Anyone used the Hi Tech Magna Sponge in place of Clay Bar

The Hi Tech Magna Sponge (replaces clay bar) got a good review on the Club Lexus site. Has anyone here used it? It looks like the Ultima Elastrofoam which, IIRC, did not get good reviews here. It sells for $13 versus $38 for the Elastrofoam.



From the description at the Auto Detailing Solutions web site:



"The Hi Tech Magna Sponge is an innovative rubber polymer product that replaces clay bars and redefines how easy pre-wax cleaning can be. The Hi Tech Magna Sponge safely and easily removes overspray, water spots, tree sap, rail dust and other bonded surface contaminants from the surface of automotive paint, glass, moldings and plastic."
 
I've used it...got mine from ADS a while back. It worked well for me and was far easier on the hands than typical clay. It really excelled on large flat panels. The only drawback was that it was only good for 1 heavily contaminated car. The foam rubber material definitely pulled contaminates off with ease, but would tear easily and wasn't as agile as clay.

Rinsing the sponge often was a necessity and be prepared to use a lot more lubricant than you're used to or you run the risk of premature tearing of the foam rubber, which is inevitable.

I used a strong dilution of ONR and Opt. Car Wash in a 2 gallon bucket for rinsing and as my main source of lubrication (soaked up in the sponge) as well as a large trigger sprayer full of the same mixture while working. Like with clay, there's a small learning curve in using it safely and efficiently. I'll probably get another sponge when I restock on clay as both seem to have a place in the arsenal.
 
It's more or less the same product. Works IMO very good. Just use plenty of lubrication, I always have a bucket filled with water and shampo, then I dip the sponge clay into the bucket. But I also uses a spray trigger with some kind of lubrication. Rinse the sponge clay often.



As amused says, it's very good on large horizontal panels and you will save some time compared to a regular clay bar. BUT polish afterwards since it can marr the paint, sometimes badly.
 
Back
Top