*UPDATE*: Optimum Micro Fiber CUTTING Pads !!!

David Fermani

David Fermani

Forza Auto Salon
NEW: Optimum Micro Fiber CUTTING PADS!!!



You might remember reading about Optimum Polymer Technologies offering of the latest Micro Fiber pad system in this thread: http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-detailing/137655-new-optimum-micro-fiber-pads.html



Optimum originally released a polishing pad version to the public, but now after officially showing them off at this year’s SEMA convention, I’ve finally been granted a chance to test their version of the Micro Fiber Cutting Pad. This pad, which is 5 ¼ inches in diameter by the way, looks very promising to say the least. The foam interface/backing material is a semi-stiff (stiffer then their polishing pad) yellow core that will no doubt be able to transfer the power from whatever machine you plan on using. Unlike the Meguiar’s recommendation/marketing approach to only use their pads with the Dual Action polishing machine, Optimum in fact suggests that their pads work incredibly well not only with forced rotation like the FLEX VRG, but circular rotary polishers as well. This would be a huge plus for anyone who still loves to correct paint with a rotary! Beside that, Optimum also claims that their pads will be very competitively priced as well and will be offered in single pads varieties ranging in sizes of 3 ¼ inch, 5 ¼ and 6 ¼. Enjoy and thanks to Dr. David Ghodoussi for sending some samples to play around with!!



Packaging is pretty simple:



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Product description:



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Comparison to the Optimum Micro Fiber Polishing Pad:



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SPOOLIN & Sal - the difference in these pads are in the padding - cutting ability is the same with both pads. I have also been using the polishing ones for awhile and I think prefer them to the Meg's.



Dave, David gave me the cutting pad at SEMA to try it and loved it. These MF pads are game changers.



Thanks for the post.
 
Damn it Dave, you always get the new toys first!



I thought Megs was the sh!t but then I had my little "issue" with one and now I'm anxious to try these new ones. I will wager that the difference in foam is vital with these kinds of pads. The burgandy foam that Megs uses seems almost like a solid substance and maybe that's why they seem to heat up and cause problems. I'd love to have a CSI like lab and do experiments to see, but my budget doesn't allow for it. I will say that anybody that had the old LC hydro pads (thick biscuits) will understand what heat does to pads.
 
the microfibre polishing pads from OPT have worked really well for me with both a random orbital with 3mm orbit and 10,000 opm then slowly back to 5,000

and also on the makita rotary at 1300 rpm back down to 600 slowly. they are extremely tough, durable and are easy to clean on the go with rotary on and compressed air



I actually found that on some soft japanese paints that it corrected very well and finished down as good as most foams with that technique on a rotary. with no marring at all.

cant wait to buy the cutting ones and hopefully david will make metric sized ones for us aussies and the europeans

need to use a backing plate the exact same size as the pad for optimum cutting performance
 
ww2717 said:
Mr.Fermani:

Sir do you happen to know when Optimum is going to have these pads available for purchase. Thank you Sir for your time.
Click to expand...



Mr. Fermani ???? Oh please....:pound: (you're making Barry jealous)



Spoke to Dr. G today and he said the pricing will be the same for both cutting and polishing pads and he should have the cutting pads available for sale sometime this month. Stay tuned.
 
Scottwax said:
How does the thickness of the foam padding affect the cut?
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Well, if you were to compare 2 identical foams, but one being thicker, I'd have to say (from my experiences) that the thinner the foam, the better transfer (less pad twist) you'll have meaning more cut. But, because the foam in the OPT pad is different then the Meg's foam, I'd can't speak on it until I try it.
 
Not sure if they are available for purchase yet, I do have one cutting pad that I got to test. Foam is definitely stiffer, works very well with OHC.



If they aren't on the market, I believe it is because they are still playing around with how much cut the pad should have.
 
Thought I'd update this thread with pictures of the latest cutting pads I received. They are not only thicker then the prior pads, but a 1/4 inch larger too. The foam seems a little stiffer (which is good) too. Dr. G claims that this added thickness will allow cooler work times. Especially when used with his polishing compounds. I'm not quite sure how these changes will play in regards to cutting effectiveness until I use them.



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