Clay...one better than another?

[Fred114]

Spring is here, and getting ready to detail the car. My question is, what's the best clay out there? Are there differences?
Any help would be appreciated...thanks

[loudog2]

There are differences in clay. Mostly the grade(fine, medium, etc). Some people do think some clays are better than others. But, it's just like for polishes, waxes and sealants. Everybody has their own preferences.

[Fred114]

Thanks. So I guess a medium grade for paint that needs more work, fine for paint in better shape?

Thanks again

[mrGolfRider]

good question, always wanted to know also. I have never been let down with the good ol megs OTC clay.

[Emile]

Yeah, there are lots of different clays. Some clays are so hard/aggressive, they can put some light scratches into the clearcoat.

Fine (soft) clay is typically used for people who like to clay their vehicles more often and/or do not get much embedded contamination simply based on how and where they drive. Some fine-grade clays are so soft that they won't even strip your wax.

Use a medium-grade clay bar if you clay once a year or so. I believe the Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit is around a light-medium clay bar that will get the job done for most vehicles.

Personally, I clay my vehicle once every 12,000 miles or so using soft clay. I prefer soft clay because for whatever reason, I am lucky and get very little contamination and the soft clay takes care of all of it. I have no preferred brand, I've used Zaino Clay, Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit, Meguiar's Detailer's Mild Clay, Sonus Soft Clay, and maybe some others I cannot think of right now and I've never had a real preference.

[dublifecrisis]

I've only used OTC clay (and some rock hard crappy clay from Ebay). Of the 3 I've bought OTC, the Clay Magic Blue is the best all around. Meguiar's would come 2nd and the Mothers I'll get when it's on sale. The Mothers is juts too darn flimsy and my fingers end up going through it and it just breaks down too fast. The Clay Magic just seems a tad more aggresive and has just the right pliability meaning it's easy enough to knead to a clean surface. I even like the Clay Magic lube. Auto Zone carries it for around $12

[ScottB]

Pinnacle Ultra Clay (green) is considered a lighter clay and less abrasive.

[supercharged]

Pinnacle Ultra Clay and Sonus Green are my favorite.

[Jimmie]

Pinnacle Ultra Clay for my cars that get clayed twice a year.

[nitro78]

do a google search on the subject. there was recently a test with results on this very subject though most the products were from the uk. i believe the locally available (U.S.) sonus came in second.

[Streetlife]

Pinnacle ultra poly clay here too.:D

[Lowprofile]

Pinnacle works well for me.

[Fred114]

Thanks everyone for the responses

[ASPHALT ROCKET]

Riccardo clay is my favorite.

[detail viking]

Only tried Megs and Clay Magic. I liked Clay Magic.