Has SEPC/GEPC lost their popularity?

NHBFAN said:
Yeah it was amazing reading post from the thread entitled, "best product/worse product of the year". One Autopian would proclaim product X as the best product since sliced bread and the next post would say product X is strictly garbage.



If I see a favorable consensus about a product amongst the professionals (and others who's opinions I respect due to their general detailing knowledge) who post here ... that grabs my attention!



I'd advise anybody to try the product even though I don't like it. :)
 
Corey Bit Spank said:
I'd advise anybody to try the product even though I don't like it. :)



I'm not proud to say that I've flip flopped on a few products.



I can remember particulary giving KSG a terrible review saying it was a PITA to work with. Then a few months later I tried KSG and removed it with SONUS and thought KSG was pretty good, although I'm really a carnuba man.



BTW, getting back to the original topic about SEPC/GEPC. I think they have lost popularity because they are probably inferior to other similar products, e.g., 1z polishes, VM, PwC, etc ...



In comparision SEPC/GEPC are satisfactory products that are good values, but nothing special.
 
Now you done it! Got me interested in VM and just when I thought GEPC was good! My question about VM is it considered a cleaner wax, it seems that way from their website? What about Moose Wax? Thanks
 
NHBFAN said:
I'm not proud to say that I've flip flopped on a few products.

Why not? Its OK to change your mind about a product. Sometimes all we need is a little better understanding of what a product can and cannot do. Sometimes our circumstances define what is good and bad in a product. It's no big deal.



People who never change their minds have stopped learning and growing. Education and growth are central to being a human. It is the height of human arrogance to think you have learned everything there is to learn about everything, including car wax. Does that describe you?







BTW, getting back to the original topic about SEPC/GEPC. I think they have lost popularity because they are probably inferior to other similar products, e.g., 1z polishes, VM, PwC, etc ...

In comparision SEPC/GEPC are satisfactory products that are good values, but nothing special.


I disagree. There is nothing inferior about SEPC/GEPC. Every product has its strengths and weaknesses. Most of the products you mentioned are very similar; variations on a theme. They're light polishes with very mild cleaning ability. Some offer protection, some don't. Some use mechanical cleaners, some chemical. Some have more oils and silicones in them. None of this = inferior.



As GeekySteve mentioned, detailing is not a popularity contest. Its about getting the results you want and enjoying the process. Who cares what's popular? This isn't junior high where you have to wear the popular tennis shoe and listen to the popular music to be thought of as "cool". Use whatever you want on your car. No one is going to be talking about you in study hall.
 
To suggest that SEPC/GEPC is "inferior" is laughable - from my experiences, I'd say it's still superior to its competition. It doesn't separate when left to sit on the shelf, it's simple to apply and remove, it leaves a great, non-streaking, hassle-free, glazed finish, and it always looks killer.



Just because people aren't talking about it in every single thread, or "promoting it" in threads and with pictures doesn't mean it's become inferior by any means. It just underscores the subtle change that's taking place here at Autopia...as I see things, the board has shifted from being one of frank, open, hearty discussion and debate (where products were once scrutinized and held "suspect" until people had a chance to work with the products) to one of conformity and agreeance (is that a word?).



Yes, there are other products like VM, PWC, and so on. But just because they get more "air time" than SEPC/GEPC doesn't mean that the latter have changed or become inferior. If anything, I believe in them *more* because I've seen how some of these other products behave over the long run. Just my $0.02...
 
I don't see a decline in S100 at all. I still like to use it on top of VM. I've never used the cleaner before, so I can't really comment on that.



I've bought a lot of stuff based on this forum. My detailing shelf has become an entire rack of product organized into sections. I almost want to take up professional detailing to use the stuff up. :D
 
bretfraz,



I'm not interested in using the "most popular" products either ... just the ones that give the best results. However, as I stated in a previous post, if a product is consistently favorably reviewed by autopians whose opinion I've learned to respect, like yours, I'm much more likely to give that product a try.



geekysteve,



I retract my statement that GEPC/SEPC is inferior. I haven't tested them enough to make that statement. In my experience using GEPC/SEPC by hand vs VM, I prefer VM.



The fact that GEPC/SEPC isn't mentioned in every single thread and "promoting it" certainly doesn't mean it's an inferior product, but I suspect in the autopian community it does suggest it's not being purchased like it was this time last year.
 
geekysteve said:
It just underscores the subtle change that's taking place here at Autopia...as I see things, the board has shifted from being one of frank, open, hearty discussion and debate (where products were once scrutinized and held "suspect" until people had a chance to work with the products) to one of conformity and agreeance (is that a word?).



I couldn't agree more. Hype has started to replace substance & the criterion for getting on the Autopia "A-list" is much different from what it used to be.



It used to be that a product would be highly scrutinized and tested before it came anywhere near being an 'acceptable' product. Autopia used to be a tough list to break....not so anymore.....
 
Intermezzo said:
I couldn't agree more. Hype has started to replace substance & the criterion for getting on the Autopia "A-list" is much different from what it used to be.






A-men! While many here are seeking to have the latest 'n' greatest, few invest in a time-tested approach: what does it look like three months later? To me, that's what counts.



I always like trying new products 'cause sometimes you stumble across something that truly is "better"...but not all that often. Many have shelves of stuff used once and then quickly fogotten. Perhaps GEPC (an excellent and simple product) has fallen in to this category and displaced by other products that have a more dazzling nameplate. Oh, well, that's what being a consumer in America is all about. :nixweiss





I still cannot get over Blitz Wax which WAS the board's preferred carnauba product. I haven't heard anyone mention it in months. Has the product changed or maybe the simple, inexpensive tin of hi quality, durable wax just doesn't have enough sizzle to get the job done any longer. :nixweiss I dunno.



Now, if only I could find an excellent wheel cleaner to replace my pricey P21S....now that would be an accomplishment....perhaps this will be my new years resolution. :D
 
Intermezzo said:
I couldn't agree more. Hype has started to replace substance & the criterion for getting on the Autopia "A-list" is much different from what it used to be.



It used to be that a product would be highly scrutinized and tested before it came anywhere near being an 'acceptable' product. Autopia used to be a tough list to break....not so anymore.....



Tony,

That is why old timers like ourselves post less and less. In the past one would post their observation of a new or old product and a lively, informative, tactfully stated discussions would be initiated. Now.... :(
 
bretfraz said:
Why not? Its OK to change your mind about a product. Sometimes all we need is a little better understanding of what a product can and cannot do. Sometimes our circumstances define what is good and bad in a product. It's no big deal.



People who never change their minds have stopped learning and growing. Education and growth are central to being a human. It is the height of human arrogance to think you have learned everything there is to learn about everything, including car wax. Does that describe you?



I agree. In the four years I¡Â¦ve been seriously detailing as an enthusiast, I¡Â¦ve been a Zaino Zealot (Edmunds), a Klasse freak (Autopia), and now a Zaino lover again. I¡Â¦ve changed my views on products and people as my understanding has increased ¡V I admit to being a ¡Â¥bandwagoner¡Â¦ for a while¡K just talking about whatever is most popular. Change is essential. I¡Â¦ve been considering quitting Autopia because it uses much of my time, but I worry when I come back, my change and education won't keep up.



Detailing isn¡Â¦t static!
 
blkZ28Conv said:
Tony,

That is why old timers like ourselves post less and less. In the past one could posted their observation of a new or old product and a lively, informative, tactfully stated discussions would be initiated. Now.... :(



I agree with just about everyone who registered in 2001 and before. When I see a post on a "new and great" product I immediately look at who posted replies. I luked on this site for a while before registering so I like to think I know whose opinion to trust. I stick with what those guys say works best, like the Klasse twins, S100 and SPEC. I don't have the budget to try all new products. If I try anything else, it will probably be Zaino.



So you old timers don't stop posting, even though the majority may follow hype, some of us know which minority to listen to.
 
I wrote a whitepaper on wax research techniques for a major company a few months ago and something from that paper struck me as being appropriate for this post...



The company had asked me if sending product to consumers for them to field test would be a valid testing method. I wrote something to the effect of:



"While on the surface it would appear to be a good idea, it's not the most accurate barometer for testing a product. Consumers are (whether they realize it or not) often afraid to say something bad when they're given a product to test for free. They often feel ingratiated to the manufacturer, and as a result their opinions can be somewhat biased as not to upset or to appear unappreciative of the gift and/or opportunity."



Something similar to that has been happening here for a while...manufacturers have caught on to the viral marketing approach and have realized that by sending free samples, "beta products," etc. to enthusiasts, a lot of buzz can be created for little or no money. People are excited to be "on the list" to get free products, and will (a) try the product immediately, (b) report on the incredible results immediately, (c) quiet down and be hesitant to post results later if they're contradictory. Why? Well, for one, it's sort of embarrassing to eat crow 3-4 weeks later, and for another, they often want to remain "on the list."



These bathtub brand products that have popped up lately owe a majority of their success to the cheerleading and fanfare that's been created by a few people who've been given products to "test" and to "play with." Nothing wrong with it, but we have to remember that it often creates results that are somewhat skewed. :)



(This post brought to you by a cranky "old timer") :D
 
I don't think I contribute a whole lot to this board because, well, I don't know that much, so I only come around once every few days.



I'm not afraid to say that my Pakshak towels are NOT as plush as my Viper towels I got a year ago. Why do people think Pakshaks are so great?



Edit: I was very disappointed when I got my package, opened them up, and felt them. My mom went so far as to compare then with the walmart concordia. And, well, she's right, they're cheap--maybe not THAT cheap. It kind of ruined my faith in Autopia and made me say to myself, "sometimes people don't know any better."
 
ive used two containers of p21s gepc, i will be going to VM and will post my results.



i love gepc btw, it breaks down so nicely, it is rich / creamy which I like for easy removal. it definitely increased shine after using DACP. and when topped with SG and s100 made the car look BEAUTIFUL.
 
Jesstzn said:
S100 must be a Harley trend thing in the USA .. I have tried 4 shops up here and all they ever have heard of thats close is the P21S cleaner and that was on the shelf in Kelowna.. None heard of the P21S carnuba or the S100.



Only thing I could find was



P21S Concours-look Carnauba Wax 175g

Code:WX0400200

Price: $37.95



Now ya know why we up here haven't jumped all over it..



Jesstzn, here in Ontario I find S100 at every Harley store, I am surprised that you cannot find it there, I allways thought BC was the Exotic Province of Canada:wavey
 
explorer said:
Jesstzn, here in Ontario I find S100 at every Harley store, I am surprised that you cannot find it there, I allways thought BC was the Exotic Province of Canada:wavey



No.. we are out west .. in the "other" Canada.
 
Jesstzn said:
No.. we are out west .. in the "other" Canada.



S100 is available at Harley shops here in Edmonton, Alberta as well.



And the P21S Auto Care Kit that my fiancee got me for christmas came from carcaresmart.com, a BC-based online store. (although you missed the Christmas specials by now).
 
Inzane said:
S100 is available at Harley shops here in Edmonton, Alberta as well.



And the P21S Auto Care Kit that my fiancee got me for christmas came from carcaresmart.com, a BC-based online store. (although you missed the Christmas specials by now).



Yeep ..I ordered Menzerna and Klasse from them but they only handle the P21S not the S100 and its too much $$$$$.
 
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