Aussie S650 Paint protection and detailing thread

[bfets]

This is one area in which I do need to get a better tool. I currently have this:

I dont think I'll get a proper nozzle for that one.

I should just get a EGO blower at some point. Which model is the one to pick these days @DFB5.0 ?
I think from memory the best choice in the EGO range was the 580 which isnt available anymore. Next best option I think was the 765. Is this still correct?

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[DFB5.0]

This is one area in which I do need to get a better tool. I currently have this:

I dont think I'll get a proper nozzle for that one.

I should just get a EGO blower at some point. Which model is the one to pick these days @DFB5.0 ?
I think from memory the best choice in the EGO range was the 580 which isnt available anymore. Next best option I think was the 765. Is this still correct?

I would absolutely avoid the 530, not only is it too lean, it doesn't have a variable throttle, which means the throttle is just switch. The problem is, there is a massive delay in squeezing the "throttle" and the unit powering up. And that gets old. I actually found this out after buying one for my father.

I would also avoid the 615 and 650 as they produce a shrill that is apparently louder than the 530, 580 and 765. In any case, the 580 and 615 have since been discontinued.

That leaves the 765 and the recently introduced 880 (it hasn't landed in AU yet). Personally, I don't like the extra baulk that the 880 brings, even if its more power. I have also been told that to get extra performance out of the 880, you need at least the 5.0ah battery, it's otherwise programmed to run at a lower speed. Now, most people are probably going to buy the 5.0ah batteries anyway, but that still doesn't address the bulk.

Which leaves the 765. If you are new to EGO, I would recommend the kit that includes two 5.0ah batteries. This then sets you up for future additions and achieves better performance. It's also the cheaper way to get EGO batteries, those 5.0ah versions are $379 each. The 765 works fine with a 2.5ah battery, but 5.0ah gives you headroom. Also, the kit includes the superior Rapid Charger.

EGO 56V 2 x 5.0Ah 1300m³/h Blower Kit LB7654E-2 | Total Tools

I just wish they offered the 765 with a single battery to keep the cost down. So if the above is too much, then the 650 with the single 5.0ah battery and Rapid Charger would be the minimum entry point -

EGO POWER+ 56V Brushless 1 x 5.0Ah 1105m3 Blower Kit LB6504E-B | Total Tools

 

[bfets]

I would absolutely avoid the 530, not only is it too lean, it doesn't have a variable throttle, which means the throttle is just switch. The problem is, there is a massive delay in squeezing the "throttle" and the unit powering up. And that gets old. I actually found this out after buying one for my father.

I would also avoid the 615 and 650 as they produce a shrill that is apparently louder than the 530, 580 and 765. In any case, the 580 and 615 have since been discontinued.

That leaves the 765 and the recently introduced 880 (it hasn't landed in AU yet). Personally, I don't like the extra baulk that the 880 brings, even if its more power. I have also been told that to get extra performance out of the 880, you need at least the 5.0ah battery, it's otherwise programmed to run at a lower speed. Now, most people are probably going to buy the 5.0ah batteries anyway, but that still doesn't address the bulk.

Which leaves the 765. If you are new to EGO, I would recommend the kit that includes two 5.0ah batteries. This then sets you up for future additions and achieves better performance. It's also the cheaper way to get EGO batteries, those 5.0ah versions are $379 each. The 765 works fine with a 2.5ah battery, but 5.0ah gives you headroom. Also, the kit includes the superior Rapid Charger.

EGO 56V 2 x 5.0Ah 1300m³/h Blower Kit LB7654E-2 | Total Tools

I just wish they offered the 765 with a single battery to keep the cost down. So if the above is too much, then the 650 with the single 5.0ah battery and Rapid Charger would be the minimum entry point -

EGO POWER+ 56V Brushless 1 x 5.0Ah 1105m3 Blower Kit LB6504E-B | Total Tools

Thanks mate. I'll have a look. The 765 was what I had in my head from the last time I investigated this.

 

[DFB5.0]

Thanks mate. I'll have a look. The 765 was what I had in my head from the last time I investigated this.

Your other option would be a dedicated car drying blower. I have one, but have rarely used it since I went down the EGO path.

 

[DFB5.0]

Bilt Hamber Trace-less – Is it really traceless?

This product has been an exercise in frustration for me. As I watched and read about how good this glass cleaner is, I was naturally excited to try Trace-less once it hit the Australian market. As soon as it landed in stores, I ignored my own rules by ordering the large 5-litre bottle under the assumption that it was a safe bet considering how much good press Trace-less was getting.

On first acquaintance, it certainly wowed with how easily it flashed away and the unique scent. However, after using it the first time I noticed a fine haze appear that required me to go back and re-do my work. Again, a fine haze appeared. I then went back again with Invisible Glass, problem solved. Hmmm, ok. Over the next few cars, I again kept trying Trace-less but continued getting the same hazy finish.

My initial consensus was the humid summer temperatures were to blame, backed by the following quote –

“Bilt-Hamber Laboratories use unique super-wetting, 100% evaporating surfactants to produce TRACE-LESS. These special surfactants leave no such residue.”

In hot temperatures, with 100% evaporation rate, I felt as if the product was flashing far too quickly, in turn leaving trace marks. At which point, having shelled out the most money I have ever spent on a glass cleaner, I was feeling rather defeated.

However, if Trace-less can work for someone in Florida, which is also hot and humid, then perhaps it was just me who was having these problems? After reaching out for feedback, I then discovered I wasn’t the only one struggling with this glass cleaner. So, what is the problem here? Why is this product that is supposed be the BEST glass cleaner ever made working for some, but not others.

The following quotes I have lifted from the Bilt Hamber website –

“Use on interior and exterior glass. Only use clean lint-free cloths free of detergents and fabric conditioners – these will cause smearing.”

“Important: SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE (product will streak if not, especially important for 5L jugs).”

“1. Atomise a fine mist on the surface and wipe off whilst still wet with a waffle weave microfibre or similar lint free cloth turned regularly – buff until dry.

2. For maximum smear free cleaning reapply a very fine mist and wipe dry with suede microfibre.

Where the highest degree of finish is desired. Repeat as above using suede microfibre.”

Right, so perhaps I wasn’t shaking the product before usage? Perhaps I need another set of suede glass towels? Please! The whole selling point of this stuff has been to make glass cleaning easier, simpler. I know shaking chemicals before use is good practice, but how many people do that for a glass cleaner? And now I’m expected to buy a specific towel and do the glass twice to achieve the “highest degree of finish”? Come on, that is absurd. For reference, I can take an off the shelf product like Invisible Glass for $15.00, spray it on the glass, wipe with a standard waffle weave towel, done.

Anyway, with those tips in mind, I’ve been trying Traceless again. I shook the crap out of the bottle, used my usual waffle weave towels, used a fine mist, cool 16 to 20-degree ambient temps. Well, it seemed to have worked much better. Yaaay!

Having paused to give the product a fair go, I actually started to write this article a month ago. So, I was excited to finish the post by saying that I finally managed to get Trace-less to play well. But……………………..at the last minute, driving into the sun this afternoon, once again I noticed light streaking. F.CK! So, even with THE best-case scenario, this stuff is STILL leaving traces behind.

For the record, I am following the basic rules of glass cleaning –

- Premium low pile waffle weave towels that are properly laundered
- One towel for the first pass, a second dry towel for the final buff
- Sprayed directly for exterior glass, sprayed into the towel for interior glass
- Glass is cool/cold to touch
- Working out of direct sunlight

I’m not product bashing here. I wanted to love this stuff but have been left thoroughly disappointed. Had Traceless been at a lower price point, I guess I’d just move on and be done with it. But that’s not the case here because a) Trace-less is VERY EXPENSIVE and b) so many people rave about it. What am I missing here? Am I just too critical, expecting too much? Do I have a bad batch? Are others not noticing the streaks? Have I been sold a lie?

 

[xrs]

Like a hair dryer for your car. Warm air for the win. This is what I use

 

[bfets]

Bilt Hamber Trace-less – Is it really traceless?

This product has been an exercise in frustration for me. As I watched and read about how good this glass cleaner is, I was naturally excited to try Trace-less once it hit the Australian market. As soon as it landed in stores, I ignored my own rules by ordering the large 5-litre bottle under the assumption that it was a safe bet considering how much good press Trace-less was getting.

On first acquaintance, it certainly wowed with how easily it flashed away and the unique scent. However, after using it the first time I noticed a fine haze appear that required me to go back and re-do my work. Again, a fine haze appeared. I then went back again with Invisible Glass, problem solved. Hmmm, ok. Over the next few cars, I again kept trying Trace-less but continued getting the same hazy finish.

My initial consensus was the humid summer temperatures were to blame, backed by the following quote –



In hot temperatures, with 100% evaporation rate, I felt as if the product was flashing far too quickly, in turn leaving trace marks. At which point, having shelled out the most money I have ever spent on a glass cleaner, I was feeling rather defeated.

However, if Trace-less can work for someone in Florida, which is also hot and humid, then perhaps it was just me who was having these problems? After reaching out for feedback, I then discovered I wasn’t the only one struggling with this glass cleaner. So, what is the problem here? Why is this product that is supposed be the BEST glass cleaner ever made working for some, but not others.

The following quotes I have lifted from the Bilt Hamber website –

Right, so perhaps I wasn’t shaking the product before usage? Perhaps I need another set of suede glass towels? Please! The whole selling point of this stuff has been to make glass cleaning easier, simpler. I know shaking chemicals before use is good practice, but how many people do that for a glass cleaner? And now I’m expected to buy a specific towel and do the glass twice to achieve the “highest degree of finish”? Come on, that is absurd. For reference, I can take an off the shelf product like Invisible Glass for $15.00, spray it on the glass, wipe with a standard waffle weave towel, done.

Anyway, with those tips in mind, I’ve been trying Traceless again. I shook the crap out of the bottle, used my usual waffle weave towels, used a fine mist, cool 16 to 20-degree ambient temps. Well, it seemed to have worked much better. Yaaay!

Having paused to give the product a fair go, I actually started to write this article a month ago. So, I was excited to finish the post by saying that I finally managed to get Trace-less to play well. But……………………..at the last minute, driving into the sun this afternoon, once again I noticed light streaking. F.CK! So, even with THE best-case scenario, this stuff is STILL leaving traces behind.

For the record, I am following the basic rules of glass cleaning –

- Premium low pile waffle weave towels that are properly laundered
- One towel for the first pass, a second dry towel for the final buff
- Sprayed directly for exterior glass, sprayed into the towel for interior glass
- Glass is cool/cold to touch
- Working out of direct sunlight

I’m not product bashing here. I wanted to love this stuff but have been left thoroughly disappointed. Had Traceless been at a lower price point, I guess I’d just move on and be done with it. But that’s not the case here because a) Trace-less is VERY EXPENSIVE and b) so many people rave about it. What am I missing here? Am I just too critical, expecting too much? Do I have a bad batch? Are others not noticing the streaks? Have I been sold a lie?

I bought a bottle but I just have not really used it that much to be honest. Invisible glass works so well that I haven't been motivated to try Traceless. It's too expensive to waste, so I really should dive into it a bit more.

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