Opti-Glass application video and long-term comparo vs Carpro Flyby30

**Jean-Claude** · 01-22-2013, 09:38 PM

I`ve had Flyby30 installed on my truck since 1/15/13 and just received a sample of the Opti-Glass coating. I decided to do a head to head comparo. The passenger side has flyby30 installed and the driver side now has Opti-Glass. The Flyby30 has a 7 day advance on installation and should be noted moving forward.

The Opti-Glass has a different application process. Like Opti-Guard, it has a very limited work time. Opti-Guard gives us about 5 minutes after applying before requiring leveling/dry buffing. Opti-Glass has 60 seconds before you must buff off the residue. It was emphasized that you really don`t want to leave it on too long. My plan was to work in smaller areas so that there was not an opportunity for it to set up too fast.

Full disclosure: I applied 2 coats of the flyby30 and did the same with the Opti-Glass. What you`re seeing in the video is the second application. Though, it applied the same the first time around.

My process for the application was to tape off one side and remove the flyby30 from one of the sides. I used polish and a microfiber towel to remove the flyby30 and followed up with an IPA wipedown. I spritzed water on both sides and confirmed that all of the flyby30 was removed from the side the Opti-Glass went on. While the side with the flyby30 had water beading, the other side showed signs of absolutely no coatings. The water sat all nice and ugly like you`re used to on untreated glass.

I believe a major factor to consider will be the cost. Carpro`s flyby30 is supposed to last 6~9 months and if I heard correct, Opti-Glass is more of a 2~3 year coating. We will have to see where the Opti-Glass lands price-wise before the professional detailer sees how it fits into his services. **edit** Retail version will be $79.99 and will be advertised to last up to 1 year. The professional-only version will last up to 3 years at a cost of $100. Both will come in 60ml syringes.**edit**

The video of the application: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftDd...ature=youtu.be

I will follow up with more information as it becomes available during the comparo.

Follow up: http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...ml#post1535276

**IHA Mark** · 01-22-2013, 10:07 PM

Great review! Is the Opti-Glass available for sale? I have not seen it on AG. I`m looking forward to using this product as an add-on service.

**Jean-Claude** · 01-22-2013, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by IHA Mark

Great review! Is the Opti-Glass available for sale? I have not seen it on AG. I`m looking forward to using this product as an add-on service.

Iirc, it is coming out in like 3~4 weeks?

**gmblack3** · 01-23-2013, 09:00 AM

Nice video of the application JC. Personally I would wear some gloves...

Its nice to see that Opti-Glass does not have to be worked into the glass like the Wolf`s Glass Guard.

Is it possible you can get us some water action shots with a pressure washer or hose when you have time?

**Jean-Claude** · 01-23-2013, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by gmblack3

Nice video of the application JC. Personally I would wear some gloves...

Its nice to see that Opti-Glass does not have to be worked into the glass like the Wolf`s Glass Guard.

Is it possible you can get us some water action shots with a pressure washer or hose when you have time?

In hindsight, it would be wise to wear gloves. It sets up really fast and while it does not bond to your skin like crazy glue, you can see it. It was cleaned off easy enough.

Application is 10x better than Wolf`s imho. When buffing off any residue, it`s the equivalent to buffing Powerlock off of paint. Super easy stuff. But really, it would not be fair to compair it to anything until we get a price point on the coating.

Wrapping up on a big job today but if we finish early enough, I will get some video and post it up this evening.

**Jean-Claude** · 01-23-2013, 12:05 PM

Updated OP with pricing.

**gmblack3** · 01-23-2013, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by Jean-Claude

We will have to see where the Opti-Glass lands price-wise before the professional detailer sees how it fits into his services. **edit** Retail version will be $79.99 and will be advertised to last up to 1 year. The professional-only version will last up to 3 years at a cost of $100. Both will come in 60ml syringes.**edit**

Any estimates how many windshields we can expect to get from 60ml?

**Jean-Claude** · 01-23-2013, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by gmblack3

Any estimates how many windshields we can expect to get from 60ml?

My opinion would be to put a little in a spray bottle(`ala how they sent it to me and is shown in the video) and apply to an application pad. I believe using a syringe will mean a good bit of wasted product. Spraying it on, based on how little I had to use this one time, maybe use up 3~4ml per car? They did not suggest to me how many ml they believe should be used per application. So based off of feel, which of course is very subjective, 3~4ml sounds right.

Really, I after trying this product in a spray bottle and seeing how little was needed to fully soak a pad makes me want to try applying Opti-Guard via a spray bottle to see if a more even dispersion can be achieved with less product.

**pingable** · 01-23-2013, 03:49 PM

I would be curious if the tried and true Aquapel was used as the *benchmark*, then the 2 products, and then not only durability but also how the water beads on each respective.

Or is Aquapel just too outdated to even be a contender...

**Scottwax** · 01-23-2013, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by gmblack3

Any estimates how many windshields we can expect to get from 60ml?

Just talked to David about it today, don`t know much about it since I haven`t tested it. He says you should be able to get several applications out of a 60 ml syringe. Enterprise has been participating in testing and using Opti-Glass has greatly reduced windshield chips. Before using it, they were having issues with about 15% of the windshields in a given month. On the test cars, no rock chips so far. I don`t know how long the test has been going on though.

If that is the case, it will be a great add on service here. Pretty much every freeway is under construction through the next 3-4 years and we have gravel trucks running up and down the freeways constantly.

If you can get 6 applications, that`s about $13 worth of product per windshield (retail version) and it looks to be a less than 10 minute application (maybe 20 if you polish the glass first). I figure if you can keep the price in the $50-60 range ($65-75 for the pro version) that`s a nice profit for 10-20 minutes of work. Probably one of those things that if you price it too high not many will be interested.

**Jean-Claude** · 01-27-2013, 05:21 PM

After a few days with it, I can say without a doubt that Opti-Glass is amazing. Video will be up in a few days.

**Jean-Claude** · 01-28-2013, 08:45 PM

Optimum Opti-Glass vs Carpro Flyby30 Water Shedding - YouTube

From the video you`ll see the obvious differences in the two different products. Flyby30 sheets really nicely and opti-glass does an amazing job shedding with beads.

When I can drive in some heavy downfalls I will give more feedback.

**Scottwax** · 01-28-2013, 09:23 PM

Nice video!

**Alfisti** · 02-03-2013, 11:03 AM

I was wondering what the benefits are between Opti Guard and Opti Glass. Don`t they do much the same thing since OG can be used on glass?

**Jean-Claude** · 02-03-2013, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by Alfisti

I was wondering what the benefits are between Opti Guard and Opti Glass. Don`t they do much the same thing since OG can be used on glass?

Opti-Guard is not designed to cope with the abrasive nature of wiper blades and the weather seals on the side windows. Opti-Glass is formulated specifically for those conditions.