2014 Year in Review - 15 Products That Knocked My Socks Off

[Nick McKees37]

2014 Year in Review - 15 Products That Knocked My Socks Off

2014 was a great year at Autogeek for several reasons, including but not limited to:

• Biggest and most successful Detail Fest to date
• PBMG acquired Autopia.org from 3D International
• Show Car Garage expansion
• PBMG purchased an additional 20,000 sq ft of warehouse space from the Patron Race Team next door to us

What made all of that possible is the vast selection of products that we offer to you, our gloss-crazed car care enthusiasts. With over 60 brands and thousands of products to choose from, there is something for everyone at Autogeek.net.

One of the perks of my job is getting to test out each and every product. It's safe to say that I have the shiniest car in the parking lot (there, I said it!). Because so many great products came out in 2014, I thought it would be a great idea to create a thread outlining which products knocked my socks off this year. While most of the products featured in this article are all-new for 2014, some of the products are fan favorites that I've "re-discovered" and use regularly.

With that being said, let's get started!


Pinnacle Black Label Synergy Wax



My comments: Earlier this year Pinnacle shocked the detailing world when they introduced a paste wax in the Black Label collection of products that combines Brazilian Carnauba Wax with state-of-the-art nano-glass ceramic particles. This combination of ingredients enables Synergy to offer the deep, wet look we've come to know and love from a carnauba paste wax bearing the Pinnacle name, with longevity that was previously reserved for synthetic sealants. Synergy creates an extremely glassy, slick finish that only gets better with each additional coat that you apply. Best of all, it lasts at least 6 months!

Why you should care: If you're looking for a long-lasting paste wax that will create a stunning finish without compromising longevity or overall protection, look no further than Synergy.




FLEX PE8 Kompakt Rotary Polisher



My comments: A new polisher from Flex always causes a stir, and for good reason: Flex polishers represent the best of the best. With precision German engineering, each and every polisher is an absolute pleasure to use. The latest polisher from FLEX, the PE8 Kompakt Rotary Polisher, is no different. Designed for precision polishing (also known as surgical buffing) with pads ranging from 1 to 3 inches in diameter, the FLEX PE8 will help you master the art of using a rotary polisher.

Why you should care: Simply put, most people are afraid of the rotary polisher. They require years of experience to fully master and there is a much, much greater chance of damaging paint with this type of tool. The FLEX PE8 is small, compact (excuse me: kompakt), and lightweight, making it very easy to manage. Using the PE8 on a regular basis will help build your confidence and skill level so you can eventually move up to a full-size rotary polisher.




Griot's Garage 4 Inch Red Foam Waxing Pads



My comments: New pads come out on a monthly basis, so what's the big deal about these? For one, they're perfectly sized to fit into the jar of most paste waxes. Secondly, they're built extremely well, with a durable backing material that attaches to a buttery-soft red foam. If you like machine-applying a paste wax, you'll love these pads.

Why you should care: If you like machine-applying a paste wax, you'll love these pads. If you haven't applied a paste wax by machine yet, what are you waiting for?




DP Power Wash



My comments: Wash and wax shampoos have a bad rap, because most of them leave a nasty, oily film on glass that is a nightmare to remove. That's NOT the case with DP Power Wash. This high-foaming, extremely concentrated shampoo utilizes carnauba wax in its formula to boost the protection of your existing LSP while cranking up the gloss another level. As an added bonus, you can use it in a foam cannon or foam gun to create mounds of thick, frothy foam.

Why you should care: We're all here to make our paint glossier, right? Inject some gloss into your wash with DP Power Wash.




Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel



My comments: It's not every day that Pinnacle introduces a new formula, so when they do it's a BIG DEAL. Earlier this year a new formula of the beloved Black Onyx Tire Gel was introduced, and I won't hesitate for a second to say that it's my favorite tire dressing - bar none. It's thick formula spreads thin, lasts a long time, and provides just the right amount of gloss.

Why you should care:If you're like me and actually enjoy dressing your tires after every wash, then you'll love the new formula Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel.




Marine 31 T-Top Fabric Protectant with SunBlock



My comments: Carpet and upholstery is often overlooked, and when a spill occurs, we always think "gosh, I wish I would have applied a protectant." Although developed and marketed for marine use, Marine 31 T-Top Fabric Protectant works extremely well in automotive and household applications as well. It imparts a water-proofing coating that causes liquids to bead up so they don't penetrate the material.

Why you should care: If you eat and drink in your car or have kids, then you should protect the carpet and, if applicable, the fabric upholstery. Trust me, you'll be happy you did.




DP Tire Coating Kit



My comments: Not everyone likes to scrub and dress their tires on a weekly basis, which makes the DP Tire Coating kit the perfect product for anyone that wants to "set it and forget it." The shell of protection created by DP Tire Coating is durable enough to last throughout the harsh winter months, yet it looks good enough for a show car at a concourse event. Best of all, it's very easy to apply if you simply take your time and follow the instructions (what a concept!)

Why you should care: If you don't like to dress your tires every week, then coat them and forget about it for a couple months! The kit includes everything you need to clean and coat your tires at a huge savings versus buying everything separately.




Duragloss Rinseless Wash with AquaWax



My comments: I don't use a rinseless wash that often, but when I do I often reach for Duragloss Rinseless Wash with AquaWax. It is exceptionally easy to use, even in colder temperatures where it resists streaking and hazing. Another benefit is that it leaves your paint looking like you just waxed it.

Why you should care: When you don't have time to wash your car with a hose and bucket, or if you live in an area with water restrictions, Duragloss Rinseless Wash with AquaWax is the solution. It's only an added bonus that it imparts a glossy layer of wax protection as it cleans!




BLACKFIRE Midnight Sun Instant Detailer



My comments: My co-workers often harass me for being an indecisive Auto Geek, as I often change my mind about which quick detail spray is my favorite. To their surprise, I've been stuck on BLACKFIRE Midnight Sun Instant Detailer for several months now. I simply cannot get over how easy it is to use (even when it's 95 degrees outside). It isn't the least bit grabby, and there is ample lubrication to use it as a light waterless wash. I wash my car every Sunday, and wipe it down with BLACKFIRE Midnight Sun Instant Detailer every Wednesday to rejuvenate the shine.

Why you should care: We're all obsessed with keeping our cars clean and shiny, and BLACKFIRE Midnight Sun Instant Detailer does just that. It doesn't "alter" the look of your LSP - it simply restores the shine and slickness while removing light dust and dirt.




Griot's Garage Leather 3-in-1



My comments: My wife's Accord has leather upholstery, and rarely do I have time to perform two separate cleaning and conditioning steps. Griot's Garage Leather 3-in-1 bridges the gap by offering both excellent cleaning ability while restoring the soft, supple texture of the leather - in one step! While it doesn't compare to the cleaning or conditioning of a traditional two-step approach, it does offer a great balance and works extremely well. Its thick formula spreads evenly and does not streak. The smell is addicting!

Why you should care: Leather isn't cheap, and you shouldn't neglect it. With Griot's Garage Leather 3-in-1, there is no excuse to have a dirty leather interior. It's simply too quick and easy to use.




Wenol Metal Polish (RED)



My comments: My Civic Si has a Magnaflow Catback Exhaust and it runs on the rich side, resulting in a lot of build up on the polished exhaust tip. I've tried quite a few metal polishes, and while they all work, none of them clean the tip up as fast as Wenol Red. I REALLY like how the product dispenses (think toothpaste tube), it's thick, and it doesn't smell bad. No wonder this stuff has been around so long unchanged.

Why you should care: All you have to do is read what I wrote above. Metal polishing doesn't have to be a messy, laborious task thanks to Wenol Red.




Wolfgang Microfiber Cleaner and Rejuvenator



My comments: The market was crying for a strong microfiber detergent that is safe for high efficiency (HE) washing machines, and Wolfgang delivered with Microfiber Cleaner and Rejuvenator. This microfiber detergent cleans my microfiber towels and tools better than anything else I've tried, and it's only an added bonus that it's not destroying my (HE) washing machine in the process. The bottle features a built-in measuring cup which makes it super easy to dispense the correct amount of product.

Why you should care: Surely you wash your microfiber towels!




Wheel Woolies 3 Piece Kit



My comments: I'm guilty of not cleaning my wife's Accord as much as I clean my Civic, so when I do the wheels are usually pretty grungy. Wheel Woolies combined with Pinnacle Advanced Wheel Cleaner Concentrate allows me to remove built-up brake dust and grime from the barrel of the wheels with ease. I've had a full set for several years now and they're still going strong.

Why you should care: Cleaning wheels is so much easier with the right tools.




Wolfgang Uber All In One



My comments: A traditional 2 or 3 step detail isn't always possible, which is why cleaner waxes and AIOs (all in ones) are very popular. Wolfgang Uber All In One offers more correction, more paint cleaning, and better longevity than any cleaner wax/AIO has the right to.

Why you should care: An AIO that lasts up to 6 months while having the ability to remove more than just light imperfections. It's a no brainer.




Pinnacle Advanced Wheel Cleaner Concentrate



My comments: Brake-dust laden sports cars and neglected daily drivers are among us, which is why Pinnacle introduced a more powerful wheel cleaner this year - Advanced Wheel Cleaner Concentrate. This color-changing wheel cleaner annihilates brake dust and road grime without harming delicate finishes. It can also be diluted 1 to 3 with water for light duty, "maintenance" cleaning.

Why you should care: Choose your wheel cleaner wisely - a lot of them are caustic and acidic. Pinnacle is not.



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There you have it...the products that knocked my socks off in 2014.

Resources

Up Close & Personal: DP Power Wash! High-Foaming Wash AND Wax!

The KING of Tire Gels - New Formula Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel

How To: Clean & Coat Your Tires with DP Tire Coating

How To...wash Mike and Ray's Dirty Microfiber Towels

Up Close & Personal: Wolfgang Uber All In One

EXTREME Wheel Cleaning w/Pinnacle Advanced Wheel Cleaner Concentrate


On Autogeek.net

Pinnacle Black Label Synergy

FLEX PE8 Kompakt Rotary Polisher

Griot's Garage 4 Inch Red Foam Waxing Pads

DP Power Wash

Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel

Marine 31 T-Top Fabric Protectant with SunBlock

DP Tire Coating Kit

Duragloss Rinseless Wash with AquaWax

BLACKFIRE Midnight Sun Instant Detailer

Griot's Garage Leather 3-in-1

Wenol Metal Polish (RED)

Wolfgang Microfiber Cleaner and Rejuvenator

Wheel Woolies 3-Piece Kit

Wolfgang Uber All In One

Pinnacle Advanced Wheel Cleaner Concentrate

[Justin at Final Inspection]

Great write up Nick!!!

I will add that I have had the privilege to try Synergy, Black Onyx and the Wolfgang AIO and they have not disappointed! Might have to try those 4in waxing pads.

Looking forward to more new products for 2015!!! Although my wallet won't. LoL!!

[House of Wax]

awesome thread

[Rez90]

Good List. in for later.

[campngolf]

Thanks for the list.

[Tato]

Very good, truly socknocking!

Thanks a lot for sharing this fine selected list.

Kind Regards.

[haris300]

Good stuff all around. I love trying out new products.

[allenk4]

Your socks are easily "Knocked Off"

[geekdout]

Great list nick, I will have to pick up some of those 4in pads they seem perfect. I think you should mention that Duragloss 931 makes a great QD.

How long on average does DP tire coating last and whats the best way to maintain it.

I recently purchased Syngergy and I have to say I was surprised by the appearance of the wax. The color is nothing like whats in the picture, its almost a dark rootbeer color and the wax is just full of tiny little air bubbles. I was hoping if you could let me if the color is typical of what you have been seeing.

[Dr Oldz]

Nicely done, Nick.