Aussie S650 Paint protection and detailing thread

[DFB5.0]

Last night, an Autogeek friend of mine brought something to my attention, that Griot's Garage have just appeared in Autobarn stores. Who? Well, in the US Griots has long been a respected detailing brand, sitting above the likes of Meguiar's and Turtle Wax as a premium alternative. A family-owned brand that makes all of its liquids in the USA, the focus of Griots has been on the enthusiast market rather than outright professional users.

Griots Garage | Shop our Full Range by Brand at Autobarn | Autobarn Category | Autobarn

I've always wondered why Griot's had been left on the shelf for Australia, especially when so much of what we buy detailing wise is made in the USA from USA companies. Meguiar's, Turtle Wax and Mothers have been a mainstay of the big box stores for decades, but we also have access to the likes of Adam's, Chemical Guys, Armour Detail Supply, Ethos, Shine Supply, 3D, Optimum / Opti-Coat, DIY Detail, McKee's, Feynlab, P&S, Stoner Car Care and The Rag Company. Most of those brands have flourished in Australia, so I'm not sure why Griot's didn't get picked up sooner. A crowded market? Maybe, maybe not.

Not only does Griot's sell detailing chemicals, they have a massive range of tools, accessories, and garage related items too. It would appear Autobarn have kept it simple, so at the moment at least, they are only offering chemicals. They have also gone with a basic selection of products from what is an extensive full line, I'd say to suit the target buyers.

Car Surface Care Products, Detailing Supplies, Auto Accessories

I've had my eye on Griot's for many years, mainly because of the feedback I have gotten from my American friends, so I'm very keen to see how this selection of products perform in Australia. For the most part, American detailing chemicals work very well in our climate, which is different to the UK brands that almost always suck in Australia. So, I'm fairly confident these products will impress.

Prior to the Autobarn launch, I've had limited exposure to the Griot's brand. The Interior Cleaner (large bottle) was imported from Obsessed Garage, which I like for its lack of colour and scent, perfect for new cars. The leather interior scent I also got with that OG order, but it sucks. The gallon bottle nozzles are brilliant though, so here's hoping they end up making the trip at some point. It's a shame they didn't bother with the Boss polishing products, they are supremely good, of which Fast Correcting Creme I've used and really liked.

My purchase today included a spectrum of products that will suit my detailing style and needs. I have no use for 3-in-1 leather products, or wash-n-wax style soaps. The interior detailer looks promising, I decided to give the soap a try, the two Speed Shine detailers, and the ceramic glass cleaner and tire dressing are both up my alley. The 3-in-1 Wheel Tire & Mat Cleaner is an odd one, so this is probably the product I'm most keen to sample.

My only other comment is the price. It's a little harder to compare the retail prices without working out a per ml cost, mainly because the American brands usually go with 473ml, 946ml and 3.78-lt bottles. Griots have gone with a bespoke bottle in 650ml size, and the soaps are 1.4 and 1.9-litre. On surface level, some of them are VERY expensive, but as per most of these American brands sold in Australia, there is a lot of fat built into the RRP's to account for frequent discounting. For that reason, I didn't see value in some of the other products, otherwise I'd have bought a few more to try.

So, I'm really looking forward to seeing how these Griot's products perform.

Sponsored

 

[bfets]

Last night, an Autogeek friend of mine brought something to my attention, that Griot's Garage have just appeared in Autobarn stores. Who? Well, in the US Griots has long been a respected detailing brand, sitting above the likes of Meguiar's and Turtle Wax as a premium alternative. A family-owned brand that makes all of its liquids in the USA, the focus of Griots has been on the enthusiast market rather than outright professional users.

Griots Garage | Shop our Full Range by Brand at Autobarn | Autobarn Category | Autobarn

I've always wondered why Griot's had been left on the shelf for Australia, especially when so much of what we buy detailing wise is made in the USA from USA companies. Meguiar's, Turtle Wax and Mothers have been a mainstay of the big box stores for decades, but we also have access to the likes of Adam's, Chemical Guys, Armour Detail Supply, Ethos, Shine Supply, 3D, Optimum / Opti-Coat, DIY Detail, McKee's, Feynlab, P&S, Stoner Car Care and The Rag Company. Most of those brands have flourished in Australia, so I'm not sure why Griot's didn't get picked up sooner. A crowded market? Maybe, maybe not.

Not only does Griot's sell detailing chemicals, they have a massive range of tools, accessories, and garage related items too. It would appear Autobarn have kept it simple, so at the moment at least, they are only offering chemicals. They have also gone with a basic selection of products from what is an extensive full line, I'd say to suit the target buyers.

Car Surface Care Products, Detailing Supplies, Auto Accessories

I've had my eye on Griot's for many years, mainly because of the feedback I have gotten from my American friends, so I'm very keen to see how this selection of products perform in Australia. For the most part, American detailing chemicals work very well in our climate, which is different to the UK brands that almost always suck in Australia. So, I'm fairly confident these products will impress.

Prior to the Autobarn launch, I've had limited exposure to the Griot's brand. The Interior Cleaner (large bottle) was imported from Obsessed Garage, which I like for its lack of colour and scent, perfect for new cars. The leather interior scent I also got with that OG order, but it sucks. The gallon bottle nozzles are brilliant though, so here's hoping they end up making the trip at some point. It's a shame they didn't bother with the Boss polishing products, they are supremely good, of which Fast Correcting Creme I've used and really liked.

My purchase today included a spectrum of products that will suit my detailing style and needs. I have no use for 3-in-1 leather products, or wash-n-wax style soaps. The interior detailer looks promising, I decided to give the soap a try, the two Speed Shine detailers, and the ceramic glass cleaner and tire dressing are both up my alley. The 3-in-1 Wheel Tire & Mat Cleaner is an odd one, so this is probably the product I'm most keen to sample.

My only other comment is the price. It's a little harder to compare the retail prices without working out a per ml cost, mainly because the American brands usually go with 473ml, 946ml and 3.78-lt bottles. Griots have gone with a bespoke bottle in 650ml size, and the soaps are 1.4 and 1.9-litre. On surface level, some of them are VERY expensive, but as per most of these American brands sold in Australia, there is a lot of fat built into the RRP's to account for frequent discounting. For that reason, I didn't see value in some of the other products, otherwise I'd have bought a few more to try.

So, I'm really looking forward to seeing how these Griot's products perform.

Awesome. Looking forward to hearing your experience and opinion on these

 

[bfets]

Took the missus' car to Wraptory for PPF on the black A,B and C pillars, door cups, boot loading area, door sills, and interior piano black trim. He also tinted the windows.

The car had that treatment of CarPro Hydro2 on it from my previous protection detail. Granted its still fresh and only a week old but when I picked up the car the detailer asked what I put on it cause he said it beaded like crazy and was silky smooth. Good feeling when a professional detailer comments on a car's protection being really good and impressive.
Hats off to Hydro2 so far.

 

[5.0ALM]

Took the missus' car to Wraptory for PPF on the black A,B and C pillars, door cups, boot loading area, door sills, and interior piano black trim. He also tinted the windows.

The car had that treatment of CarPro Hydro2 on it from my previous protection detail. Granted its still fresh and only a week old but when I picked up the car the detailer asked what I put on it cause he said it beaded like crazy and was silky smooth. Good feeling when a professional detailer comments on a car's protection being really good and impressive.
Hats off to Hydro2 so far.

No pictures means it never happened!

 

[bfets]

No pictures means it never happened!

Missus' car is a Yaris Cross. Not really something people are going to get excited about on a Mustang forum

 

[5.0ALM]

Last night, an Autogeek friend of mine brought something to my attention, that Griot's Garage have just appeared in Autobarn stores....

Being one of the few in this country with a Griot's Boss BF302 foam cannon, and having first hand experience of how good it is, I was quite excited by this news when I started reading your post D.

Only then to discover it's an incredibly small range of consumables that Autobarn are stocking.
I know the GG catalogue is extensive, and the exchange rate means a lot of items are not price competitive enough, but sheesh, bring us some of the GG hardware as well.

 

[bfets]

Being one of the few in this country with a Griot's Boss BF302 foam cannon, and having first hand experience of how good it is, I was quite excited by this news when I started reading your post D.

Only then to discover it's an incredibly small range of consumables that Autobarn are stocking.
I know the GG catalogue is extensive, and the exchange rate means a lot of items are not price competitive enough, but sheesh, bring us some of the GG hardware as well.

That was the first thing I checked as well when I saw DFB's post. I want their foam cannon.

 

[DFB5.0]

Being one of the few in this country with a Griot's Boss BF302 foam cannon, and having first hand experience of how good it is, I was quite excited by this news when I started reading your post D.

Only then to discover it's an incredibly small range of consumables that Autobarn are stocking.
I know the GG catalogue is extensive, and the exchange rate means a lot of items are not price competitive enough, but sheesh, bring us some of the GG hardware as well.

The Griot's lineup is massive. With the chemicals, Autobarn would have done the same thing that's happened with Chemical Guys, Gyeon and Gtechniq that are now sold in box stores. In that I mean keeping the product mix very weekend warrior friendly...............which is why there are a lot of wax-based products. That's not to say the range won't expand, but I guess they are just finding out what reaction the brand gets. I'd personally like them to add the Boss polishing compounds.

As for the accessories, I doubt they will make the trip. Most of that stuff is made in China for Griots (their liquids are all US-made). In the end, Autobarn can (and do) supply similar items for less money by going straight to the manufacturer. Griot's are the middleman and passes on two layers of profit margins, then more fat is added once they land in Australian retailers. That's why a basic $10 brush ends up being $40 in Australia, or a foam cannon going from $99 to $200.

That was the first thing I checked as well when I saw DFB's post. I want their foam cannon.

You can get it on Amazon, the price is up there but about the same as the wide-mouth MTM at full RRP. I'd just keep an eye on Amazon, especially over the Christmas period as it may end up being discounted.

Griot's Garage BF302 The BOSS Foam Cannon - for Use with Pressure Washers, High-Foam Output, Adjustable Nozzle, 9 x 5 x 7.5 inches, White : Amazon.com.au: Automotive

If you are looking at a new foam cannon, I'd be waiting for the new Rag Company version, which implements a number of improvements from a ground-up new design. Should be available from March/April 2026.

 

[5.0ALM]

That was the first thing I checked as well when I saw DFB's post. I want their foam cannon.

Steve, you may recall I paid USD$100 (equivalent to ~AUD$150) 18 months ago when I was in the US mid last year. Had it delivered to a mate's place I was dropping in to see after a work week.

So the AUD$172 offering from Amazon for the cannon that D links to is very reasonable, especially when you factor in 18 months worth of inflation.

However, to get the most out of the BF302, you must get the metering tips.... otherwise it's just another cannon where you have to premix your soap. Being able to screw on a bottle of GSF, Lift, Reset, NV Snow etc is the ultimate in speed, convenience and consistency.
Stainless manifold aside, this is THE point of difference.

Extra jars are handy too. As my loooong bottles of soap get out of reach of the pick up tube, I pour them into the jars. I'm looking at you GSF... but I won't be buying that again anyway.
I could also fit a longer aftermarket pick up tube. I do have one...... hmmmm.

The rebuild kit is a no-brainer to have on hand if/when that day comes.


Being able to get the cannon's accessories without being reamed is a stumbling block
This is why I initially got excited when I saw Autobarn was stocking Griots.

BTW...
If you don't like the thought of demoting your MTM down to brake buster duty, please ignore the above.

 

[DFB5.0]

TESTING GRIOT'S GARAGE -

Griot's Garage has long been a respected detailing brand in the USA. A family-owned business, they pride themselves on providing exceptional customer service and US-made detailing chemicals. Ever since joining the Autogeek forum a few years ago, I've heard nothing but positive comment regarding this brand. On countless occasions, I had people telling me I should try Griot's Garage, but my response was always the same, not sold here. Sort of............

Going back a few years, Auto Mega Store (an online auto retailer) began stocking three or four products, none of them what I'd consider a true representation of the Griot's brand. Then Obsessed Garage, who offers international shipping, took on a small selection of products. Shipping prices were astronomical and only worthwhile if buying other items too. This was actually my introduction to the brand, of which I really liked the Interior Cleaner, the gallon spouts and Fast Correcting Creme.

There was also a few ways of getting the brand through back door avenues, but it was just not worth the hassle. Then Amazon began offering Griot's, but again, a little costly. Enter Autobarn......................

Griots Garage | Shop our Full Range by Brand at Autobarn | Autobarn Category | Autobarn

Pricing is still little rich on certain products, but pretty much in line with other American specialty brands sold in this country. No doubt the prices are inflated to provide room for the constant revolving door of catalog specials. It is what it is.

Today I put each of the above products to work on the Ranger, with the exception of the interior cleaner and scent, of which I've already have tested.

In order of use...................

Wheel-Tire-Matt Cleaner -

On the Ranger, I only used this to clean the tyres, which proved to be exceptionally good! With tyre cleaners, I really like it when they lather up nicely as it gives you a visual indicator of what you are doing, which is why I love Brake Buster. So, it lathers exceptionally well, and appeared to do the job VERY well, check out later in the post for that.

(Note I have an empty bottle here, which I discovered was leaking from a crack in the plastic. I put the product into another bottle but kept original bottle for photography.)

Like Brake Buster, I reckon this stuff would foam like a MF! It has a semi gel-like formula to keep it from running off vertical surfaces, and being multi-purpose product, this would likely mean an alkaline leaning formula. And at $29.95, it's decent value.

DFB Verdict - A winner! Easily the pick of tyre cleaners available in a store like this , and one of the best I've tried full stop.

Brilliant Finish Car Wash soap -

This is a soap that apparently "preserves your wax", which indicate a pH balanced formula. They also suggest the "special brighteners yield a lasting, high-gloss and streak-free appearance", which would be a cause for concern with ceramic coated vehicles.

As you can see, this soap foams well at an 8:1 dilution, not the best I've seen, but it can certainly put on a show. Slickness is good, again not the best, but plenty slick. I also like the free rinsing properties, and those gloss enhancers didn't mess with the paint or wheel coatings on this vehicle. The scent is very subdued, almost not there. Price wise, at full RRP its on par with something like Meg's Gold Class, but I'd favor the Griot's.

DFB Verdict - A very nice soap, just lacks a little theater.

Ceramic Speed Shine -

Ceramic Speed shine is a step above the regular Speed Shine in that it contains siloxane and Si02 to provide superior gloss, slickness and water repellency. They suggest it can be used as a clay lubricant, but I probably wouldn't do that.

I used this product as a drying aid. On initial acquaintance, this stuff reminds me of Gyeon Ceramic Detailer in both scent and application feel. In that I mean some slight initial grabbiness, something I really didn't like with the Gyeon product. But as it flashes, the surface transforms into a glossy, slick look and feel. This product has that mild vinegar type aroma common to a lot of these ceramic detailers, although they have laced it with a mild scent. Price wise, this is one of the more expensive items at full RRP. Personally, I'd favour Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer instead.

DFB Verdict - Not bad, but not a must-have.

Speed Shine -

This is the original Speed Shine, basically a traditional quick detailer. These products are often overlooked these days, but they still have a place in my opinion. With a high level of lubrication, Speed Shine also has some mild cleaning properties, making it ideal for spot cleaning of bird bombs or bugs. Like any detail spray, Speed Shine is safe for all surfaces and can also be used as a drying aid or interior detailer.

I used Speed Shine as a drying aid for the door jambs and tray sides. I really love the sweet scent, which is much less "nosey" than the ceramic version. It feels slick under the towel, which again makes it nicer to work with than the ceramic type. It flashes away nicely and leaves a slick, glossy surface. Pricing on Speed Shine seems about right to me, and overall, I think I like this one better than the ceramic version.

DFB Verdict - I've always like quick detailers, and Speed Shine is no different. Will it knock your socks off? No, but it does absolutely nothing wrong, which makes it a winner for me.

Ceramic Glass Cleaner -

I've been buying a lot of this type of glass cleaner lately, so I thought I'd give this a try as well. These products are basically a mild spray sealant with a high evaporation rate to help limit streaks. Ceramic Glass Cleaner is intended as a maintenance product to Griot's glass coating (not sold here), but it can be used as a standalone to create exceptional hydrophobic properties.............fancy RainX in other words. Bizarrely, they suggest you team it with a clay bar for decontaminating the glass.

Having tried a few of these glass cleaners now, I've noticed some work brilliant, some are horrible. The best I've found is the Opti-Coat Clean & Protect, the worst being Carpro ClarifyPhobic. I'd say the Griot's sits in the middle, it required just a little more attention than the Opti-Coat, but nowhere near as temperamental as the Carpro. The scent is a non-event, but 650ml bottle is very well priced.

DFB Verdict - Good, not great. I much prefer the Stoner and Optimum versions.

Interior Detailer -

These interior products have become extremely popular of the last 5-years as they provide just the right amount of cleaning and UV protection, but without making your interior look like an oil slick. The Griot's version is suitable for all interior surfaces including leather, plastic, vinyl, glass and infotainment screens.

With a mild citrus scent, the Interior Detail performs on par with the likes of competitor products from Carpro, Gyeon, Meguires and Koch Chemie. In that I mean how it wipes on and flashes away to a clean OEM finish. If you prefer a more enhanced look, I'd suggest looking at P&S Swift or Ethos Interior Detailer instead. Important to note this is a very different product to their Interior Cleaner, which offers significantly more cleaning power, but for maintaining an already clean car, this stuff will do it all day long.

DFB Verdict - A worthy contender, although the bar set by ADS Pilot probably skews my rating here.

Ceramic Tire Dressing -

"Ceramic" tire dressings have become more and more prevalent over the last couple of years as they promise a darker look and superior longevity. Griot's make a lot of the ultra-durable nature of this product, likewise the lack of sling and a satin appearance. And praise the lord, Griot's resisted the urge to call this product tire SHINE.

At this point, notice how clean the tyre is after its treatment earlier. Very impressive cleaning power.

I've met very few tyre dressings I didn't like, and this Griot's product is no different. It spreads easily, with a large brush in my case, smells lovely and leaves that ultra-dark look. On these tyres, there is some mild initial shine, but it levels off with a follow up wipe.

DFB Verdict - A winner.

Final Thoughts -

The Griot's lineup in the USA is absolutely massive! As well as detailing chemicals, towels, tools, and accessories, they also offer garage related tools and accessories. At the moment the lineup available in stores is relatively small. That would be a result of Autobarn selecting a very weekend warrior friendly product mix, which explains the focus on wax-based products, but overall, the basics are covered.

I doubt the tools and accessories will land here either, most of which are made in China. In the end, Autobarn can (and do) supply similar items for less money by going straight to the manufacturer. Griot's are the middleman and passes on two layers of profit margin, then more fat is added once they land in Australian retailers. That's why a basic $10 brush ends up being $40 in Australia, or a foam cannon going from $99 to $200.

I need more time with these products, but so far they have proven to be solid performers. If you buy your detailing supplies at the big box stores and are getting bored with Bowden's or the other usual suspects, I'd suggest giving the Griot's brand a look. In particular, the tyre cleaner and dressing are excellent, but I'd also check out the Interior Cleaner and Speed Shine too.

 

[DFB5.0]

TESTING GRIOT'S GARAGE -

Griot's Garage has long been a respected detailing brand in the USA. A family-owned business, they pride themselves on providing exceptional customer service and US-made detailing chemicals. Ever since joining the Autogeek forum a few years ago, I've heard nothing but positive comment regarding this brand. On countless occasions, I had people telling me I should try Griot's Garage, but my response was always the same, not sold here. Sort of............

Going back a few years, Auto Mega Store (an online auto retailer) began stocking three or four products, none of them what I'd consider a true representation of the Griot's brand. Then Obsessed Garage, who offers international shipping, took on a small selection of products. Shipping prices were astronomical and only worthwhile if buying other items too. This was actually my introduction to the brand, of which I really liked the Interior Cleaner, the gallon spouts and Fast Correcting Creme.

There was also a few ways of getting the brand through back door avenues, but it was just not worth the hassle. Then Amazon began offering Griot's, but again, a little costly. Enter Autobarn......................

Griots Garage | Shop our Full Range by Brand at Autobarn | Autobarn Category | Autobarn

Pricing is still little rich on certain products, but pretty much in line with other American specialty brands sold in this country. No doubt the prices are inflated to provide room for the constant revolving door of catalog specials. It is what it is.

Today I put each of the above products to work on the Ranger, with the exception of the interior cleaner and scent, of which I've already have tested.

In order of use...................

Wheel-Tire-Matt Cleaner -

On the Ranger, I only used this to clean the tyres, which proved to be exceptionally good! With tyre cleaners, I really like it when they lather up nicely as it gives you a visual indicator of what you are doing, which is why I love Brake Buster. So, it lathers exceptionally well, and appeared to do the job VERY well, check out later in the post for that.

(Note I have an empty bottle here, which I discovered was leaking from a crack in the plastic. I put the product into another bottle but kept original bottle for photography.)

Like Brake Buster, I reckon this stuff would foam like a MF! It has a semi gel-like formula to keep it from running off vertical surfaces, and being multi-purpose product, this would likely mean an alkaline leaning formula. And at $29.95, it's decent value.

DFB Verdict - A winner! Easily the pick of tyre cleaners available in a store like this , and one of the best I've tried full stop.

Brilliant Finish Car Wash soap -

This is a soap that apparently "preserves your wax", which indicate a pH balanced formula. They also suggest the "special brighteners yield a lasting, high-gloss and streak-free appearance", which would be a cause for concern with ceramic coated vehicles.

As you can see, this soap foams well at an 8:1 dilution, not the best I've seen, but it can certainly put on a show. Slickness is good, again not the best, but plenty slick. I also like the free rinsing properties, and those gloss enhancers didn't mess with the paint or wheel coatings on this vehicle. The scent is very subdued, almost not there. Price wise, at full RRP its on par with something like Meg's Gold Class, but I'd favor the Griot's.

DFB Verdict - A very nice soap, just lacks a little theater.

Ceramic Speed Shine -

Ceramic Speed shine is a step above the regular Speed Shine in that it contains siloxane and Si02 to provide superior gloss, slickness and water repellency. They suggest it can be used as a clay lubricant, but I probably wouldn't do that.

I used this product as a drying aid. On initial acquaintance, this stuff reminds me of Gyeon Ceramic Detailer in both scent and application feel. In that I mean some slight initial grabbiness, something I really didn't like with the Gyeon product. But as it flashes, the surface transforms into a glossy, slick look and feel. This product has that mild vinegar type aroma common to a lot of these ceramic detailers, although they have laced it with a mild scent. Price wise, this is one of the more expensive items at full RRP. Personally, I'd favour Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer instead.

DFB Verdict - Not bad, but not a must-have.

Speed Shine -

This is the original Speed Shine, basically a traditional quick detailer. These products are often overlooked these days, but they still have a place in my opinion. With a high level of lubrication, Speed Shine also has some mild cleaning properties, making it ideal for spot cleaning of bird bombs or bugs. Like any detail spray, Speed Shine is safe for all surfaces and can also be used as a drying aid or interior detailer.

I used Speed Shine as a drying aid for the door jambs and tray sides. I really love the sweet scent, which is much less "nosey" than the ceramic version. It feels slick under the towel, which again makes it nicer to work with than the ceramic type. It flashes away nicely and leaves a slick, glossy surface. Pricing on Speed Shine seems about right to me, and overall, I think I like this one better than the ceramic version.

DFB Verdict - I've always like quick detailers, and Speed Shine is no different. Will it knock your socks off? No, but it does absolutely nothing wrong, which makes it a winner for me.

Ceramic Glass Cleaner -

I've been buying a lot of this type of glass cleaner lately, so I thought I'd give this a try as well. These products are basically a mild spray sealant with a high evaporation rate to help limit streaks. Ceramic Glass Cleaner is intended as a maintenance product to Griot's glass coating (not sold here), but it can be used as a standalone to create exceptional hydrophobic properties.............fancy RainX in other words. Bizarrely, they suggest you team it with a clay bar for decontaminating the glass.

Having tried a few of these glass cleaners now, I've noticed some work brilliant, some are horrible. The best I've found is the Opti-Coat Clean & Protect, the worst being Carpro ClarifyPhobic. I'd say the Griot's sits in the middle, it required just a little more attention than the Opti-Coat, but nowhere near as temperamental as the Carpro. The scent is a non-event, but 650ml bottle is very well priced.

DFB Verdict - Good, not great. I much prefer the Stoner and Optimum versions.

Interior Detailer -

These interior products have become extremely popular of the last 5-years as they provide just the right amount of cleaning and UV protection, but without making your interior look like an oil slick. The Griot's version is suitable for all interior surfaces including leather, plastic, vinyl, glass and infotainment screens.

With a mild citrus scent, the Interior Detail performs on par with the likes of competitor products from Carpro, Gyeon, Meguires and Koch Chemie. In that I mean how it wipes on and flashes away to a clean OEM finish. If you prefer a more enhanced look, I'd suggest looking at P&S Swift or Ethos Interior Detailer instead. Important to note this is a very different product to their Interior Cleaner, which offers significantly more cleaning power, but for maintaining an already clean car, this stuff will do it all day long.

DFB Verdict - A worthy contender, although the bar set by ADS Pilot probably skews my rating here.

Ceramic Tire Dressing -

"Ceramic" tire dressings have become more and more prevalent over the last couple of years as they promise a darker look and superior longevity. Griot's make a lot of the ultra-durable nature of this product, likewise the lack of sling and a satin appearance. And praise the lord, Griot's resisted the urge to call this product tire SHINE.

At this point, notice how clean the tyre is after its treatment earlier. Very impressive cleaning power.

I've met very few tyre dressings I didn't like, and this Griot's product is no different. It spreads easily, with a large brush in my case, smells lovely and leaves that ultra-dark look. On these tyres, there is some mild initial shine, but it levels off with a follow up wipe.

DFB Verdict - A winner.

Final Thoughts -

The Griot's lineup in the USA is absolutely massive! As well as detailing chemicals, towels, tools, and accessories, they also offer garage related tools and accessories. At the moment the lineup available in stores is relatively small. That would be a result of Autobarn selecting a very weekend warrior friendly product mix, which explains the focus on wax-based products, but overall, the basics are covered.

I doubt the tools and accessories will land here either, most of which are made in China. In the end, Autobarn can (and do) supply similar items for less money by going straight to the manufacturer. Griot's are the middleman and passes on two layers of profit margin, then more fat is added once they land in Australian retailers. That's why a basic $10 brush ends up being $40 in Australia, or a foam cannon going from $99 to $200.

I need more time with these products, but so far they have proven to be solid performers. If you buy your detailing supplies at the big box stores and are getting bored with Bowden's or the other usual suspects, I'd suggest giving the Griot's brand a look. In particular, the tyre cleaner and dressing are excellent, but I'd also check out the Interior Cleaner and Speed Shine too.

 

[bfets]

Steve, you may recall I paid USD$100 (equivalent to ~AUD$150) 18 months ago when I was in the US mid last year. Had it delivered to a mate's place I was dropping in to see after a work week.

So the AUD$172 offering from Amazon for the cannon that D links to is very reasonable, especially when you factor in 18 months worth of inflation.

However, to get the most out of the BF302, you must get the metering tips.... otherwise it's just another cannon where you have to premix your soap. Being able to screw on a bottle of GSF, Lift, Reset, NV Snow etc is the ultimate in speed, convenience and consistency.
Stainless manifold aside, this is THE point of difference.

Extra jars are handy too. As my loooong bottles of soap get out of reach of the pick up tube, I pour them into the jars. I'm looking at you GSF... but I won't be buying that again anyway.
I could also fit a longer aftermarket pick up tube. I do have one...... hmmmm.

The rebuild kit is a no-brainer to have on hand if/when that day comes.


Being able to get the cannon's accessories without being reamed is a stumbling block
This is why I initially got excited when I saw Autobarn was stocking Griots.

BTW...
If you don't like the thought of demoting your MTM down to brake buster duty, please ignore the above.

I'm definitely grabbing one at some stage, but mostly because I'm sick of my current cannons falling over. The MTM is great, but the stability of the Griot's looks like a huge quality-of-life upgrade.

I’m not 100% sold on the metering tips yet, though. It seems to me like the dilution would be all over the place depending on the viscosity of the product (e.g., GSF vs. a thicker wash). Do you find yourself having to recalibrate/change tips often, or is it close enough that it doesn't matter?

 

[5.0ALM]

I'm definitely grabbing one at some stage, but mostly because I'm sick of my current cannons falling over. The MTM is great, but the stability of the Griot's looks like a huge quality-of-life upgrade.

I’m not 100% sold on the metering tips yet, though. It seems to me like the dilution would be all over the place depending on the viscosity of the product (e.g., GSF vs. a thicker wash). Do you find yourself having to recalibrate/change tips often, or is it close enough that it doesn't matter?

If the dilution due to viscosity differences has been there, it's never bothered me.
Or rather, to be honest, I have never noticed.

I have been meaning to do my own experiment on how much dilution the tips provide.
ie; fill up the cannon's native jar with water and measure how much total water is in the bucket at the end of it.

I've only ever used the purple tip, and never questioned he recommendation.

Will be interesting to try the other tips midway through a wash to see how much thinner/thicker the resulting foam is.






No, I'm not receiving commissions or kickbacks!


And I do have a cheapo $20 cannon from Amazon for brake buster duty only.
This made more economic sense than an expensive IK foam sprayer.

 

[5.0ALM]

... mostly because I'm sick of my current cannons falling over. The MTM is great, but the stability of the Griot's looks like a huge quality-of-life upgrade.

In that case you would want to to stick with your normal routine and pre mix in the cannon's jar.

I've just discovered this mob in Brisbane who carry Griot's.
https://www.streetfx.com.au/search/?query=griots

Some things in stock, with most things available on back-order.

Not a surprise, but pricing is absurd on a lot of items.
USD$17 spare jar & cap becomes AUD$65

I am relieved that the BF302 rebuild kit is available locally albeit at bend over and smile prices.

https://www.streetfx.com.au/grgbfkit-griots-garage-the-boss-foam-cannon-rebuild-kit

I've never used a freight forwarding service out of the USA, so I don't know how this pricing compares to that option. For me, this mob being a 15 minute drive away does have some appeal for any future spares.




This has to be an error!

 

[DFB5.0]

In that case you would want to to stick with your normal routine and pre mix in the cannon's jar.

I've just discovered this mob in Brisbane who carry Griot's.
https://www.streetfx.com.au/search/?query=griots

Some things in stock, with most things available on back-order.

Not a surprise, but pricing is absurd on a lot of items.
USD$17 spare jar & cap becomes AUD$65

I am relieved that the BF302 rebuild kit is available locally albeit at bend over and smile prices.

https://www.streetfx.com.au/grgbfkit-griots-garage-the-boss-foam-cannon-rebuild-kit

I've never used a freight forwarding service out of the USA, so I don't know how this pricing compares to that option. For me, this mob being a 15 minute drive away does have some appeal for any future spares.




This has to be an error!

What am I missing here, $1700 for a towel?

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