I have been lurking on the forums here for a while now, learning as much as possible. I don't post much, but thought I would after today's findings.
I have always used the Poorboys lineup (SSR 2.5/2/1) and have been happy for the most part. In virtually ALL light sources including bright sun, gas station lights, etc. the finish is swirl and scratch free. It is the kind of finish that when you see the car makes you say, "that car is clean..." Quick pic, not the best, but finish looks good.
However, in the synthetic light in my garage(huge overhead fluorescent lights, a halogen work light on a tripod, and a high powered flashlight I carry around), you could still see some micro marring and slight imperfection in the paint. The surface always seemed just a bit hazy and I always felt I could improve on my results. You had to get your face REALLY close to the paint and catch it in just the right angle, but imperfections were there.
Here it is after I taped off a section and used Optimum polish on a white pad, then black pad (lake country brand) on the left side of the tape. For whatever reason, the flash of the camera REALLY accentuated the micro marring. It doesn't look this bad to the human eye.
I have come to the conclusion that I have been waaaaaaaay overusing the SSR 2.5. I will use it in the future, but only on more severe imperfections or more heavily neglected finishes. For routine maintenance and a complete detail a few times a year on my baby, Optimum polish is what I'll use, followed up with Clearkote Vanilla Moose Hand Glaze and S100 or other quality Carnuba.
I have always used the Poorboys lineup (SSR 2.5/2/1) and have been happy for the most part. In virtually ALL light sources including bright sun, gas station lights, etc. the finish is swirl and scratch free. It is the kind of finish that when you see the car makes you say, "that car is clean..." Quick pic, not the best, but finish looks good.

However, in the synthetic light in my garage(huge overhead fluorescent lights, a halogen work light on a tripod, and a high powered flashlight I carry around), you could still see some micro marring and slight imperfection in the paint. The surface always seemed just a bit hazy and I always felt I could improve on my results. You had to get your face REALLY close to the paint and catch it in just the right angle, but imperfections were there.
Here it is after I taped off a section and used Optimum polish on a white pad, then black pad (lake country brand) on the left side of the tape. For whatever reason, the flash of the camera REALLY accentuated the micro marring. It doesn't look this bad to the human eye.

I have come to the conclusion that I have been waaaaaaaay overusing the SSR 2.5. I will use it in the future, but only on more severe imperfections or more heavily neglected finishes. For routine maintenance and a complete detail a few times a year on my baby, Optimum polish is what I'll use, followed up with Clearkote Vanilla Moose Hand Glaze and S100 or other quality Carnuba.