XMT Product Reviews (long, 56K no way)

[Brace1]

First, as a winner of the giveaway, thanks AG for the free products. I'll do my best to keep my end of the deal by providing an insightful review (bear with me, hopefully I can load the images properly).

Here's my process on my mother-in-law's '02 Monte Carlo -
She and my father-in-law washed before I got there, which is part of the problem.
I Clayed, then used the following XMT products:
- Pad Conditioner
- Swirl Remover 1
- Carnauba Finishing Glaze
- Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel
- Pad Cleaner


Pad Conditioner

Price = $9.99

Mfr Claim:
"It only takes a couple of spritzes to prep the pad for polishing. The rich lubricants instantly penetrate the pad, softening and conditioning the material."

Packaging:
Nicely packaged, very professional looking label on durable plastic bottle with a nice spray out of the pump.

Usage:
I used per instructions, a few spritzes on the pad and it was sufficiently lubricated with product.

Overall Experience:
Worked as claimed, the pad moved smoothly over the surface although I can't really tell if it worked any better than spraying pad with any QD. Don't know if I will buy going forward.
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Ultra Fine Swirl Remover 1

Price = $12.99

Mfr Claim:
"Applied with a dual action or rotary polisher, Pinnacle XMT Ultra Fine Swirl Remover provides just the right balance of abrasive action and conditioning oils to blend away the first signs of aging."

Packaging:
Again, nicely packaged with very professional looking label on durable plastic bottle.

Scent:
Pleasant smell, a cross between citrus and mint.

Usage:
I used per instructions with the conditioned polishing pad on a PC at the 4.5 setting and used until the product hazed or began to disappear. I may have needed to use one of the more aggressive swirl removers, but I'm a novice and was a little gun shy.

Overall Experience:
Worked very well. Removed lots of small swirls and even some more significant scratches where I took more time to work it in. Very satisfied and maybe next time I'll have the guts to get more aggressive with one of the other XMT swirl removers. Definitely would buy this stuff again.

It did get this "M" shaped hood scratch out entirely even though it's much more significant than an "ultra-fine swirl" (no after pics, gotta take my word for it). Any swirls and scratches that weren't removed this time are absolutely gone next time, now that I've got the hang of the products and won't be afraid to go more aggresive.

My mother-in-law was freaking out at the results, and I hadn't even put on the LSP (finishing glaze). I told her she couldn't come back out into the garage until I was done entirely.
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Carnauba Finishing Glaze

Price = $12.99

Mfr Claim:
"What makes the outcome of Pinnacle XMT Carnauba Finishing Glaze so special is the simplicity of achieving it. Exceptional blending technology was used to combine a dynamic shine-enhancing glaze with the king of all natural waxes. The result is pure magic on any paint color."

Packaging:
Excellent, same as the others.

Scent:
A little too artificial "grape like" for my tastes, but not overbearing.

Usage:
I used per instructions, on a conditioned finishing pad with approx a quarter-sized amount per 2 sq ft section. Was much more of a liquid than I expected, but worked like a charm and a little goes a long way.

Overall Experience:
Worked as claimed, the shine and depth was amazing. Believe me, the pics below don't come close to doing the product justice. Not only am I a detailing novice, but my photo skills could use some work too. Definitely would buy this stuff again!!
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Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel

Price = $19.99 (lucky me, I scored it at Detailfest )

Mfr Claim:
"This ultra long-lasting gel is a unique butyl- and butyl ether-free compound; instead, relying on super polymers, various rubber protectants, and advanced glosses to lend a deep satin finish to the tires."

Packaging:
Nicely packaged, although I would prefer more of a pump as opposed to the squeeze bottle for the gel as it does drip.

Usage:
I used per instructions, and used a cheap foam brush for application. Kinda messy and not as convenient as a spray, but the results are great.

Overall Experience:
Provides a nice looking, long-lasting finish. I learned after my first application to wipe of the excess, some shine is lost but get lotsa sling if not. A nice sheen, without too much shine (perfect for my taste).

Although I like the product, I don't think I will buy going forward since I'm too cheap to pony up $20. I'll probably use PB's BnB when the Pinnacle is gone.


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Lastly, the pad cleaner.
Polishing Pad Cleaner

Price = $9.99

Mfr Claim:
"Pinnacle XMT Polishing Pad Cleaner is a penetrating cleaner that releases products from foam and wool polishing pads, and refreshes the texture of the pad."

Packaging:
Excellent, same as the others and also with a nice misting spray pump.

Usage:
I used per instructions, although I don't have a pad brush.

Overall Experience:
Worked as claimed, and definitely exceeded my expectations. I have always used Charlie's APC at 10:1, but I'm sold on the XMT Pad Cleaner. The Finishing Glaze seemed to dissolve off the pad in front of my eyes. Worked much better than anything else I've used.
Definitely will buy this stuff again!!
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Here's a couple of pics of the fruits of my labor (along with a dip in the pool, steak dinner and a few beers):



I know, should've done the wheel wells, but everyone was already in the pool and I was ready to join 'em.

[MailMan17]

Thanks for the nice review. Looks like Pinnacle has another winner with XMT

[Totoland Mach]

Great writeup Brace 1. I too won the Autogeek "care package" and have used literally the same products with the same results.

I'm stunned at the depth and gloss of the XMT Carnuba Finishing Glaze. I posted some pics of the gray Mach 1 on a gray, cloudy day and the finish is still strong. Sooner or later the sun will break out in Toto Land and I'll get some decent shots.

Nice write up Sir!

Totoland Mach

[JeffW]

Thanks for the nice review. Looks like Pinnacle has another winner with XMT

I agree with the dancing banananana...

[Neothin]

Bill, just wait until you see that carnauba finishing glaze on your silver mazda 6. I did a gold/champagne g35 w/ cfg and it turned out better than i was expecting. i could see wetness in the paint even in direct sunlight, and as you know, that is very hard to do with a light colored car.

[FloridaNative]

That was a great write up Brace. Thanks for such a thorough review. I am curious though, when did they announce the winners?? I didn't see a posting anywhere. Did they just announce it privately?? Congratulations to everybody who won, I look forward to seeing the pics.

[Brace1]

Bill, just wait until you see that carnauba finishing glaze on your silver mazda 6. I did a gold/champagne g35 w/ cfg and it turned out better than i was expecting. i could see wetness in the paint even in direct sunlight, and as you know, that is very hard to do with a light colored car.

Harrison, thanks for the tip. Looking forward to using it on my car next.

I didn't think I would get the "wow" factor, especially in pictures, that would do the product justice for the product review. The pics on my mother-in-law's Monte Carlo don't come even close to showing the real-life results.