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      11-01-2017, 09:35 PM   #1
MGN370
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Opticoat Pro Plus vs Modesta - A Comparison

Hello all,

I thought I would share my experience with these two paint protection products in case any of you were thinking of applying it on your vehicle. These views are only my experience, and I have no affiliation whatsoever with either product (or any other automotive products).

In June this year, my wife and I placed an order for two brand new cars:
1. BMW X1 (F48) in BSM
2. BMW M2 (LCI) in BSM

The X1 arrived in August and I wanted to get some paint protection done to make it easier to clean and preserve the paint. I didn't know much about paint protection at first (I knew enough not to buy the one the dealer was offering) and did some research. After trawling the internet for an eternity, I finally settled on Opticoat Pro Plus since it was a reputable brand and was offered by an installer that got favourable customer reviews.

After installation my initial impression was that it was a mild improvement in aesthetic terms, but I figured the benefits would come during maintenance. After about 3 months of ownership, I can report that it is slightly easier to remove dirt during washing, but the dirt doesn't exactly "slide off" like the promotional material would have you believe. It is certainly easier than no coating at all, but to get the dirt to slide off I need to use my foam canon to pre-soak. This makes it significantly better. FWIW, the full install including wheels was $900 (AUD).

About 2 months later, the M2 arrived. Given my experience with the X1, and knowing that I would be keeping the M2 a lot longer, I decided to splash out and get a more expensive coating. Initially, I thought about Pompanazzi, but the maintenance requirements were onerous (I had to take it back to the installer 4 times a year for a refresh - screw that!).

I decided on getting Modesta for the M2. The product I got was a dual coat BC-03 and BC-05. It was more expensive ($2,000 AUD), and I had to leave the vehicle with the installer for several days. The product was applied on the body and glass, with a slightly different product (BC-06 I think) for the wheels.

When I got the car back, it looked incredible. Aesthetically, Modesta is miles ahead of Opticoat. The BSM just popped out and it looked as though the paint was still wet. However, the real benefit came in maintenance. The dirt just slides off the Modesta. I find that a clean with pre-soak and rinse off is all I need (obviously I never stop there). The only exception is the wheels, which are still as annoying to clean as ever.

So in summary, the Modesta is more expensive but definitely worth it. It looks much better, and maintenance is much easier. Neither product really helps with the wheels (brake dust is always an issue with new cars). My recommendation is spend the extra and get Modesta.

It will be interesting to see how the products stand up against each other in 2 years time. Interested to hear if anyone else is in that position.

I would post pictures but I don't know that it really helps unless I cut a piece off each car and place them next to each other in the same light (which I won't be doing!).

Hope this helps someone with their decision.
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      11-02-2017, 07:16 AM   #2
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Modesta Coating

Quote:
Originally Posted by MGN370 View Post
Hello all,

I thought I would share my experience with these two paint protection products in case any of you were thinking of applying it on your vehicle. These views are only my experience, and I have no affiliation whatsoever with either product (or any other automotive products).

In June this year, my wife and I placed an order for two brand new cars:
1. BMW X1 (F48) in BSM
2. BMW M2 (LCI) in BSM

The X1 arrived in August and I wanted to get some paint protection done to make it easier to clean and preserve the paint. I didn't know much about paint protection at first (I knew enough not to buy the one the dealer was offering) and did some research. After trawling the internet for an eternity, I finally settled on Opticoat Pro Plus since it was a reputable brand and was offered by an installer that got favourable customer reviews.

After installation my initial impression was that it was a mild improvement in aesthetic terms, but I figured the benefits would come during maintenance. After about 3 months of ownership, I can report that it is slightly easier to remove dirt during washing, but the dirt doesn't exactly "slide off" like the promotional material would have you believe. It is certainly easier than no coating at all, but to get the dirt to slide off I need to use my foam canon to pre-soak. This makes it significantly better. FWIW, the full install including wheels was $900 (AUD).

About 2 months later, the M2 arrived. Given my experience with the X1, and knowing that I would be keeping the M2 a lot longer, I decided to splash out and get a more expensive coating. Initially, I thought about Pompanazzi, but the maintenance requirements were onerous (I had to take it back to the installer 4 times a year for a refresh - screw that!).

I decided on getting Modesta for the M2. The product I got was a dual coat BC-03 and BC-05. It was more expensive ($2,000 AUD), and I had to leave the vehicle with the installer for several days. The product was applied on the body and glass, with a slightly different product (BC-06 I think) for the wheels.

When I got the car back, it looked incredible. Aesthetically, Modesta is miles ahead of Opticoat. The BSM just popped out and it looked as though the paint was still wet. However, the real benefit came in maintenance. The dirt just slides off the Modesta. I find that a clean with pre-soak and rinse off is all I need (obviously I never stop there). The only exception is the wheels, which are still as annoying to clean as ever.

So in summary, the Modesta is more expensive but definitely worth it. It looks much better, and maintenance is much easier. Neither product really helps with the wheels (brake dust is always an issue with new cars). My recommendation is spend the extra and get Modesta.

It will be interesting to see how the products stand up against each other in 2 years time. Interested to hear if anyone else is in that position.

I would post pictures but I don't know that it really helps unless I cut a piece off each car and place them next to each other in the same light (which I won't be doing!).

Hope this helps someone with their decision.
Great write up. Thanks for the review.

Bruce
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      11-02-2017, 08:54 AM   #3
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That was my exact finding as well. ease of maintenance is what most are after, as well as great looking end results that last!
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      11-07-2017, 06:59 AM   #4
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I had gtechniq crystal serum black treatment (crystal serum with a cost of exo v3) put on my new bsm m2. I was never a fan of opti coat as whilst it is glossy it lacks depth and warmth. It is too sterile for my liking and especially on darker cars. Crystal serum is amazing and as good as modesta but without the price tag. Crystal serum is the same as modesta in that it requires wet sanding off If applied incorrectly with high spots not removed. the problem is gtechniq doesn't market as well which means their products aren't as readily availabke amongst the detailing market.
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      11-12-2017, 08:02 AM   #5
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I have Modesta also. I have found that washing the car takes less time, and that the final results are much better than without a coating. It’s possible to get that freshly clayed and waxed look and feel with just a regular quick wash.

I have not found that the dust or dirt “slides off” in the way I had kind of initially hoped it would.

But so far, i’m Liking what it does.
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      11-14-2017, 06:38 AM   #6
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Modesta Coating

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Originally Posted by rouxeny View Post
I have Modesta also. I have found that washing the car takes less time, and that the final results are much better than without a coating. It’s possible to get that freshly clayed and waxed look and feel with just a regular quick wash.

I have not found that the dust or dirt “slides off” in the way I had kind of initially hoped it would.

But so far, i’m Liking what it does.
I really think that this again is a marketing ploy by some other brands. Dirt will never just slide off, but what you have found is that maintaining the look of the vehicle with the coating is much easier.

Bruce
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      11-15-2017, 12:10 AM   #7
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I am guessing Modesta must be purchased and applied through a detailing company? You cannot purchase the product yourself and apply it?
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      11-15-2017, 06:47 AM   #8
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Modesta Coating

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Originally Posted by CameronM2LCI View Post
I am guessing Modesta must be purchased and applied through a detailing company? You cannot purchase the product yourself and apply it?
Yes, you are correct. It is a pro-only install product. Modesta does not make a consumer coating.

Bruce
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      06-19-2018, 09:26 PM   #9
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Apologies for digging this older thread up, but I'm in a similar situation to the OP on my new M4 (Mineral Grey). I'm having to decide between Opticoat Pro+ or Gtechniq Crystal Serum Pro/Exo.

From my research I'm finding that the Crystal Serum gives a superior shine but doesn't have the longevity of the Opticoat. Am I on the right track? Is there a discernible difference or is it one of those things that you need to look hard to see a visual benefit of the Crystal Serum over the Opticoat?
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      06-20-2018, 12:45 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWRX View Post
Apologies for digging this older thread up, but I'm in a similar situation to the OP on my new M4 (Mineral Grey). I'm having to decide between Opticoat Pro+ or Gtechniq Crystal Serum Pro/Exo.

From my research I'm finding that the Crystal Serum gives a superior shine but doesn't have the longevity of the Opticoat. Am I on the right track? Is there a discernible difference or is it one of those things that you need to look hard to see a visual benefit of the Crystal Serum over the Opticoat?
Honestly, when it comes to coatings, most of the high end stuff are very similar, just with subtle differences.

Maintenance is the key for longevity of coatings. A very high end coating that's poorly maintained will last just as long if not worse than a mid-range coating applied professionally that's properly maintained.

Personally I'd go with Gtechniq, as in my own personal experience it's easier to apply, performance is great. So less of a chance for an installer to really mess it up.

Installation and prep trumps the actual coating itself. With a crappy prep, and crappy installation even the best coating won't last.
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      06-20-2018, 06:16 AM   #11
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Gtechniq

Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWRX View Post
Apologies for digging this older thread up, but I'm in a similar situation to the OP on my new M4 (Mineral Grey). I'm having to decide between Opticoat Pro+ or Gtechniq Crystal Serum Pro/Exo.

From my research I'm finding that the Crystal Serum gives a superior shine but doesn't have the longevity of the Opticoat. Am I on the right track? Is there a discernible difference or is it one of those things that you need to look hard to see a visual benefit of the Crystal Serum over the Opticoat?
I don't think you could go wrong with either if they are installed correctly. GTECHNIQ rates the combo you proposed at a longevity of 9 years. I assume that would be a perfectly taken care of vehicle.

You may find with either one that in 3-6 years, that you would need to have a polish and re-application.

Bruce
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      07-12-2018, 10:38 AM   #12
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I have Pro+ on my M2 - it's ok.

My detail guy is a installer for Opticoat so I use it - but if he offered a different brand I would definitely opt for that.

It's longevity has been great however.
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