Optimum vs. Menzerna Polishes
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Deanski
STUTTGART'S FINEST
Scottwax said:
OK Scott, so you have some relationship or have other ties to this product or just a loyal following, whichever it is I really do not care. I know of the background, it's public knowledge and as I said: Good for him. It's still limited in that the amount of years as opposed to Menzerna that has been in business for 100 + years. Come on. I'm not trying to discredit Optimum, but let's be realistic here.
What I tried to imply without this becoming some type of P**** match was the fact that one company has 100+ years of experience to a small firm that has up to 20. In that the other larger firm has it's own abrasives and does not have others mfg it's abrasives but in fact creates them from raw materials. It's also well known for it's polishes in other trades as well. But who cares? No one here really gives a rats a$$. What members want is a polish that works well for them, that's all.
It really down't matter who makes it, just so long as it works for that intended purpose.
As I said, you just cannot judge between two different polishes for different applications.
Most will judge 106FF, and that really as most know was developed for "scratch resistant" coatings. Not really designed for standard clearcoat. 106FF also was made for the "line" and not a stand-alone "detail" product, but one used for quick corrections on the mfg line prior to release to Level7 and prep for shipment.
Now, I'm sure Optimum is a wonderful polish. I also don't have time to try every new polish that hits the market. Prior all I used was Meguiars due to the large lineup of different polishes, compounds, glazes etc I could choose from. I even still have the original Detailers line of products back in the 80's.
One day to be fair I'll have to order up a bottle of Optimum polish and give it a try to see for myself what all the fuss is and how loyal the brand is to some.
Anyway Scott, don't try to take the post as a discredit to Optimum.
So, moving right along........
I find that pads (mfg and type) all play a roll in whichever polish you use. Not only pad, but of course the tool used and at what speed, duration etc. all play into this question and answer part. It's best to reach out to the mfg for the correct pad/tool match for the polish.
Regards,
Deanski
Deanski said:
I didn't say you were intentionally trying to discredit Optimum, I was correcting what I consider to be misinformation about the company that you seemed to believe. True, Optimum has not been in business as long as Menzerna, nor does David have the experience that maybe some of the chemists at Menzerna have but the way you worded your initial post, it implied that he has limited experience overall. Look at what he has accomplished in 6 years! Also, years a company has been in business isn't always an indication how good their products are. Blue Coral has been around for a very long time but they certainly aren't popular around here.
I am not disputing that Menzerna makes first rate polishes. I have used the orignal version of PO85 and also the current version (as of last year) of 106FF. Believe me, I do know how good their products are. There are just attributes of Optimum's polishes (slightly more depth, no dusting) that I prefer to the maybe 5% higher clarity 106FF can take the finish. Neither of us is right or wrong, it is just where each of us wants to take the finish to. Fair enough?
I do agree with you about 3M. I know the owner of a bodyshop and even though I have demonstrated for him how well Optimum (and also Meguiars 80 series polishes) work vs 3M, especially for final finishing, he continues to use 3M. He is just so used to using their products he can't seem to change. :nixweiss
Deanski
STUTTGART'S FINEST
More depth than 85RD? :hm
Now I'll have to try OP to see how well it performs.
After all, I keep hearing good things, so there is no harm in giving it a try.
Thanks,
Deanski
Now I'll have to try OP to see how well it performs.
After all, I keep hearing good things, so there is no harm in giving it a try.
Thanks,
Deanski
Dean-the version of 85RD I used was from a couple of years ago so I haven't directly compared what is currently available with Optimum. What impressed me was the clarity, same with 106FF. However, adding in 30% RMG gives better depth than just 106FF alone, which to me looks better.
Yes, to my eyes, Menzerna has the clarity edge, Optimum has the depth edge. Since I am a carnauba guy, I'll take some depth over some clarity. Maybe if I had a silver car though...
Yes, to my eyes, Menzerna has the clarity edge, Optimum has the depth edge. Since I am a carnauba guy, I'll take some depth over some clarity. Maybe if I had a silver car though...
Deanski
STUTTGART'S FINEST
Scottwax said:
Are you saying that you add 30% RMG to a mixing bottle with 106FF also inside?
Wouldn't just an application of RMG or other glaze work after polising with 106FF to gain more depth? Most glaze will add depth due to oils, some more than others. I wish I still could get Liquid Ebony. Couldn't beat that for black finishes!!
I still have some Menzerna glaze that was killer for any finish going to wax as a LSP. I had 3M, VM, Megs, PB and other glazes all sitting on the shelf. Some also in storage. Once you find a good glaze, you never want to switch. Maybe Optimum will develop a glaze to match the polish, now that to me makes sence.
I'm going to obtain a bottle of the Optimum soon. Hell, if I can save myself from importing the Menzerna by the case load that would save me quite a bit of cash if it performs as close to 106FF or 85RD. You don't want that headache of importing it. It sure isn't cheap. But this is all I used for higher-end cars.
I'm down to a few 1Ltr bottles left and I promised Sean (G35Stilz) I'd give him these.
Regards,
Deanski
imported_luv2buff
New member
I use an EZ up tent when buffing but sometimes a little sun hits a panel before I'm completely done and can greatly affect the outcome of the finish. Some polishes are less affected by a little sun than others. Can anyone give their impressions of this aspect when comparing between Optimum and the Menzerna lines? I'd hate to spend $50 on the Menzerna PO106FF only to find out that it can't be used outdoors.
Thomas Dekany
New member
luv2buff said:
there isn't a better sun friendly polish than Optimum. On the other hand, menzerna dries up too quickly. So there is no comarison.
Deanski said:
Basically it is a mix of 70% 106 and 30% RMG. Adding RMG only slightly reduces the cut and noticably reduces dusting. True, using them seperately would probably yield *slightly* better results but this way I save a step, have less dust to worry about and get the finish I want. On my own car or someone willing to pay for extra steps, great, but it gives me an excellent finishing polish and glaze in one step that fits in better with what the average person is willing to pay for a detail.
Anthony O.
New member
Dean
Try the Optimum polish and the PoliSeal. You'll find that the PoliSeal gives you a finish very similar to FPII BUT with more correction abilities and a polymer and a hell of alot cheaper!! This can then be topped with your fav paste wax.
I may be working on a finishing polish for Optimum that will out perform FPII..but first the beta sealant needs to be finished.
Anthony
Try the Optimum polish and the PoliSeal. You'll find that the PoliSeal gives you a finish very similar to FPII BUT with more correction abilities and a polymer and a hell of alot cheaper!! This can then be topped with your fav paste wax.
I may be working on a finishing polish for Optimum that will out perform FPII..but first the beta sealant needs to be finished.
Anthony
mgm2003
New member
Deanski said:
Dino,
I think of it this way.
Menzerna is a premium enthusiast product (that many pro's use too). I would say the same for ZPC Polish when compared to FPII. If you want the very, very best looking finish, then shop here.
A step down, but also an EXCELLENT, easy to use polish, is Optimum. In many eyes you won't tell much of a difference.
For some, the difference is price point. For others, the difference is final finish appearance.
You could argue that there is a greater gap in price vs. final finish appearance when comparing, but that is a subjective argument.
Personally I notice the 'visual' differences on black paint, and still hold that nothing finishes as well as P085RD or 106FF, but that's just me.
That said, all of the above polishes are good choices in my book.
DirtySouth
New member
This is a great thread. Does anyone have any pics of side-by-side comparisons of Optimum polishes & Manzerna?
Thomas Dekany
New member
DirtySouth said:
Unfortunately the difference wouldn't be visible on the computer screen.
Opti seal is as good look wise as 106ff vin my book.
Thomas Dekany
New member
DirtySouth said:
look at page 3 (porsche cayenne)
Deanski said:
You mean this whole time you have been siding with Menzerna and you have never tryed OP? Please go test it before you continue. I love Menzerna. But I have tried both and formulated my own opinion. You should do the same before you enter a discussion comparing 2 products. Not trying to be harsh with you. But it is bothersome and disrespectful to the "opposing product". Just because a company has been in business for 100 years or a million does not mean that a product can't come along and be better. I am all for tradition and being loyal. But it is closed minded to talk about a product without trying it first.
Now for this topic. My opinion is for me. Each product has its advantages and its disadvantages. Try them both and figure it out for yourself.
K, I'm headed out to the garage for a bit of fun with my auto.
SpoiledMan
New member
tdekany said:
Why don't we compare them both to #16?