Review: CG Hybrid V7

mjlinane

My name is Mike
Review: Chemical Guys Hybrid V7

Introduction:

I mentioned in one of my review responses that I started off mainly using Chemical Guys products (this was before ACC picked up the line - before I knew about ACC even). They are an interesting outfit and, on one order, they tossed in a complementary bottle Hybrid V7, unsolicited.

Thanks to Corey again for providing the format.

Product Claims:

From CG website -

"Hybrid V7- Optical Select – High Gloss Spray Sealant


When selecting to design a new sprayable sealant and hybrid gloss enhancer spray detailer we decided to work from the ground up. We wanted something that was unthinkable, a product that would vanish into the finish instantly. A durable sealant that would disappear into the surface in a single wipe delivering long lasting superior optical-clarity and a high-shine slick finish. Hybrid V7 has undergone extensive testing to deliver a superior high gloss, wet shine, deep, reflective finish that takes any surface, wax or base sealant to the next level. Hybrid V7 works at a nano-spec level and bonds to surfaces instantly while its hybrid fast-flash technology virtually disappears into your finish leaving a durable streak-free high gloss, slick, non-stick finish.

Three years in the making and it is finally here! We asked our long time friends and customers to test over 53 different new formulation in an effort to create a product unlike any other. We shipped samples all over the world from Thailand and China to the UK and even Romania. We wanted your feedback ! What we got back was nothing short of amazing, out of 53 different samples that went out to over 300 different testers, virtually everyone came back raving and ranting about the same sample #23771-V7. Thanks to all the amazing friends and clients world wide that made the new Hybrid V7 what it is!

We asked:

Which product brought out the most shine?
Which products yielded the biggest change to the surface?
Which product did you enjoy using the most?
Which product was the easiest to use?
Over a 16 month trial and test period which product held up the best?
Out of your arsenal which product did you reach for the most?
Which product worked best during cold vs. hot weather?
Which one did you like the best overall?

We took the feedback and are proud to finally release Hybrid V7- Optical Select – High Gloss Spray Sealant
Hybrid V7- Optical Select uses state of the art optical gloss enhancers and a process of RBA- Rapid Bond Acceleration to deliver a transparent high gloss finish combined with a durable protective coating for paint, glass and virtually all exterior surfaces.. Utilizing a proprietary bonding system Hybrid V7 can also be used in detailing and maintaining rubber and plastic exterior surfaces delivering a durable and invisible UV coating that 100% non-greasy or 'waxy'."

Details:

1.- Packaging: Plastic Bottle and Trigger Sprayer
2.- Directions: Clearly labeled
3.- Viscosity: About the same as water
4.- Color: Orange
5.- Scent: Orange sherbet
6.- Price at time of review: 16oz = N/A from ACC
7.- Manufacturer: Chemical Guys
9.- Made in: California

Product

CG_V7.JPG


Other Products Used:

Short nap MF

Preparation:

It is a quick detailer so it depends on what you are trying to do with it. I never apply QDs except to freshly washed paint - but that's me.

It is also a spray sealant so, in this case, a clean car is a good place to start.

Application:

This seems to have changed since I got mine. Was recommended to spray on MF and then apply to paint. This is how I still apply it. However, recent CG videos show them spraying directly on the paint and wiping with an MF, turning and buffing - much like any standard QD or spray sealant.

I prefer my method. I do not know if the formula has changed in the interim. The packaging has.

Observations:

Wonderful smell. Leaves a glossy, slick finish. Melts into the paint leaving no streaks. A delight to use.

Love it for the final wipedown when applied over other sealants. I have applied as a standalone LSP on silver & white cars and on one black one and it was stunning.

Interestingly, one of my favorite applications on my personal car is on the hard plastic trim around the mirrors and on the B-pillars. The car is only a year old so they are in really good (perfect) shape and are a textured, semi-glossy black. CG Hybrid V7 melts into those as well but doesn't change the gloss level. It does obviously add protection as they bead like mad.

Does it meet its claims, yes.

Comparisons:

I believe V7 was created in response to products like Optimum Opti-Seal and UPGP (don't have this one). All (when applied as I do) are WOWA (Wipe On Walk Away) products. I truly like Opti-Seal and is used even more sparingly than V7 but I really prefer applying V7. It is just more natural and seemingly easier. Smells better, too.

Comparing to Wolfgang DGSS, I prefer WOWA to WOWO (Wipe On Wipe Off). I like the gloss and durability of Wolfgang and use it a lot on wheels (looks very good on paint, too). The cinnamon scent is quite nice, too.

Pros:

1.- Cleans (lightly) and protects in one step
2.- Cost effective in the gallon size
3.- Fantastic smell
4.- Leaves a slick, glossy finish on paint
5.- No streaking, melts into the paint.

???:
1.- Durability. Seems to last a goodly while but durability testing is not really something I care to do. Too many products to try.

Cons:

1.- None I've found.

Final Observations and Summary:

I originally wasn't going to post this review because ACC, for some unfathomable reason (to me, anyway), doesn't currently carry CG Hybrid V7. Forum members encouraged me to do so anyway (open forum and all) and hopefully ACC will soon pick it up.

This is my favorite spray sealant. I also think the fates agree with this because every time I try to order a different spray sealant from ACC (EF High Gloss Acrylic Shield and, yesterday, a gallon of BF DGSS), the order is taken and then cancelled the next day!

I don't use V7 as a QD (I don't really use QDs as QDs), but I do think the mild cleaning ability makes it perfect for the final wipedown. It removes streaks and adds that little pop. On its own, it seems to have decent durability and works exceptionally well on new plastic trim.

Comments and questions are encouraged. Thanks for viewing!
 
Thanks for another informative review. I also have some of this sent to me from a great friend named Dave. If he says something is good, I know it is.
 
Another great review, and, as I said in the "CG New Look Trim Gel" review that you did mjlinane, the CG line is certainly getting a good overall review on here.
 
Thanks for another informative review. I also have some of this sent to me from a great friend named Dave. If he says something is good, I know it is.

He wouldn't be from Memphis would he?

It was suggested to me to use a sponge to apply it just like Opti-seal.

BTW who is ACC?
 
wrt durability, I'd say it lasts a couple weeks at most. Can't say for sure cause I've been using it for my final wipe on top of 3 layers of KSG from my winter prep back in Oct and that stuff is bulletproof
 
wrt durability, I'd say it lasts a couple weeks at most. Can't say for sure cause I've been using it for my final wipe on top of 3 layers of KSG from my winter prep back in Oct and that stuff is bulletproof

Are you using the same stuff???;) They say....A durable sealant that would disappear into the surface in a single wipe delivering long lasting superior optical-clarity and a high-shine slick finish. More of CG hype. That is the one bad thing about these guys. Oh wait and they don't know how to use spell check:rofl
 
I alternate between V7, DGAW, FK425, and lately, diluted KSG at 4:1 for my final wipes.

stopped using DGAW during the winter though b/c it seems the car gets dirtier faster than if I use the other 3... dunno why...
 
I just got a sample of V7 the other day but haven't used it along with the DGAW sitting next to it! I mainly use OPT gloss enhancer.
 
wrt durability, I'd say it lasts a couple weeks at most.

Like I said, hard for me to do durability studies. On my car, it was over Blacklight and we had no rain to check beading and we've been under water restrictions since late summer (forced me to go rinseless - rinseless doesn't bead).

However, I know it was more than a month on the trim (nothing else on it).
 
This is my favorite spray sealant. I also think the fates agree with this because every time I try to order a different spray sealant from ACC (EF High Gloss Acrylic Shield and, yesterday, a gallon of BF DGSS), the order is taken and then cancelled the next day!

Interesting customer service. Do they explain the reason? My guess they have so many lines, the sell out, and given they only make them in batches, they do not often have them in stock but never update their web site. There is a reason for the low cost.

Does seem to be similar to speed wip?
 
Thanks for putting this review together. This is one CG product next to Celleste Dellaglio that I really want to try. I know V7 got the best QD award for 2011 over on the UK Detailing World site.

It looks like a great product. Hopefully the ACC store will get carry this...HINT HINT..
 
Interesting customer service. Do they explain the reason?

They sent me an email informing me they sold out and were refunding the difference. A couple of minutes later, I got the shipping confirmation. I honestly wasn't terribly happy either time and wished they'd called to see what I wanted to do with the order first. They spray sealants were the primary targets of those orders and I am winding up mainly with the stuff I threw in to get free shipping. I completely understand that both items were being discontinued and subject to selling out. Not unhappy - just would have been nice.
 
Another tremendous review and fortunately I can agree completely as I've used this product several times last summer. Hybrid V7 doesn't get any easier to use and produces a fantastic shine once buffed!! :bigups
 
I have a sample of V7 as well and have used it twice. I will concur that it has a nice scent and is very easy to use. IMO the final look is very similar to DG Aquawax. I would consider switching to v7 if the pricing was right. But for now I am sticking with Aquawax.
 
Back
Top