PRODUCT #1: Eagle One Nano Wax $9.95, 16oz Initial Notes: I liked the packaging of this product - it comes in a nifty little box that includes a microfiber towel and applicator. I didn't care for the "pump" nature of the product, and was surprised by its somewhat watery consistency. Eagle One did not recommend any specific prep process, so product was applied as directed - product did exhibit some cleaning ability as it removed most of the marker lines while applying. Had a nice, waxy aroma with just a hint of fragrance. Applied nicely and evenly, removed with some resistance and left a nice initial finish. Surface felt slick and smooth.
Application: 10 Removal: 7 Packaging: 7 Instructions: 9		2-week Notes: Unbelievably, the product seems to have all but expired after just two weeks. The test volunteers were left scratching their heads as we watched the water simply pool and collect on the panel. When we dried it, it was squeaky clean, and the optics had dropped significantly from original readings.
Shine Gloss Depth Clarity Reflectivity Slickness Beading Overall TOTAL Initial 8 8 8 7 7 8 10 8 8.08 Week 2 6 6 6 6 6 2 1 4 4.63 Final (Week 4) 5 5 4 4 4 1 0 2 3.13 Average 6.33 6.33 6 5.67 5.67 3.67 3.67 4.67 5.28
Week 2: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
Week 4: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
Overall Score: 5.28		Final Notes: I think it's safe to say that after 4 weeks the Nano is "no more." Despite spraying it with a fine mist of water to try and coax some beading from it, the panel simply held on to the water. Optics were down a fair amount, slickness was completely gone and there were waterspots that wouldn't remove with a wash. Officially "dead" and won't be tested any more in this test.

		PRODUCT #2: Einszett Glanz Wax $13.95, 16.9oz Initial Notes: I've used this product in the past but never "officially" tested it side-by-side against other products. The consistency of the product is very watery - almost like water itself. Noticed a strong cleaning effect while applying - and the aroma was very solventy, so my guess is that the solvents are acting as chemical cleaners. Product goes on "clear" and dries to a white-ish haze. Noticed some streaking after residue was removed. Initial shine wasn't as good as other products, and surface felt only moderately slick. Removal was only moderately difficult - slightly harder than Nano Wax.
Application: 8 Removal: 6 Packaging: 7 Instructions: 9		2-Week Notes: Water is beading nicely, and the product seems to be doing its job. Optics remained steady, and the heat and rain hasn't had any apparent effect on the panel. Beads are consistent, small and deep - just what we're looking for. Has lost some slickness, but wasn't real slick to start with.
Shine Gloss Depth Clarity Reflectivity Slickness Beading Overall TOTAL Initial 6 6 6 7 7 6 10 7 7.08 Week 2 6 6 6 7 7 5 9 7 6.63 Week 4 6 6 6 5 5 4 5 7 5.5 Average 6.40
Week 2: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
Week 4: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
Week 7: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
		4-Week Notes: Looks like it's going to be a slug-out between Glanz and Zaino. While the Glanz took a bit of a hit over weeks 3 and 4, it's still doing worlds better than any of the other "over-the-counter" products. Optics about the same - perhaps a slight decrease, but it appears to be protecting well. No waterspots noted when washing.
Overall Score: 6.40		7-Week Notes: After a very hot 5th and 6th week, it appears as though Einzsett has thrown in the towel. The beading is completely dead. We noticed it was starting to suffer after the 5th week, but didn't expect it to fall off as severely as it did during the 6th week. If you look around the panel, you can see how all of the marker lines have faded away - the sun really beat on this panel. Even at 6-weeks of "life," the results were 3x better than all of the other products (save for Z2). Handily beat 6 products and is well deserving of a strong second-place finish.

		PRODUCT #3: Meguiar's NXT $14.95, 18oz Initial Notes: Nice creamy consistency, and I like the aroma of it, although some folks have complained that it's too strong. A tad pricey when compared to the alternatives. Applied nicely, about the same as the Nano Wax, despite being a little thicker. Dried quickly, removed fairly easily. Had some light streaking after application. Also noted cleaning capability in the product, stronger than Nano Wax but not as strong as Glanz. Surface was darker than bare control panel, and left a fairly slick, smooth surface behind. Optics were pretty good, but a bit muted. Neighbors noted it looked deeper than bare control.
Application: 10 Removal: 8 Packaging: 9 Instructions: 9		2-week Notes: We had durability problems with NXT during our winter tests, and had higher hopes based on what we've read elsewhere about this product's durability, but once again, durability seems to be the weak point. After just 2 short weeks, our test panel was squeaky clean and water was clinging and pooling. :-(
Shine Gloss Depth Clarity Reflectivity Slickness Beading Overall TOTAL Initial 8 8 9 6 7 8 10 8 8.13 Week 2 6 6 7 5 5 1 1 5 4.5 Week 4 5 5 4 4 4 0 0 2 3 Average 6.33 6.33 6.67 5 5.33 3 3.67 5 5.21
Week 2: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
Week 4: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
Overall Score: 5.21		Final Notes: While it was mostly cooked after 2 weeks, it's clearly done after the 4 week period. Not sure how some people are getting such "long term" durability from the product - this is the second time I've gotten less than 4 weeks from it. No doubt the Booster Wax adds to the durability - that must be the key (same could be said for many other products). Sure does look nice at beginning - only wish look would stick around. Had waterspots after panel was washed.

		PRODUCT #4: Tropi-Care TC-3 $12.95, 8oz Initial Notes: Relatively new product that I'd played with in the past but again, never really tested seriously. Decided to use the TC-8 Swirl Cutter ($15.95, 8oz) as a prep product just to prevent any problems or complaints with the test procedures. TC-8 worked well, was easy to apply and remove, helped clean the surface. Noticed that TC-3 has cleaning properties as well. Both products have a nice fruity smell, but solvents can be smelled underneath the fruity scent. TC-3 applied easily, removed with slightly more difficulty than NXT. Surface felt smooth and fairly slick, optics were ok but not what I'd expect from a true polymer. All in all, OK initally, but pricey.
Application: 10 Removal: 7 Packaging: 5 Instructions: 9		2-week Notes: Despite having heavy initial beading, the product appears to have died off rather quickly - panel isn't beading water; it just sits and pools on the panel - just like the non-waxed control portion. Testers couldn't detect any slickness, and optics were dropping off slightly.
Shine Gloss Depth Clarity Reflectivity Slickness Beading Overall TOTAL Initial 7 7 7 6 6 7 9 7 7.25 Week 2 5 5 5 6 6 1 1 5 4.25 Week 4 3 3 3 3 3 0 0 2 2.13 Average 5 5 5 5 5 2.67 3.33 4.67 4.54
Week 2: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
Week 4: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
Overall Score: 4.54		Final Notes: Sigh. Based on initial talk about this product, I'd hoped it would fare well, but it hasn't. Pictures speak for themselves - not much else I can add. Had waterspots after panel was washed.

		PRODUCT #5: Turtle Wax Platinum Series Ultra Gloss $7.95, 16oz Initial Notes: If you're like me, you're sick of being beaten over the head with ads for this product. Product was very easy to apply and remove - perhaps the easiest of the bunch, but I do wish bottle had a pour spout. Did notice some moderate cleaning ability (about like Nano Wax). Decent aroma, but I noticed tiny "beads" of something (my guess is silicone?) in the product... perhaps it was exposed to moisture? Felt very slick when residue was removed, and left the panel looking deep, albiet a bit muted - almost like NXT.
Application: 10 Removal: 10 Packaging: 7 Instructions: 9		2-week Notes: From a personal standpoint, I had high hopes for this product, but after 2-weeks, it appears to have all but checked out. The panel wasn't beading water and it felt dry and clingy to the touch - definitely not slick like when we started. The testers were amazed with how quickly so many products "fell off."
Shine Gloss Depth Clarity Reflectivity Slickness Beading Overall TOTAL Initial 8 8 9 8 8 9 9 8 8.58 Week 2 6 6 6 7 7 2 1 5 5.00 Week 4 4 4 4 3 3 0 0 3 2.63 Average 6 6 6.33 6 6 3.67 3.33 5.33 5.40
Week 2: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
Week 4: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
Overall Score: 5.40		Final Notes: Again, from a personal standpoint, I'm disappointed. I really thought this product would perform better than it did for us. It was a dream to apply and remove, and it looked pretty nice during the first week. Noticed waterspots after panel was washed.

		PRODUCT #6: WolfGang Deep Gloss Concours Kit $49.95, 16oz bottles Initial Notes: Definitely not for the thrifty - with shipping, this kit cost nearly $60, but thankfully it includes a few microfiber towels and applicators. Nicely packaged, and a decent aroma, but the hint of solvent was detected underneath the scenting. Noticed pretty good cleaning ability from the Pre-Wax Polish Enhancer, (which applied and removed easily) and it left surface clean, slick and glossy. Deep Gloss Paint Sealant applied and removed easily, left a slight amount of hazing, and surface looked and felt the same as before. Surface looked a little better than NXT, felt slightly less slick than the Turtle Wax Platinum.
Application: 9 Removal: 9 Packaging: 10 Instructions: 10		2-week Notes: Despite its high cost and the initial reviews, the product doesn't seem to be holding up as well as we would have expected. Lost almost all of its slickness and isn't exactly sheeting water - testers noted that it "would make a great reflecting pool," meaning that water clung. We'll see how it is next week.
Shine Gloss Depth Clarity Reflectivity Slickness Beading Overall TOTAL Initial 8 8 8 7 7 8 10 8 8.33 Week 2 6 6 6 5 5 1 1 6 4.50 Week 4 4 4 4 4 4 0 0 4 3 Average 6 6 6 5.33 5.33 3 3.67 6 5.28
Week 2: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
Week 4: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
Overall Score: 5.28		Final Notes: We were hoping that the 2nd week results were an anomoly, but apparently they weren't. No improvement in beading or slickness, and optics are dropping off. Neighbors liked this product for ease of use, packaging and smell, but performance wise it didn't hold-up as well as we hoped it would. Again, it may benefit from the wash and QD/booster products, so your results may vary. Noticed some waterspots after panel was washed.

		PRODUCT #7: Zaino Z2 $12.95, 8oz Initial Notes: Since Zaino has ruled just about every other test I've ever done, I decided to try something to handicap it a bit - I applied it without using ZFX or Z1 - I just wiped on some Z2, let it dry and wiped it off. Noticed that without ZFX, it took about 30 minutes to dry completely, and it removed just as easily as always. No streaking or hazing left behind. Surface was slick and smooth. Optics were bright and clear, but Z2 alone does little to help the appearance of the paint. It looked only slightly better than bare control panel. Pleasant scent, and efficient - 8oz bottle should provide 20+ applications for average vehicle.
Application: 10 Removal: 10 Packaging: 9 Instructions: 9		2-week Notes: Testers noted some loss in slickness, but water beading and optics remained strong and consistent. After final spray test, water beaded and ran off the panel in less than 15 seconds. Testers immediately said, "This must be the Zaino?" And they were right. The stuff has quite a "fingerprint."
Shine Gloss Depth Clarity Reflectivity Slickness Beading Overall TOTAL Initial 7 7 6 8 8 10 10 8 8.50 Week 2 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 8 7.75 Week 4 6 6 6 7 7 6 8 7 6.63 Week 7 6 6 6 6 6 4 8 7 6.13 Average 6.5 6.5 6.25 7.25 7.25 7 8.75 7.5 7.25
Week 2: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
Week 4: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
Week 7: Water Beading Photos (Immediate and 1 minute): (Click to open in new window)
		4-week Notes: I don't know what to write that hasn't already been written. Nothing seems to phase this stuff. Optics down slightly, but not enough to really notice. Slickness down a bit as well, beading still doing great - watched water collect and run off the panel like it was on fire. Will continue to test until either Zaino or Einszett run out of gas. No waterspots present after panel was washed.
Overall Score: 7.25		7-week Notes: Before you start screaming "conspiracy" or crying that "I knew Zaino would win a Roadfly test," look at the pictures and read the test procedures. All of the process is clearly laid out, and I'm not *that good* at PhotoShop that I could magically draw beads and shine on a panel. Like it or hate it, the stuff is incredibly durable. Will it hide scratches? Nope. But, if you've got 1/2 a brain, you'll take care of all of the defects before you use a true Last Step Product. And for those who wonder why Zaino is always included in the tests? It's the benchmark - I'm looking for something that will *beat* Zaino...so far, nothing's come close. The stuff looks like new, even after seven hard weeks, and long after the other products gave up the ghost. Simply amazing.

CONCLUSION - WRAPPING IT ALL UP

Well, after seven long weeks, it appears that we have a clear winner. I was hoping the Einszett Glanz would keep up the fight, but I have a feeling the constant sun pounding really took a heavy toll on it. Granted, we live in an extremely hot climate, but I have to believe places like Arizona, Las Vegas, Dallas, Houston, and so on are as hot (if not hotter) than where we did the testing. Six solid weeks of life from Einszett is entirely acceptable - most folks will wax every 6-8 weeks, so I'm pleased with the results.

The clear winner was once again, Zaino. I'm sorry folks, but there's nothing I can say about the stuff that hasn't been said hundreds of times before. Read the 7-week Notes for final thoughts on the product. Simply put, it is the benchmark for which all other products should try to achieve. And no, I don't sell it, I don't have any interest in it, and I've never met the owners. I send in my money like everyone else does (although this Z2 is rather old - I need to reorder soon). If you're looking for reliable, bullet-proof durability with a high gloss, look no further.

As for the other products? We're all disappointed.

Many thanks to my neighbors, Rob, Ken, Keith, John and Kevin for their help. Without them, I couldn't have conducted a blind test and they were extremely gracious with their time by helping evaluate the products on a weekly basis.