Need Feedback on Optimum Polish vs IP/FP and How about PO85RD

SamIam · 05-21-05, 09:34

It's time for me to buy more polish. I finally got around to getting the intro pack for Menzerna and didn't think much of it with the PC, still saw micromarring on the finish of the black Audi. Sooooo, I got out the rotary and went to work on the FP, and to my surprise when I pulled it out into the sun, VOILA. No swirls , no holograms, just deep black paint. Needless to say, I love it.

My questions:

1) How does FP compare to Optimum as a final polish? I love FP with the rotary. I also like MP, but it doesn't clean up off the pad as easay as FP. I love the whole FP experience right now. However, how does Optimum compare?

2) How does Optimum compare to IP? I thought IP dusted alot. Any feedback from people who can compare these products through personal experience?

3) Finally, I know some people have bought both FP and PO85RD. Is it worth the extra money for the PO product? I don't mind spending the extra bucks if it make a big improvement but pictures never tell the whole story. I would appreciate feedback.

Thanks folks. I am placing on order today or tomorrow and want to do some serious stocking up.

Thanks,

Sam

Alfisti · 05-21-05, 10:42

What's MP?

MS22 · 05-21-05, 10:43

Personally I would not compare FP and Optimum since Optimum is more along the lines of IP in aggressiveness. I find Optimum to be pretty much equal to IP in cutting power but dusts 95% less, which is a big boost in my book. SInce buying the Optimum I have been using it more than anything else, you should get some. BTW, I always finish up with FPII after using either Optimum or IP just to bring out the gloss a bit before glazing/LSPing. I can not comment on the PO twins since I can not see spending the money since I am happy with Optimum and FPII which run a third of the cost. Alot of people say that it is worth the money and once I get enough extra cash to mess around with I'll probably pick some up (broke now due to new wheels, tires, shocks, struts, coilovers, MacCulloch projectors, and some R Line accessories for the Jetta).

SVR · 05-22-05, 12:17

PO85RD works brilliantly and for around $40 AUD it's going to be part of my growing menzerna collection very soon thanks to mizzuri who is supplying it.

Mizzuri · 05-22-05, 02:24

There is a big difference between 85RD, FP and FP2.

FP2 has the lowest gloss level. It is the easiest to work as in it doesnt gum up and stays wet the longest.

FP has a higher gloss level than FP2 but is harder to work with (gums up sometimes) and breaks down quickly.

PO85RD has the highest gloss level and is easier than FP, yet harder than FP2 to work with.

I believe its deffinatley worth the dollars. hope it helps.

by the way I found that optimum, although easier to work with than all three menzerna's, has slightly lower gloss than FP2.

Regards
Anthony

Anthony Orosco · 05-22-05, 09:51

Optimum, in my experience so far, replaces both IP and FP. Many times on blacks I may use FP after the Opt if I feel it needs some finer polishing.

Gloss wise though I can't really see much difference between the FP and Opt.

Anthony

6']['9 · 05-22-05, 09:54

i really like IP and FP the OCP breaks down real well and leaves a very nice shine and ready for an lsp. However i dont think OCP can cut like IP i wetsanded a fender this weekend and used a wool pad with OCP and IP and the IP did a better job of removing the sanding marks. After that i went to the OCP which finesse'd more. I dont hate the OCP but i wouldnt consider it as aggressicve as IP.

Gen2 · 05-22-05, 10:03

Instead of starting a new topic, I thought of getting some feedback here since the topic is quite related.

Yesterday I just had a chance to try out IP and FP, they work much better and easier than 3M products. Being excited with the products, I forgot to try out the Power Gloss. Now I am wondering should I buy PG + FP or IP + FP. I understand PG has twice the abbrasive as compare to IP, so if we use a polish pad with PG is the effect same as cutting pad with IP ?

JustinTRW · 05-22-05, 10:06

I can give an good comparison between FPII and PO85RD after this weekend, if you can hold on for that long!

- J

usdm · 05-22-05, 10:25

Quote:

Originally posted by Anthony Orosco
Optimum, in my experience so far, replaces both IP and FP. Many times on blacks I may use FP after the Opt if I feel it needs some finer polishing.

Gloss wise though I can't really see much difference between the FP and Opt.

Anthony

Anthony, you have a pm....

Mizzuri · 05-23-05, 01:43

Anthony:

I have tried Opt, FP (PO87MF), FP2 (PO87MC?), PO85U, PO85RD, PO85RD 3.01, PO106FF, etc.. bacially the whole menzerna range. This has been done on the same two or three test cars in direct comparison.

Sorry Anthony, for me the opt didnt have the same gloss as PO85RD or PO87MF when all products were used with Edge 2000 White pad on Rupes rotary at bewteen 1000-1300 rpm.

I will say that PO85U acts alot like Opt. It is a little more abrasive than opt, but only a touch (in between FP & IP) but it does not break down and you can work it for as long as you like as per Opt. If you can get your hands on it Anthony give it a try.

Gonzo · 05-23-05, 05:04

Check out my comments and Pix in this thread

using Menzerna FP?