Menzerna or Optimum

P

probegt

New member
Event though I really like SSRs I am almost out and looking for something new to try. I have heard good things about these two product and wanted to know the + and - for each. Thanks.
 
They're both really good lines. Menzerna has the advantage of having more products so they are a tad more versitile - mainy because they have PG, which can take out some pretty serious flaws. They work well with a PC but are probably better with a rotary, IP is nice because you can remove decent swirls with it and don't even have to follow with a less aggressive polish, it leaves a nice finish.

Optimum on the other hand has the advantage of being workable for what seems like forever. It also doesn't dust at all, which is a huge plus imo. Probably it's main advantage is that it's cutting power is determined by pad. You can take out reasonable swirls with the polish and a cutting pad, or leave an awesome finish with a polishing pad. The compound isn't as aggressive as Menzera PG, but it will take out pretty deep flaws. You can pretty much do 99% of jobs with just those two products, and probably 80% with just the polish, which rocks. Only downside I've had with it so far is if you don't work it for awhile it can be a little tough to remove. It doesn't smell very nice, either. :)

I haven't used Menzera so I can't say "go but optimum", but I know they're both good product and you'll probably be happy with either. For the record I'm an optimum user pretty much exclusively now. The lack of dusting is what does it for me.
 
Just to add....

I've used PG, IP, FPII (aka Micro-Polish), 85dr, 106ff, and OCP.
True, Menzerna offers many more options. But with that in mind,
it's good to be able to consolidate products. To that extent, OCP
will satisfy that need. Another product in the Optimum line, is
the recently available Optimum Compound. So with just OC,
OCP, and some diffrent pad choices, you can satisfy your needs,
and get similar resuls for a lot less money.
 
I can't wait personally to try the Optimum line. I have heard nothing but good things and am kind of dissapointed I went with the SSR right before the Optimum was released. Although it more than satisfied me, the sound of "no dusting" after using the SSR's is exciting. :)
 
I have optimum and I cant say i really like it. I use it on my makita rotary. It worked awesome the first time i used it and now i just cant get it to do what i want? I have menzerna samples on the way so i can give those a shot.

Greg
 
This weekend I had to do a side by side show down between OCP AND IP, IP2 AND POWER GLOSS. They both had the same end result in that the car had a depth of color and gloss to drool over... but all things equal the OCP was much easier to work with and flashing wash none existant... the mezerna on the other hand had to be watered down every so often. If I had to do it over my recomendation would be the OCP and optimum compound... followed by a glaze and either a selant then wax or just wax. I found that the optimum was able to due what it took the mezerna in two bottles to do... if the scratches arent too deep then I would say get a bottle of OCP and your on your way to a deep shine. If you have some deep scratches then do the optimum compound followed by optimum polish then a glaze and wax or wax and sealant... good luck!!!!!
 
GregCavi said:
I have optimum and I cant say i really like it. I use it on my makita rotary. It worked awesome the first time i used it and now i just cant get it to do what i want? I have menzerna samples on the way so i can give those a shot.

Greg
Click to expand...

What are you trying to get it to do? Weird that it worked at first and now it isn't. :confused:
 
Swirl removal seems like it just isnt happening. It worked the first time like a charm! I think I just need to give it another chance. I know it has a long work time but how long does that usually end up bieng?

Greg
 
Depends on the swirls. Are you using the polish or compound? With the polish you should be able to remove moderate swirls with a cutting pad, but you'll probably have to work it a long time, as in 6-8 minutes per panel. Witht he compound probably half that time. Nice thing is neither should leave hazing.
 
I believe Anothony stated that he was finding that if too much polish was used, it actually wouldnt cut much, IIRC....

Maybe thats what is going on?
 
Ya i have been using the optimum with a polishing pad and not having to awesome of luck. So you suggest to move up to a cutting pad or try the compoud with a polishing pad?

Thanks

Greg
 
Greg,

Correct, you can use them both ways. Just be sure to shake the products really well (especially OCW!!!) and NOT TO USE too much. They will skate on the top of their own polishing oils - like a clay on a QD film - and won't cut properly.
 
Bence said:
Greg,

Correct, you can use them both ways. Just be sure to shake the products really well (especially OCW!!!) and NOT TO USE too much. They will skate on the top of their own polishing oils - like a clay on a QD film - and won't cut properly.
Click to expand...

Exactly. You really do have to shake, too. Like, a lot.

I'd try it out on a cutting pad and see how it goes. Optimum Polish is really only light-medium on the abrasive scale, so if you want to take out moderate swirls you are probably going to need a cutting pad and a lot of working time. But even with the cutting pad it should finish up nicely, although I'd still give the car a pass with OCP + a polishing pad before LSP.
 
Thanks for the advice and opinions. I decided to get the Optimum compound and polish. From lots of words, I here it works great and really like the long working time. Also for 12 or 13 bucks for 32oz. Its fairly cheap.
 
Haven't used optimum polish much as of yet
Menzerna does what no other compound/polish I have tried can do and I like zero swirls/scratches and no holograms.
Both PO85RD's are giving me a little trouble occasionally but with practice I'm sure i'll work out how to use them better
Surprised me that the same technique on two different cars with them produces vastly different results

Don't know if RD breaks down and dissappears when using a rotary like old label IP and FP II do
 
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