What's In DFB's Cabinet?

[DFB5.0]

My problem is all the floor space is spoken for but I'm curious about the brand and model of your cabinets as they are stellar. I'm also wondering how you wound up with the OG banner? <grin>

The cabinets are Maxim HD / Seville, they are not the last word in quality, but they get the job done for reasonable prices.

Garage Storage Cabinets, Roll Cabinets, Garage Shelf and Shelving (justprotools.com.au)
Buy Garage Cabinets, Garage Storage Shelves and Shelving Online Storage Salein Australia (justprotools.com.au)

UltraHD® Rolling Workcenters – Seville Classics
UltraHD® Storage Cabinets – Seville Classics

The OG banner I included in an order a couple of years ago, don't ask me how much it cost once the shipping to Australia is factored in.

Sponsored

 

[Evolvd]

The solution to that? Buy a second cabinet!

Then you will need space for brushes and assorted tools, the result a third cabinet............................

Sadly, that can lead to buying a jumbo-sized fourth cabinet........................................

Which inevitably leads to a fifth................................

....................and then a sixth..................................................

I don’t have enough room in my garage for another cabinet

 

[DFB5.0]

The arrival of the Armour Detail Supply range to Australia and DFB's garage.

I first discovered the Armour Detail Supply (ADS) brand while watching an episode of Obsessed Garage. Matt had just taken delivery of his stunning Brewster Green GT3 Touring and was using it as a test subject for a new wheel coating. Previous to this, he had been using a variety of paint and wheel-specific coatings, but nothing really hit the nail on the head. The attraction to this ADS coating was the one-layer application and a slick, hydrophobic surface............. often missing from wheel coatings.



My own first taste of the Armour Detail Supply brand was with that same wheel coating, which I applied to the XR6. At the time, I had imported it direct from ADS at a very reasonable shipping rate, I'm guessing they were eating the cost of international shipping to gain traction and spread the word. I immediately fell in love with this coating, it delivers the slickness and extreme hydrophobic qualities I found deficient in other similar products. I went on to use that coating on the Ranger’s new wheels, and even a brand new lawn mower.

Earlier this year, Detailing Shed began importing the ADS coating range, which includes two paint coatings, a glass coating and the aforementioned wheel coating. The wider chemical range was due to arrive later in the year, which has just last week reached our shores.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collections/armour-detail-supply

To say I was highly anticipating the arrival of the ADS range would be an understatement. The brand has exploded into prominence in the last 12 months, getting rave reviews on a variety of the ADS lineup, in particular Hero rinse-less wash and Amplify quick detailer. I also love how the brand is the work of an enthusiastic young bloke who clearly has high standards and ambition to succeed. I suspect we can all think back to a time in our younger years when we felt on top of the world and that anything was achievable. Some of us capitalize on this energy and go on to create big things……………this is what I see in Armour Detail Supply.

With many calling Armour Detail Supply “the next Carpro or Koch Chemie”, I decided my usual cherry picking of key products wouldn’t do this brand justice, so I basically ordered one of everything. Missing from my order was the tyre cleaner (it was already out of stock), the iron remover (they are basically all the same) and the coating range (no current need).

First of all, lets talk scent! This aspect of detailing is completely unnecessary and often has no effect on how a product functions. But I can tell you 100% that it can make or break a product, there are plenty of decent performing products that I have sidelined because of how they smell. With the Armour Detail Supply range, its extremely clear that scent played a huge part of the product development. For me, ADS have knocked it out of the park, the range all featuring a selection of pleasant, but most importantly, MODERN scent profiles. There seems to be an unwritten rule among detail supply companies that car shampoos should all smell like bubble gum and interior cleaners have a lemon scent urinal cake aroma. The ADS scents are not completely unique, the watermelon aroma of Hero is similar to P&S Dream Maker, but they are not overpowering and for the most part refreshing. I especially love the earthly scent of Pilot, more like a men’s cologne than an interior detailer. Ten out of Ten ADS!!

So, enough of the backstory and scent indulgence, what are these products like to use? Today’s test subject was to be the Ranger, it not being overly dirty but the only car the needed a wash this week. I ended up using all but two of the products I ordered, the Wheel Cleaner and Decon soap, those will have to wait until next week. Even so, I think I got a very clean and clear picture of this brand!

Starting off with the wheels, I used Shampoo+. This is a high foaming pH neutral pure wash soap that is easy to pour and features a subdued fruity aroma. Full notes on this soap will have to wait as I only used it on the wheels, but it felt slick and rinsed easily.

Verdict - Winner

ARMOUR Detail Supply Shampoo+ (detailingshed.com.au)
Shampoo+ – Armour Detail Supply

With the wheels cleaned, instead of using soap for the rest of the vehicle, I wanted to sample Hero rinse-less wash. Hero has already sold out, which considering the hype surrounding this product, is not surprising.

ARMOUR Detail Supply HERO Rinseless Wash (detailingshed.com.au)
HERO - Rinseless Wash – Armour Detail Supply

From what I can gather, Hero is a hybrid surfactant-polymer product. The polymer aspect helps with lubrication, the surfactant chemistry helps dissolve grim without leaving behind residue like a soap would. It also contains Si02, which boosts slickness WITHOUT leaving behind additional protection, in turn preserving the characteristics of your coating/wax/sealant.

Mixed the usual 256:1, I soaked down the car with pre-soak, then went ahead with the wash using TRC Eagle Edgeless 500’s. I loved the smooth feeling across the paint, it not having the slight stickiness that other surfactant-based rinse-less products seem to exhibit. The scent is of sweet watermelon, one that lingers in the garage for a few hours. I can see where all the love is coming from regarding Hero.

Verdict – Winner!

For the drying aid, I selected Amplify, which is an Si02 quick detailer. This is another product that has been getting rave reviews, so expectations were high. I’ve tried so many detailing products now that I can literally tell within 30 seconds if a product is good or not, Amplify is one of those products that instantly impressed me. It’s not the glossiest or slickest out there, but it would have to be one of the easiest Si02 detailers I have ever used. Spray, wipe, done! The scent is hard to describe but is sweetly pleasant without the overpowering aroma some products in this category posses. Amplify is said to last up to 2 months and can be used as a topper to any LSP.

Verdict – Winner!

ARMOUR Detail Supply AMPLIFY - Detail Spray (detailingshed.com.au)
AMPLIFY - Detail Spray – Armour Detail Supply

Next up, Adapt…………………….

ARMOUR Detail Supply ADAPT - Waterless Wash (detailingshed.com.au)
ADAPT - Waterless Wash – Armour Detail Supply

Adapt is an Si02 waterless wash solution that can used across every single surface of the car, including glass and interiors. Speaking with Nick at Detailing Shed, he has been using Adapt after each wash as a drying aid, and in that regard, I can see why. In my case, I used it as a waterless wipe down of the tray, door jambs, wheels and engine bay. Like Amplify, Adapt is supremely easy to wipe on, wipe off. It has a similar mango-melon scent to 3D Bead It Up, and offers about 2 weeks of protection, perfect for drying aid duties.

Verdict – Winner!

By this stage I was four products in and was wondering when the winning streak would end.

Panel Prep is an isopropyl alcohol cleanser that also contains a lubrication package to reduce towel marring prior to coating. I’m not sure if ADS intended for this to do double duty as a glass cleaner, I see they recommend using Adapt for glass, but seeing as Carpro Eraser and Gyeon Prep also serve glass cleaning roles, I expected the same from Panel Prep. And so it proved, the product flashing away quickly and leaving a slick, streak free finish. The scent is like minty mouth wash, again, something totally unique. I’d need to also try it on paint, but at this stage, I really like it.

Verdict – Winner!

ARMOUR Detail Supply Panel Prep (detailingshed.com.au)
Panel Prep – Armour Detail Supply

Next up, Pilot interior cleaner/detailer. Wow, what a delightful product! The first thing I noticed was the scent, a rich and luscious cologne-like aroma with masculine earthiness, totally unexpected and a refreshing change from all the citrus scented interior products on the market. Sadly, the scent doesn’t linger, so its only for the users pleasure. In use, I love how Pilot wipes on and flashes away with no residue or greasiness, leaving a completely matte finish.

Verdict – Winner!

ARMOUR Detail Supply PILOT - Interior Detailer (detailingshed.com.au)
PILOT - Interior Detailer – Armour Detail Supply

The final product I tested today was Tire+, this was the only product I didn’t immediately fall in love with. While the product is sprayable, its slightly thicker in consistency, much like Obsessed Garage Tire Dressing, my current favorite. Unlike OG Tire Dressing, Tire+ needs a little extra effort to distribute, but the extra work to deliver a uniform coating is totally worth it! The thicker consistency also means a mess free to application with no dripping like, say, Carpro Perl.

ARMOUR Detail Supply Tire+ (detailingshed.com.au)
Tire+ – Armour Detail Supply

Directly after application, the initial impression was that Tire+ a touch too glossy. However, after letting it sit for 10 minutes and giving it a knock-back wipe, I love it! The images shown some glossiness, but in person its more of a satin sheen. I also love the Banana scent, the yellow colouring a nice linking touch.

Verdict – Winner!

To say that I’m mighty impressed with the products I tried today would be a massive understatement. I don’t think I have tried a more cohesive range of products from the one single brand. Carpro comes close, which sort of makes sense as Armour Detail Supply used Carpro as their benchmark. Typically, a brand will have two or three standout products that will carry the rest of the lineup. For that reason, I have never welded myself to any one brand. But, if I had to chose one single brand right this moment, where previously it would have been Carpro or Gyeon, its now Armour Detail Supply. If you asked me which three products from ADS that I consider a must, it would be Hero, Adapt and Pilot.

I’ll leave you with the following image, the end result after using brilliant products that were a total pleasure to use.

Final Note - For Australian readers, Detailing Shed is the importer of the ADS line, but is also supplying Autobuff. At the moment, stock is limited and is apparently moving. More will be on the way soon.

Armour Detail Supply (autobuff.com.au)

 

[kilobravo]

The OG banner I included in an order a couple of years ago, don't ask me how much it cost once the shipping to Australia is factored in.

Ahhh..I didn't know (or remember,) that OG markets the banner. I won't ask about the cost. :=)

I don’t have enough room in my garage for another cabinet

Same here, Alex but I think that I can make room for one or two more. <smile>

The scent is of sweet watermelon, one that lingers in the garage for a few hours.

No offense to Larry but there's something about watermelon that makes my brain unhappy but I know it's a popular scent.

the initial impression was that Tire+ a touch too glossy

Again, no offense to ADS but even after the buff, they are too glossy for me.

That said, I am impressed with your multi-review of their products and I think I'll start with Amplify, just ordered a bottle, thanks D.

 

[DemonGT]

Which one would you choose for a drying aid, bead maker or amplify?

 

[skinnyb]

Which one would you choose for a drying aid, bead maker or amplify?

I personally have tried both and much prefer Amplify myself . Its that good.

 

[skinnyb]

The arrival of the Armour Detail Supply range to Australia and DFB's garage.

I first discovered the Armour Detail Supply (ADS) brand while watching an episode of Obsessed Garage. Matt had just taken delivery of his stunning Brewster Green GT3 Touring and was using it as a test subject for a new wheel coating. Previous to this, he had been using a variety of paint and wheel-specific coatings, but nothing really hit the nail on the head. The attraction to this ADS coating was the one-layer application and a slick, hydrophobic surface............. often missing from wheel coatings.



My own first taste of the Armour Detail Supply brand was with that same wheel coating, which I applied to the XR6. At the time, I had imported it direct from ADS at a very reasonable shipping rate, I'm guessing they were eating the cost of international shipping to gain traction and spread the word. I immediately fell in love with this coating, it delivers the slickness and extreme hydrophobic qualities I found deficient in other similar products. I went on to use that coating on the Ranger’s new wheels, and even a brand new lawn mower.

Earlier this year, Detailing Shed began importing the ADS coating range, which includes two paint coatings, a glass coating and the aforementioned wheel coating. The wider chemical range was due to arrive later in the year, which has just last week reached our shores.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collections/armour-detail-supply

To say I was highly anticipating the arrival of the ADS range would be an understatement. The brand has exploded into prominence in the last 12 months, getting rave reviews on a variety of the ADS lineup, in particular Hero rinse-less wash and Amplify quick detailer. I also love how the brand is the work of an enthusiastic young bloke who clearly has high standards and ambition to succeed. I suspect we can all think back to a time in our younger years when we felt on top of the world and that anything was achievable. Some of us capitalize on this energy and go on to create big things……………this is what I see in Armour Detail Supply.

With many calling Armour Detail Supply “the next Carpro or Koch Chemie”, I decided my usual cherry picking of key products wouldn’t do this brand justice, so I basically ordered one of everything. Missing from my order was the tyre cleaner (it was already out of stock), the iron remover (they are basically all the same) and the coating range (no current need).

First of all, lets talk scent! This aspect of detailing is completely unnecessary and often has no effect on how a product functions. But I can tell you 100% that it can make or break a product, there are plenty of decent performing products that I have sidelined because of how they smell. With the Armour Detail Supply range, its extremely clear that scent played a huge part of the product development. For me, ADS have knocked it out of the park, the range all featuring a selection of pleasant, but most importantly, MODERN scent profiles. There seems to be an unwritten rule among detail supply companies that car shampoos should all smell like bubble gum and interior cleaners have a lemon scent urinal cake aroma. The ADS scents are not completely unique, the watermelon aroma of Hero is similar to P&S Dream Maker, but they are not overpowering and for the most part refreshing. I especially love the earthly scent of Pilot, more like a men’s cologne than an interior detailer. Ten out of Ten ADS!!

So, enough of the backstory and scent indulgence, what are these products like to use? Today’s test subject was to be the Ranger, it not being overly dirty but the only car the needed a wash this week. I ended up using all but two of the products I ordered, the Wheel Cleaner and Decon soap, those will have to wait until next week. Even so, I think I got a very clean and clear picture of this brand!

Starting off with the wheels, I used Shampoo+. This is a high foaming pH neutral pure wash soap that is easy to pour and features a subdued fruity aroma. Full notes on this soap will have to wait as I only used it on the wheels, but it felt slick and rinsed easily.

Verdict - Winner

ARMOUR Detail Supply Shampoo+ (detailingshed.com.au)
Shampoo+ – Armour Detail Supply

With the wheels cleaned, instead of using soap for the rest of the vehicle, I wanted to sample Hero rinse-less wash. Hero has already sold out, which considering the hype surrounding this product, is not surprising.

ARMOUR Detail Supply HERO Rinseless Wash (detailingshed.com.au)
HERO - Rinseless Wash – Armour Detail Supply

From what I can gather, Hero is a hybrid surfactant-polymer product. The polymer aspect helps with lubrication, the surfactant chemistry helps dissolve grim without leaving behind residue like a soap would. It also contains Si02, which boosts slickness WITHOUT leaving behind additional protection, in turn preserving the characteristics of your coating/wax/sealant.

Mixed the usual 256:1, I soaked down the car with pre-soak, then went ahead with the wash using TRC Eagle Edgeless 500’s. I loved the smooth feeling across the paint, it not having the slight stickiness that other surfactant-based rinse-less products seem to exhibit. The scent is of sweet watermelon, one that lingers in the garage for a few hours. I can see where all the love is coming from regarding Hero.

Verdict – Winner!

For the drying aid, I selected Amplify, which is an Si02 quick detailer. This is another product that has been getting rave reviews, so expectations were high. I’ve tried so many detailing products now that I can literally tell within 30 seconds if a product is good or not, Amplify is one of those products that instantly impressed me. It’s not the glossiest or slickest out there, but it would have to be one of the easiest Si02 detailers I have ever used. Spray, wipe, done! The scent is hard to describe but is sweetly pleasant without the overpowering aroma some products in this category posses. Amplify is said to last up to 2 months and can be used as a topper to any LSP.

Verdict – Winner!

ARMOUR Detail Supply AMPLIFY - Detail Spray (detailingshed.com.au)
AMPLIFY - Detail Spray – Armour Detail Supply

Next up, Adapt…………………….

ARMOUR Detail Supply ADAPT - Waterless Wash (detailingshed.com.au)
ADAPT - Waterless Wash – Armour Detail Supply

Adapt is an Si02 waterless wash solution that can used across every single surface of the car, including glass and interiors. Speaking with Nick at Detailing Shed, he has been using Adapt after each wash as a drying aid, and in that regard, I can see why. In my case, I used it as a waterless wipe down of the tray, door jambs, wheels and engine bay. Like Amplify, Adapt is supremely easy to wipe on, wipe off. It has a similar mango-melon scent to 3D Bead It Up, and offers about 2 weeks of protection, perfect for drying aid duties.

Verdict – Winner!

By this stage I was four products in and was wondering when the winning streak would end.

Panel Prep is an isopropyl alcohol cleanser that also contains a lubrication package to reduce towel marring prior to coating. I’m not sure if ADS intended for this to do double duty as a glass cleaner, I see they recommend using Adapt for glass, but seeing as Carpro Eraser and Gyeon Prep also serve glass cleaning roles, I expected the same from Panel Prep. And so it proved, the product flashing away quickly and leaving a slick, streak free finish. The scent is like minty mouth wash, again, something totally unique. I’d need to also try it on paint, but at this stage, I really like it.

Verdict – Winner!

ARMOUR Detail Supply Panel Prep (detailingshed.com.au)
Panel Prep – Armour Detail Supply

Next up, Pilot interior cleaner/detailer. Wow, what a delightful product! The first thing I noticed was the scent, a rich and luscious cologne-like aroma with masculine earthiness, totally unexpected and a refreshing change from all the citrus scented interior products on the market. Sadly, the scent doesn’t linger, so its only for the users pleasure. In use, I love how Pilot wipes on and flashes away with no residue or greasiness, leaving a completely matte finish.

Verdict – Winner!

ARMOUR Detail Supply PILOT - Interior Detailer (detailingshed.com.au)
PILOT - Interior Detailer – Armour Detail Supply

The final product I tested today was Tire+, this was the only product I didn’t immediately fall in love with. While the product is sprayable, its slightly thicker in consistency, much like Obsessed Garage Tire Dressing, my current favorite. Unlike OG Tire Dressing, Tire+ needs a little extra effort to distribute, but the extra work to deliver a uniform coating is totally worth it! The thicker consistency also means a mess free to application with no dripping like, say, Carpro Perl.

ARMOUR Detail Supply Tire+ (detailingshed.com.au)
Tire+ – Armour Detail Supply

Directly after application, the initial impression was that Tire+ a touch too glossy. However, after letting it sit for 10 minutes and giving it a knock-back wipe, I love it! The images shown some glossiness, but in person its more of a satin sheen. I also love the Banana scent, the yellow colouring a nice linking touch.

Verdict – Winner!

To say that I’m mighty impressed with the products I tried today would be a massive understatement. I don’t think I have tried a more cohesive range of products from the one single brand. Carpro comes close, which sort of makes sense as Armour Detail Supply used Carpro as their benchmark. Typically, a brand will have two or three standout products that will carry the rest of the lineup. For that reason, I have never welded myself to any one brand. But, if I had to chose one single brand right this moment, where previously it would have been Carpro or Gyeon, its now Armour Detail Supply. If you asked me which three products from ADS that I consider a must, it would be Hero, Adapt and Pilot.

I’ll leave you with the following image, the end result after using brilliant products that were a total pleasure to use.

Final Note - For Australian readers, Detailing Shed is the importer of the ADS line, but is also supplying Autobuff. At the moment, stock is limited and is apparently moving. More will be on the way soon.

Armour Detail Supply (autobuff.com.au)

Glad for the in depth review. I am glad I'm not crazy thinking their products are stellar. I haven't gotten the wheel or tire cleaner yet, I have not had a need, the panel prep I have but not needed yet. Interior cleaner is another I haven't gotten yet, I have so many now I can't use them all. BUT, the ones I have used are outstanding. Shampoo, Hero, Amplify, Adapt, Tire+ all phenomenal. I do agree, the tire dressing is a bit glossy but does calm down a bit once it is wiped back and dries.. And it was a disaster using my new applicator brush, it ran out everywhere cause I used a bit too much at first. I still much prefer a Microfiber applicator for tire dressing, the brush isn't for me... Might actually try the brush with the intended dressing one day (Darkside) and see how it works...

 

[skinnyb]

Again, no offense to ADS but even after the buff, they are too glossy for me.

That said, I am impressed with your multi-review of their products and I think I'll start with Amplify, just ordered a bottle, thanks D.

I do agree, it is a bit glossy, but calms down a bit once it is wiped back and dries. My daily is on day 3 of driving on it now and they are still nice and black and the gloss is gone. Probably because they are dirty after driving 450 miles LOL. To be honest, I really prefer a completely undressed clean tire. Tire dressing does very little for me. I just use it because its the "thing to do".

And Amplify is stellar. I used again this weekend. I literally doused the whole car after blowing off 80% of the water, sprayed all over liberally and went around with a Microfiber Madness Chipmunk towel. One pass and no residue or anything. Perfect... Love that stuff...

 

[skinnyb]

But, if I had to chose one single brand right this moment, where previously it would have been Carpro or Gyeon, its now Armour Detail Supply. If you asked me which three products from ADS that I consider a must, it would be Hero, Adapt and Pilot.

My thoughts exactly. I have mixed and matched pretty much a little bit of everything but I am very impressed with every offering from ADS. My 2 top all in one brands(before ADS) was Carpro and Koch Chemie. A close third is Gyeon for an all in one do it all brand. Although I have tried a few things from Shine Supply but not enough to form a total opinion yet...

 

[MAGS1]

I’m all over the board with what’s in my basement. I’ve got Adams, Ethos, Carpro, Gyeon, GTechniq. Even some Mothers (aluminum polish), Griots (bug & tar) and Sonax (polish and Alcantara cleaner).

I do want to try some of Yvan’s DIY Detail stuff and now I think I have to try Armour Detail Supply too.

Thanks for making me spend more money guys

 

[skinnyb]

I’m all over the board with what’s in my basement. I’ve got Adams, Ethos, Carpro, Gyeon, GTechniq. Even some Mothers (aluminum polish), Griots (bug & tar) and Sonax (polish and Alcantara cleaner).

I do want to try some of Yvan’s DIY Detail stuff and now I think I have to try Armour Detail Supply too.

Thanks for making me spend more money guys

Same . I have a lot of Carpro, KCx, Adams, Gyeon, P&S, Nova, ADS, Optimum, Shine supply, DIY . Even some Gtechniq for my Iron remover so safe to say I am not a one brand kind of guy. I am slowly whittling mine down and using up some things and not reordering. I am slowly learning my favorites. So far every ADS thing I have tried has made my favorite list and isn't going anywhere .

 

[dpAtlanta]

I am in the same boat as @MAGS1 and @skinnyb … there are some many options and they are always changing.
What to try next?
Trying new stuff never seems to end.
What a beautiful problem!

 

[DFB5.0]

Which one would you choose for a drying aid, bead maker or amplify?

Ooooh, now that's a hard one because I adore Bead Maker. If you have been using and enjoying it, stick with it because not much comes close to delivering that "just waxed" look from a spay and wipe product. Bead Maker will always be in my cabinet for that reason.

While I do need to try it out a bit more before I fully commit to this, if you are looking for something more forgiving to use, Amplify is garnering plenty of followers for a reason.

 

[DFB5.0]

I’m all over the board with what’s in my basement. I’ve got Adams, Ethos, Carpro, Gyeon, GTechniq. Even some Mothers (aluminum polish), Griots (bug & tar) and Sonax (polish and Alcantara cleaner).

I do want to try some of Yvan’s DIY Detail stuff and now I think I have to try Armour Detail Supply too.

Thanks for making me spend more money guys

My pleasure!

My advice here, I would skip the DIY and try the Armour Detail Supply stuff first. That's nothing against DIY, but I think the ADS has more of a point of difference over the other brands in your rotation.

 

[DFB5.0]

Some general observations after messing around with so many brands -

- There is more in common among detailing brands than you would think. Just about anyone can start up their own detailing brand, some hide this more than others to the point of lying, some own it and use it to their advantage. Not naming names here.

- In that regard, avoid buying from pop-up Facebook vendors flogging a range of products touted as the best thing since sliced bread. I can almost guarantee these are ran out of someone's back shed, and while there is no problem doing that as a business has to start somewhere, I do worry about the lack of recourse or backup, they are simply buying catalog products and putting their label on them. Again, this is a legitimate way to do business as outlined in my first point above, but who is providing the backup when something goes wrong? Ask me how I know this.

- P&S was recently bought out by Appearance Technology Group, which also owns 3D Car Care, Pro Car Beauty, Hi-Tech Industires, RBL Products, Kwik Paint Products. 3D in particular is another bulk chemical company aimed at the professional space, much like P&S was before being brought to such prominence by The Rag Company. It remains to be seen how this alters P&S, apparently, they will still be independently run by Bob and Dave Phillips, but they now have access to a wider technology base.

- Meguiars was absorbed by 3M in 2008. While they are no doubt a leader in sales, they don't lead the market from a product perspective. You can see the gradual decline of the brand since then, going from the go-to of many hobby detailers to it being a volume-at-any-cost type of brand. It also seemed like they lost a lot of good people within the company because of that.

- The same thing happened with Chemical Guys. They were once a "if you know, you know" type of brand. But they are now makers of 100,001 products that all do largely the same thing, and none of them do it very well. Volume at all costs and look at all these shiny colors school of marketing.

- Despite not using much of their range (not officially sold in Australia), the Griots brand seems to have a lot of integrity. All of their liquids are made in the USA and are their own products.

- Adam's, Ethos, Jay Lenno's and Shine Supply are all supplied by B&B Blending. That doesn't mean they are all the exact same products, but it explains why most of what I try from those brands preforms in a similar excellent manner. Some of that is personal preference, but for the most part, they are all solid performers. For example, pick a soap from any of these brands and you are onto a winner.

- For the most part, the British brands suck. Sorry, but most of the stuff I've used from those brands has been underwhelming to downright terrible. Autoglym, WoWo's, Stjarnagloss (yes, British and not the Scandinavian flavor they would have you believe), Auto Finesse, Angelwax. The only one with the most consistency seems to be Gtechniq, the rest produce a nice product here or there, but for the most part they are garbage.

- For whatever reason, its the US brands that resonate with my style of detailing the most.

- Carpro and Gyeon appear to be independent, which seems to show through in their cohesive product lineup and lack of excess. For example, they don't have 14 different tyre dressings because the marketing department told them to do so, they have 3 that have defined use cases.

Sponsored