Lake Country Hydro Pads

Eric is making pads with the velcro loop to the edge, and we'll have to see if that solves both the loop separation issue AND the tearing/cutting issue or at least the tearing/cutting issue.
 
I hope they fix this problem. I would like to order some more, but won't until I am confident the problem is fixed.
 
Have you had some pad issues as well Trichard? What were your experiences with them if you have?
 
O.C.Detailing said:
Have you had some pad issues as well Trichard? What were your experiences with them if you have?
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I am only a weekend warrior, I maintain my 4 vehicles as well as a few for family and friends. I only have 2 of each (of the cyan and the tangerine) that I have only used only once. I have not had any problems as of yet, but I have read about a lot of failures which concerns me as I think about ordering more...
 
I hope im not one of the "lucky" few who will have problems with these pads...

I just got 2 of each and im using the Griot DA...im gonna be hella worried the first time i use these
 
ASPHALT ROCKET said:
This a great thread for sure and the Hydro pads do work great. It does seem that some are using way too much pressure and causing themselves misery. Also sometimes it does take more than two days to dry these pads, I would suggest setting your wet pads on sweater dryer so the air can circulate through the pad itself.
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Good idea. I actually have a food rack that I dry my pads out on. I have a small fan that blows air on them. It usually takes a few days to totally dry them. When doing PC corrections, I usually have several dozen dry pads on hand. I've seen times where I tried using a pad that felt dry, but immediately after my 1st pass, I knew there was moisture still trapped within the pad. It will affect the level of correction, gum up the pad and created problems for the pad itself. You don't need to use that much pressure either. My pad never stops obiting ever. I use to do that at 1st and it would eat the edges right off the pad. I don't see how that could be a defect of the pad or it's manufacturer. Since adjusting my technique, I immediatley noticed my pads lasting alot longer and my correction was was quicker/better. I change pads after each panel. 2-3 on large panels (hoods/roofs). I wonder if people aren't cleaning their pads correctly and when they notice the level of correction dropping they add more pressure thinking that it will overcompensate for the tool misuse?
 
The bottom line is, CCS pads don't have this problem. I have both the hydro's and CCS pads. If the velcro loop is extended to the edge of the hyro techs, problem solved, IMO. It's not just the velcro loop delaminating, it's the foam that's tearing, too(post #96, my pad). LC is very good and will make sure the problem is corrected.
 
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I too have the same problem with LC HT Pads tearing up! Especially the 4" inch pads
 
David Fermani said:
I've seen times where I tried using a pad that felt dry, but immediately after my 1st pass, I knew there was moisture still trapped within the pad. It will affect the level of correction, gum up the pad and created problems for the pad itself.
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So David, I'm guessing that you don't use any type of pad washer like the Grit Guard or Autogeek? No way you can use that pad washer and continue to use the pad right?
 
VR8 said:
So David, I'm guessing that you don't use any type of pad washer like the Grit Guard or Autogeek? No way you can use that pad washer and continue to use the pad right?
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If you want to use the same pad again on the same detail, you better just clean it on the fly with a brush/air/towel and keep on trucking. Once you introduce water to these, sit it aside to dry for a while (at least 24 hours).

DLB
 
I think these pads are exellent but have a design flaw .
I want to order a lot of them but will not untill the problem is fixed .
 
VR8 said:
So David, I'm guessing that you don't use any type of pad washer like the Grit Guard or Autogeek? No way you can use that pad washer and continue to use the pad right?
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Not when working by DA. I powerwash all my pads after each session.

You can't use these pads damp in the least bit. Not just because it will destroy the pad, but because they won't work to the best of their ability. These pads are not like any other pads (non-reticulated) out there and require additional understanding to properly use. These pads are dense and hold water by the design of their cell structure. If you use a damp pad, the water will internally heat up and *could* loosen up the glue that holds the backing on. People need to understand this before using them. Yes, it takes a little more effort, but the end result is worth it (better cutting / less wasted money destroying pads).
Sorry for my continuation of preaching...like beating a dead horse at time.
 
Anyway, as I've previously stated, waiting DAYS for a pad to dry before you can use it again is totally unreasonable, so there is an inherent FLAW in the design that needs to be addressed by the manufacturer and it is.

I've personally waited several days between using the pads only to have the backing fall off, so no, waiting for them to be dry does NOT prevent the backing from delaminating. So let's get past accusing people of being bad detailers who don't have a clue what they're doing or how to use their products. It's pretty insulting and not helping solve the problem.
 
I don't see how it's a design flaw just because it takes a little time to allow a pad to dry? Do microfiber towels have a design flaw because they can't be put in the dryer and in turn takes a day to dry? How is Lake Country going to improve the design so they dry faster? Can you explain seeing that you're "working" with them to solve the problem.

I think it boils down to your preferences. If you don't like them, don't use them. Take offence if you'd like. I'm not calling out or doubting your ability so don't go into defense mode all the time when someone doesn't agree with you. Sorry, but I don't feel the need to sugarcoat my opinion. Where there's 1-2 people that don't like a great product, there's 100's who do. I still think you might have received a bad batch, because there's no way the backing is going to delaminate without misuse. If it did, there'd be 100's of people damaging cars left and right from flying pads. I checked with 2 other resellers of LC pads and they have not received 1 complaint to date related to this issue.
 
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Go back to post #6 by Eric. This really sounds like the problem. Using KBM or excessive pressure will destrory these pads. The first set that I used the KBM the backing separated from the pad. The second set has been used with both a DA and rotary with moderate pressure and no separation. Just my experience with these pads.
 
I also mentioned a few posts back the biggest problem was the heat that gets produced and still wet causing steam.Like them or leave them like Dave said no one forces anyone to use anything we can only comment on our own experiences
 
They are great pad and are awesome when they are completely dry. They are not flawed at all, they can not change the foam content or otherwise they wouldn't work as well-i.e.-ccs pads. You either deal with waiting atleast two days for them to completely dry so they do not damage the adhesive, buy more pads or use a different pad all together. I really do not see this drying issue as a flaw, just a trait of the pad. Bottom line is either deal with it or move on to a different type pad.

Also props to Harleyguy, he hit the nail on the head with the pad being damp and creating a steam. He talked to me about this before these were even for sale.:props:
 
O.C.Detailing said:
Anyway, as I've previously stated, waiting DAYS for a pad to dry before you can use it again is totally unreasonable, so there is an inherent FLAW in the design that needs to be addressed by the manufacturer and it is.
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I agree 100%. Take a look at post #96, that's one of my 3 pads that failed the exact same way. It's not the velcro delaminating, it's the foam tearing. This doesn't have anything to do with a wet pad, although I always let the pads thoroughly dry. My CCS pads hold up very well, and I use the same technique. Once the velcro loop is moved to the edge, the problem will be solved, I'll put my whole bank account on this(nothing..lol). For those who have not had any problems as of yet, either you baby the pads, or you haven't used them enough.
 
I guess it took 12 pages of jiberous to come together and sing this oldie but goodie:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3MiD_U4CHQ]YouTube - Joan Baez - Kumbaya (1980)[/video]
 
Unfortunately, I disagree completely with most of the last few posts. You all are intelligent and skilled detailers, but I'm no scrub either and I'm telling you, there was NO HEAT and very little pressure used when the backing separated, so yes, there is an issue with the backing and the laminating process that needs to be addressed. I do believe the tearing issue will be solved with the backing covering the entire pad, but the delaminating problem needs to be addressed and solved through engineering and not through unreasonable measures by the people who use them in the form of waiting days for a pad to dry, though that's not been my experience of why they're failing.

Again...as I've said before, I've waited 2-3 days for a pad to be dry before using it and the backing still separated. I DO NOT use a ton of pressure, just enough to slow down my machine, not stop it. That would translate to the recommended 15-20lbs of pressure on the machine to optimize it's correcting ability.

Bottom line, believe what you will. The backing separation issue would be wide-spread and not just isolated to the HT pads being as the lamination process for both pads, according to Eric, is the same. Since I've had NO ISSUES with my CCS pads, then there needs to be an adjustment to the lamination process for the HT pads to stop the backing from separating requiring unreasonably high maintenance to purchase, use and maintain HT pads. Whether you agree or not or if you're having problems or not, the issue has happened to enough people to warrant a fix since no one REALLY knows what's causing the problem as of yet.
 
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