Review-Optimum Opti-Bond Tire Gel
- Thread starter CEE DOG
- Start date
I just ordered gallon of the tire gel,but it has not arrived yet. I was wondering what you take is as an engine dressing since it is waterbased? Is this also a good exterior trim touch up? One of the reason I purchased it was that it seemed so versatile. Here are the applications I can see for this stuff.
Appropriate Application
1) Tire Dressing / Full Strenth
2) Wheel Well Dressing / 1:1 sprayer?
Not Sure appropriate application
3) Engine Dressing - 1:1 sprayer?
4) Exterior vinyl trim dressing - 1:1 sprayer or full strenght?
Appropriate Application
1) Tire Dressing / Full Strenth
2) Wheel Well Dressing / 1:1 sprayer?
Not Sure appropriate application
3) Engine Dressing - 1:1 sprayer?
4) Exterior vinyl trim dressing - 1:1 sprayer or full strenght?
CEE DOG
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WEEK 3 UPDATE:
Not Washed
Driven only 30 miles. (Thats 250 miles total)
I have to say the closeup shots are very closeup and it looks great from a couple feet back.
OptiBond Tire
OptiBond Tire Closeup
50/50 Tire
50/50 DP SIDE
50/50 OPTI SIDE
Not Washed
Driven only 30 miles. (Thats 250 miles total)
I have to say the closeup shots are very closeup and it looks great from a couple feet back.
OptiBond Tire
OptiBond Tire Closeup
50/50 Tire
50/50 DP SIDE
50/50 OPTI SIDE
WRAPT C5Z06
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^ I can't really tell a big difference. DP still a bit glossier? What's your take on durability?
CEE DOG
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With the DP you can control the gloss more.
With the Opti it gives a very nice and a maybe bit more consistent look.
Also the Opti seems to give a slightly textured look.
On durability the verdict is still out since I haven't put enough miles or washed enough times. Give it another 2-3 weeks and we'll see.
Also keep an eye on David's (A4 1.8tqm) review. I believe his review is testing durability in tougher conditions then what Sky is seeing.
I am also going to start another test on my wifes DD which stays outside.
CEE DOG
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WEEK 4 UPDATE:
Car and rims were wahed with ONR (tires got wet but not scrubbed
Driven another 110 miles. (Thats 380 miles total)
Both sides still look good.
OptiBond Tire
OptiBond Tire Closeup
50/50 Tire (sun not cooperating)
50/50 OPTI SIDE
50/50 DP SIDE
Car and rims were wahed with ONR (tires got wet but not scrubbed
Driven another 110 miles. (Thats 380 miles total)
Both sides still look good.
OptiBond Tire
OptiBond Tire Closeup
50/50 Tire (sun not cooperating)
50/50 OPTI SIDE
50/50 DP SIDE
CEE DOG
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Here is the final update for this particular test of DP and Opti:
Keep in mind the DP formula used here is NOT the new formula.
The test started 0n 04/17/10
That is about 6 weeks (43 days) from start to end
There is a very noticeable difference from fresh application to how they look now.
The total miles driven during this time are about 600.
The wheels were washed 3 times during that time. The tires were never scrubbed or sprayed with more then water and some Ultima wash from my foam gun.
The tires as shown in these new pictures are currently dirty. I went for some joy riding this morning and did happen down a dirt road which may have stirred up a bit of dust but it doesn't seem to have stuck to what's left of the product.
There is still a trace of the products on the tires but it's certainly near the end of its cycle. Under the conditions in which I've tested I would say the tires will still be affected for another week or two but the look has worn down enough that I'll call it at 6 weeks.
The DP and Opti both lasted about the same length of time but up close the DP started to look slightly uneven over time. From any normal viewing distance they both appear to have lasted the same length of time.
With the DP you can control the initial gloss of the product better. In other words you can achieve a somewhat glossy finish if you desire. Personally I like the look of the Optimum as it's slightly textured matte look and its price appeal to me.
You can not go wrong with either as it will come down to personal taste.
50/50 TIRE
50/50 TIRE UP CLOSE
DP
OPTI
ALL OPTI WHEEL
REMOVING TEST TAPE
Keep in mind the DP formula used here is NOT the new formula.
The test started 0n 04/17/10
That is about 6 weeks (43 days) from start to end
There is a very noticeable difference from fresh application to how they look now.
The total miles driven during this time are about 600.
The wheels were washed 3 times during that time. The tires were never scrubbed or sprayed with more then water and some Ultima wash from my foam gun.
The tires as shown in these new pictures are currently dirty. I went for some joy riding this morning and did happen down a dirt road which may have stirred up a bit of dust but it doesn't seem to have stuck to what's left of the product.
There is still a trace of the products on the tires but it's certainly near the end of its cycle. Under the conditions in which I've tested I would say the tires will still be affected for another week or two but the look has worn down enough that I'll call it at 6 weeks.
The DP and Opti both lasted about the same length of time but up close the DP started to look slightly uneven over time. From any normal viewing distance they both appear to have lasted the same length of time.
With the DP you can control the initial gloss of the product better. In other words you can achieve a somewhat glossy finish if you desire. Personally I like the look of the Optimum as it's slightly textured matte look and its price appeal to me.
You can not go wrong with either as it will come down to personal taste.
50/50 TIRE
50/50 TIRE UP CLOSE
DP
OPTI
ALL OPTI WHEEL
REMOVING TEST TAPE
WRAPT C5Z06
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Thanks Corey, excellent job! :dblthumb2:
I have some opti tire shine on the way. I'm going to compare it to my current opti-bond diluted 1:1.
I have some opti tire shine on the way. I'm going to compare it to my current opti-bond diluted 1:1.
zliegen
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- Sep 12, 2010
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Just wanna bump this, CEE DOG did an excellent and thorough review on this product. I've been experimenting with this tire gel for awhile now and I agree with 07 z-oh-6, the best way to apply is diluted 50/50 on a tire applicator. It works just as well or perhaps even better than using it straight in my opinion, and you get more product per $!!
Here is what optibond looked like after application for me.
Here is what optibond looked like after application for me.
Rob T
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- Jul 28, 2007
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Opti-Bond just didn't do it for me. This is one of the very few Optimum products that I didn't care for.
Really though, this one just comes down to personal taste. I didn't care for the looks of this product. I have a hard time describing the look, as the term "matte" doesn't seem to describe it completely accurately. I guess Opti-Bond made the tires look nice and clean, but not like they had been given any type of dressing.
Again, just a matter of personal taste.
Really though, this one just comes down to personal taste. I didn't care for the looks of this product. I have a hard time describing the look, as the term "matte" doesn't seem to describe it completely accurately. I guess Opti-Bond made the tires look nice and clean, but not like they had been given any type of dressing.
Again, just a matter of personal taste.
Rsurfer
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- Jan 26, 2007
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Rob T
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I understand that many do, which is why I said it is purely a matter of personal taste!
Wendell Jarvis
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Nice review Corey, I have been using Opti_Bond for about 2 years, its my one and only tire dressing, I absolutely love the stuff and order it by the gallons when I need it......I love how it leaves the tires in perfect look without looking all slimy and greasy or Oily looking.