How is GTechniq EXO and CSL Kit?

[Hokie335i]

Hi all,

I have not been very active lately due to my first job, I have pretty much stopped detailing for customers all together. However, I will be picking up my new ride (2003 LX470, low mile, rust-free) to go alongside my 2013 Audi S4 this Friday. It will be a winter warrior and DD so I will be coating everything on the vehicle and am wanting to try a new coating for the paint. Something that will provide me the most protection against the harsh Buffalo, NY winters!

So far I have used Blackfire, CQUK, Wolfgang Uber and Opti-Coat 2.0. The Gtechniq EXO and CSL caught my eye since I haven't used GTechniq products before. A quick search didn't yield many testimonials and reviews of it. For those who have used this coating combo, how have you liked it and how is the application process? Easy on, easy off, or finicky and tricky to use?

Thanks!

[refreshauto]

Both products are great, EXO can be a little tricky to apply at 1st. CSL on the other hand is a breeze to apply

[Hokie335i]

Both products are great, EXO can be a little tricky to apply at 1st. CSL on the other hand is a breeze to apply

How is EXO tricky? Short working time? Tacky?

[GSKR]

Gyeon coatings maybe a option as well.

[Hokie335i]

Gyeon coatings maybe a option as well.

I'll look into those as well. Haven't heard of them.

[GSKR]

I'll look into those as well. Haven't heard of them.
Very durable good line of products.

[antti@561detailing]

Last 10 months I have been using only CSL from Gtechniq. Easy to use and seems to be lasting...I have tried tons of coatings, csl seems to be taking most abuse and still lasting.
I wouldn't use Exo, can be pain to work with and is soft coating, I wouldn't use it. Csl and use Gtechniq c2v3 over it and you will be fine.

[Hokie335i]

Last 10 months I have been using only CSL from Gtechniq. Easy to use and seems to be lasting...I have tried tons of coatings, csl seems to be taking most abuse and still lasting.
I wouldn't use Exo, can be pain to work with and is soft coating, I wouldn't use it. Csl and use Gtechniq c2v3 over it and you will be fine.

If I was to avoid EXO and just use the CSL, would C2V3 be the best option to use as a topper compared to options like Sonax PNS, Opti-Seal, BFWD, good 'ole 845?

[DaveT435]

I use CSL and EXO. EXO is kind of a pain down here because of the heat, I just work in smaller sections. When I've applied the EXO in temps at 80 or below it has been pretty easy to use. I like the EXO over CSL a lot better than topping C1 with it.

[Just02896]

I'd eventually like to try CSL but am still stuck on CQUK at the moment.

[Hokie335i]

I use CSL and EXO. EXO is kind of a pain down here because of the heat, I just work in smaller sections. When I've applied the EXO in temps at 80 or below it has been pretty easy to use. I like the EXO over CSL a lot better than topping C1 with it.

I was going to ask about the heat affecting application. My conditions will most likely be 60-75*. I'd like to try the CSL/EXO combo on the new truck and I hope the lower temps will help in the ease of application.

So you think the EXO will cooperate in sub-80 temps? I'm looking for good water behavior to help with snow/ice this winter.

[FrankS]

I was going to ask about the heat affecting application. My conditions will most likely be 60-75*. I'd like to try the CSL/EXO combo on the new truck and I hope the lower temps will help in the ease of application.

So you think the EXO will cooperate in sub-80 temps? I'm looking for good water behavior to help with snow/ice this winter.

EXO should cooperate better in sub 80 temps. Give it a shot.

[Hokie335i]

EXO should cooperate better in sub 80 temps. Give it a shot.

Will do. I spoke with a local detailer who uses the combo regularly and he said he hasn't had issues in this climate.

Gonna order the C2V3 as well to use as a topper since I haven't tried it before. This will be my first experience with Gtechniq products.

[antti@561detailing]

If I was to avoid EXO and just use the CSL, would C2V3 be the best option to use as a topper compared to options like Sonax PNS, Opti-Seal, BFWD, good 'ole 845?
C2V3 is my go to. I use opti seal mainly as drying aid. I like it because it's easy. 845 takes time to apply time to wipe off...with c2v3 I am done in 10-15 minutes.
Lower temperature help to apply exo. But like I said, it is soft coating...can be marred...specially when you are dealing with salt and sand and ice and etc. It's just me. Csl and c2 is enough for me.

[Hokie335i]

Ended up getting the CSL/EXO and the C2V3. Will be a game time decision which I go with. Haven't decided yet.

Apparently the EXO can be used on glass? I also got the Gtechniq window coating so I may try both and see which holds up better.

Thanks for the help all!