Initial Impressions: Pinnacle XMT Gel Shampoo & Conditioner

[Bunky]

I obtained a bottle in trade on AG and since my wife`s driver needed some detailing I used the Pinnacle XMT soap and needed to maintain my MDC (see below).

Given some of the reviews and my desire to try most any soap out, I was interested to see how it worked.

The car has DP Max Wax which has been somewhat of a surprise to me. The sides of the do not sheet water at all (LSP gone very early) but the upper surfaces still show decent beading and sheeting action. The paint tends to stay very clean as well.

Now on to the comments,

As others have commented, the dilution recommendations is 1 to 2 ounces per bucket. I always start with 1 ounce per 3 gallons with these vague instructions.

Note: I have a whole house water softener so my results may not be similar as others.

Observational notes:

Scent: Citrusy?
Consistency: very thick gel
Color: Neon yellow green

The color and consistency reminded me a lot of CG Maxi-Suds and Adam`s with that interesting neon gel consistency because it took a little effort to get the soap out of the measuring cup.

I filled the bucket to 2.5 gallons, added soap, then filled to the 3 gallon mark to mix soaps, create suds. At 1 ounce per 3 gallons (about 1:400 dilution), I found the between the finger lubricity to be fine so made no adjustments since it is supposed to be a concentrated s/

Suds: Generous but not excessive. I let the bucket sit for 10 minutes while I got out the hose, etc. and the suds had died down substantially. A quick jet of water created more.

Washing experience: I used a mf chenille mitt and the mitt picked up a generous amount.

When put on the paint, the suds seems to coat the surface (spread across) very evenly (some soaps tend to have a sheeting action as they drizzle down the sides.

On paint lubricity: very good.

Ease of rinsing: Excellent. I tend to rinse the car 3 to 4 times max (like after washing major areasL top, sides, front, back) so soap drying on paint and ease of rinsing is a key variable.

Drying (manual method ): Very good. No residue or water spotting although the need for a MB came through -- water dripped from crevices for a bit.

In order to maintain my certification (MDC - manual dry certification) as a detailer I needed to dry a car using the towel method today - no Master Blaster allowed. I used my Mothers foam core to block and dry windows and then a PAC Big Blue II to wipe down paint.

Final Appearance: It did seem to leave some gloss behind on the paint.

Conclusion: Surprisingly interesting soap compared to the other PBMG soaps I have used (WG and Pinnacle). I will need to use it several times to get a more refined opinion especially at higher dilutions given the price point.

[Pats300zx]

Great review Al....

[BobbyG]

Nice review Al!

I picked some of this up on BOGO and was curios to hear how well it performed and how folks liked it.

Thanks for reviewing!

[Todd@RUPES]

Very nice and thorough review Al. Thank you for sharing.

[Dr Oldz]

Very nice Al. I have been impressed with it thus far.

[cmichael258]

Nice review. Well done.

[TroyScherer]

Good review Al...

The dilution ratio seems very good. Keep us updated on if or how it affects the LSP in the future.

[mwtaco]

nice review! thanks.

[Van185]

I have also tried the XMT Gel Shampoo and was very pleased with the results. It cleaned very well, dried off good, and left a very nice finish. Thanks for the review.

[CT3]

I haven`t tried this, but I`ve used Pinnacle body shampoo. It was ok but it wasn`t worth the price imo.

[Iomcamaro]

Nice review Al. I have had some of this sitting on my counter for a couple of weeks now. (Thanks Dave! Awesome dude BTW if you don`t know him. Great detailer too.) I need to test it, but it`s been too cold now that I`ve started school.

[sc_S13]

Nice detail Al, I just picked up from Pinnacle XMT Pad Conditioner hope it performs up to par.

[TroyScherer]

Nice review Al. I have had some of this sitting on my counter for a couple of weeks now. (Thanks Dave! Awesome dude BTW if you don`t know him. Great detailer too.) I need to test it, but it`s been too cold now that I`ve started school.

Keith you can send it to me and I`ll put it to good use and review it for you so you know if you like it....

[classofshine]

I recently used this new soap as well, and pretty much have the same comments. Cleaned really well, nice lubricity. The only con I see is the cost, using 2 oz per wash it makes it fairly non economical.

[rzatch]

Nice review Al. Soaps doesn`t seem to be a product of much review but is used just as much if not more than most anything else.