice. I love their waxes and think they are amazing. But if you compare the application techniques of Dodo and SV. SV goes on a lot thicker than Dodo. There is a big difference in the waxes. Not all waxes are the same.

Now to end this, you really have to ask yourself why you want a high end wax. I don't smoke, drink, party, golf, or waste money on trinkets and odds and ends. Detailing is my passion, I love my car, and if I compare how much people spend on smokes and booze, I can justify and high end wax.
If you are using it professionally, would you put turtle wax on a $300k RR Phantom? I wouldn't. Professionally you have to balance cost and profit, to what people want. SV Shield right now is the most popular and the most profitable to me, $230 jar = $2500 = $2270 profit. Crystal Rock on the other hand $1500 jar = $2900 = $1400 profit. Pete's 53, $45 jar = $1000 = $955 profit.

To answer this threads question, I use Dodo juice on my cars... love it!

My $0.02
 
Andrew, your post was very well stated, as others by you, thanks for your honesty, its greatly appreciated!

Sent from my SPH-M930 using AG Online
 
Andr3wilson said:
I am a little reluctant to post on this, but I actually have experience and use high end waxes.

Most of the people who say there is no difference haven't actually done a full side by side test.

My friend; who owns AO here in Edmonton, actually schooled me when I made the proverbial mistake of saying "Does the price really make a difference"

Now with waxes, it comes down to a deep science. Yes the price makes a difference. He should me how on a black 458 panel they laid down all of the SV range, Zymol, RG Black, CG line for a side by side test.

He broke out is $4k gloss metre to actually see how much difference there was. Now SV Crystal was by far the glossiest of all, and I dont remember how the other waxes stacked up other than they descended to their general price range.

I have personally seen Pete's 53 and SV Crystal on the same panel next to each other. You see the difference, trust me.

Now I am sure everyone here has tried Dodo Juice. I love their waxes and think they are amazing. But if you compare the application techniques of Dodo and SV. SV goes on a lot thicker than Dodo. There is a big difference in the waxes. Not all waxes are the same.

Now to end this, you really have to ask yourself why you want a high end wax. I don't smoke, drink, party, golf, or waste money on trinkets and odds and ends. Detailing is my passion, I love my car, and if I compare how much people spend on smokes and booze, I can justify and high end wax.
If you are using it professionally, would you put turtle wax on a $300k RR Phantom? I wouldn't. Professionally you have to balance cost and profit, to what people want. SV Shield right now is the most popular and the most profitable to me, $230 jar = $2500 = $2270 profit. Crystal Rock on the other hand $1500 jar = $2900 = $1400 profit. Pete's 53, $45 jar = $1000 = $955 profit.

To answer this threads question, I use Dodo juice on my cars... love it!

My $0.02
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Beautiful! Well said! I don't get why there is a subsection of people convinced "all waxes are (almost) the same". I mean, they won't buy a polisher from Turtle Wax for $19.99, they will spend 3-4 hundred on a Flex, Rupes, etc.. It's like, you many not be able to immediately see the difference in the can, so all waxes MUST be all the same.

I just think it's really closed minded to think that way. Just to assume that because something cost more the manufacturer MUST just be duping you with fancy labels and jars. To think that there is NO WAY that something more expensive could have better ingredients, results, or technology associated with it. That, any manufacturer that claims better, purer, more costly ingredients or more carnuba HAS to be pulling the wool over your eyes. That there is just no way humanly possible to improve a $25 tub of wax with better/costlier manufacturing processes or ingredients. That no producer of wax has done ANY research or testing to see what LOOKS better on a surface, and there is no way there could be good, better, best.

That's just insane! I'm more from the school that says "you usually get what you pay for". It's not like microfiber towels, where you can sit the Costco towel next to the Cobra 600 gsm and IMMEDIATELY see a difference. And because the "difference" isn't so initially obvious, some people are convinced no difference could exist.

You can buy a pair of jeans at K-Mart for $12 or you can buy a pair of Diesel or True Religion jeans for $200. Now they are both pants and will cover up your junk, but the costlier ones are usually cut better and look better. That's why they command a premium price. AND with detailing we ARE talking primarily about LOOKS and AESTHETICS, you would think more people would realize a premium price will likely bring a better product.

Now, I know some waxes are insanely priced. I would LOVE to have Royale, Crytal Rox, Solaris, etc.. But spending thousands of dollars on a LSP is just not in my budget. However, I can't see spending working on a car (mine) for days of my valuable time and then being worried about a few hundred bucks when it comes to the last step product.

After actually using some mid priced waxes like Fuzion and Glasur I was so pleased with the results and the application it has convinced me to try some even costlier products. This is because of the positive difference I noticed.

I just think if its not in someone's interest or budget to try a costlier product that is one thing. But, to say all waxes are the same or expensive waxes are a rip off without even trying them, that's a whole other issue. I'm wondering how many doubters out there would balk if they were somehow offered a $25 jar of Concorso, because they can get a more durable product for $17.99. If there is no difference, why would it matter?
 
CM8 6MT said:
Couldnt agree with you more. Im waiting for Fuzion to go on sale again for $99. Not interested in the wax itself, more interested in the cool box so I can put on display :D
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i would buy the box and put my mini fuzion in there lol
 
swanicyouth said:
Beautiful! Well said! I don't get why there is a subsection of people convinced "all waxes are (almost) the same". I mean, they won't buy a polisher from Turtle Wax for $19.99, they will spend 3-4 hundred on a Flex, Rupes, etc.. It's like, you many not be able to immediately see the difference in the can, so all waxes MUST be all the same.

I just think it's really closed minded to think that way. Just to assume that because something cost more the manufacturer MUST just be duping you with fancy labels and jars. To think that there is NO WAY that something more expensive could have better ingredients, results, or technology associated with it. That, any manufacturer that claims better, purer, more costly ingredients or more carnuba HAS to be pulling the wool over your eyes. That there is just no way humanly possible to improve a $25 tub of wax with better/costlier manufacturing processes or ingredients. That no producer of wax has done ANY research or testing to see what LOOKS better on a surface, and there is no way there could be good, better, best.

That's just insane! I'm more from the school that says "you usually get what you pay for". It's not like microfiber towels, where you can sit the Costco towel next to the Cobra 600 gsm and IMMEDIATELY see a difference. And because the "difference" isn't so initially obvious, some people are convinced no difference could exist.

You can buy a pair of jeans at K-Mart for $12 or you can buy a pair of Diesel or True Religion jeans for $200. Now they are both pants and will cover up your junk, but the costlier ones are usually cut better and look better. That's why they command a premium price. AND with detailing we ARE talking primarily about LOOKS and AESTHETICS, you would think more people would realize a premium price will likely bring a better product.

Now, I know some waxes are insanely priced. I would LOVE to have Royale, Crytal Rox, Solaris, etc.. But spending thousands of dollars on a LSP is just not in my budget. However, I can't see spending working on a car (mine) for days of my valuable time and then being worried about a few hundred bucks when it comes to the last step product.

After actually using some mid priced waxes like Fuzion and Glasur I was so pleased with the results and the application it has convinced me to try some even costlier products. This is because of the positive difference I noticed.

I just think if its not in someone's interest or budget to try a costlier product that is one thing. But, to say all waxes are the same or expensive waxes are a rip off without even trying them, that's a whole other issue. I'm wondering how many doubters out there would balk if they were somehow offered a $25 jar of Concorso, because they can get a more durable product for $17.99. If there is no difference, why would it matter?
Click to expand...

Thank you sir!

I do know one thing. My friend at AO told me that OTC Zymol products are re-branded Turtle Wax products. I have never tried them, but I know there other stuff is bespoke to Zymol.

You are absolutely correct. You get what you pay for. I even bashed SV car bath because I figured it wouldn't be any better than a CG soap. Well until I learned how it was developed to work with SV waxes an how nice it is, I see why you would want to use it. Same goes with 90% of SV products (there glass cleaner is the only "rip off").

Obviously there is a budget for all people, but its better to save and get the best, rather than to get what you can now. Thats what I do.

I know what you mean with the time = money. Putting 25-30hrs into a personal car really costs you. Now wether you choose to put a good LSP on it is up to you.

As far as car care products, as you get more and more detailed and pursuing the perfect look you have to start using better products. Honestly when you use a $$$ product, you feel good about yourself. You know that you are doing the best job and not cutting corners.

If you want a High end wax that is also great value, I would really recommend SV Shield to you. I thinks its around $230 or so, but as a wax, its hard to beat the value. It is the baby brother to the $1500 Crystal; it has the same carnuba in it, but a different process. Lasts 6-12 months (same as crystal) and looks incredible. You get about 17-20 applications from a 200ml jar.

Heres SV Shield on my Blue RX after a multi-step correction



RX350_HD_-Edit_2.jpg


For best results, you have to wait 24 hours for it to setup and cure.

PS if you do go for this wax, after you apply it, bring your wife out to see. The entire garage will smell better than the body shop because of this Wax. She will forgive you for spending so much ;)

If you need some more direction or have any more questions about their product, please shoot me a PM. I have tried most of them
 
thank you andrew. the smell of concourso alone makes me happy. i used the devine the first time on my wifes chevy cruze. looked pretty damn good. everyone i know enjoys different things i never judge (well maybe sometimes). would love to see a sheik's face if paul daulton put turtle wax on his car.
 
I've been collecting stuff since a kid, some call me a hoarder.

Went from hotwheels to waxes. This month should be my last purchase. I've been saying this since September.

Some seem worth it, example is Vanilla Ice. Not only easy to use but good smell to it. Great gloss and durability.

My most expensive is Insignis V3.

Anybody has a pot of Blue Lagoon to sell?
 
Well, I was thinking about Concorso, Desire, E-Zyme, Black Label, or another wax in the 2 to 3 bills category this summer. Also, I think the Zymol sampler #2 is hard to beat. For $199 you get 2oz each of Concours, Destiny, and Atlantique glazes. That seems like a nice way to try some fine waxes for a reasonable price.

Do have any opinions on any of these products or another recommendation?

Do you think Shield has a great look in its price range, or maybe Blau Weiss?
 
What is Insignis? I was on SV USA webpage and didn't see it. Am I just missing it? Is it some type of limited production wax?
 
You guys are comparing apples to oranges. You cant compare a high end, high carnuba content wax to TURTLE WAX.

Can a gloss meter detect a difference? Yeah, what about the HUMAN eye? Not so much. How long is this extra tad bit of gloss worth to you & your customer (if your in the business). I can assure you most average people cant tell any difference between a $50 dollar wax and 100+.

What makes the higher end wax product that much better? Higher carnuba content? Anything after 50% an you start falling under the law of diminishing retuns. If i can get a wax for $75 bucks that perfoms just as good as a wax for a couple grand, my customer cant tell the difference hey guess what.

1. I made a profit, I spent less on product and achieved the desired goal.

2. Customer is happy.

Unless your doing a showroom car for competition, that tad bit of extra gloss isnt going to matter squat. If it makes you "feel" better by spending hundreds of dollars for a wax, then that alone is justification enough for you to get it. You have to understand that your not the only one who will be looking at the car. The owner, the owners friends, random people. Will they be able to tell a difference? My money says NOPE.
 
swanicyouth said:
Beautiful! Well said! I don't get why there is a subsection of people convinced "all waxes are (almost) the same". I mean, they won't buy a polisher from Turtle Wax for $19.99, they will spend 3-4 hundred on a Flex, Rupes, etc.. It's like, you many not be able to immediately see the difference in the can, so all waxes MUST be all the same.

I just think it's really closed minded to think that way. Just to assume that because something cost more the manufacturer MUST just be duping you with fancy labels and jars. To think that there is NO WAY that something more expensive could have better ingredients, results, or technology associated with it. That, any manufacturer that claims better, purer, more costly ingredients or more carnuba HAS to be pulling the wool over your eyes. That there is just no way humanly possible to improve a $25 tub of wax with better/costlier manufacturing processes or ingredients. That no producer of wax has done ANY research or testing to see what LOOKS better on a surface, and there is no way there could be good, better, best.

That's just insane! I'm more from the school that says "you usually get what you pay for". It's not like microfiber towels, where you can sit the Costco towel next to the Cobra 600 gsm and IMMEDIATELY see a difference. And because the "difference" isn't so initially obvious, some people are convinced no difference could exist.

You can buy a pair of jeans at K-Mart for $12 or you can buy a pair of Diesel or True Religion jeans for $200. Now they are both pants and will cover up your junk, but the costlier ones are usually cut better and look better. That's why they command a premium price. AND with detailing we ARE talking primarily about LOOKS and AESTHETICS, you would think more people would realize a premium price will likely bring a better product.

Now, I know some waxes are insanely priced. I would LOVE to have Royale, Crytal Rox, Solaris, etc.. But spending thousands of dollars on a LSP is just not in my budget. However, I can't see spending working on a car (mine) for days of my valuable time and then being worried about a few hundred bucks when it comes to the last step product.

After actually using some mid priced waxes like Fuzion and Glasur I was so pleased with the results and the application it has convinced me to try some even costlier products. This is because of the positive difference I noticed.

I just think if its not in someone's interest or budget to try a costlier product that is one thing. But, to say all waxes are the same or expensive waxes are a rip off without even trying them, that's a whole other issue. I'm wondering how many doubters out there would balk if they were somehow offered a $25 jar of Concorso, because they can get a more durable product for $17.99. If there is no difference, why would it matter?
Click to expand...


The Jeans [art of this all wrong. While there is a way to measure the quality of clothing.
Good deal of the price pays for the fancy name. IE Designers, nothing to do with quality.


All I have to say about this stuff is that it would be a pleasure to do business with any one who buys off on your thinking. You really need to get out there is the business world. Hype is the word.
 
CM8 6MT said:
I can assure you most average people cant tell any difference between a $50 dollar wax and 100+.
The owner, the owners friends, random people. Will they be able to tell a difference? My money says NOPE.
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Most don't see swirls. So true, also car will get dusty pretty quick especially if it is a daily driver. Some bring up durability, not much point in this with most using toppers. I've seen Ultima Waterless on its own making a vehicle bead.

It is more of the feeling you get when opening up a nice wax to use. Mayb not logical but you see that in life with many things.
 
CM8 6MT said:
You guys are comparing apples to oranges. You cant compare a high end, high carnuba content wax to TURTLE WAX.

Can a gloss meter detect a difference? Yeah, what about the HUMAN eye? Not so much. How long is this extra tad bit of gloss worth to you & your customer (if your in the business). I can assure you most average people cant tell any difference between a $50 dollar wax and 100+.

What makes the higher end wax product that much better? Higher carnuba content? Anything after 50% an you start falling under the law of diminishing retuns. If i can get a wax for $75 bucks that perfoms just as good as a wax for a couple grand, my customer cant tell the difference hey guess what.

1. I made a profit, I spent less on product and achieved the desired goal.

2. Customer is happy.

Unless your doing a showroom car for competition, that tad bit of extra gloss isnt going to matter squat. If it makes you "feel" better by spending hundreds of dollars for a wax, then that alone is justification enough for you to get it. You have to understand that your not the only one who will be looking at the car. The owner, the owners friends, random people. Will they be able to tell a difference? My money says NOPE.
Click to expand...

If say you hit the nail on the head.
 
I don't notice a big gloss difference when using a boutique wax. The ease of use and enjoyment I get from spreading a nice wax is worth some extra cash IMO. Waxing vehicles is a form of relaxation for me. :) A nice floral or coconut scent in my petroleom distill helps also.
 
slimnib said:
The Jeans [art of this all wrong. While there is a way to measure the quality of clothing.
Good deal of the price pays for the fancy name. IE Designers, nothing to do with quality.
Click to expand...

"Quality" and aesthetics are two different things. Since we ARE talking about detailing, aesthetics & looks DO matter. They may not be the TOTAL picture, as durability may or may not play a role in one's decision.

I see it as the perfect comparison. While a $12 pair of K-Mart jeans may last as long or LONGER than a pair of Diesel or True Religion jeans, I think you would be hard presses to find someone who thinks they LOOK better.

If your whole concern in the previous example is durability, then we would all be wearing burlap sacks. Sometimes in life its just worth it to pay more for items that are more subjectively pleasing.

slimnib said:
All I have to say about this stuff is that it would be a pleasure to do business with any one who buys off on your thinking. You really need to get out there is the business world. Hype is the word
Click to expand...

I don't automatically assume that a product always costs more because of "hype". Sometimes, you just get what you pay for. In a way I feel sort of bad for people that always purchase items based on practicality. It seems they just would be missing out on the pleasure of some nicer items.

As for "getting out in the business world" It would seem the business world is filled with people making a living off luxury and high dollar products. And the consumer world is also filled with people more than happy to pay for such items.
 
swanicyouth said:
Well, I was thinking about Concorso, Desire, E-Zyme, Black Label, or another wax in the 2 to 3 bills category this summer. Also, I think the Zymol sampler #2 is hard to beat. For $199 you get 2oz each of Concours, Destiny, and Atlantique glazes. That seems like a nice way to try some fine waxes for a reasonable price.

Do have any opinions on any of these products or another recommendation?

Do you think Shield has a great look in its price range, or maybe Blau Weiss?
Click to expand...

swanicyouth said:
What is Insignis? I was on SV USA webpage and didn't see it. Am I just missing it? Is it some type of limited production wax?
Click to expand...

Well because I have had such great success with SV, I am a little more biased to them TBH. I really really want to try RG black label, but its not within my budget right now. The sample pack of zymols sound like a really good deal.

As far as SV waxes go. There lines of waxes for manufacturers and countries are really there so if you come in not knowing where to begin, you have a wax. Stuff like Blau Wiess, Reflexus, Zuffenhausen, Scuderia, Viking are all amazing waxes. SV looks at each companies CC past, present and future trends and makes a wax that will work best with there system. For that reason you may want to go with Blau Wiess on your BMW. Personally I like Shield because it repels as good as Crystal, but its a fraction of the cost. It looks fairly similar to Mirage.

If you want to do better go with Concorso. It has a higher nuba value; thus making it more glossy, would look excellent on black!! Honestly if I were you, that's probably what I would do. I dont like products that last too long.

Yes, to my understanding and knowledge, Insignis is no longer made.
 
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