I remember a post about the California Water Blade (search didn't find it tho ) which is a similar kind of product. The poster said that it worked OK, but the MINI had so many curves that the water blade didn't conform well enough to make it much of a help. But other people have said they like them a lot.
BRG/W MC
15" white seven-holes, DSC, Sport seats
-- Motoring since Oct 7 of 2002
Saw a guy outside Turnberry Hotel (Scotland) prepping 3 new Jaguars with a 30cm silicon blade. Lots of curves on the Jags and the job was done in a few seconds.
CR/B MC
Red/Anthracite Int,MFW,Pepper,ASC,+ bits n,pieces
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Don't 4,500+ rpm make a difference!
I have a similar product but made by Turtle Wax. It's OK, but as has already been said, the MINI has loads of curves and so for me it is only really usefull for removing most of the water before using the chamois.
The Autogylm and Turtle Wax blade are identical, but a bit of a rip-off at £12.99. I've got the US equivalent from Costco (same packaging, maufacturer etc) for £4.33.
There is just one moon and one golden sun; And a smile mean friendship to ev'ryone; Through the mountains divide, and the oceans are wide; It's a small world after all.
I'm put off by the price as well. If I see a cheaper imitation then I'll try one.
Ordered a bundle of stuff the other day to give my Cooper it's first wash. Followed other peoples recommendations and went for Autoglym Polish, Extra Gloss, Fast Glass and polishing cloths. Also bought Meguiars 100% cotton towels, thought they would do a good job of drying the car.
im a bit usure about using one of those blades!! it looks like that if theres a bit of grit etc on the car, it would drag it along in the blade resulting in scratching the car?!?!
How effective are they and has anyone notice any scratching of paintwork???
as the "California Water Blade". I use one and there *is* a learning curve to it. I can now get about 85-90% of the water off my MINI before I start using a towel. When I started using it, I got frustrated at about 50%.
No problems with scratching when used correctly. (Well washed car, wipe the blade with a towel every few strokes.)
CWB runs about $12-20, depending on where you buy it.
Chili Red / Black Roof Cooper "S", delivered Aug 5, 2002.
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Enjoy every sandwich. - Warren Zevon
Just got a CWB myself - still learning how to use it
2002 BRG/W [BRidGet] traded in on 2005 Jet Black/White/White Cooper [?name?] 2005 #1 wrecked by SUV on 6/03/05 2005 Jet Black/White/White Cooper (2005 #2) [?name?] picked up on 6/24/05
There's a definite knack to using the CWB. Esp. some of the curves on the body - the headlamp parts of the bonnet and the curved metal below the window line.
The silicone of the blade is "tacky" and could pick up grit when dry if not stored correctly. I just ensure that I rinse it thoroughly before use and have never had any problems.
The best use for the blade is on a SUV/MPV. Clears water in no time and I can just reach the centreline of the roof with the blade.
There is just one moon and one golden sun; And a smile mean friendship to ev'ryone; Through the mountains divide, and the oceans are wide; It's a small world after all.
I find the blade brilliant for doing the roof and the windows, then finish of the rest of the car with a leather.
It works best when the car is realy wet rather than damp.
Not sure if it's cheaper than traditional shops, but delivery is free. I ordered late Monday, hopefully the stuff will be here by the end of the week. Also found somewhere selling the Autoglym gift pack kit, a bargain at £40. If anyone wants that link I'll try and dig it out.
I use the costco version of the CWB and have been very happy with it. It's a little harder to use on the MINI than on a less curvy car, but it sure beats the old way. A word of caution though, make sure that there's no grit/debris on the blade!! I washed the car with my sister and she was drying it. She dropped the blade, picked it up and continued drying without wiping away a tiny tiny pebble that got picked up, and now my MINI has a giant scratch down the hood!! It's small, and you only really notice it when looking for it, but it's a 3 foot scratch none the less! Grrr, stupid sister!!
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) which is a similar kind of product. The poster said that it worked OK, but the MINI had so many curves that the water blade didn't conform well enough to make it much of a help. But other people have said they like them a lot. 
[BRidGet] traded in on 2005 Jet Black/White/White Cooper 
[?name?] 2005 #1 wrecked by SUV on 6/03/05 
2005 Jet Black/White/White Cooper (2005 #2) 
