After some more research and shopping, I am thoroughly convinced on going with the Meguiars Soft Buff Polishing Kit offered on autopia.
Don't mean to rain on your parade but did you notice the "Out of Stock" on the G110v2 listing? They've been out of stock almost everywhere for some time. People raved about the polisher after they were released then stories about failures, power cord problems warranty replacements etc started popping up fairly prolifically. Some on Meg's Forum are theorizing Meg's won't be releasing these polishers until whoever manufactures them gets the bugs worked out beyond a shadow of a doubt. Megs is fairly mum on the whole affair AFAIK.
I am not sure I would need the 205, it is better to have it in case I do.
If you're going to compound defects on a hard clear with M105 you better be prepared to remove possible marring from compounding with a follow-up or finishing polish. 205 is usually regarded as a great finishing complement to 105. If you don't envision yourself needing to go to these lengths often you might consider buying the smallest sizes you can find. There are a few vendors that offer 12 oz sampler sizes of Meg's products.
I just have a question...are the LC pads better than the Meguiars pads?
"Better" is totally subjective based on users unique experiences. "Best" would be what works best/easiest for you for a particular application. That said, one thing that appears to be an overwhelming preferance of many is smaller pads. Many kits ship with 6.5" pads. Some are available with 5.5" pads. I personally find the combination of better cutting ability and ease of handling of 5.5" pads a real benefit. Since trying a few I've gotten rid of all my larger pads except for a few wools for serious compounding and replaced them with 5.5s. I like them a lot more and feel I get better results. For the record, Meg's Soft Buff 2.0 pads are 7", if I'n not mistaken. Pretty much the opposite of the consensus I've seen on numerous Forums. I do like Meg's 4" pads for small areas and tight spots.
Some prefer Meg's, some like LC, others use Buff n Shine or something else.. In the final analysis many would agree that results are more dependent on the detailer and his experience rather than the products he uses. A new detailer with a garage full of top end products can produce a seriously crappy result if they haven't done their homework. OTOH, Someone like Todd or Kevin Brown or numerous others could probably turn out concours results with an old bottle of Turtle Wax and a dirty wool pad. Sheesh, and my Mother must have told me 100 bazillion times not to exaggerate!
I have NXT 2.0 tech wax or something now that I bought in the beginning of summer. This may be a stupid question...but should I just use this to wax after I use the 105/205 or should I get something else?
If you like the NXT or whatever it is and it produces the results and longevity that you desire, by all means go with what you've already got. If you find it substandard or you're looking for something else ask away and everybody will recommend their personal favorite as the end-all, be-all.
Once I purchase this, my plan will be something like this
Good ol Wash
Clay
205 then 105 with the finishing pads (or other way around?)
Coat (or two?) of Wax with the LC red pad (I believe it is a bonus in the kit)
Admire with my own two eyes
105 is the aggressive compound generally used with a cutting or polishing pad to remove defects. As previously pointed out, some have been satisfied with 105's results and went right to wax or sealant. Others either saw something they didn't like or prefer and refined the finish with 205 and a polishing or finishing pad. It's all about what you're personally satisfied with.
Should I throw in a "polish enhancer" in there or is it not really worth it. The paint isnt neglected by any means, it just needs some defects taken out
The only thing that might be considered a "polish enhancer" that I use might be DG Aqua Wax spray on sealant. I blow water off before drying and DGAW provides a slicker surface to finish wiping off residue as well as amping up the gloss and adding longevity to whatever protection you're already using. Beads like crazy, slick, inexpensive and it smells good. What's not to like?
And one last question to keep you guys busy, does the Meguiars kit come with the wrench and counter weight? I see it listed under some other kits but not this one. What is the significance of these parts anyways?
The wrench is used if you want to remove the backing plate and swap on another size. I can't speak from personal experience on the G110v2 but if there's a DA being sold without the wrench it'd be news to me. Since a DA polisher oscillates the counterweight is there to offset the pads movement and provide balance, especially at high speeds. The counterweight comes preinstalled on the machine and you shouldn't need to be concerned with it under normal use. Todd is the polisher geek, he can undoubtedly write a large tome (and probably has) on the physics involved as well as lots of minute detail that might give you a headache unless that's your thing. Personally, I just want to make things shine.
I searched but couldnt really find anything because I am on my Droid.
Sheesh, how rude! Get off of her and send her home to R2D2 and pay more attention to detailing.
TL
I am looking at going with the PC7424XP with the following
