New Product! Optimum

**matth9** · 11-18-2010, 11:17 PM

Very cool, but a little steep on price. If it does what it's supposed to do its well worth it though

**C. Charles Hahn** · 11-18-2010, 11:21 PM

Nice! I think I'll be picking one of these up with my next order in the spring (if not sooner if I get any AG gift certificates for Christmas!)

**oldcracker** · 11-19-2010, 05:18 PM

what's the difference between this and the schmitt?

**CEE DOG** · 11-19-2010, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by oldcracker

what's the difference between this and the schmitt?

I don't know what all the differences are but I posted your question on the Optimum forum oldcracker. I'll post Dr. G's answer here.

This is what Dr. G said about the Opti-Mitt a few months ago (before it was released)

"Another great wash media is a soft sponge (minimum 80 PPI) that works great for washing with No Rinse. The advantages of sponge over Microfiber is that dirt particles can get adsorbed into the sponge and away from the surface. We are working with a foam manufacturer to develop a mitt that not only is safe and gentle for the automotive paint but also has good cleaning and dirt release properties. Once we complete all the testing and development, we will make this new foam mitt available to help make the wash process with Optimum No Rinse easier."

**CEE DOG** · 11-19-2010, 05:50 PM

Heres the information I found from Optimum. The part I placed in bold below makes me very happy! The ppi is also listed.

"Especially designed and tested with rinseless washing in mind, Opti Mitt is your new choice for washing without marring. The porous foam along with the waffle texture ensure dirt is lifted away from your paint during the wash process. With more than 90 pores per inch you'll have plenty of lubrication for a safe wash. The backside of the Opti Mitt doubles as a scrubber for stuck on debris while still remaining safe."

Also found this from Optimum forum...
"The color was used specifically to be more cosmetically appealing in light of the staining that can occur with wash media."

**CEE DOG** · 11-19-2010, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by oldcracker

what's the difference between this and the schmitt?

oldcracker, here is the question(s) I asked and an answer from Chris at Optimum.

Dr. G, I'm excited to see the new Opti-Mitt! I have a couple questions.
1.-What are the differences between the Opti-Mitt and the Schmitt?
2.-Is there any possibility that there will be an Opti-Mitt released in a lighter color at some point in the future?
Thank you for your always excellent products and the time you take to answer all our questions!
Oops, almost forgot... I LOVE the new forum setup. Very nice

Corey

"Hey Corey, The foam and color are different from the Schmitt and exclusive to Opti Mitt. It is comparable to a finish pad with about 90-100 ppi. I believe the Schmitt is 70-80 ppi. The color was specifically chosen to conceal the staining that naturally occurs over time with any wash media. To my knowledge there are no plans for another version in another color, but nothing is written in stone. Thanks for your compliments on the forum. I've been working very hard to make it the best I can. I'm sure Dr. G will chime in too...he may have more technical specs for you."

**Kurt_s** · 11-19-2010, 09:10 PM

Do you think the foam will hold BMW brake dust like a MF towel when cleaning wheels with ONR? I end up soaking the wheel towels in OxiClean + liquid laundry detergent to get the brake dust out of the wheel MFs.

It might be worthwhile if it easily rinses clean and makes my MF towel cleaning easier.

**CEE DOG** · 11-19-2010, 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by Kurt_s

Do you think the foam will hold BMW brake dust like a MF towel when cleaning wheels with ONR?

Kurt, I would use a seperate wash media for the wheels. Maybe you are suggesting using it only for your wheels or buying 2 of them. I know AG store says the back side is for wheels (which I didn't like the thought of) but I found the following from Optimum. Rather then wheels they say it is for scrubbing stubborn spots and is paint safe. see below (partial quote)

Originally Posted by CEE DOG

".................."The backside of the Opti Mitt doubles as a scrubber for stuck on debris while still remaining safe............"

**Chris Thomas** · 11-19-2010, 10:04 PM

I have two beta mitts and I think this thing will give a clean conscience to many of those who were skeptical of no rinse and waterless washing. The thing is super soft and releases well. It makes you use light pressure because it holds soooo much water, you'll soak yourself if you press too hard. Also, none of that horrifying squeaking noise like you get with a grout sponge. The color also addresses the staining complaint many have had with No Rinse. It really is uber safe and that's why the scrubber was added to the back that wasn't on my first beta.

Chris