Review: Meguiar's DA Microfiber Buffing Pads!!!

David Fermani

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Recently I was chosen to be one of the lucky 28 people in the US to test out and evaluate the new Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System (MFCS). So far, after experimenting on nearly 12 vehicles I can honestly say that this is one hell of a system to say the least. Even though it’s designed and marketed to remove moderate surface defects, I’ve been quite successful being able to fully correct much heavier problems by altering my techniques through a multitude of ways. For well over 20 years I’ve been a 100% rotary user, but after discovering the famous Kevin Brown Method (KBM) and discussing the extreme potential of the Dual Action Polisher with Kevin Brown himself, I’ve found my rotary mostly just collecting dust these days. Up until the time the MFCS was given to me I’ve had no other alternative but to utilize conventional foam pads for DA correction. I’ve even privately tested experimental foam with leading pad manufacturers to help extend the parameters foam could be pushed. Surprisingly after several dozens of hours testing these pads, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Meg’s MF pads are unparallel to any foam that I’ve used thus far by means of both the correction and finishing power it offers coupled with Meg’s non-diminishing liquids. Not only can this system effortlessly cut through defects on butter soft clears, but after using it on 7 rock hard BMW & Mercedes finishes it can also get the job done on them too with a little more creative effort. It seems that the harder the clear, the better the pad can finish out actually. Especially with the utilization of the true KBM method for finishing which utilizes slower machine speeds coupled with a cleanly prepped pad?

I must say that to secure the full potential of the system, it is imperative to incorporate the constant use of compressed air to keep the pads fresh. By doing this it insures that the surface contact is as “clean” as possible. By this I mean free of dust (spent product) as well as abraded paint. If this isn’t done, there is a much higher likelihood that the congested pad elements could not only produce unneeded micromarring, but weaken the cutting power of the system. By also keeping the pad clean, you also reduce the past requirement to constantly swap out for fresh pads. Now, with these MF pads you are able to use only 1 single pad for an entire car. That’s right; no more need to constantly keep changing out pads for a fresh one. These pads clean incredibly well with a few puffs of compressed air. Brushing can also get the job done, but it only removes the topical debris and not all the rest at the base of the fibers which could eventually lead to overload. After priming of the pad, only 2-3 pea sized drops of liquid are needed for rewetting to keep continued clean cutting.

As far as cutting pads are concerned, these MF pads last a long time. After 10 cars my initial test cutting pads barely showed any signs of wear or weakening. Amazing! Plus, little to no pressure is needed for these pads to give the full effect of correction. This may ultimately lead to much greater longevity of pads. These pads also bring new life to Meg’s M105 as work times are almost infinitely extended. Buffing for several minutes isn’t a problem when speeds are slightly reduced too. Doing so actually has little if any effect on lighter correction applications or concentrated defect removal as Meg’s considers this a slow-down-to-work-faster approach. No product buildup skidding and semi-hardening onto the paint as a result of overworking either. Product easily wipes off the surface too. Almost too good to be true but it is. I encourage everyone to try this system to see for yourself the new power of the DA polisher the Meguiars way. I'd like to thank Meguiar's, Jason Rose & Kevin Brown for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this incrredible product development.



Some pics of the system:
MF003.jpg


MF004.jpg



Here’s a few Before & Afters:

Tesla(soft) after D301 & D301:

DSC_0880.jpg


DSC_0881.jpg


DSC_0883.jpg


DSC_0882.jpg




Mercedes CL63(hard) after DAMF & M105:

077.jpg


078.jpg


082.jpg


088.jpg


092.jpg


098.jpg
 
Great review David! I will have to play around with the M105 a little more on these pads. :xyxthumbs:
 
Very nice review David, thank you.

After reading Rasky's review and now yours, I'm beginning to think the pads may work well with all the other polishes out there. There's definitely going to be some interesting experimenting going on. :righton:
 
They sure do. I've used them with Menzerna & Optimum and they're excellent. If you look at the pic of the all the pads laid out you'll notice the 5 inch cutting pad is blue (hint/hint).
 
Marc, Meguiar's markets them as 3", 5", and 6", but I believe the actual sizes are 3.37″, 5.5″, and 6.25″ respectively.
 
They sure do. I've used them with Menzerna & Optimum and they're excellent. If you look at the pic of the all the pads laid out you'll notice the 5 inch cutting pad is blue (hint/hint).

85rd? :props:




Were these results achieved with a single sectional pass consisting of D301 and D300? That's is some amazing correction. Good enough to replace M105 and Surbuff combination? ;)
 
David ....

Did you use the MF pads with a Flex 3401 and if so can you give us some comparisons between the effectiveness of each D/A with this system.

Thank you very much for the excellent information on this system.
 
david ....

Did you use the mf pads with a flex 3401 and if so can you give us some comparisons between the effectiveness of each d/a with this system.

Thank you very much for the excellent information on this system.
x 2
 
Wow, you review guys are coming out of the woodwork like crazy. I predict a release date of no later then Friday :buffing:
 
I have to say, I'm impressed with the before/after pics I've been seeing... now I really want to get my hands on these and see what I can do with them!

As soon as AG gets this stuff in stock, I'll be placing my order no doubt.
 
Marc, Meguiar's markets them as 3", 5", and 6", but I believe the actual sizes are 3.37″, 5.5″, and 6.25″ respectively.

Thanks for explaning that Chad!

85rd? :props:





Were these results achieved with a single sectional pass consisting of D301 and D300? That's is some amazing correction. Good enough to replace M105 and Surbuff combination? ;)

Blue = OSC............85RD works great too.
Can't remember if I did 1 or 2 passes with D301? Because the way these pads finish so well, I'd much rather do a couple more passes with D301/M105 then load up with a SurBuf. If something needs that much correction I'll slap on a piece of 3000 Trizact and really level it.


David ....

Did you use the MF pads with a Flex 3401 and if so can you give us some comparisons between the effectiveness of each D/A with this system.

Thank you very much for the excellent information on this system.

Thanks! All correction was done with PC XP. Can't comment on the FLEX.
 
I have to say, I'm impressed with the before/after pics I've been seeing... now I really want to get my hands on these and see what I can do with them!

As soon as AG gets this stuff in stock, I'll be placing my order no doubt.


Good to hear. You won't be dissappointed. :props:
 
I'm LOVING all these reviews!! I was about to plunk down $200 in more compound, polishes and pads last week but decided to wait to see if any more news on the DA Microfiber system would come out...then tonight it seems the flood gates have opened!

I really like how everyone is saying the pads last a long time and finish down really well. I asked over in Rasky's thread if he used anything like 85RD and it turns out you have and liked it. :righton:
 
Nice review David. It's nice seeing you post on here, I enjoyed some of your write ups on Autopia.
 
Great review. These seem like they have a lot of defect removal power while finishing down nicely. It's good to hear they last a fair while too. :props:

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk so please excuse any grammatical errors
 
...All correction was done with PC XP...

To summarize using Megs DA MF products and procedure:

Always prime pad for total pad surface coverage.

Correction:
PC XP Speed 4 / 4800 OPM - Slow Arm speed moderate pressure.
DA MF Cutting disc w/DA MF Correction Compound
clean pad often - Spin and clean w/pad brush on the fly.

Finishing:
PC XP Speed 3 / 3800 OPM - Fast arm speed machine weight pressure.
DA MF Finishing disc w/DA MF Finishing Wax
Use after correction to clarify, brighten and add gloss

Do the PC XP speed settings above equate to the correct OPM?

Is this Megs product and procedure summary correct?
 
I'm LOVING all these reviews!! I was about to plunk down $200 in more compound, polishes and pads last week but decided to wait to see if any more news on the DA Microfiber system would come out...then tonight it seems the flood gates have opened!

I really like how everyone is saying the pads last a long time and finish down really well. I asked over in Rasky's thread if he used anything like 85RD and it turns out you have and liked it. :righton:

Yes, 85RD adds some nice icing to the Meg's M105 cake. You'll like it. :props:

What do you mean "load up" with a surbuf?

Referring to micromarring SurBuf's leave. They cut extremely well, but in turn usually leave room for finishing work. With the MF pads you can level as many defects (with additional passes) and you're left with a much better finish. I prefer the latter.

Nice review David. It's nice seeing you post on here, I enjoyed some of your write ups on Autopia.

Thanks. Much appreciated!!

Great review. These seem like they have a lot of defect removal power while finishing down nicely. It's good to hear they last a fair while too. :props:

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk so please excuse any grammatical errors
Thanks Matt. They sure do.

To summarize using Megs DA MF products and procedure:

Always prime pad for total pad surface coverage.

Correction:
PC XP Speed 4 / 4800 OPM - Slow Arm speed moderate pressure.
DA MF Cutting disc w/DA MF Correction Compound
clean pad often - Spin and clean w/pad brush on the fly.

Finishing:
PC XP Speed 3 / 3800 OPM - Fast arm speed machine weight pressure.
DA MF Finishing disc w/DA MF Finishing Wax
Use after correction to clarify, brighten and add gloss

Do the PC XP speed settings above equate to the correct OPM?

Is this Megs product and procedure summary correct?

Depends what you're working on. I use the above with a combination of a little bit different techniques at times to get the job done. That includes sometimes higher machine speeds(6), slow movement(sometimes barely any), tilting of the pads for isolated defect removal, shortened cycles, no pressure. I don't just stick to one procedure as we were initially given this system without any instructions but to figure out what worked on our own. That's what was most interesting about this. No initial structure which really made us think outside the box to push and learn the system.
 
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