Nick McKees37
McKee's 37 Product Support
- Jan 6, 2011
- 7,265
- 0
I wash my car every Sunday, regardless of how "dirty" it actually is. I don't think I've ever used the same shampoo two weekends in a row. Why? Because with so many different shampoos available that each have their own unique characteristics, I like to switch it up every weekend. That's one of many benefits of working at Autogeek, I could essentially use a different shampoo every Sunday for a year and never use the same one twice. While there are a couple shampoos in particular that I've settled on, I'm always willing to try out the latest and greatest.
I've been an avid user of Pinnacle XMT Gel Shampoo & Conditioner as long as I've been an Auto Geek. It's kind of like an old friend in that sense that it never lets me down. So when the first samples of the new formula became available, I was one of the first to put it to the test. Any time Pinnacle introduces a new formula of a product with a loyal following, it goes through more testing than a jet-powered car that's set to break a speed record at the Bonneville salt flats. Okay, that may be exaggerating just a tad, but any product, big or small, with the Pinnacle name on it has to exceed the expectations of even the most discriminating car care enthusiasts.
First impressions are everything when trying out a new product or service. Like going to a restaurant that you've never been to before, the first meal must be something worthwhile or you will most likely never eat there again. The same goes for a new car care product and that's why we test everything before we put it on our shelves. To say I had high standards for the new formula Pinnacle XMT Gel Shampoo & Conditioner would be an understatement.
Pinnacle XMT Gel Shampoo & Conditioner is highly concentrated. From testing various dilution ratios, I've found that 1.5 ounces of shampoo mixed with four gallons of water provides the most lubricity, great cleaning ability and a generous amount of suds that last throughout the entire wash. Because of the latest blend of conditioning agents in the new formula, it will not strip wax either, but instead pamper your vehicle's delicate finish and preserve the existing layer of wax or sealant.
After adding the shampoo to the wash water, I used the Grit Guard Insert to swoosh the water around, ensuring proper mixture of the shampoo. After a couple seconds the suds were already starting to come to life. Another thing I noticed while mixing the shampoo is how luxurious and slippery it felt in between my fingers.
Next I gave the wash bucket a strong blast of water from the recently introduced Industrial High Flow Fireman's Nozzle. This has been a favorite here at Autogeek thanks to its rugged design that's easy to hold, large metal shut off valve, widely adjustable spray pattern and grip guard insulation that allows it to stay put in even the most slippery hands. The Industrial High Flow Fireman's Nozzle is a quality piece to add to your detailing arsenal and it is a purchase that you will never think twice about.
While the previous formula provided mounds of thick, luxurious suds, the new formula provides even more and I found that they last throughout the entire wash.
Just like I use a different shampoo every weekend, I also try to switch up my wash media as often as possible. For this test I grabbed another product that's like an old friend to me, the ShMITT. The ShMITT is a very unique design for a wash mitt and is available in several different types. The one I use the most is the White/Yellow ShMITT because it features super soft foam on one side and a coarse yellow scrubbing foam on the other. There is also an all white ShMITT along with a ShMITT that's designed specifically for wheels as it utilizes a coarse foam throughout the entire mitt that works great at removing brake dust. All the ShMITTS are designed to fit your hand like a glove and hold generous amounts of soapy water to ensure safe, swirl free washing.
The new formula Pinnacle XMT Gel Shampoo & Conditioner not only provides generous amounts of thick, luxurious suds, but it also provides excellent lubricity so the wash mitt simply glides across the surface. Along with high quality wash media and proper washing techniques, a quality shampoo such as the new formula Pinnacle XMT Gel Shampoo & Conditioner ensures swirl free washing for even the most delicate finishes.
The coarse yellow foam on the White/Yellow ShMITT works great for removing bugs and tar or scrubbing the lower portions of the vehicle that usually require the most agitation.
As you can see, the coarse yellow foam works very well are dislodging dirt and road grime without using any elbow grease.
After washing the entire vehicle I rinsed it off using the Industrial High Flow Fireman's Nozzle and dried it with a Cobra Guzzler Waffle Weave Drying Towel.
Using the new formula Pinnacle XMT Gel Shampoo & Conditioner brought back memories of the first Pinnacle product I had ever used when I first became an Auto Geek, and that happened to be Pinnacle XMT Gel Shampoo & Conditioner. That was nearly two years ago and it was my first foray into quality car care products and proper car care. When I experienced the shampoo for the first time, I was impressed. Fast forward nearly two years later where I now have the expectations of a discriminating car care enthusiast, I once again walk away impressed with the newest iteration of my first-loved car care product. As a matter of fact, I won't even hesitate using it two weekends in a row. :xyxthumbs:
Pinnacle XMT Gel Shampoo & Conditioner New & Improved!
The ShMITT Multi-purpose Foam Mitts
Industrial High Flow Fireman's Nozzle
rops: I am also glad there is someone else out there that uses the grit guard to stir up the wash solution; I was starting to feel like the only one.
