Metro Sidekick vs Chemical Guys VX6

OTSDetail

OTSDetail

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Anyone have any opinions for either? Looking to pick one up.

Tired of using waffle weaves to dry vehicles. I've always wanted the sidekick due to the compactness of it, but the short cord is a negative. Not a huge deal since I can use an extension cord anyways, but still a negative.

The VX6, however, has a longer cord, adjustable speed settings (not a huge deal), and is a better price overall. Currently on sale for $45.

Anyone have an opinions as to either? Still leaning towards the Sidekick as that's what I have always wanted, but the VX6 seems to be a REALLY viable option and the price really can't be beat.
 
Without question the sidekick. I have a blower similiar to the cg's without the variable speed and its obvious which one is of better quality...
 
If your going to use a blower to dry a car, get a leaf blower. The Sidekick is fine for nooks and crannies, but not to dry the whole car.

If you can afford it, get the Metro Blower with heated air.
 
Rsurfer said:
If your going to use a blower to dry a car, get a leaf blower. The Sidekick is fine for nooks and crannies, but not trying to dry the whole car.
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What he said , 100% accurate.

For nooks n crannies buy he cg one

For the whole car just buy a regular electric leaf blower
 
I'm sure it might be better to buy a regular leaf blower, but I'm looking for something that's a little more budget friendly.
 
OTSDetail said:
I'm sure it might be better to buy a regular leaf blower, but I'm looking for something that's a little more budget friendly.
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Look on craigslist or offer up

Lots of great deals I'm more then sure you can find a great condition leaf blower dirt cheap
 
I have the VX6. Use it frequently. It will push water halfway across the car's roof. If you reach halfway across the roof, then it will push nearly all the water off the car. This is assuming that the car has a decent LSP. I doubt any electric blower will take a sheet of water off a car.

I will blow out panel seems, but i still wipe down all the jambs, just so they stay clean.

It actually has quite a bit more power than the similar sized $20 models you can buy at the big box stores, but you are going to run it at the highest setting all the time anyway. It's probably just a touch louder than the average electric leaf blower.

I did use electrical tape to secure the nozzle, it fell off many times during use at first, haven't had an issue since taping it.

The nozzle is a nice, relatively soft rubber.

In general, they are not the most ergonomic. I find myself holding it in very weird positions to blow water where I want it to go. I don't think any blower would be different though.

Not considering the DP turbo dryer for a pinch more money?
 
I hardly ever use a blower to dry anything anymore. I just do a final rinse with DI water and park the car in the garage overnight.

Next day do a quick wipe down with a spray wax & your good.

Lazy man method.
 
swanicyouth said:
I hardly ever use a blower to dry anything anymore. I just do a final rinse with DI water and park the car in the garage overnight.

Next day do a quick wipe down with a spray wax & your good.

Lazy man method.
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Doesn't really work when you're trying to run a business haha. Can't just have cars sitting around!
 
I use my sidekick for drying the entire vehicle after Hydro2 and it works great! I use an extension cord and a 6' hose. I hold the sidekick in my left hand and run the hose behind my back to my right hand to dry from the roof down. Works well - full size suv takes 10 min tops at a leisurely pace including wheels and underhood. Totally dry no dripping.
 
austinz said:
I use my sidekick for drying the entire vehicle after Hydro2 and it works great! I use an extension cord and a 6' hose. I hold the sidekick in my left hand and run the hose behind my back to my right hand to dry from the roof down. Works well - full size suv takes 10 min tops at a leisurely pace including wheels and underhood. Totally dry no dripping.
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I've heard its not the best for vehicles who dont have an LSP though. Like it doesnt do a very good job drying. That's one of the main reasons I wanted one in the first place though. Something to make drying with no LSP faster.
 
OTSDetail said:
I've heard its not the best for vehicles who dont have an LSP though. Like it doesnt do a very good job drying. That's one of the main reasons I wanted one in the first place though. Something to make drying with no LSP faster.
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In what situation are you drying a car with no LSP on it? If I'm working on a car with no LSP, I can all but guarantee it needs to be clayed. I don't waste time drying a car if I'm going to clay it. I just use a strong dilution of ONR as clay lube, clay the car and wipe dry as I'm going. Perhaps you are concern with a different scenario?
 
Audios S6 said:
In what situation are you drying a car with no LSP on it? If I'm working on a car with no LSP, I can all but guarantee it needs to be clayed. I don't waste time drying a car if I'm going to clay it. I just use a strong dilution of ONR as clay lube, clay the car and wipe dry as I'm going. Perhaps you are concern with a different scenario?
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I do a quick exterior wash for some of my friends and family and occasional client. Some of them do not have any LSP on them and I cannot "upsell" them on it either.
 
Maybe a wash n wax type product would be well suited? Something to at least get some beading going to speed up your drying. I would think Hydrofoam would be perfect if the cars aren't filthy, even a strong pressure wash or prefoam may be enough to prep for hydrofoam and still fit the time and budget?

Probably have to try it to see if you actually save time or if you are just trading drying time/effort for prep time/effort with additional product cost.
 
Audios S6 said:
In what situation are you drying a car with no LSP on it? If I'm working on a car with no LSP, I can all but guarantee it needs to be clayed. I don't waste time drying a car if I'm going to clay it. I just use a strong dilution of ONR as clay lube, clay the car and wipe dry as I'm going. Perhaps you are concern with a different scenario?
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In the real world most people don't have a quality lsp on their paint. They simply want a quik wash and would be hard pressed to notice or be interested in flawless looking protection.



OTSDetail said:
I do a quick exterior wash for some of my friends and family and occasional client. Some of them do not have any LSP on them and I cannot "upsell" them on it either.
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Exactly this.👆🏽


Solution? From what it looks like, I can assume why you're fed up with using waffle weaves.. You should buy a couple of Water Sprites instead. They'll fit your need, trust me. Also, forget about trying to dry a whole vehicle [especially 1 without a quality lsp] with a Metro Sidekick, don't get me wrong, they're great for nooks & crannies, but you'd be lucky to be able to dry a whole waxed vehicle with just that..

Get a Homelite Blower brand new for like $32 @ the big orange place..
 
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