Cobra Edgeless Arctic vs Meguiar's Ultimate Wipe comparison

[Matt S.]

I've read a few people say that the Meguiar's Ultimate Wipe is the same as the Cobra Edgeless towel at half the price, and it's simply not true. I figured I'd put the debate to rest with some pictures that clearly show the differences.

You'll see in these pictures that the Cobra towel has superior edging, a tighter weave, and is overall a denser towel than the Ultimate Wipe, which makes it so effective at removing polish and wax residue. Am I bashing the Ultimate Wipe? Absolutely not. Would I hesitate to use one on my paint? Absolutely not. However, it is NOT at the quality level of the Cobra Edgeless Arctic microfiber. Pics below....

First - Ultimate Wipe on the left, Edgeless Arctic on the right.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/634/EdgelessUltimateWipe1.jpg


Second - Ultimate Wipe on top, Edgeless Arctic on bottom.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/634/EdgelessUltimateWipe2.jpg


Third - Edgeless Arctic

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/634/EdgelessUltimateWipe3.jpg

Fourth - Ultimate Wipe

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/634/EdgelessUltimateWipe4.jpg


Hope this clears up any confusion. Feel free to comment! :xyxthumbs:

[Shane731]

OK, I took a few pictures for my own sake. I see what you're saying. The Cobra towels do seem to be a bit denser, which would make them a bit better. Here are a few pics that I took:

Meguiar's Ultimate Wipe on the left, Cobra Edgeless Indigo (got this with Souveran) on the right. Cost of Cobra Indigo: $8. Cost of Ultimate Wipe: $4. Observation: Cobra towel is indeed more dense than the Ultimate Wipe. Feel test: both towels feel about the same, with the Cobra being a little bit softer.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/../gallery/data/500/medium/P1190030.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/15795/size/big/cat//ppuser/24886)

Meguiar's Ultimate Wipe on the left, no name Pep Boys towel on the right. Cost of Ultimate Wipe: $4. Cost of Pep Boys towel: $4. Observation: Pep Boys towel is more dense than the Ultimate Wipe. Feel test: Pep Boys towel is softer.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/../gallery/data/500/medium/P1190031.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/15796/size/big/cat//ppuser/24886)

Cobra Edgeless Indigo on the left, no name Pep Boys towel on the right. Cost of Cobra Indigo: $8. Cost of Pep Boys towel: $4. Observation: Pep Boys towel is more dense than the Cobra towel. Feel test: Pep Boys towel is softer.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/../gallery/data/500/medium/P1190033.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/15797/size/big/cat//ppuser/24886)


Again, these are just my observations and how I feel about these towels based on my experiences with them. I would rate the quality of these towels in this order:

Pep Boys towel
Cobra Edgeless Indigo
Meguiar's Ultimate Wipe

That being said, I do not feel that the Ultimate Wipe is an inferior towel, in fact I think it is a great towel. However, I do not feel that the Cobra Indigo has enough of an edge in quality to justify paying twice the price of the Ultimate Wipe, particularly for use on a daily driver. Certainly it could be justified if these towels were to only be used on a show car with an immaculate paint finish, but I would go to Pep Boys first and get a towel that is perhaps equal to or maybe even better than the Cobra in terms of quality and price (at least in my mind). Again, this is just how I feel. I may be flawed in both my observations and my tests, but I did feel a need to share how I felt. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to turn anybody off to the Cobra Edgeless towels, but I think there are other options that can be explored. Thank you.

On a last note, I don't think price is everything. The Cobra Detailing Cloths are $8 (I think $6 right now on sale) and they are worth every penny. I got one when I ordered Collinite 845 and I love it. I'm ordering a 12 pack (for $30) on my next order, which makes each towel roughly $2.50. The Miracle Towels are $10 each (or 3 for $20). I can't comment on the Miracle Towels, but I'm going to order a few on my next order and try them out. If they prove to be a great towel, then I would say they are worth the $10. If not, then they're not. Simple as that. Like Mike says, "Find something you like and use it often." How true.

[Matt S.]

Thanks for the input, Shane. As you stated in your post, we do offer great discounts when you buy in quantity. After all, who needs just 1 towel? :D

Right now, we have the Arctic White Edgeless towels at $19.99 for 3 towels, Buy One Get One - so 6 towels for $19.99, making them $3.33 a piece. :)

As for the Miracle Towels...they are indeed very nice. Let me get some pics for you :)

[Matt S.]

OK, here is a shot of the Miracle Towel for Shane and anyone else who wants to see what it looks like up close.

"Shorter" side:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/634/IMG_0508.JPG


"Plush" side:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/634/IMG_0509.jpg


Comparison with the "shorter" side vs the Arctic Edgeless microfiber. You can see that the Miracle Towel has an even TIGHTER weave. The towel has a nice, thick feel to it without being overwhelming to work with, and is incredibly soft.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/634/IMG_05112.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/634/IMG_0510.jpg

[Shane731]

Since we're on the subject of microfiber towels, what are the Cobra Deluxe Jr. 600 towels like? Any known problems with linting?

[Matt S.]

The Deluxe Jr 600s are slightly thicker than the Miracle Towels. Very soft, slightly softer edges, and the "shorter" side of the towel is even more dense than that of the Miracle Towel. I've not experienced any linting with the 600s, nor have I received any complaints; everyone I've spoken to loves them.

[Shane731]

So, that in mind, which towel is better suited for wax/sealant removal and quick detailing, the Cobra Deluxe Jr. 600 or the Miracle Towel?

[Matt S.]

Honestly, it would boil down to personal preference. The Deluxe Jr 600 is a smaller towel at 16x16, so that's something to keep in mind. Looking at the nap of each towel, I would say the Deluxe Jr is more effective at removing polish/wax, but the longer (but not denser) nap of the Miracle Towel's "plusher" side would be better for final buffing or QDing.

[TLMitchell]

Since we're on the subject of microfiber towels, what are the Cobra Deluxe Jr. 600 towels like? Any known problems with linting?

:dblthumb2: Primo, primo towels! The finest I currently own for either wax/sealant removal or QD. I have a hard time paying big bucks for what's basically a rag. (OK, a real, real nice rag! :D ) I got my Deluxe Jrs on sale or BOGO, IIRC. They're the only ones I've used so far that I'd pay full tilt for!

Washed dozens of times and they show no wear or linting. YMMV.

TL