Noob: Difference in Clay Bar Type

[Talguy]

What is the difference between Normal Clay Bars and the Poly Clay bars? Is it better/cheaper to use the poly over normal clay?

[A4 1.8tqm]

There are three basic levels of clay. Fine, Medium and Aggressive. Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay, for example is a fine grade clay, which is very gentile on your paint.

My recommendation is to use a medium grade clay (the majority of whats out there) to remove embedded contaminates before polishing, and a fine grade clay as necessary, as maintenance after achieving a swirl-free finish.

It is possible to mar the paint when claying, not a big deal if you are about to polish. After you polish your car, if you keep it swirl-free long enough to need to clay again... you have good wash/dry technique.