CarPro vs KCx

[MrMike]

I've reviewed @DFB5.0 's infamous Soap Shoot Out Thread and narrowed my choices down based on that. I want better soap, and I want to solve a pre-spray/pre-wash as part of that.

The gloss adders in Meg's gold class are no good for ceramic. Griot's ceramic wash is too unforgiving and does not clean well enough. I used to roll Ultima UWW+ but their stuff seems to have gone the way of the dodo. I've been using Griot's Track Spray for my post-track day washes but per oz it's pricey to use as a pre-treat and it's a waste on my Bronco.

I also have pretty hard water.

Either going to order the CarPro trio (Reset, Descale, Lift) or Koch Chemie GSF, Reactivation Shampoo and Green Star. I would just use different dilutions of Lift or Green Star as pre-treats.

Is there a wrong choice between these two plans?

Edit for anyone curious what I ended up buying:

• 500ml Reset, Lift, Descale, and ECH2O
• Measuring Cap
• 500ml and 1L spray bottles
• Fixer 250ml
• Reload 2.0 sample 50ml

I picked up the Fixer because my Meg's UC is super old and mostly empty, I struggled to get some out last time. Seems to be CarPro's version of a simple all in one super safe product.

Sponsored

 

[skinnyb]

The edge goes to CarPro on this match up by far. I like KCx, but Reset (and LIft, Descale) is top shelf stuff. Reset is more concentrated so you get more cleaning power per oz (ml) and dollar. GSF requires more product to make decent foam and clean good... Plus the smell of Reset is heavenly. GSF smells like cherry cough syrup, not my favorite.. Reset is my number one pick of all time for ceramic compatible PH neutral soap. My close second is Armour Detail Supply Shampoo plus.. GSF is about number 4 or 5 on my list

 

[MrMike]

The edge goes to CarPro on this match up by far. I like KCx, but Reset (and LIft, Descale) is top shelf stuff. Reset is more concentrated so you get more cleaning power per oz (ml) and dollar. GSF requires more product to make decent foam and clean good... Plus the smell of Reset is heavenly. GSF smells like cherry cough syrup, not my favorite.. Reset is my number one pick of all time for ceramic compatible PH neutral soap. My close second is Armour Detail Supply Shampoo plus.. GSF is about number 4 or 5 on my list

I didn't realize that CarPro products were that much more concentrated than KCx products. GSF is 50mil/10L and reset is 40ml/20L.

I think that makes my decision for me.

I'll pick up some of the CarPro lolDilute bottles too.

Does CarPro have a (very) concentrated quick detailer / clay lube I could use? If not I'll just pick up a smaller bottle of ONR.

Edit: Looks like ECH2O may be what I'm looking for.

 

[skinnyb]

I didn't realize that CarPro products were that much more concentrated than KCx products. GSF is 50mil/10L and reset is 40ml/20L.

I think that makes my decision for me.

I'll pick up some of the CarPro lolDilute bottles too.

Does CarPro have a (very) concentrated quick detailer / clay lube I could use? If not I'll just pick up a smaller bottle of ONR.

Edit: Looks like ECH2O may be what I'm looking for.

Ech20 is awesome. ONR is OK but my go to in that arena is Armour Detail Supply Hero. Great Rinseless and SLICK.

And GSF if you go by the direction the foam is extremely watery. I use 100 mil per 800 mil water in foam canon, Reset about 75 or so in the same amount. And about 50 mil in the bucket.

 

[MrMike]

Ech20 is awesome. ONR is OK but my go to in that arena is Armour Detail Supply Hero. Great Rinseless and SLICK.

And GSF if you go by the direction the foam is extremely watery. I use 100 mil per 800 mil water in foam canon, Reset about 75 or so in the same amount. And about 50 mil in the bucket.

It seems like Ech20 is a safe bet then. The dilution ratio on carpro-us lists 500ml makes up to 3.25 Gallons of Quick Detailer (1:25) which is decent. I'd be interested in how it compares to UWW+ but I guess I'll have to find that out for myself!

Didn't realize there was a Reload 2.0. When I tried original a long time ago I wasn't impressed. Only reason I'm re-visiting CarPro at all is the love for it on this forum lol.

 

[skinnyb]

It seems like Ech20 is a safe bet then. The dilution ratio on carpro-us lists 500ml makes up to 3.25 Gallons of Quick Detailer (1:25) which is decent. I'd be interested in how it compares to UWW+ but I guess I'll have to find that out for myself!

Didn't realize there was a Reload 2.0. When I tried original a long time ago I wasn't impressed. Only reason I'm re-visiting CarPro at all is the love for it on this forum lol.

Reload it good but finicky to apply. I use on plastics, but not on paint. There are more easy ones to use. KCx S0.02 is much easier and more forgiving to apply.. And NV Boost V2. But overall CarPro is solid, every manufacturer makes a few stellar products and a few duds. I pick and chose

 

[MrMike]

Reload it good but finicky to apply. I use on plastics, but not on paint. There are more easy ones to use. KCx S0.02 is much easier and more forgiving to apply.. And NV Boost V2. But overall CarPro is solid, every manufacturer makes a few stellar products and a few duds. I pick and chose

Agree. Difficult to learn what you like to work with without trying it first unfortunately.

I'll take the new Reload 2.0 as my free sample from them and try it out on one panel. I've tried both Griot's 3-in-1 and that newer Turtle Wax Hybrid and they seem to hold up well and are forgiving.

The hardest lesson I learned was that I dislike ceramic glass cleaners/sprays. Ugh. Never again, just invisible glass forever.

 

[skinnyb]

Agree. Difficult to learn what you like to work with without trying it first unfortunately.

I'll take the new Reload 2.0 as my free sample from them and try it out on one panel. I've tried both Griot's 3-in-1 and that newer Turtle Wax Hybrid and they seem to hold up well and are forgiving.

The hardest lesson I learned was that I dislike ceramic glass cleaners/sprays. Ugh. Never again, just invisible glass forever.

Invisible glass is good. I personally use P&S True Vue. It is an excellent glass cleaner...

 

[MAGS1]

Carpro all the way (only because I haven’t tried any KCx stuff ).

Invisible Glass is the best, fantastic glass cleaner.

 

[Evolvd]

I just clayed my EB using CarPro Clay Lube. My only complaint is its flash time is too quick. I couldn’t really do an entire panel with just want application as it would tack up too fast. So if you wanted to use it I’d recommend doing half panels.

 

[Bulutt]

I've reviewed @DFB5.0 's infamous Soap Shoot Out Thread and narrowed my choices down based on that. I want better soap, and I want to solve a pre-spray/pre-wash as part of that.

The gloss adders in Meg's gold class are no good for ceramic. Griot's ceramic wash is too unforgiving and does not clean well enough. I used to roll Ultima UWW+ but their stuff seems to have gone the way of the dodo. I've been using Griot's Track Spray for my post-track day washes but per oz it's pricey to use as a pre-treat and it's a waste on my Bronco.

I also have pretty hard water.

Either going to order the CarPro trio (Reset, Descale, Lift) or Koch Chemie GSF, Reactivation Shampoo and Green Star. I would just use different dilutions of Lift or Green Star as pre-treats.

Is there a wrong choice between these two plans?

Edit for anyone curious what I ended up buying:

• 500ml Reset, Lift, Descale, and ECH2O
• Measuring Cap
• 500ml and 1L spray bottles
• Fixer 250ml
• Reload 2.0 sample 50ml

I picked up the Fixer because my Meg's UC is super old and mostly empty, I struggled to get some out last time. Seems to be CarPro's version of a simple all in one super safe product.

Just my own experience but I have used/experimented with lots of car wash soaps and never had an issue with gloss enhancers interfering with my ceramic coating. Wash, dry with blower and wipe residue with ultra soft microfibre. Never had an issue.

 

[DFB5.0]

I've reviewed @DFB5.0 's infamous Soap Shoot Out Thread and narrowed my choices down based on that. I want better soap, and I want to solve a pre-spray/pre-wash as part of that.

Either going to order the CarPro trio (Reset, Descale, Lift) or Koch Chemie GSF, Reactivation Shampoo and Green Star. I would just use different dilutions of Lift or Green Star as pre-treats.

Is there a wrong choice between these two plans?

Edit for anyone curious what I ended up buying:

• 500ml Reset, Lift, Descale, and ECH2O
• Measuring Cap
• 500ml and 1L spray bottles
• Fixer 250ml
• Reload 2.0 sample 50ml

I picked up the Fixer because my Meg's UC is super old and mostly empty, I struggled to get some out last time. Seems to be CarPro's version of a simple all in one super safe product.

I think you have made the correct choice here.

I do like KCx products, but I think Reset is better cleaning than GSF, not to mention more concentrated. Green Star is an All Purpose Cleaner, which can be added to GSF, but its just easier to buy a pre-mixed alkaline soap like Lift. As for Reactivation Shampoo, I personally think its too strong for the average consumer, it has a pH closer to 1 compared to about 3.5 for Descale. I would say only use Descale on an as needed basis.

As for Megs Ultimate Compound, polishing liquids have moved on a very long way since UC was released. I have not used Fixer, but it can't be any worse than UC. Interested to hear your thoughts on it.

I didn't realize that CarPro products were that much more concentrated than KCx products. GSF is 50mil/10L and reset is 40ml/20L.

I think that makes my decision for me.

I'll pick up some of the CarPro lolDilute bottles too.

Does CarPro have a (very) concentrated quick detailer / clay lube I could use? If not I'll just pick up a smaller bottle of ONR.

Edit: Looks like ECH2O may be what I'm looking for.

Carpro have their own version of a clay lubricant, it was called Immolube, but it has since been rebranded as simply Clay Lube.

CARPRO Claylube 1 Liter (carpro-us.com)

It seems like Ech20 is a safe bet then. The dilution ratio on carpro-us lists 500ml makes up to 3.25 Gallons of Quick Detailer (1:25) which is decent. I'd be interested in how it compares to UWW+ but I guess I'll have to find that out for myself!

Didn't realize there was a Reload 2.0. When I tried original a long time ago I wasn't impressed. Only reason I'm re-visiting CarPro at all is the love for it on this forum lol.

Depending on what you intend to do after claying, ECH20 will leave behind a layer of Si02 and wax. Personally, I wouldn't use ECH20 as a clay lube for that reason. Doesn't mean you can't, but ECH20 does have a tendency to be a bit smeary, which could get annoying.

Just about any of the surfactant (DIY, N-914 ect) or polymer (ONR, Absolute) rinse-less wash products could be used for claying. You could also just use a soapy solution of Reset, either from your bucket or mixed up in a sprayer. Reset is just about the slickest soap on the market, so it would do very well as a clay lube.

With Reload, the latest 2.0 version is considerably easy to use than the original. I think you will be impressed with it. Remember, less is more!

The hardest lesson I learned was that I dislike ceramic glass cleaners/sprays. Ugh. Never again, just invisible glass forever.

I have tried two ceramic glass cleaners.

Carpro Clarify PH₂OBIC I really, really didn't like as it just left a smeary mess that required another pass with Invisible Glass. And yet, some say its awesome.
CARPRO Clarify PH2OBIC 500ml (carpro-us.com)

Opti-Glass Clean & Protect on the other hand is very good. It seems flash away better and leaves a streak free finish.
Opti-Coat - Opti-Glass Clean & Protect | The Rag Company

 

[MrMike]

I think you have made the correct choice here.

I do like KCx products, but I think Reset is better cleaning than GSF, not to mention more concentrated. Green Star is an All Purpose Cleaner, which can be added to GSF, but its just easier to buy a pre-mixed alkaline soap like Lift. As for Reactivation Shampoo, I personally think its too strong for the average consumer, it has a pH closer to 1 compared to about 3.5 for Descale. I would say only use Descale on an as needed basis.

Thanks, makes me feel better about my choice. My gut was the CarPro stuff from the start.

Yeah, a full descale wash would be at most once a year in the fall / early winter. I bet it would work well doing a bucket wash on my wheels after the track too with a mitt and that wheel brush.

As for Megs Ultimate Compound, polishing liquids have moved on a very long way since UC was released. I have not used Fixer, but it can't be any worse than UC. Interested to hear your thoughts on it.

I generally use it to correct light scratches by hand. I just pulled out the UC 2 weeks ago to get some scratches off the inside of the Bronco's rear door before installing a molle panel. What remains will be going in the trash after the Fixer gets here.

If only it were possible to remove scratches from plastic that easily lol.

Carpro have their own version of a clay lubricant, it was called Immolube, but it has since been rebranded as simply Clay Lube.

CARPRO Claylube 1 Liter (carpro-us.com)

Depending on what you intend to do after claying, ECH20 will leave behind a layer of Si02 and wax. Personally, I wouldn't use ECH20 as a clay lube for that reason. Doesn't mean you can't, but ECH20 does have a tendency to be a bit smeary, which could get annoying.

Just about any of the surfactant (DIY, N-914 ect) or polymer (ONR, Absolute) rinse-less wash products could be used for claying. You could also just use a soapy solution of Reset, either from your bucket or mixed up in a sprayer. Reset is just about the slickest soap on the market, so it would do very well as a clay lube.

It sounds like ECH2O would work very well as a drying aid or QD. Unfortunately sounds like UWW+ still would've been the better product to use for everything but I'll give it a shot and see how I feel. Fallback will be reset or my last bottle of UWW+.

With Reload, the latest 2.0 version is considerably easy to use than the original. I think you will be impressed with it. Remember, less is more!

I think we all learn the less is more the hard way early on in this hobby lol.

My plan is to use it on the Bronco's hood before the winter. That way it will be obvious how well it holds up. If it looks good, I'll buy some next year.

I have tried two ceramic glass cleaners.

Carpro Clarify PH₂OBIC I really, really didn't like as it just left a smeary mess that required another pass with Invisible Glass. And yet, some say its awesome.
CARPRO Clarify PH2OBIC 500ml (carpro-us.com)

Opti-Glass Clean & Protect on the other hand is very good. It seems flash away better and leaves a streak free finish.
Opti-Coat - Opti-Glass Clean & Protect | The Rag Company

My experience is akin to Clarify. At the risk of being stubborn I am not going to try more. Glass polishes are definitely legit though.

 

[kilobravo]

With Reload, the latest 2.0 version is considerably easy to use than the original.

That is some good news, D but of course I still have a whole bunch of V1. <smile> DAMMIT!

Regarding glass, no mention of Gyeon's Q2 Quick View?

I think we all learn the less is more the hard way early on in this hobby lol.

A BIG "AMEN" to that, Mike!

 

[DFB5.0]

Regarding glass, no mention of Gyeon's Q2 Quick View?

Great product, but very different to the glass products being mentioned.

Quick View is applied in a multi-step process, as in clean, clay, apply, allow to cure, remove residue.

Stuff like Carpro Clarify PH₂OBIC and Opti-Glass Clean & Protect are combination cleaner and protectant and are used in a single step, as in spray and wipe. But their effectiveness is hit and miss. In other words, jack of all trades, master of none.

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