I've been using the big red sponge more almost a year and never had a problem with smearing, scratching or marring. Also never had an issue with it at it's standard dilution ratio. Same can be said for D114 and N-914 which has a similar dilution ratio.
Like all products proper use is key. So I agree with you there.
It's not the sponge itself, for sake of this conversation.
Most of the demonstration videos I see by Optimum Technologies, and users of ONR and the sponge that post videos, typically implement horrible technique and approach.
So, take bad technique, throw in a gigantic sponge, an under concentrated product, and a filthy dirty car, and you have the potential for all kinds of problems, especially for someone new to detailing and rinseless wash products.
Optimum markets their products to consumers, with quantity over quality in mind.
They just want to sell their product, not build the detail industry.
In regards to your experience with the product.
You are an experienced detailer who takes care of your vehicles properly, and keeps them protected on a regular basis.
ONR, the sponge, and manufacture dilution ratios can easily work on vehicles that are already clean, coated, sealed, and waxed.
So, your vehicles, would not represent the masses, because you do such a good job with them.
The BRS is one of those products that's either, or. I don't think there's a middle ground with this one; you either love it or hate it. I'm in the latter camp.
I am not a fan of sponges on paint and clear coat.
In this case, as I stated previously. it has more to do with the demonstrations in social media regarding ONR and the sponge.
Bad technique is bad enough with microfiber towels and the damage that can result.
With a sponge, and a gigantic one at that, this only makes the problem worse.
To play devil's advocate, isn't that how most of the stuff we buy on here is marketed/hyped? :laughing:
Yes.... and no.
AutoGeek, and specifically Mike Philips, have some great written and video tutorials on how to properly use rinseless and waterless wash products.
Jason Rose, formerly with Meguiars for decades, always properly demonstrated the correct way to use rinseless and waterless wash products.
This adds much credibility to the respective businesses they represent.
Marketing is what it is.
Consumers will always have to weed through fact and fiction with products in any industry.
I think the natural approach for anyone selling a product is to suggest their product is the superior choice, for whatever reason.
Could be performance, could be price point, could be that the market is so large there is room for one more to join the party.
In the case of Optimum Technologies, they have a blatant disregard for the professional detailer in the way they represent the function of their products.
They insult the intelligence of both the professional detailer, and their own target consumer.
