Quick Opti-Bond Tire Gel Review

[Mike T]

Seeing how it supposed to rain this week I wanted to test out one of the new additions to the great Optimum line. A good week for a durability test :) Today I tested Optimum's new Opti-Bond Tire Gel

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y233/silence0420/IMG_0646.jpg

Applied with a Cobra Flex Foam Tire Dressing Applicator
Cobra Flex Foam Tire Dressing Applicators 3 Pack (http://www.autogeek.net/tire-applicator.html)

Opti-Bond was pretty easy to apply. I completely saturated the tires on my car, and I did a very light coat on my wifes tires. The amount of product didn't seem to affect the shine much. Now its race to see which tire stay shinier longer. Also it seemd to dry nicely to the touch.
Here are some pictures

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y233/silence0420/IMG_0643.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y233/silence0420/IMG_0645.jpg

My Wifes tire

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y233/silence0420/IMG_0644.jpg

. I'll try and keep this thread going with pictures and updates through the week.

[Matt S.]

Looks great IMO. I just used this stuff last week and didn't get as much of a sheen on my tires, but I'm not complaining. Like most people on here, I can't stand tires that are too glossy.

[RickRack]

Looks nice. I have a brand new bottle that I haven't tried yet.

Did you dilute it or did you use it full strength?

[Mike T]

Opti-bond was was applied full strength.
I like semi-glossy tires, but not too glossy.

Update: Well last night it rained like a tropical storm rolled through. When I went out and looked at the tires, they seemed to have lost their shinny appearance. They now have a flat black appearance. I'm a little disappointed, but I haven't counted this product out yet. I'm gonna try it a few more times. Maybe I need to apply more than one layer.

I'll check my wifes tires when I get home, since her car stays parked for now. The roads weren't heavy soaked this morning, so I would imagine her tires should look like mine.

[ScottB]

I love it , but hate how hard it is to regulate on pad for those not using their spray applicator. It gets quite glossy and dries quickly, I would NOT call it matte or light in sheen.

[Surfer]

Opti-bond was was applied full strength.
I like semi-glossy tires, but not too glossy.

Update: Well last night it rained like a tropical storm rolled through. When I went out and looked at the tires, they seemed to have lost their shinny appearance. They now have a flat black appearance. I'm a little disappointed, but I haven't counted this product out yet. I'm gonna try it a few more times. Maybe I need to apply more than one layer.

I'll check my wifes tires when I get home, since her car stays parked for now. The roads weren't heavy soaked this morning, so I would imagine her tires should look like mine.Thats odd since gel products generally hold up better to rain. I know with AA Gel it can rain for 2-3 days on a new application and I'll lose maybe 30% of the shine. Water beads right off.

[k20z3kid]

what do you all use to apply tire gels?? i find those foam applicators to be somewhat ineffective. i have heard of people using paint brushes.

[Chris Thomas]

I use the Wagner Control Spray:
http://images.lowes.com/product/024964/024964169245.jpg
I keep it off the rims with this:
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/tolae_1991_87449279
Here's a shot mixed 2:1:
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee134/cthomas1440/Toyota%20Tundra%20TA/CIMG0164.jpg
Here's a shot mixed 3:1:
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee134/cthomas1440/Toyota%20Landcruiser%20TT/CIMG0215.jpg


2:1 is ideal through the gun. 3:1 looked good initially but needs a second coat. If you have the time, 2 coats at 3:1 looks better than 1 coat at 2:1. The tires in both photos were shot and left alone, no wiping. And I used it straight on a foam applicator before buying the Wagner, but thought I had to apply too much to get the look which resulted in it attracting a lot of dust. If you choose to use an applicator, I'd recommend diluting to at least 1:1.

[Mike T]

When I got home and checked out my wifes tires, the product was virtually gone.

The only thing I could think of would be that our tires were not thoroughly clean, or the amount of product applied just soaked right into the tires. Like I said before I haven't counted this stuff out. Next washing day I'm gonna make the sure the tires are absolutely clean and I'm gonna try more than one layer.

I do intend to keep this review updated. Thanks for the feedback guys.

[dengood1]

Man, that stuff just looks like a lot of "extra" work. I like the simple wipe on, let sit for an hour, then go. I've never had a problem with gels lasting more than a week, at least. I'd still like to try it and make my own opinions. Maybe my next order:)

[supercharged]

I used this stuff and wasn't impressed with it at all...I personally prefer more shine, then it gives, and my favorite no shine dressing is Beyond Black by Surf City Garage...
Even their spray dressing is better...

Again, maybe it's just me. I love DP tire gel though.