Face-Off: P21s 100% vs Z2pro review w/ pics

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Simple side by side test between P21s 100% carnuba wax and Zaino Z2pro. From the beginning all I have used for LSP was Z2pro and so far I have been very happy with the results but I wanted to try a wax so I ordered the new P21s stuff, for the looks and the price it seemed like the way to go. (BTW thanks Todd for your earlier detailed review of this wax)

The Comparison:

A 2006 black (non metallic) 330xi was the test bed. This car was previously detailed by me about 1 month ago and was still in very good condition. The prior LSP used was 3 coats of Z5pro ZFX'd. I started with a quick ONR wash of the hood followed by Ultrafina and a finishing pad to prep the surface and remove the old sealant.

Each side was given 2 coats of each product. No glazes were used as bases. ZFX was added to Z2pro to aid in curing time, but this time it was not followed by the usual Z8 wipedown. This was a test between the two products to see which performed better by itself. For regular details I will be using ## EZ creme or RMG w/ the P21s wax and if Z2pro is used it will be followed by Z8. I will also see if I can do a test w/ P21s 100% layered on top of Z2pro:drool:

LEFT SIDE- Z2pro RIGHT SIDE- P21s 100%



I began w/ the wax using a red LC ccs applicator(the included P21s applicator seemed fine to use and fit nicely in the tub but I chose one of my red ones instead)



P21s 100% Application: This is a really nice wax to use, goes on clean and buffs off amazingly smooth. I applied 1 very thin coat w/ the red pad by hand, worked in lightly and let it haze for a short time before buffing off. At which time I went to apply the Zaino stuff. The second coat of wax came 30 minutes later.

*Remember this pictures are all taken within about an 80minute span so both LSP's were not given a full 12 hours to cure*

The P21s result:Not having used a nuba before I wasnt sure what to expect but I was very pleased with the outcome. I am not used to a deep warm glowing look and it looked incredible in person, I could tell the difference between the two looks of wax and sealant best in my garage. The finish looked like silky smooth glass and it had this radient shine. I like a mirror image type look and crystal clarity and I didnt think a nuba could do this for me but the P21s stuff did, maybe not as well as Z2 but pretty damn close.There was no hazy look or distorted reflections with the wax. It really is a more elegant looking product. IMO I would rather apply 2 coats of this wax by hand compared to 2 coats of Z2pro by hand, it seems easier. So far very impressed with this wax:xyxthumbs






Next Up: Zaino Z2pro



Z2pro Application: Applied 2 thin coats w/ ## MF applicator in straight lines. Each coat was given almost 25minutes to cure before buffing off. A little more work goes into the Zaino application when working in the sealant but its still very easy to use and a farily quick process. The wax w/ the red applicator seemed to move smoother on the surface though.

After 1st coat:



After 2nd coat:



Z2pro Result: What can I say, Z2pro as usual looked incredible. I previously used Z5 on this car but I decided if I was going to compare P21s's best product I should compare it to Zaino's best, Z2pro. I really like the look of Z2 on black now. I came into this thing thinking the P21s stuff was going to be my favorite but I have to say Z2pro is tough to beat even without that final Z8 wipedown! The look is similar to what I expected but a bit more clear compared to the Z5, usually it follows 106ff but this time I got to use my Ultrafina and I think it made a little difference in the finish, more crisp. Z2 is very very reflective and has nearly perfect optical clarity(which I like), as you can see the posters in my garage are very clear. It does however lack some depth and that warm nuba glow but it makes up for it with a high gloss. Some cars would benefit from the Z2 look and other the P21s look.

Smoothness: Z2pro takes this one hands down, the finish is very slick and silky smooth to touch, P21s still smooth but not as much as the Z2.

*I think a great middle ground would be 1 coat of Z2pro followed by 2 coats of 100%. (Stay tuned for a 1991 M5 w/ this combo)*

It was about 75 degrees I took the car outside for some shots in the sun... and I found the results to be pretty interesting. In the garage it was pretty easy to differentiate between the nuba and the sealant but outside this wasnt the case. In direct sun the glow of the P21s really came out and showed the deep color of the finish while the Z2 shined w/ a high gloss.



P21S side...



Z2pro side...






Telling the difference not so easy anymore:think:







P21s


Z2, clarity!


Its very hard to tell from the pics but each had their own look, and I liked both of them. With the trees reflecting on the paint the P21s didnt have that Zaino clarity and combined sharpness but it did have a deep rich color and a beautiful glow. The Zaino is basically what you see is what you get, on black its great but IMO on silver it can looked a little artificial and plasticy sometimes, as I found with a silver porsche. I wish I had a better camera to take these pictures as well.

Conclusion: I think each product is excellent in its own way. Applications were similar and both easy to apply although I like not having to enable ZFX w/ the wax and prefer its general application. For me, seeing that deep and warm carnauba glow was awesome, I enjoyed having to take a step back to admire the finish and get the full effect of the deep finish. To me the results didnt seem like they came from a $50 tub but rather something much more expensive.

The Z2 as always performed like a champ and looked incredible on black but its a static type product and you dont have that added warm tone IMO but the clarity and smoothness compensate. I think I will be more likely to grab for the P21s though next time im working on a silver car.

As for my new purchase I think the true potential for the P21s 100% lies in a great base coat, weather it be a Zaino sealant or a glaze. I will soon experiment with both and see for myself. But after only one day and one car I have to say im happy with the result.

One last one for ya

[killrwheels@autogeek]

I think both sides look great and goes to show that "ole school" waxes are still a valid choice, and that even great sealants are still just finally matching the look that 'nubas have always been known for.

[The Skillmaster]

Why didn't you take the tape off? I think it would have been easier to tell the differences without it.