What is the best clay bar for the money?

A

AutoNova

New member
Time to buy claybars so give me some feedback. I ordered the autopia claybars but didn't like them and the purple residue-no good. Had a Carbrite clay bar that was 8oz pretty good stuff.



Let me know your opinions.
 
I just got a Clay Magic bar with their clay lube and it works well for me. It's my first time claying, so my car is pretty disgusting after 10 years, but the clay sucks it all up and keeps on going.
 
I like 3M. So far I've only used it and the Mothers bar. The 3M seems to have more bite. The Mothers is a good bar as well though.



Bill.
 
A local store has the 3M clay. Unfortunatley I've never tried it b/c they charge $28 for it:eek:



I have used the clay magic and meguiars. Both work great, only plus side to the clay magic is its cheaper.
 
AutoNova said:
Time to buy claybars so give me some feedback. I ordered the autopia claybars but didn't like them and the purple residue-no good. Had a Carbrite clay bar that was 8oz pretty good stuff.



Let me know your opinions.
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Were you using the SONUS Block Clay Bar that is gray? I have that bar and it works just as good as the ClayMagic bar. They'll all leave residue if you don't use enough lube. Maybe you should try the yellow Perfect Shine Clay bars that Autopia Car Care has
 
My favorite is Clay Magic



I'm almost certain 3m and many others are re branded Clay Magic as Mothers is Erazer clay. Is it still true there are only 2 main clay mfrs: Auto Magic's Clay Magic and Erazer?
 
i just clayed my car yesterday using mothers. I think it works pretty damn good, but ive never tried any others.
 
I've been using Griot's clay for a year or two now. Not sure of the size, but for $20 it is much bigger than the little $6 clay bars I got from the Autopia store. I've been happy with the Griot's clay.



-Keith
 
yea that brings up a question of weight and size, no I am not talking about that:) But size matters. I know it means alot b/t a 4oz or 8oz bar. If it $20 but an 8oz bar that is fine and as long as it doesn't leave colored residue in the cracks and they are easier to handle.



What size is the 3M?
 
I have both Clay Magic and the Erazer. I have never had any problem with either bar with streaking, residue, or crumbling. The Clay Magic is a little softer and stickier and IMHO is better on a car with a lot of contamination and is probably a little easier to hold on to without dropping. However, I think the Erazer may be better for a newer car or one that is very clean without much contamination....since it is a little harder than the Clay Magic bar the Erazer seems to last a little longer.



As cheap as the Clay Magic bar is and since it is so easily accessible, it is the one I would recommend for the money. It is economical, effective, and practically idiot proof.
 
I've used Mother's clay bar, Clay Magic and the Tropi-Care clay bar. I think the Mother's bar is a little more pliable than the CM and Tropi-Care bars however the CM and Tropi-Care bars seem to work very well at cleaning the surface with a tad less effort than the Mother's bar.



@BillD, I know the Tropi-care bar is made by the company who makes the Clay Magic bars (Dont know if that's Clay Magic or an outside company) however Steve @ Poorboys told me last week he had a bar from a company in Australia so I'd imagine there are more than 2 clay bar manufacturers out there.
 
I've used mothers clay bar also and it works wonderful but it only works with the lube that comes with it, if u try mixing ur own lube it will fall apart
 
JayC said:


@BillD, I know the Tropi-care bar is made by the company who makes the Clay Magic bars (Dont know if that's Clay Magic or an outside company) however Steve @ Poorboys told me last week he had a bar from a company in Australia so I'd imagine there are more than 2 clay bar manufacturers out there.
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Auto Magic( Auto Wax Co) is the maker of Clay Magic. It would be interesting to learn more about the Australian company. I also suppose the litigation issue between Erazer and AM is now settled and has allowed other mfrs to introduce their own clays :nixweiss:



update: Here we go, info on that case as of late 2003, looks like Erazer has won rights to continue its clay. I guess this paves the way for everyone else too



http://www.erazer.com/december_9th2003.htm
 
I use the BlackFire clay bars. They are suppose to be from Germany. CMA sells them. I have been real pleased with them so far. They do seem alittle expensive. BlackFire products are supposed to be high quality products but I don't see to much about them on Autopia. Wes
 
Clay Magic for me. I use the 200 gram bars and have a case of them. They come in that nice container with a glove. Just use latex gloves, fit better anyway.



I buy them by the case and it lasts a long time.



The reason for the cases... I give away some to fellow members/people when I see them and they never used a clay B4.



Lube I use is Megs High-Tech wash 00 mixed in a spray bottle. Works great and it's cheap!



Regards,

Deanski
 
Clay Magic. Readily available, inexpensive and it works. Meguiars new pro bars are pretty good too, but you have to order them or find a professional distributor in your area to get them.
 
There are only two clay companies in the United States. The first is Clay Magic (Auto Magic) the second is Erazer (Kucala Enterprises).



Both companies have patents. They are both in litigation with eachother. Auto Magic is trying to monopolize the market so it can raise prices. AM is claiming that Kucala's clay violates his patent. But, Kucala has his own patent.



I know there is a manufacturer in Australia and several in Japan . However, because of the patent situation in the United States, the only clay you can get is one of the two above mentioned brands. Different companies ie Car Brite, 3M, Malco, Mothers, Mark V, etc. have them private labeled with different colors & sizes to make people think their bar is unique.



So, decide which of the two styles you like. The Erazer style is harder, the Clay Magic has more of a grainy texture and is more pliable. Then look for who will give you the best price!!!
 
Clay Magic for me from now on! The local NAPA carries both (fine/medium) and you can't go wrong for the money!



I bought 3 perfect shine bars and don't like them too much.
 
Clay Magic. Buy a gal. of Auto Magic's #49 Body Shine since that's the lube they put in the box. I know people swear soapy water works fine...:nixweiss. :)
 
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