FK425 or Optimum Instant Detailer?

[Legacy99]

Originally Posted by cobrar97

Legacy99 - I'm suprised...you are the only one who preferred the FK425 (after reading other threads). I was about to finally order some OID to replace my FK425 stock, but now I'm worried. I've loved FK425, and don't want something I won't like. And you are an actual 425 user that doesn't like the QID. I need more opinions now.

As you said in your first sentence, I perfer 425 over OID, its not that I dislike it. Like I said in my post, IME 425 is a little slicker.

[Bigpoppa3346]

I find OID to be superior in nearly every way. The easiest, slickest, glossiest, quickest QD I've used.

[dublifecrisis]

OID IMO is not quite as easy to wipe away as a QD. Never tried the FK so not judging between the 2. OID, though not as tough to wipe away as a Spray wax, it IS a little filmy but I only noticed on metallic black after I went out in the sun. First time using it so..

Do love the bubble gum smell and the slickness though.

[TheMethod]

FK425 gets my vote

[OutlawTitan]

I have used each by the gallon and I prefer OID but like 425 also. I actually like QuikShine a little bit better than 425 but believe all three to be premium QD. I like OID for gloss and slickness just a little bit better than the other two. I do think 425 may have an edge for anti-static properties but I don't find it enough of a distinction to base my preference. QuikShine and 425 are both just a little easier to use but OID is not difficult by any means.

I have used several gallons of QuikShine and found it to be 100% compatible with every carnauba and/or sealant I have ever used as well as a wonderful glass cleaner. I would also say that 425 probably matches QuikShine in nearly every one of these respects.

Despite all of this it just seems to me that OID "looks" just a little bit better to my eye and is at least as slick as 425 (which is saying quite a bit). But IMHO the best thing about the OID is the added gloss I seem to get.

Going forward I will probably only order the OID because I like Optimum products and it is easier to order from the same place and save on shipping. OID is undoubtedly at or near the top of QD's, ONR is probably the only wash I will use for the next few years, I like the no dusting polishes since I rarely need them more than once a year for my cars, and I believe OptiSeal may just satisfy me for an LSP.

[ricka]

Originally Posted by cobrar97

Legacy99 - I'm suprised...you are the only one who preferred the FK425 (after reading other threads). I was about to finally order some OID to replace my FK425 stock, but now I'm worried. I've loved FK425, and don't want something I won't like. And you are an actual 425 user that doesn't like the QID. I need more opinions now.

you can always use my method--if unsure, buy the smallest sizes of each and test out. as the varying opinions have shown, it's all in the perception of the user. $20 shipping included seems like a small price to pay. plus you'll know which you like best rather than always wondering if you made the right choice...

[blk45]

Originally Posted by Mindflux

I've yet to try either but I like that you can use OID in a 3:1 ratio. Thusly tripling your OID supply. If you have a gallon it now makes 3.. I'm sure you could dilute FK425 too but has anyone tried it?

It makes 4 gallons. 3+1=4

[Mindflux]

Originally Posted by blk45

It makes 4 gallons. 3+1=4

Whoops. Yes, 4 gallons.

[O4cobra]

Well coming from a long time Quikshine user here is my take on this question...

I've been looking for a more cost effective QD. I've tried a few here and there and in my travels I bought OID thinking I've finally found what I was looking for. Especially seeing how I am a huge fan of OCW. So I went in and bought a gallon of OID. Mixed it up 3:1 like the bottle says. At first I was really impressed with OID. I used it as a Spray and Wipe product first on a car with light dusting. For that I find OID to be a great product. Here is where the downer for "me" comes into place. After the first use of OID I noticed that the windows of the car did not bead, in this case the GF's car is a 2008 TC with the glass roof. By the second week the windows didn't bead at all. And I did nothing different other than use OID instead of Quikshine. I also noticed some streaking, and heavier dusting than with Quikshine...

Now for FK 425. I used this product a few years and never really though much of it. Now that it has become a little more liked, I ordered some Pink Wax and asked for the sample of 425. To me 425 disappears into the paint like Quikshine, where as OID would usually streak. And the dust attraction is even less than Quikshine, and a night and day difference over the OID. The after 2 applications with windows bead just like Quikshine, if not better...

So in the end, coming from Quikshine I'm now switching to FK425. It covers everything I need it to. IMO I don't find OID to be in the same boat as FK425. It may cost a lot less, but I don't think it covers all of the bases "I" need it to cover. I'm going to order a couple of gallons right now.

[Bence]

The 425 vs. OID question is interesting.

I was/am long time fan of the 425. Then the first rave reviews came out on OID, and of course I became curious.

After using them side by side couple of times, I have to say that 425 still holds a VERY slight edge against the OID. BUT! It's not that simple. With OID you have a very nice concentrate. In order to lay down a nice coat of actives, you have to dilute it 3:1. But certain paints can be permeable, dry, etc., so OID can play up on them. Overdeposited active ingredients cause smearing, but you can avoid this by stretching the concentrate to 3.5:1 or 4:1. It won't be as slick, but it won't smear either. From this point of view, the 425 is a far more balanced product, with easier removal and less incompatibility issues.

Gloss is another question. 425 has a wonderful immediacy. You just wipe it on and bang, the gloss is already there. It cures a bit and further improves its look, too. OID's appearance is not that immeadiate. This was my main issue with OCW I, because I liked it when cured but the initial impact was not that high. This behavior is similar with OID, although in a lesser extent. OID is always best with 2 layers - and when these cure, it is one of the most fascinating looking QDs out there.

On a car the anti static difference is less pronounced (still noticeable though), but on a TV screen, 425 accumulates notably less dust than OID, and this is a deciding factor for me: the final overall nod goes to 425.

[SuperBee364]

*Great* information (as always), Bence, thank you!

[Pats300zx]

I have to agree with Bence. I give a slight edge to 425 over QID.