I was very excited about ZFX when it first came out, but after having it... I am thinking I like the old process better.... sounds wierd, but let me explain:

1) Unless you have the time, and are willing to put in the extra work to get more layers on, the time saving advatage of ZFX is lost...

2) If you mix too much Z2/ZFX (or Z5/ZFX) and don't use it all... you have to trash it.

3) It's a little more expensive.


So, here is a question:

Besides being able to put 3 coats on a lot quicker with ZFX than without, what am I really gaining?

Honestly, I haven't noticed a big difference in gloss, looks great, but so did the Z2 without the ZFX... of course, I have white paint, which may make it more difficult to tell...

I also have heard that durability is extended with ZFX.... kind of hard to measure that, really, but non-ZFX'd Z2 duribility has always been great to begin with...

Any comments?

 

I did a test a while ago on my Z06, and 9 out of 10 people were able to pick the ZFX side of the hood over the Z-1 side, luck maybe but 9 out of 10 is a big number. ZFX has to be mixed with care because you can waste product by mixing too much. ZFX is more user friendly for sure than Z-1, and the Z-1 sales on my end have really fallen off since ZFX, and the last few months I sell 20 ZFX's to every 1 Z-1. ZFX dries much faster in the summer time as well because humidty does not effect ZFX like Z-1, and the ZFX offers a harder shine that will hold up longer than Z-1.

 

Well, if 9 out of 10 honestly noticed a difference, it is likely a nicer shine.

I figured Z1 sales would tank after ZFX was released...

Let me ask a secondary question, based of this then... Do you need to add the ZFX to every coat? Or how often is it recommended if you choose to add it only so often?

PS: I DROOL over your Z06. Electron Blue is an amazing color! I used to own a 95 Admiral Blue Vette waaaaay back... I am a sucker for deep blue Vettes

 

Well, I can't say that I completely disagree with you. I too still like the "old/traditional" Z1 route, but I do find ZFX useful as well. Even when doing just one coat, I like the rapid drying time with ZFX, which means it takes less time to finish the whole car from start to finish. Honestly, I don't notice too much difference in gloss either with one coat of ZFX, unless I apply 3 back to back. I can tell a nice difference with 3 sequential coats, but I don't do 3 that often anyway, mostly due to time issues. The durability.....who knows. I've never actually seen Zaino completely wear away from any car I've used it on, whether it be ZFX or regular Zaino. With carnauba, it's pretty easy to tell when the protection/shine is gone or fading, but I don't think I've ever seen the outer limits of Zaino, which in and of itself is rather outstanding. So, the only thing I can do is take Sal's word for it on durability, and I have no reason to distrust him as of yet. Either way, like you I've found both ZFX and regular polish extremely durable. I don't find that I trash much though when using ZFX. Sometimes, I will have a little leftover after doing one or even 3 coats, but that's used in other areas, like wheels, glass, door jambs, wherever.... But, then again, I feel guilty about wasting almost anything, much less Zaino. Nothing goes to waste! And, I have to agree too, that it is a bit expensive, but it does treat at least 2 bottles of product, so I suppose it evens out. If you figure you need either Z1 or ZFX, then actually the ZFX is really only about $12, if you take the cost of Z1 out of the price of ZFX. Is the extra $12 worth it? Well, I think it probably is, considering what ZFX is capable of versus Z1. And, it's nice to know it's there when I need/want it. But, if the drying time, gloss factor (after multiple coats), and the extra coats capability isn't much of a concern for you or anyone else, stick with Z1. There is certainly nothing wrong with continuing to use Z1. I still feel Z1 ads something special by itself to the finish, maybe extra slickness, maybe extra gloss......I just wish Sal could include some of those aromatics in the Z1!

Basically, I think I'll continue to keep both around for a while, as I can see them both having a benefit for me at certain times. There's nothing wrong though going back to the Z1 if it suits your situation better. Maybe over time, I'll feel the same way.....but, hopefully not!

Now, what would be really really nice is if Sal could incorporate the benefits of ZFX into the polishes as 1 product. Pardon my French, but I must say that this would completely kick ***, as long as the price could remain as reasonable as it is now. I think combining the two products would make for one unstoppable, unbeatable, over-the-top product that would be extremely easy to use. Oh well, one can dream..... Of course, I'd also like to see even more new Z products as well, like a dedicated swirl remover that could be used as prep without having to DAWN wash, maybe a wheel protectant, a true glass protectant (like RainX only one that works!), a dedicated Zaino interior dressing with UV protection, and Zaino wash mitts/towels to make everyone's life easier . Well, I'm sending my wish list to Santa.....

Mike

 

Darth Xed, thanks for the kind words. No you do NOT have to use ZFX each time, BUT you will get a brighter, harder shine if you do.

 

I use Z1 as a pre cleaner every 10 coats or so, does a great job if I don't have the time to clay.