Which clay

mattgg11

New member
I know this topic has been discussed, but I was wanting some opinions on which of these clays this the best combination of price and performance...



I thought I might try Zaino's Z-18 clay (114 grams - $17). Shipping would be "free" since I planned to order other products anyways.

Z-18 ClayBar: Zaino Store



Meguire's Professional Mild (200 grams - $22) through Amazon seems like a good deal. I'd buy something else and get the free shipping.

Amazon.com: Meguiar's C-2000 Professional Detailing Clay, Mild: Automotive



I've read a lot about the Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay (114 grams with lube & 2 Cobra microfibers - $30). Shipping would be $8.

Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay Special includes Pinnacle Clay Lubricant, Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay Bar, microfiber towels, detail clay bar combo



Lastly, I can always just by the blue Clay Magic clay and lube (100 grams - about $10) locally at one of the auto parts stores.



Any suggestions on which of these four clays would be the best, considering the price?
 
Depends on the condition of the car. When was the last time it was clayed? New car? Old car? Overspray removal? We need more info.
 
I know most people say it doesn't matter, but I honestly think there is a difference and I do prefer clay magic. I've tried several clays and CM seams to hold up better and preform better. I really like the Red CM bar too. I'm not sure what the results of the clay lawsuit were, maybe they all use the same formula now, but in the past CM worked best for me. I haven't been impressed with some of the bars you mentioned above in the past. They specifically didn't get the contamination and they seamed to be "sticky" and broke down faster.
 
PTRon said:
Depends on the condition of the car. When was the last time it was clayed? New car? Old car? Overspray removal? We need more info.





I agree!! More info please. All clay is not the same strength, even though it is all under patent by the same enterprising entrepreneur (but that is a whole other political discussion about our US Patent Office). More info about the car please!!
 
Slickery said:
I know most people say it doesn't matter, but I honestly think there is a difference and I do prefer clay magic. I've tried several clays and CM seams to hold up better and preform better. I really like the Red CM bar too. I'm not sure what the results of the clay lawsuit were, maybe they all use the same formula now, but in the past CM worked best for me. I haven't been impressed with some of the bars you mentioned above in the past. They specifically didn't get the contamination and they seamed to be "sticky" and broke down faster.



I generally like it to be a little sticky, less likely to drop it.
 
PTRon said:
Depends on the condition of the car. When was the last time it was clayed? New car? Old car? Overspray removal?



Not for me. Blue Clay Magic works for all those situations plus it won't marr the finish or remove your LSP.
 
PTRon said:
Depends on the condition of the car. When was the last time it was clayed? New car? Old car? Overspray removal? We need more info.



I have two vehicles that I maintain. One is a 2006 model and the other is a 2007, so they are fairly new.



Both were clayed and protected a few months ago. I plan to clay twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.



I only have a one-car garage, so each vehicle spends about 50% of it's time outside in the elements.



No overspray, just your normal contaminants. I'm generally not worried about the clay removing my LSP, because I will be reapplying after the clay.



So, PTRon, which clay would you recommend?
 
howareb said:
I agree!! More info please. All clay is not the same strength, even though it is all under patent by the same enterprising entrepreneur (but that is a whole other political discussion about our US Patent Office). More info about the car please!!



Please see my response to PTRon about the vehicles.



I'm curious, how would the description of my vehicle change your recommendation on which of these four clays I should use?



You mention that all clay is not the same strength. In what ways do the four clays I mentioned in my original post differ? Which is the strongest? Which is the weakest?
 
mattgg11 said:
Please see my response to PTRon about the vehicles.



I'm curious, how would the description of my vehicle change your recommendation on which of these four clays I should use?



You mention that all clay is not the same strength. In what ways do the four clays I mentioned in my original post differ? Which is the strongest? Which is the weakest?



Sorry that I did not get a chance to answer you until now. The description of the vehicle IMO means alot when choosing a clay. In my experience different clay has the potenital to marr depening upon the contamination of the car. So if too strong a clay is choosen for a given condition, then you also increase your possibility of marring. Having a good clay lube also plays into this as well.



David Fermani is correct however in recommending Blue Clay Magic as a low price and easy to obtain clay. Given what you have described, this would be a decent clay IMO for you to use.
 
+1 for Clay Magic Products



For light claying and especially maple tree sap, the Sonus Green is awsome. I use it a few times a year when the trees are sapping real bad. Otherwise I use Clay Magic for all other needs.
 
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