I'm looking to buy one, but do i go for a genuine or a synthetic one? And where is best to buy it?
Ben
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I find Halford's own synthetic chamois last for years and years if rinsed out after each use and left to dry thoroughly. Certainly better than even the most expensive genuine leather jobbie I've tried.
Last Christmas however, I was given a soft plastic blade marketed by Turtlewax with which to quickly squeegee (sp?) large areas of bodywork. It works wonderfully, with the obvious proviso that all dirt MUST have been washed off first. So far, no scratches, and a better chalk-deposit-free finish than chamois alone.
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I've been using a synth for years and replaced it with the real thing recently. I have to admit I think the synth was much better. I find the chamois hard to wring out well, and there seems to be a milky residue from it (though this will probably go with usage). It feels "scratchier" than the synth too
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Real ones take a bit more looking after than the synthetic ones. I find soaking them a bit in plain water takes away the slightly more 'scratchy' feeling to them. Rinsing them in normal soapy water once in a while also helps them keep ok. I had a synthetic one for a while and didn't like it. I bought my real one from a classic car show so it might have been better than the ones that halfords sell. They also prefer to be dried out more slowly and don't like being left somewhere really sunny either.
teabelly
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dad always uses real ones, they seem expensive but he managed to get some cheap from where they come from (dont ask where no idea) they were always massive ones as well i remember!!!
We got one from halfords thats o.k, not as good as the pukka ones dad has though.
I also got the turtle wax blade and my other half tried it and
got a few small scratches, wouldn't recommend it to be honest, good for windows but have to hold it carefully or it doesnt get the water off properly, I wouldnt use it on my own car paintwork.
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Used to use real one s- lasted 2 years at best.
Now use Halfords synthetic- 5 years old and still very good.
No choice imo.
(I do keep it damp in original container as specified).
madf
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I'm looking to buy one, but do i go for a genuine or a synthetic one? And where is best to buy it? Ben
I had a Singer Chamois in 1965, and I wouldn't recommend that you buy one whether synthetic or genuine!
L'escargot by name, but not by nature.
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Thanks a lot guys. I think i'll go with a nice big synthetic from halfords.
Ben
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Autoglym do a good synthetic one but it's not cheap.
PP
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Genuine x large chamois from Wilkinsons for c£7 cannot be beaten !
Needs several soakings in warm/hot water intially on purchase to get out the dye - soaks up a large quantity of water now without streaks. Beats the Halfords synthetic hands down !
Use this for the exterior of the car, and a smaller one for inside door frames etc which tend to get dirtier.
Steve
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I had a Singer Chamois
he said impishly. ;)
Halfords Synth seems OK, and the price for a replacement doesn't break your heart when you accidently drop it on the drive.
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Don't vote it only encourages them.
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