Drying (blower or towels)?

[BobbyG]

Tell us how you like the new MB compared to the old Leaf Blower? I personally use a LB, due to reading on here and then follow up with my drying towels.

For many years I've used a leaf blower with much success and satisfaction. As you mentioned, most of the drying is done with the leaf blower and an occasional drop or spot of water missed was dried up with a towel. For the price and effectiveness a leaf blower is very hard to beat..

The leaf blower does get heavy after a while so I suspect this Master Blaster will get the nod here.

If I wasn't able to get the deal I got I wouldn't have sprung for one and it was also partially a Christmas present...

As soon as the weather warms I'll do a thorough test and review. I have some initial thoughts on it but I'll reserve them for the actual review.

 

[Whosdady]

$70 cordless black and decker leaf blower I keep in trunk for me....then MF.....works perfect....

Cordless or gas is the key. I would be worried that a "plug in" may cause a shock if it touches water.

I use a rubber rake and follow it up with a MF towel.

 

[The Driver]

Well, the one thing the leaf blower won't do drain very tight spots. The masterblaster is the best thing for those small lights and reflectors. It's amazing the amount of water that come's out of them. It's also clutch for body lines, Ie hood n fender gaps.

It really is worth the money, the power is insane and it's hot air as well.

 

[lscamaro]

Does anyone have any thoughts on a master blaster sidekick? I want to get water out of tight spots because I hate when i think I have gotten all of it and a few hours later, I see streaks

 

[colinpd137]

Simple answer = Both

Neither will do a complete job alone

^ I agree

 

[Matryx]

I also use a cordless leaf blower. I didn't know how it can harm my paint though until I read Todd's post. Looks like I'll just use more towels from now on. $300 is a bit too much to spend for the Masterblaster to me. I'd rather spend that $300 on towels

 

[screamng]

I have used a leaf blower for years.... It was a dedicated one, and I had a 'filter' over the intake (someone once told me about throwing stuff thru it, but I dont get pulling stuff out of the air - filter just made him and me feel better - Sorry Todd your logic doesnt mesh with me, driving down the road stuff gets kicked up by other cars/trucks it isnt just stuff floating in the air). Never have had an issue, and the LB always did a nice job.

Now with that all said, I recently received a sidekick as a gift. It is great on engines, wheels and small areas. I have also used it over my smaller car. It doesnt have the volume of air the LB has, so it takes a little more time. But the warm air makes up for it. It is really nice.

Did I mention the warm air....?

If I had the cash.... Masterblaster FTW, but for now, LB, Sidekick, and MF

 

[wdmaccord]

What are your guys' thoughts on the Vac n Blo vs. the Master Blaster? I like all the attachments the Vac n Blow has, but it's only 4 HP vs. 8 HP for the MB. I also wonder about something that doubles as a vacuum (dirty air) and a blower (clean air). Any danger of cross-contamination (blower blowing dust on the car)?

 

[Bunky]

What are your guys' thoughts on the Vac n Blo vs. the Master Blaster? I like all the attachments the Vac n Blow has, but it's only 4 HP vs. 8 HP for the MB. I also wonder about something that doubles as a vacuum (dirty air) and a blower (clean air). Any danger of cross-contamination (blower blowing dust on the car)?

To get the maximum blow force from the vac and blo, you can remove the intake end cap and the paper/cloth bag. There is still a coarser filter below the bag filter. Metro approves operating the unit without the endcap and filter bag.

The result will be close to the Metro Master Blaster at one motor on setting. It just takes longer to dry.

 

[TroyScherer]

Once you use the MasterBlaster on full 8hp you will not want to go back to a smaller motor setup.


I too worry about using a vacuum as a blower due to cross contamination and blowing stuff back onto your car.

 

[Swanicyouth]

What are your guys' thoughts on the Vac n Blo vs. the Master Blaster? I like all the attachments the Vac n Blow has, but it's only 4 HP vs. 8 HP for the MB. I also wonder about something that doubles as a vacuum (dirty air) and a blower (clean air). Any danger of cross-contamination (blower blowing dust on the car)?

I have the 4 HP AirForce Blaster. I use it all the time to dry wheels, hat water out of crevices, etc... You can dry a whole vehicle with it, but its not quick. If your working outside in the sun, you will likely get water spots. If your inside, no problem - but its not a time saver. I believe this has the same performance as the Vac N Blo - or close to it.

That being said I couldn't imagine doing a wash without it. Its the only way to 100% dry a car and get out all the hidden water. It's make wheels so easy to dry, no bending at all.

Recently I've teemed it up with a CR Spotless and solved all my drying problems. Now I take a break while the car drip dries 80% and then get the test off with the blaster. It's a great combo.

One thing nobody mentions is the hose that comes with the AirForce Blaster is too long, too stiff, and cumbersome. Also, the unit tips over on the ground easily, even on the dolly. I've since replaced the hose with a different smaller Metro hose and use it as a hand held. If you get the Vac n Blo, you may want to consider a separate hose for "blowing", as not to blow dirt on the car that's stuck in the vac hose.

Also, mine somehow got a little bent around the collar and started to leak air. Then on off switch broke as well. So when replacing the switch, I sealed all the air leaks up in the unit with silicone. There were many leaks. It looks bad - but works good now.

Replacement hose:

Original hose:

 

[XSSIVE]

I've been using my compressor for drying wheels and all the nooks and crannies for years now but have recently gotten sick of hearing it run and decided to order a sidekick to see how it does for those smaller jobs. I would have loved to go with one of the bigger ones like the master but could't justify the large price tags. I figure If I stick with just using the sidekick for wheels and in the cracks where water collects it should work perfect....we'll see.

 

[mde8965]

At nearly 48yo and partially handicapped from a motorcycle accident 5 years ago, everything when it comes to detailing a car is about protecting the paint from swirls and scratches, and ease of use and minimization in effort.

I use a Master Blaster on 8hp. I have it on a detailing cart and pull it around behind me. The hose goes over my shoulder. And I have my waffle weave towel on my other hand. I use the MB on a section and blot with the WW towel and repeat that process panel by panel until completed. Takes about 10 mins. The wheels and wheel wells and seams are done 100% with the MB. The lower body panels are done while sitting on a Griots rolling seat using the MB and WW towel combo.

Every third time of so I use a very plush microfiber towel or two, using the MB first to partially dry, and spray QD a panel at time and wipe off gently. The point is that the MB really saves me a lot of effort and the paint from constant rubbing during washes. I could not do what I do with a leaf blower unless it was strapped to my back...

The only thing I really need to research is a better hose for the MB. The original one is too stiff and too short. But I hear a pool hose will melt and crack over time... Any ideas?

 

[mrclean81]

How would the Master Blaster do for drying carpet and seats that have been extracted? If its heated and as powerful as people say it is, I would think it woulf dry damp interiors in a timely fashion as well.