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The Absorber

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R6MGS

R6MGS

Yoda
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Was wondering if anyone has tried this, it's a type of chamois replacement....brightly colored, comes in a tube, claims to be able to dry a small car in 3 minutes. It's slightly cheaper than a chamois and since it's time for me to replace mine anyway I wanted to know how good these things work? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
We use bedsheets at work to dry the tops of the cars. one person on each side sliding the sheets like a bucksaw.
 
IMO the Absorber is a good synthetic substitute for chamois and dries a car in about the same amount of time. Drying times vary depending on how thorough, methodical, careful you happen to be; it generally takes me longer than 3 mins. The Absorber is superior to other synthetics, like the bundled ones sold at Auto Shows, because they’re lint free (so save those to dry rims, door jambs and engine bays).

The Absorber is stored slightly moist and doesn’t rot or eventually disintegrate like a chamois. For the traditionalist, like me, get the natural color! Regaless of color, you'll be happy with the choice. GONZO
 
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Was wondering if anyone has tried this, it's a type of chamois replacement....brightly colored, comes in a tube, claims to be able to dry a small car in 3 minutes. It's slightly cheaper than a chamois and since it's time for me to replace mine anyway I wanted to know how good these things work? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

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Been using them here on Bonaire for decades. Work very well.

Bruce
 
The Absorber does a good job, absorbs well, gentle on paint (if kept clean!) but I don't like the way it "sucks down" onto the finish when you spread it out flat, makes it hard to drag along. I have another, similar PVA sponge style "synthetic chamois" with a waffle pattern impressed in it that I prefer, it glides much better. Unfortunately the supplier I got it from doesn't carry them any more.

Only use The Absorber (or chamois) on a car that's absolutely clean, just wet. Their smooth surface means that if there's any grit on the paint it will get ground in.

Non-woven microfiber "synthetic chamois" like Meguiar's Microfiber Super Suede Drying Towel are also very gentle and easy to use. Easier to clean and store too (they store dry). I find them a bit more prone to leaving tiny droplets than the PVA sponge types though. If you like using natural chamois the Super Suede Drying Towel works almost exactly the same way but doesn't have the problems of animal hides.

My current favorite drying towels are waffle-weave microfibers like Meguiar's Water Magnet. They're really absorbent, super gentle and very easy to clean, just toss 'em in the washer. (Note: common terry weave microfiber towels are gentle but don't absorb or glide as well.)


PC.
 
I've never seen the waffle pattern synthetic ones...or waffle waeve microfivers either......where did you get them? I've try a bunch of other synthetic chamois and have not been impressed....I bought a new chamois a few weeks ago, but it's too small(and so are most other genuine chamois out there now) so I am back to using my two old real chamois, but their both pretty beat up....I haven't had to much trouble with drying-related scratches so I think I'll try the absorber, how long are those suppose to last anyway?
 
There are a bunch of suppliers that sell a variety of different types of microfiber towels. They're easy to find online. The only waffle weaves I ever see "over the counter" are the Meguiar's products and Target's house brand, Vroom (which I haven't tried).

I only used my Absorber a couple times before deciding I didn't like it so I can't say how it will last from experience. Seems to me that it should last a very long time as long as you don't drag it over sharp edges.


PC.
 
I picked up a real chamois over at Costco a few years back, the thing is huge. Easily twice the size of most of the ones I've seen at most auto parts and specialty stores. Love it, but now after a few seasons of use its about had it, and I noticed Costco no longer carries it, so I'm interested in this discussion as it looks like I'll be trying a synthetic next. I was going to try the Absorber also, but maybe I'll look around a little for something with a pattern as PC has described. Microfiber is a wonderful thing. I use the microfiber polishing clothes for removing wax and polishes. Picks up all the dust and leaves no micro scratches.
 
... but sticks to all the snags you didn't know you had on your fingers. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
Wish my cars were in a condition worthy of a chasmois again!

....soon. Very soon.
 
Actually, I dry the TR with a dish towel, the paints shot on her. I use the good stuff on the daily drivers, wifes Jeep and my Subaru. The Subie has gorgeous paint for a factory job, beautiful color depth. It's taken a bit of a beating this winter though, a salt truck I got stuck behind a few weeks ago gave her nose a real blasting and now I've got a bunch of nice chips. Grrrr....
mad0063.gif
 
Never have used the absorber,plenty of chamois thou, im now sold on the Mr Clean car wash system,been using it for over a year and not dried a car by hand since.
 
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The Subie has gorgeous paint for a factory job, beautiful color depth. It's taken a bit of a beating this winter though, a salt truck I got stuck behind a few weeks ago gave her nose a real blasting and now I've got a bunch of nice chips. Grrrr....
mad0063.gif


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/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cryin.gif OUCH! I remember the first time I got stuck behind one of those with my Jag....I wanted to cry.....Buy a good quality touch-up from the dealer and look at them as 'scars of battle' /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
First saw the absorber at a swim meet (kids swam competitively). Tried it on a car and loved it. You can get it in colors to semi match your car. Still have the cloths.
 
Have used the absorber for years. Intially bought small ones to carry in each car. Also have large waffled one in the garage.
I had read a report years ago, I believe in Road & Track, that stated that chamois are tough on the wax finish where the absorber is not. Regardless if that is true, they are less expensive and work very well.
 
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Never have used the absorber,plenty of chamois thou, im now sold on the Mr Clean car wash system,been using it for over a year and not dried a car by hand since.

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/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif

I have the Mr. Clean, and it does do a good job. The secret is the filter that is in the unit. Unfortunately, I only get about 10-12 washes with it before it has to be replaced. I plan to pipe in a large filter on my outside faucet that I can bypass with a couple of ball valves. This way when I wash the cars, I can rinse with the filtered water. That's the secret to no spot drying. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Yep, get a big filter at home depot!
 
I'd still worry about the water sitting in my door jambs and other crevases....A filtered tap wouldn't be very practical for me, I've been known to go outside with a blow torch to unfreeze the thing in the winter in order to wash the cars...would prolly just burn right through a filter.
 
I'm going to plumb the filter and by-pass in the basement BEFORE it gets to the outside tap. Since I rarely use this particular tap for anything else except washing cars, it won't be a big inconvenience to run downstairs to swing the ball valves.
 
Unless you're planning to run up and down the stairs while washing you'll be valving the filter in once before you start and again when you're done. That'll work great but you may find you use up your filter elements faster than necessary.

A lot of guys will do their initial rinse and wash with unfiltered water and save the filtered water for final rinsing to save the filters.

You might also check with a plumbing supply for a bypass valve like the ones used on water softeners. It'll be easier to use than multiple ball valves when switching your filter in and out.
flow_valve.jpg

brass%20bypass.gif



PC.
 
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