First Impression: Optimum Microfiber Polishing Pads

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Nick McKees37

McKee's 37 Product Support
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When Dr. David Ghodoussi, president and CEO of Optimum Polymer Technologies talks automotive surface care, people listen. So when the word was out on Optimum's new line of microfiber pads, professional detailers and detailing enthusiasts around the world were all ears.


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While the idea of microfiber pads are nothing new in the paint correction industry, Optimum Polymer Technologies set out to give this critically acclaimed design a complete Optimum makeover. Like other products developed by Dr. G, the new microfiber pads raise the bar even higher and provide another unique, and effective approach to paint correction.


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What makes Optimum's microfiber pads unique is their low profile, reticulated, open-cell foam backing that provides superior cooling. A cooler running pad equals a longer pad life. Along with the unique, open cell foam backing is the advanced laminating system that ensures maximum durability out of the pads. No need to worry about the backing material separating from the pads because these are built to last. Last, but certainly not least, is their ability to be used with a rotary polisher, something that cannot be said for other microfiber pads on the market.


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Available in several sizes as a polishing and cutting pad, the latter of which will be available after SEMA, Optimum's microfiber pads are designed to work with their Hyper Compound Spray, Hyper Polish Spray and Poli-Seal AIO to provide superior paint correction and finish LSP ready. The Microfiber Polishing Pads are now available and I didn't waste any time putting them to the test last night with a swirled up hood, Flex PE14-2-150 and a bottle of the Hyper Polish Spray.


Keep1.JPG


Two light mists of Hyper Polish Spray is all that's required and I went to work. I played around with the variable speed settings on the Flex PE14-2-150 and finally settled around 1,200 RPM. Hyper Polish Spray used in conjunction with the new Microfiber Polishing Pad is like Mario Andretti and a Formula One car, it just works. Hyper Polish Spray is such a pleasure to work with even when used with a foam pad that you would think it couldn't possibly get any better. When used with the new Microfiber Polishing Pad, Hyper Polish Spray is like magic in a bottle. I knew Dr. G was a great chemist but I didn't know he was a magician.


Keep2.JPG


What you see above is about five section passes at 1,200 RPM on a Flex PE14-2-150 rotary polisher. As you can clearly see, the new Optimum Microfiber Polishing Pad finished beautifully.

Tip: Clean the pad and fluff up the fibers using a Foam Pad Conditioning Brush before moving on to the area.


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Now it's ready for another round!


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First impressions are everything, and for the short amount of time I spent with Optimum's newest creation, I walked away impressed and wanting to come back for more, which I most certainly will as you can expect a comprehensive review of Optimum's new Microfiber Polishing Pads in the near future.

Optimum Microfiber Polishing Pads

Optimum Polymer Technologies
 
:wow: I can't wait to try these and the cutting pads now! :hungry: Thanks for the quick review Nick.
 
I'm ready to read some reviews on these compared to the meguiars microfiber lineup.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
 
I'm still trying to understand how these are supposed to work via rotary when the Meg's MF pads are supposed to do their magic with the reciprocating motion of a DA...or are these supposed to work more like a Surbuf pad?
 
Man you're quick Nick! Thanks for doing a review.

How would you compare the pad's durability and build quality compared to Meguiar's finishing discs? How about performance?
 
can you clean these with the bug sponge and Air like the megs?
 
Nick@Autogeek said:

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Available in several sizes as a polishing and cutting pad, the latter of which will be available after SEMA, Optimum's microfiber pads are designed to work with their Hyper Compound Spray, Hyper Polish Spray and Poli-Seal AIO to provide superior paint correction and finish LSP ready. The Microfiber Polishing Pads are now available and I didn't waste any time putting them to the test last night with a swirled up hood, Flex PE14-2-150 and a bottle of the Hyper Polish Spray.


Two light mists of Hyper Polish Spray is all that's required and I went to work. I played around with the variable speed settings on the Flex PE14-2-150 and finally settled around 1,200 RPM. Hyper Polish Spray used in conjunction with the new Microfiber Polishing Pad is like Mario Andretti and a Formula One car, it just works. Hyper Polish Spray is such a pleasure to work with even when used with a foam pad that you would think it couldn't possibly get any better. When used with the new Microfiber Polishing Pad, Hyper Polish Spray is like magic in a bottle. I knew Dr. G was a great chemist but I didn't know he was a magician.

What you see above is about five section passes at 1,200 RPM on a Flex PE14-2-150 rotary polisher. As you can clearly see, the new Optimum Microfiber Polishing Pad finished beautifully.


Optimum Microfiber Polishing Pads

Optimum Polymer Technologies
Click to expand...

I have not used Hyper polish since I was turned off by the sprayability of Hyper compound (even with new nozzle). I hope this problem has been resolved in their new product line.
 
well i just ordered the 3.25 and 5.25 pads
Also is there a speed setting that should be used on the DA like the Megs...or can you go full balls to the wall speed 6 when correcting?
 
05xrunner said:
well i just ordered the 3.25 and 5.25 pads
Also is there a speed setting that should be used on the DA like the Megs...or can you go full balls to the wall speed 6 when correcting?
Click to expand...

Part of the reason Meguiar's recommends a slower than full out speed setting is to prevent you from overheating the pads and breaking down the adhesive that hold the pads together.

Adhesive between microfiber and foam, adhesive between foam and Velcro

A lot of heat is generated with time and pressure. There's a limit to adhesive technology and online detailing enthusiasts have a tendency to push that limit.


:D
 
well it seems with the new laminating and the open cell that says helps keep it cooler seems that you can run them a little faster and harder then the megs. Guess we will find out when others start to put them through the ringer
 
05xrunner said:
well it seems with the new laminating and the open cell that says helps keep it cooler seems that you can run them a little faster and harder then the megs. Guess we will find out when others start to put them through the ringer
Click to expand...

By the time you apply some pressure the open cells are for the most part going to collapse since the foam is so thin and that benefit won't be a huge factor.

I've been watching people buff with every pad, backing plate and tool under the sun I'm pretty confident these pads, like all pads, will be pushed to their limit.


:)
 
05xrunner said:
well i just ordered the 3.25 and 5.25 pads
Also is there a speed setting that should be used on the DA like the Megs...or can you go full balls to the wall speed 6 when correcting?
Click to expand...
The OPT MF strands are a bit longer than the Meg's MF pads, so I think you would want to run at a higher speed(5-6)!
 
Guess we know what we are using today can't wait one more hour and I hit the road . After tonight hopefully we can report back on how well this system works .
 
Harleyguy said:
Guess we know what we are using today can't wait one more hour and I hit the road . After tonight hopefully we can report back on how well this system works .
Click to expand...

Hi Adam,

Would you or anyone who'll be using the optimum pads please compare them to the Meguiar's microfiber pads?

Thank you!
 
07 z-oh-6 said:
The OPT MF strands are a bit longer than the Meg's MF pads, so I think you would want to run at a higher speed(5-6)!
Click to expand...

I just spoke to Dr. David Ghodoussi and he said the microfiber material is the same only the type of foam is different.

Heat is created by time and pressure and heat is never beneficial to the adhesive used to hold buffing pads together whether the pad be foam or fiber.

What I see happening with all pads are buffing pads are exposed to too much heat from buffing with too much pressure on the high speed setting for too long, (long = time), and then whatever the pad is shows signs of failure.

That's normal as the pad has been pushed past it's limit for what it can withstand. As long as everyone understands they've pushed technology past what's possible there's no problem. When people start wanting their pads replaced because technology doesn't meet their expectations that's when their's a problem.

Nothing lasts forever, especially when past the limit of technology.

Microfiber pads are a new technology and have a place in the detailing world but at this time you can still finish out better using foam.

This is pretty easy to show on black paint. Keep in mind when working on clear coated cars the results you see on black paint are also happening to other colors it's just that it's not always as easy to see because of the color of the basecoat.


So on tonight's extreme makeover we're going to finish out with foam.


:buffing:
 
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