The Best Winter Wax Is...

Synergy's description on AG's sales website states the surface cleansing polish should be used prior to application, much like a coating. In fact, that's the same dang prep as their line of coatings. But then it also states "apply as many coats as you want, as often as you want." Well, which is it? You can't have both.

I'm also waiting for a long term review on synergy, just the can of it. I'm not buying a $200 wax that "could last up to 10 years" if the nano glass resins are going to start to crosslink and harden in the can.

I bought the PBL surface coating, the booster, the cleansing polish, the leather and vinyl coating, and yes, (I'm ashamed to admit it) the detailer spray. I've been underwhelmed by all of them, save maybe the surface cleansing polish as *I think* it did what it was supposed to do.

Surface coating longevity was good on paint, bad on wheels, and so-so on glass. Very disappointed in its ability to resist any marring, happy with its performance in releasing dirt, bugs, bird bombs, etc. Dubious as to the glass particle "coating" concentration, as my used applicator never got stiff, which happened even with Dlux to a degree even though that one is supposed to stay flexible.

Booster was a streaky mess both times I tried it; literally harder to buff out the streaks than dried, overapplied KSG. Not joking, I would work in 2'x2' sections with a foam applicator and immediately start to wipe again and again with a gold plush and the streaks just stay there, unfazed, daring me to rub harder. Total bomb product in my opinion.

Detailer Spray, I still kick myself for spending $19.99 for 8 oz of product that I got the exact same performance out of Megs #34 and D114. My fault there though, I just had to know.

Leather and vinyl coating: love the ease of application (never seen an excessive product streaking issue with this stuff, lays down even and easily), love the look, love the slick feel of the leather after it dries, initially. Longevity is terrible on the surfaces you actually have to use/touch.

I really don't see Synergy as that much easier than a coating. Well, specifically, their same branded PBL coating, which incidentally is cheaper, and longer lasting. I could still buy a good wax and top over that coating to get essentially the same effect as far as looks and protection are concerned.

Perhaps I'm just really hesitant to try something else that expensive after the really spotty track record with all the other PBL products.
 
I love 476s,economical, goes on easy, logevity. Overall earns my rating. 845 is great, but it would need to be reapplied in the winter which is tough to do.
 
Bill1234 said:
I love 476s,economical, goes on easy, logevity. Overall earns my rating. 845 is great, but it would need to be reapplied in the winter which is tough to do.
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I'm surprised to hear you had that experience with 845. I easily get though six months of salt, snow, and rainy winters with 845. I typically apply in October and it's still going strong in March/April when it warms up enough to detail again.
 
aim4squirrels said:
Synergy's description on AG's sales website states the surface cleansing polish should be used prior to application, much like a coating. In fact, that's the same dang prep as their line of coatings. But then it also states "apply as many coats as you want, as often as you want." Well, which is it? You can't have both.

I'm also waiting for a long term review on synergy, just the can of it. I'm not buying a $200 wax that "could last up to 10 years" if the nano glass resins are going to start to crosslink and harden in the can.

I bought the PBL surface coating, the booster, the cleansing polish, the leather and vinyl coating, and yes, (I'm ashamed to admit it) the detailer spray. I've been underwhelmed by all of them, save maybe the surface cleansing polish as *I think* it did what it was supposed to do.

Surface coating longevity was good on paint, bad on wheels, and so-so on glass. Very disappointed in its ability to resist any marring, happy with its performance in releasing dirt, bugs, bird bombs, etc. Dubious as to the glass particle "coating" concentration, as my used applicator never got stiff, which happened even with Dlux to a degree even though that one is supposed to stay flexible.

Booster was a streaky mess both times I tried it; literally harder to buff out the streaks than dried, overapplied KSG. Not joking, I would work in 2'x2' sections with a foam applicator and immediately start to wipe again and again with a gold plush and the streaks just stay there, unfazed, daring me to rub harder. Total bomb product in my opinion.

Detailer Spray, I still kick myself for spending $19.99 for 8 oz of product that I got the exact same performance out of Megs #34 and D114. My fault there though, I just had to know.

Leather and vinyl coating: love the ease of application (never seen an excessive product streaking issue with this stuff, lays down even and easily), love the look, love the slick feel of the leather after it dries, initially. Longevity is terrible on the surfaces you actually have to use/touch.

I really don't see Synergy as that much easier than a coating. Well, specifically, their same branded PBL coating, which incidentally is cheaper, and longer lasting. I could still buy a good wax and top over that coating to get essentially the same effect as far as looks and protection are concerned.

Perhaps I'm just really hesitant to try something else that expensive after the really spotty track record with all the other PBL products.
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For Synergy, you use the surface cleansing polish in initial application - but like any "wax" - you can top it off as desired. That is the beauty of wax. I don't know what's in it, but whatever it is - it seems to pan out. In between, you can use a QD or spray wax of your choice.

You see all the $$$ you spent on coating products - just to be underwhelmed??? You could have bought a whole mess of tried and true conventional products. Things labeled "coatings"; be it leather, paint, glass, trim, multi-surface, etc... are mostly hit or miss.

Some get great results. Some don't. It's a crap shoot. It could be do to environmental conditions, finicky application procedures, variations in surface composition, different interpretations of how much product is required, the difficulty in getting a complex surface on a motor vehicle 100% surgically clean and free of "oils", etc...

Initial application of Synergy may not be easier compared to a PBL coating. But, the difference is Synergy is easily topped off and readily renewable. Once your coating starts to degrade (and we all know that can come faster than expected), you have to re-polish and start from square one. The failure of the coating will dictate that time. With wax/Synergy - you can always clay, apply another coat; and re-polish on YOUR TIME. That is where ease of application and easily / readily renewable comes in.

IMHO my time is too valuable to go through all the "coating prep steps" to get lackluster performance. I can re-wax my car with something like Synergy, Collinite, NaviWax, etc... every few months in like 40 mins and be done with it. Maybe this isn't the best game plan for the Soccer Mom, but for me it's good.

As for topping a coating with a wax. IMHO, it's a waste of money spent (the coating), time, and energy prepping and applying the coating. The "benefits" of the coating are masked by the wax - and we know "mar resistance" of coatings is a joke based on numerous real world reports. Just use a good wax and be done with it. IMHO / IME "topping" or "layering" LSPs is ALWAYS a waste of time if your looking to boost performance. If you just like playing in the garage, that's a different story.

Maybe a coating is good for the average dude that isn't an AGO type - in the HOPES of getting a year or so out of it. But I know MP says something like: frequent car care is easy car care. So, IMHO - It's just easier to use *something* every couple of months. It gives you an opportunity to clay and inspect the paint at the same time. It's easy and the results are pretty much guaranteed, predicable, and reproducible in a variety of climates & conditions. I've waxed my car in like 20° temps - no problems. I've actually waxed while snow was falling on the paint - no problems.

So, for what it's worth, Synergy meets and exceeds all these requirements. I'm not the PBMG fan boy either. I like almost all of their products, but there are some clunkers. I thought Black Ice sucked, as opposed to popular opinion. So, I'm not here to stroke AG. But Synergy is a great wax that is very durable.
 
Would be interesting to see PL or WGDGPS 3.0 topped with 915 in your winter conditions. I do know that combo looks amazing and the shine is still there 6 months later in warmer conditions.
 
Zubair said:
Would be interesting to see PL or WGDGPS 3.0 topped with 915 in your winter conditions. I do know that combo looks amazing and the shine is still there 6 months later in warmer conditions.
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I see that as a waste of time & product. IMHO/IME layering multiple products does not add to durability.
 
WantcarPerfect said:
Your results look great but at the price of Pinnacle Synergy, I use a coat of Pinnacle Liquid Souveran and top with Pinnacle Souveran paste. I then put the extra $60 I save in my pocket. I am thinking about trying Pinnacle Signature Series II and keeping $95 in my pocket. I really like Pinnacle Products but $195 for a tub of wax is beyond what I will pay. I am also looking at trying Wolfgang Füzion because for $195 at least you get two tubs. The combination of Liquid Souveran and topped with a good wax works well for me in the harsh Chicago Winters, were they never run our of salt. Keeps my car looking good and much easier to clean.
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Really? Huh, I've never been able to get any of those to last a month, even in the summer.

BLACKFIRE Black Ice on the other hand has been my go to since it was released. It will withstand road salt in my experience.

Thanks Steve for the honest evaluation of Synergy! I am looking forward to spreading it some surfaces in the future, perhaps when I can obtain it for closer to $100.
 
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