Those who went to NXTi 2014, please share your thoughts on the event!

[RaskyR1]

For those who went to NXTi last weekend I thought it would be cool to start a thread where we can all share pics and our experiences from the event. :)


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[RaskyR1]

Having attended the standard class in 2012, I went back this year to attend the "Advanced Class", which had be created/designed after the overwhelming request from past attendees. Looking back at the weekend I can say without questions it was worth every penny! Just getting so many top detailers from around the world together in once place has a lot of value in itself.


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<span style="font-size:18px;">My biggest takeaways from the event:


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-Increased knowledge in advanced polishing, sanding, and troubleshooting difficult paint.


I was most excited about the wet sanding part of the class so I really enjoyed spending time with Jason Killmer talking about complex curves and difficult to sand areas. Joe Fernandez even offered up some solid advice while I was working on a tight grove of a hood, thanks Joe! We also had some great discussions and hands on training about residue control and getting the most out of MF pads when used for finishing.


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-Talking with Claude Sevigny, inventor of the microfiber pad.


Not only was it an honor to listen to Claude talk about how the micfofiber pad came to be, but it was also great gaining additional knowledge on paint itself, especially at the OEM level.


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-Talking with Darin Pereira, Regional Sales Manager at Meguiar`s


Darin was brought in to show us some tools/technology used for paint evaluation. Not only did he blow us away with a few items we`ve never seen used with paint evaluation, but his knowledge of paint was astounding.


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-Talking with Barry Meguiar!!!


This was the icing on the cake for me and was totally unexpected. We had the pleasure of talking with and listening to Barry tell us stories on the history of some products, great accomplishment, and even some failures. We got to go up into his office where he showed us all the old products bottles in his collection, take pictures, and listen to more amazing stories. It was truly an honor and I can`t thank him enough!!!


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On top of what the class had to offer it was a pleasure meeting and hanging out with many of the other detailers I had talked with online over the years. Another added bonus was having Larry Kosilla (AMMO NYC) at the event, and he even held a pod cast at our hotel during the meet & greet. Keep an eye out for his coverage of the whole event! :)


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In closing, I`d like to give a HUGE thanks to Kevin Brown, Jason Rose, Michael Stoops, and Meguiar`s for making everything possible! What an awesome event!


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I didn`t bring a camera this year so a few of my pics are borrowed from others.


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Sitting in on the pod cast outside our hotel. (Thanks Charles for the awesome pic!!!)


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/2D70859D-AD2E-4300-B363-C86F705549E8.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/2D70859D-AD2E-4300-B363-C86F705549E8.jpg.html)


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Watching Jason Killmer conduct the wet sanding part of the class (Thanks for the pic Bryan)


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/62A527B8-DD2E-49CE-BB98-FE8EC6310B6B.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/62A527B8-DD2E-49CE-BB98-FE8EC6310B6B.jpg.html)


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The man himself!


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/6FA67EAF-9162-4C82-B779-2E2F43E8C346.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/6FA67EAF-9162-4C82-B779-2E2F43E8C346.jpg.html)


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http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/C3D1B8EA-71C7-46FB-A607-8C6E2FC405A7.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/C3D1B8EA-71C7-46FB-A607-8C6E2FC405A7.jpg.html)


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Barry`s desk


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/55BDC6E1-3CC0-4E53-907C-F1D97483C1E5.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/55BDC6E1-3CC0-4E53-907C-F1D97483C1E5.jpg.html)


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http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/B0094937-CC26-4534-85A5-63FDA9DB6178.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/B0094937-CC26-4534-85A5-63FDA9DB6178.jpg.html)


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Rasky

[Concours.John]

That`s pretty cool. I Keep hoping to get to this. Just to have the talent and knowledge of instructors and attendees together would be incredible.

[safetyman2010]

It was great finally put a face to the names that I hadn`t met in person yet. So many talented detailers in one room. On top of the reams of information and techniques shared at the class, meeting and hanging out among so many talented and interesting people is an experience that made this event worth every penny.`

[RaskyR1]

It was great finally put a face to the names that I hadn`t met in person yet. So many talented detailers in one room. On top of the reams of information and techniques shared at the class, meeting and hanging out among so many talented and interesting people is an experience that made this event worth every penny.`



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What`s even more crazy is that I knew you by name on Facebook going into the event, but it didn`t click until just now that I knew you on Autopia as well! Great getting a chance to meet you in person Scott! :)

[imported_Automania]

An amazing experience shared with some of the industry`s most talented detailers. Outstanding` technical information and practice sessions, taught and mentored by some of the industrys leading practioners and experts - Jason Rose, Michael Stoop, Kevin Brown ( I cannot speak highly enough about Kevin and his knowledge of the subject matter his continious generosity and wilingnes to help ) Jose Fernandez and Greg Nichols who were able to condense and share their experiences in such an easy manner. Jason Kilmer the paint whisperer his invaluable advice and technical sessions on wet sanding were outstanding and a big confidence booster. The guest speakers Claude Sevigny, inventor of the microfiber pad, Darin Pereira, Regional Sales Manager at Meguiar`s and Barry Meguiar were the icing on the event.` Last but not least the opportunity to meet and share with so many of you who do this in the trenches every day.` Of course a little bit more special for me because It appears I am the only woman to have attended this class.

[safetyman2010]

What`s even more crazy is that I knew you by name on Facebook going into the event, but it didn`t click until just now that I knew you on Autopia as well! Great getting a chance to meet you in person Scott! :)



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Oh for sure Chad. The best part of these events is getting to meet and talk with so many great people. I was pleased to have finally met you too. Hopefully we`ll be having an event of some sort on this side of the country soon where we can all meet up again!

[gmblack3]

As Chad already covered all the high points of the event, all I can add is I love my buffdaddy. :)


It is so nice to meet/see again some of the worlds finest detailers in person. Getting tips from those (Jason Rose and Michael Stoops) who are world class as well. Meeting Barry who is truly one of the most genuine people you will ever talk to.


Jason Kilmer- just wow... Star struck was I.


Then there was Jose Fernandez, just a humorous, talented guy.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/05/y4yhuju2.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/05/7eqy6u3a.jpg



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http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/05/jy6uqybu.jpg


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[Custom Car Care Wagga]

I had a great time meeting everybody. Would do it again in a heartbeat!`


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Cheers, `Cam

[David Fermani]

You guys rock! Thanks for sharing and commenting on such an epic event!`


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And Cam - Welcome to Autopia!!!!`

[David Fermani]

I wanna see more pics!`

[C. Charles Hahn]

First and foremost, I have to give a sincere thank you to all those involved in the monumental task of making this NXTi event happen, and to all of my fellow attendees for making this event something I`ll never forget. It was great to finally meet so many of the people I`ve spent years interacting with online, and to learn from some of the absolute best minds in the industry. How Kevin Brown, Jason Rose, Michael Stoops, Joe Fernandez, Larry Kosilla, and Greg Nichols were still functioning by Sunday evening is beyond me.


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I`ve got quite a few pictures to get through, as I was there for two days (Saturday and Sunday), so let`s begin...


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Saturday attendees arriving early:


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5501.JPG


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Joe Fernandez and Kevin Brown setting up for the day`s classes:


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5509.JPG


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"Now what did I do with that file...?!"


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5512.JPG


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Larry Kosilla with the elusive Rupes rotary and Dynabrade attachment:


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5514.JPG


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Joe Torbati, Anson Lau, Gina Budhai, and Mark Flego from Australia:


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5519.JPG


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Kevin Brown demonstrating once again his mad scientist approach to polishing:


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5522.JPG


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5523.JPG


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Cool old signs and murals around the Meguiar`s offices:


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5525.JPG


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5526.JPG


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Best conference room ever?


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5529.JPG


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Jason Rose, Wolf of Wall Street:


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5530.JPG


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One of the coolest things in Barry Meguiar`s office had absolutely nothing to do with detailing; this is an actual piece of the Berlin Wall:


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5557.JPG


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Larry`s podcast at the hotel Saturday night, which he so graciously allowed several of us to participate in (thank you Larry!):


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5579.jpg


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Soaking up the knowledge on Sunday:


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5591.JPG


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"Miyagi was right... chop out the defects!"


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5593.JPG


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Jason Killmer demonstrates that yes, it is possible to finish down with a rotary:


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5603.JPG


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Joe taking one of his infamous selfies:


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5604.JPG


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Hand painted signage on Barry Meguiar`s woodie wagon:


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5613.JPG


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That`s one clean ride!


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5617.JPG


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Surely, hearing Barry Meguiar delve into the history of his family`s business and how he built it into what it is now will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience:


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5623.JPG


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http://hahn-on-the.net/pictures/nxti2014/IMG_5626.jpg

[RaskyR1]

Great pics Charlie! I really regretted not bringing my camera once I got there. :(


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Thanks for sharing! :)

[Woob]

<span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:12px;">I was in the lame "friday Class", but in company of some awesome detailers. Some highlights, very sad I couldn`t pick everyone`s brain on the weekend after the seminar. nxti is amazing.

<span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:12px;">"One Step" Woo

http://liquid-finish.com/meguiars-nxti-class-review/ (`http://liquid-finish.com/meguiars-nxti-class-review/`)


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WORLD CLASS CALIBRE TEACHERS, ASSISTANTS, & STUDENTS
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">Our NXTi Class had a huge`pool of high calibre instructors:`Jason Rose – Meguiar’s Global Technical Services & Training Manager, Mike Stoops – Internet Technical Specialist,`Kevin Brown – BuffDaddy.com & Madman Genius (`http://buffdaddy.com/`). We were lucky to have some amazing instructing assistants:`Jose Fernandez of Superior Shine (`http://www.superiorshine.com/`),`Larry Kosilla of AMMONYC (`http://ammonyc.com/`),`Derek Remiss of Detail Werks (`http://www.detailwerks.net/`). Adonis Detail, Elite Finish Detailing, iWax Auto Detail, Clear Detail, AOWheels, Knox Details, Orinda Auto Detail, Custom Car Care Wagga, and many others were among other`high end detailers I had the pleasure to meet and learn from. Besides USA, detailers travelled from all parts of the world such as Australia and the Caribbean.
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">`

CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE, METHODS, & INSTRUCTION
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">Without giving away too many private classroom details, a few highlights:
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">Meguiar’s Microfiber Correction Pad Usage & Separation. Pad separation has been a huge issue`for some detailers. It can be infuriating to use effective paint correction technology that only lasts for a few details yet yield amazing results. To address separation of the velcro, Meguiar’s has made a huge effort to ensure their latest generation of pads will not delaminate (within reason).`To identify the latest`iteration of pad, look for the embossed Meguiar’s Logo, it will be shiny and feel very distinct on the backing velcro. It is normal to have some degradation on the microfiber`face`and interface foam portion of the pad. Meguiar’s completely stands behind their product and are more than happy to replace the pad in question (please don’t cite me as a source!).
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">Using an`air compressor to blowout the latest microfiber design will greatly prolong the life of your pads as you reduce pad heat and eliminate residue.`A microfiber towel is generally far gentler than using a bristle brush to clean out the fibers.

50% CLASSROOM / 50% HANDS ON
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">The Friday`class started promptly at 8am and was`completely jam packed`till 6:30, so yes you do get your money’s worth of intense training. 50% of the class is classroom theory based, 50% hands on working on test panels with classmates and instructors side by side with you. I still have 9 pages of notes to review. The`NXTi Class`makes you think what is occurring at every stage of paint`polishing and sanding. You’ll slowly start learning that every product and pad is designed to fit a`certain technique`instead of an “internet� trend that can be incorrect.

THE NXTI CLASS`EXPERIENCE
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">Through sanding,`circular polisher work, DA machine polishing, plus the`theory portion of the class`it was slight changes that create the NXTi Class Experience. Classmates and instructors further add to each individual in special ways.`Minor tweaks to technique, properly using how each Meguiar’s product is designed, and understanding what is occurring on the paint surface were the most valuable lessons. Every detailer comes with a different approach and knowledge base, which translates to a full service training experience.`I personally was amazed I somehow snuck into a classroom with the top detailers around the world.

FINAL THOUGHTS
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">My only regrets were not documenting enough pictures, meeting Saturday & Sunday`attendees, and networking every night at the DoubleTree due to my busy schedule. If you are even considering the class, just do it. The price of one day course is nothing compared:
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">- the relationships you create from the giant pool of detailers with various backgrounds from around the world. You won’t find a bigger community with so much paint or detailing history.
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">- the process of learning`at least one new aspect of polishing or sanding. If anything you’ll be able to share your experiences and tricks to your class mates.
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">- instructors &`assistants so unique and skilled to answer any questions you might have, you can pull them off and cross reference your own experiences
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">- the new perspective that you really know nothing and need to keep improving (at least for me!)

NXTI CLASS PICTURES
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">A few pictures, I really had no time to document everything or wonder around.
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">http://liquid-finish.com/wp-content/gallery/randomlfweb/NXTi-11.jpg
http://liquid-finish.com/wp-content/gallery/randomlfweb/NXTi-12.jpg
http://liquid-finish.com/wp-content/gallery/randomlfweb/NXTi-5.jpg
http://liquid-finish.com/wp-content/gallery/randomlfweb/NXTi-8.jpg
http://liquid-finish.com/wp-content/gallery/randomlfweb/NXTi-9.jpghttp://liquid-finish.com/wp-content/gallery/randomlfweb/NXTi-10.jpg
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">http://liquid-finish.com/wp-content/gallery/randomlfweb/NXTi-3.jpg
http://liquid-finish.com/wp-content/gallery/randomlfweb/NXTi-4.jpg
http://liquid-finish.com/wp-content/gallery/randomlfweb/NXTi-13.jpg
http://liquid-finish.com/wp-content/gallery/randomlfweb/NXTi-6.jpg
http://liquid-finish.com/wp-content/gallery/randomlfweb/NXTi-7.jpg
http://liquid-finish.com/wp-content/gallery/randomlfweb/NXTi-14.jpg
http://liquid-finish.com/wp-content/gallery/randomlfweb/NXTi-17.jpg
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">I`stole`this certificate.

VISIT TO SHOWCARDETAILING.COM – `RICHARD LIN & CREW,`GINA BUDHAI.
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">Prior to the Standard Friday Class I snuck over to ShowCarDetailing in Anaheim (15-20 minutes from OC/Irvine/Meguiar’s). Many thanks to Richard Lin & crew for letting me help around the shop. Those LED lights are absolutely amazing and it’s fun seeing`so much`paint correction and coating work at one time. I even got the chance to work along side the master Gina Budhai of CarPool Detail`for some interior trips and tricks.
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">http://liquid-finish.com/wp-content/gallery/randomlfweb/NXTi-1.jpg

[David Fermani]

Great pics you guys. Can someone fill us in on the M205 spray bottle?`