Reviewed: Zaino Z5 Pro

Actually, the "debate" seemed to start with a comment made about carnuaba's melting point. People then chimed in about how "Z this" and "Z that".
 
RCBuddha said:
Actually, the "debate" seemed to start with a comment made about carnuaba's melting point. People then chimed in about how "Z this" and "Z that".
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Carnuba melting point? -I saw that a few pages up, but it was a bit off topic too -right?



If others have used product 'x' in a review and had different results, then let's learn and move on.



Z may be God's gift to some, and a turd to others. Who really cares??



I find it funny that many of the 'anti' posts are from people that



(a) Never used Z



-or-



(b) Didn't follow/read the instructions.



Sal must be selling politics or religion in a bottle these days. Most of the posts in this thread have not questioned Sean's findings/results -they have created an undertone & debate on the product. What gives?????
 
Slickery said:
..... Has anyone tested zfx/z2prox2 vs just z2Pro on the same panel?
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Yep! When X2Pro was first released I tested it with and without ZFX on our Honda's, a red Accord and a Sage Pilot. Also tested it along side AIO alone and UPP. Both vehicles were parked outside 24/7 in the Carolina's.



Initial results on application, UPP amazingly slick, followed by Z2 Pro/no ZFX, then Z2 Pro/ZFX then AIO. Both Z2's and UPP very wet looking, UPP with slight edge.



After 24 hrs, Z2 Pro/zfx becoming slicker and wetter looking, UPP may still have slight edge.



Three days of rain later, results changing very rapidly. Both Z2's now best in slickness, initial very wet look of UPP somewhat diminished but still very good. AIO bringing up the rear in all areas. Beading very good on both Z2's, very small 'tight' beads, UPP not quite as good but still very acceptable.



One month later, UPP falling behind, beading less regular and larger, sheeting rinse water slower, slickness GONE. Shine and wet look falling well behind the Z2 Pro's. AIO even worse than UPP.



Two Months, UPP and AIO failed. No beading, no sheeting, shine no better than reference panel of bare paint.



Four months, Z2 Pro/no ZFX begining to fail, Z2 Pro with ZFX still beading at regular size, but beads a little larger and not as 'tight'. Test stopped here.



My conclusions: Z2 Pro with no ZFX will dry and remove fine in southern heat. Does seem to take longer to fully cure than when used with ZFX, but nothing too drastic. Initial slickness of Z2pro/no zfx, might be a tad better than when used with zfx, but this difference only lasted a few days. Somewhere around three months, the Z2 Pro/no zfx begins to show early signs of wear, but is still more durable than other sealants I have tried. Z2 Pro with ZFX definitely better for durability overall. Add the advantage of quick cure times and there is enough benefit to convince myself that purchasing ZFX it is money well spent. Contary to others who have commented, I do not find the mixing of Z2 Pro and Zfx poses any kind of problem, especially as a tiny portion of the time I spend on a full detail.



Oh finally, Sean .. thanks for a great review, I appreciate the time you took out to write it up for us all. Keep telling it like it is! :goodjob
 
Thanks Mike,

Was your Z2Pro/ZFX multiple coats? I think we were interested in seeing if there is a difference between one coat or two, but that was also great information. I'm glad someone tested Z2Pro for durabilty because I think many people were just assuming it was as good as Z2. I just ordered some collinite for a test but I think I will also test one coat of z against two. I just bought an old black Bronco and I really want the best protection I can find. It seams like the truck was never washed and definetly never waxed. You can tell there is very little paint left but thankfully there no metal showing. It is going to be my most challenging detail ever, but thankfully it belongs to be so if by chance I go through the paint I will just repaint it.
 
Slickery said:
Thanks Mike,

Was your Z2Pro/ZFX multiple coats? I think we were interested in seeing if there is a difference between one coat or two, but that was also great information. I'm glad someone tested Z2Pro for durabilty because I think many people were just assuming it was as good as Z2...
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I have done beta testing of both Z2PRO and Z5PRO on my 24/7 Escalade. I have also beta tested the previous up-dated versions of Z2 and Z5.



Z2PRO and Z5PRO both carry-on the durability reputation of its previous generation. They both out-perform previous version in maintaining what is really important to me.. that "just detailed" appearance much longer. :hifive:



One reason each version of the PRO series took so long fo Sal to be release was because of real-world testing (beta testing) of the product not only for appearance, ease of use and function (does it protect) but also durability.



Mike, excellent presentation of your findings. :2thumbs:
 
Good post RedondoV6. It's nice to get to read meaningful posts that actually contribute to the discussion instead of cheap one-liners about the direction of this thread. I too have found similar results with ZFX. I've done similar tests with Z-2 Pro with and without Z-1 and find that durability is a bit longer when the sealant is applied over Z-1.



Wannafbody, a single coat of Z-2 Pro lasts around 4 months for me. I can only get 6+ months worth of good beading when I've got two applications of Z-2 Pro/ZFX on my car.
 
Intermezzo said:
I can only get 6+ months worth of good beading when I've got two applications of Z-2 Pro/ZFX on my car.
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Intermezzo,



Since your in SoCal, is that 6+ months with Z6 or Z8 inbetween washes? Or is it just weekly washes? I'm curious as to how long Z2Pro+ZFX stands on its own w/o help from Z6 or Z8.



Edwin,



I got your last PM, thanks!
 
Nice review Sean!!



Very interesting thread with a lot of information and opinions.



I am waiting anxiously for the new Z5Pro. I beleive that this product has merit. I look forward to using same. Will use the product with ZFX without hesitation. Mixing and clean up has never been a problem when it comes to detailing.
 
Slickery said:
Thanks Mike,

Was your Z2Pro/ZFX multiple coats? I think we were interested in seeing if there is a difference between one coat or two, but that was also great information.
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Skickery, two layers (to ensure consistant coverage). On the layering question, I do find that applying two coats of Z2 Pro extends durability, but it does not double it, it is more like 1.3 to 1.5 longer durability in my experience.



Thanks Edwin and Intermezzo, a compliment from knowledgeable guys like youself means a lot :thx
 
Intermezzo said:
Wannafbody, a single coat of Z-2 Pro lasts around 4 months for me. I can only get 6+ months worth of good beading when I've got two applications of Z-2 Pro/ZFX on my car.
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Tony, this is very much my experience with Zaino too.
 
Not to stir any flames up but after all the positive posts I've read thru the years if I only get 4 months out of an application of Z2Pro and ZFX I'm going to be disapointed.
 
wannafbody said:
Not to stir any flames up but after all the positive posts I've read thru the years if I only get 4 months out of an application of Z2Pro and ZFX I'm going to be disapointed.
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That's why I'm wondering if 4 months is sans z6 or z8...
 
Intermezzo said:
a single coat of Z-2 Pro lasts around 4 months for me.
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I think with the frequency we all wax/seal our cars, that is more than acceptable durability. Definitely good enough to get through a Dallas 'winter'. :)
 
I normally use Z-6 or Z-8 after washes, but when I'm trying to test a product's durability, I never use any QD and never use a product like QEW (which is extremely sealant/wax-friendly) to wash my car. I also try to do my best to wash the car weekly. Furthermore, my car isn't garaged in the evenings. It's under these conditions that I get 4 months of very good beading and a smooth, slick surface with ZFX/Z-2 Pro.



If that seems a bit low, keep in mind that we all have varying opinions on when a product is still protecting and what kind of beading is still acceptable. I've read reports here on this forum where people had 2-3+ months worth of protection using a traditional wax. I've never had any carnauba or traditional wax provide 'good beading' for more than a single month for me under the conditions l mentioned above (but then again, I don't have Scottwax's 24-inch python arms applying the product!). I hope this no one takes this as another shot at carnauba waxes, because one of my favorite products is still a traditional carnauba wax.
 
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