PRODUCT REVIEW: First look at CarPro FlyBy Forte (Beta testing)

[JonP01]

I did re-read my initial post and do not see where I said to "leave it and it will eventually dry clear". I followed the instructions to "continue buffing until clear".

Apologies. My mistake regarding wiping off (or not). I was actually referring not to your method, but the method shown on the webpage of the company I bought it from:

*Link Removed* http://carproforum.com/showthread.php?82-Forum-Rules Please see rule #11

They actually say in capital letters "DO NOT WIPE OFF". Which to my thinking completely contradicts both the product instructions and the methodologies shown in the this thread.

So at the very least, I think the company selling the product (who I assume are an authorised CarPro dealer) should clarify this. It directly contradicts the instructions on the box. And as I mentioned in my previous post, I cannot see how the product will completely disappear of it's own accord no matter how much time you give it.

I'd still like to know whether 2 or 3 coats are best for a windscreen, since I could tell when applying it that with each successive coat, it was easier to distribute and the 3 drops went further than they did previously. For example, in the first coat, I did the screen in 16 sections (i.e 3 drops x 16) but for the second coat, I only needed to do 12 sections (3 drops x 12). Perhaps a third might have been 4 sections given how much smoother the surface was each time and the fact that 3 drops went "further" each time.

And I definitely agree regarding the cotton applicators. I found they are OK so long as you are only using it to actually apply the product. But for the buffing phase they are beyond useless and as I mentioned, a dry Mint microfiber windscreen cloth worked perfectly -at least in terms of getting the windscreen perfectly transparent once again.

Perhaps future kits will have the 2 / 3 coat thing clarified one way or another and include a different cloth for the final buffing phase (assuming that is what is required, which I think it is). And by including a different cloth (or at least recommending one is used), the supplied cotton applicators would go much further.

 

[DARK HORSE]

Apologies. My mistake regarding wiping off (or not). I was actually referring not to your method, but the method shown on the webpage of the company I bought it from:

*Link Removed* http://carproforum.com/showthread.php?82-Forum-Rules Please see rule #11

They actually say in capital letters "DO NOT WIPE OFF". Which to my thinking completely contradicts both the product instructions and the methodologies shown in the this thread.

So at the very least, I think the company selling the product (who I assume are an authorised CarPro dealer) should clarify this. It directly contradicts the instructions on the box. And as I mentioned in my previous post, I cannot see how the product will completely disappear of it's own accord no matter how much time you give it.

I'd still like to know whether 2 or 3 coats are best for a windscreen, since I could tell when applying it that with each successive coat, it was easier to distribute and the 3 drops went further than they did previously. For example, in the first coat, I did the screen in 16 sections (i.e 3 drops x 16) but for the second coat, I only needed to do 12 sections (3 drops x 12). Perhaps a third might have been 4 sections given how much smoother the surface was each time and the fact that 3 drops went "further" each time.

And I definitely agree regarding the cotton applicators. I found they are OK so long as you are only using it to actually apply the product. But for the buffing phase they are beyond useless and as I mentioned, a dry Mint microfiber windscreen cloth worked perfectly -at least in terms of getting the windscreen perfectly transparent once again.

Perhaps future kits will have the 2 / 3 coat thing clarified one way or another and include a different cloth for the final buffing phase (assuming that is what is required, which I think it is). And by including a different cloth (or at least recommending one is used), the supplied cotton applicators would go much further.

I too am sorry for your confusion, however we cannot speak for another site (where you actually purchased the product from). CarPro-US is not affiliated with Wax-it and therefore has no control over what they do, say, or recommend. If you are having issues with application based on their suggestions, I would suggest you contact them directly and let them know.

Our Recommendation for application is and always has been as follows (it is also stated this way on the boxes we sale):

1.Polish the glass
2.Clean surface free of polishing oil residue with CarPro Eraser
3.Pour a few drops over the supplied cotton pad
4.Apply in circular motion in an organized pattern across the glass and do not wipe off. It will flash nearly invisible as you apply.
5.On windshield: Repeat steps 3 and 4 (2 more times - 3 coats total) / On side windows skip this and move to next step
6.Using the same applicator (but no additional Forte) once again repeat step 4 buffing off any trace of residue until the surface is 100% transparent and clear.
7.After entire windshield is coated, apply Flyby Forte to the Wiper blades and leave wipers off of the glass for at least 10 minutes.
8.For side windows only 1 layer is needed.
9.Keep surface dry for 4 hours with no wiper blades for 24 hours.

Thank you for your understanding,
Tad

 

[Dr_Pain]

Apologies. My mistake regarding wiping off (or not). I was actually referring not to your method, but the method shown on the webpage of the company I bought it from:

*Link Removed* http://carproforum.com/showthread.php?82-Forum-Rules Please see rule #11

They actually say in capital letters "DO NOT WIPE OFF". Which to my thinking completely contradicts both the product instructions and the methodologies shown in the this thread.

So at the very least, I think the company selling the product (who I assume are an authorised CarPro dealer) should clarify this. It directly contradicts the instructions on the box. And as I mentioned in my previous post, I cannot see how the product will completely disappear of it's own accord no matter how much time you give it.

I'd still like to know whether 2 or 3 coats are best for a windscreen, since I could tell when applying it that with each successive coat, it was easier to distribute and the 3 drops went further than they did previously. For example, in the first coat, I did the screen in 16 sections (i.e 3 drops x 16) but for the second coat, I only needed to do 12 sections (3 drops x 12). Perhaps a third might have been 4 sections given how much smoother the surface was each time and the fact that 3 drops went "further" each time.

And I definitely agree regarding the cotton applicators. I found they are OK so long as you are only using it to actually apply the product. But for the buffing phase they are beyond useless and as I mentioned, a dry Mint microfiber windscreen cloth worked perfectly -at least in terms of getting the windscreen perfectly transparent once again.

Perhaps future kits will have the 2 / 3 coat thing clarified one way or another and include a different cloth for the final buffing phase (assuming that is what is required, which I think it is). And by including a different cloth (or at least recommending one is used), the supplied cotton applicators would go much further.

Since the link was removed I Googled it and saw what you are referring to. I do agree that the written instructions they posted may lead to confusion. If I were you I would contact the company and ask for the technical writer to discuss the exact application/instructions with CarPro to standardize them across all CraPro suppliers. Again, I SERIOUSLY doubt you messed it up, but I am saddened that you had a bad first impression. On a positive note, you did find the CarPro Forum where you know you can ask questions, get Pro tips etc...

Now I will answer your second question (about how many coats) but know that I don't have intimate knowledge of the exact answer. Forte does not "bond" to the surface but "penetrates" it (note the quotes are used to demonstrate a very loose use of the term). The reason for multiple coat is to ensure 100% coverage. I would also offer that beyond 2 "solid" layers, that any further application would be a redundant waste of product. Seriously, how much product will "penetrate" the glass. I applied "thin" and actually sub-divided the screen in 6 sections (I have long arms), so felt I had to do more than 2-3 layers. As I got use to the application I was able to produce the same results with less product. It is hard to see where the product has been applied, but with practice and a solid methodology you can assure yourself that you do have 100% coverage and adequate overlapping of sections. In that case less section passes will be needed, therefore less product will be needed to offer "best" protection. The windscreen is coated 3 times for good measure and longevity but I personally believe that 2 coats would be sufficient and that 1 coat will offer the same hydrophobic benefit (maybe the scratch resistance won't be as good).

In any case, welcome to the forum and I am looking forward to reading your future contributions.

 

[JonP01]

Thanks very much. Firstly apologies again regarding my further confusion. I honestly thought that this was the official CarPro manufacturer's forum when I joined and made my first post. It was only after I had first posted and received my reply that I realised that this was not the case. That was also why I posted the original link (it was not done with any bad intentions), as I wrongly thought the company I purchased from bought their stock from "here". Obviously none of that is the case.

In any event I did contact the dealer in my country and they are working hard for me alongside the CarPro manufacturer to help me with the issues I had regarding buffing in versus (having to) buff out.

The good news it that I tested my windscreen for hydrophobic properties yesterday and yes, the windscreen is indeed now noticeably hydrophobic, so I am thinking that regardless of how I did it, I have a "result", just not as the manufacturer intended.

I do agree that just two decent applications makes sense, since even by the second coat, you can both see and feel that it is not wanting to "bond" with the screen like the first coat does. It is exactly like house paint - the second coat always goes on easier than the first. So I reckon that by the third, you aren't even really doing anything much at all apart from as you say - making sure you have perfect coverage.

I think you do have to mentally and accurately divide the screen into sections. I am not a big person so even when doing normal cleaning I tend to do things in 4 sections. The only real reason for dividing the screen into so many sections is because the product does "run out" quite fast on the applicator pad, especially with the first coat.

Wouldn't it be great if the product were somehow magical and went on a bright colour so you could see exactly what your coverage is, then it simply dries clear after that? In any case, it does not seem to do any harm to overlap the sections, and this is really unavoidable.

I'll certainly update this thread if I get any clarity from the company and my dealer, since cars are cars and glass is glass whether we are talking about Sydney, Australia or the US

In the end, I don't really want people to think I am specifically disappointed with the product so much as I was simply confused by differing "local" instructions and my misinterpretation of the concepts of buffing in versus buffing out. According to an early post on a forum by the company that sells this in my country, this product was likely originally intended for professional applicators only so when you put it into the hands of newbie clumsy clots like me, there is the possibility of issues, especially as I am someone who tends to "over-read" instructions!

This does not mean I don't think the product can be improved. More than one of use already agree regarding the integrity of the applicators and I'd probably prefer that 8 of them were packaged up with the 10 ml product. Either that or make the 5 of them more durable

 

[Dr_Pain]

Thanks very much. Firstly apologies again regarding my further confusion. I honestly thought that this was the official CarPro manufacturer's forum when I joined and made my first post. It was only after I had first posted and received my reply that I realised that this was not the case. That was also why I posted the original link (it was not done with any bad intentions), as I wrongly thought the company I purchased from bought their stock from "here". Obviously none of that is the case.

In any event I did contact the dealer in my country and they are working hard for me alongside the CarPro manufacturer to help me with the issues I had regarding buffing in versus (having to) buff out.

The good news it that I tested my windscreen for hydrophobic properties yesterday and yes, the windscreen is indeed now noticeably hydrophobic, so I am thinking that regardless of how I did it, I have a "result", just not as the manufacturer intended.

I do agree that just two decent applications makes sense, since even by the second coat, you can both see and feel that it is not wanting to "bond" with the screen like the first coat does. It is exactly like house paint - the second coat always goes on easier than the first. So I reckon that by the third, you aren't even really doing anything much at all apart from as you say - making sure you have perfect coverage.

I think you do have to mentally and accurately divide the screen into sections. I am not a big person so even when doing normal cleaning I tend to do things in 4 sections. The only real reason for dividing the screen into so many sections is because the product does "run out" quite fast on the applicator pad, especially with the first coat.

Wouldn't it be great if the product were somehow magical and went on a bright colour so you could see exactly what your coverage is, then it simply dries clear after that? In any case, it does not seem to do any harm to overlap the sections, and this is really unavoidable.

I'll certainly update this thread if I get any clarity from the company and my dealer, since cars are cars and glass is glass whether we are talking about Sydney, Australia or the US

In the end, I don't really want people to think I am specifically disappointed with the product so much as I was simply confused by differing "local" instructions and my misinterpretation of the concepts of buffing in versus buffing out. According to an early post on a forum by the company that sells this in my country, this product was likely originally intended for professional applicators only so when you put it into the hands of newbie clumsy clots like me, there is the possibility of issues, especially as I am someone who tends to "over-read" instructions!

This does not mean I don't think the product can be improved. More than one of use already agree regarding the integrity of the applicators and I'd probably prefer that 8 of them were packaged up with the 10 ml product. Either that or make the 5 of them more durable

Absolutely no harm done! As you mentioned the product was set to be released "Pro Only" because any new products does tend to have an experience all on its own. I underlined the new because this is truly a new formulation and not a reformulation of FlyBy30. If it would have been a reformulation then we would have known about all the small quirks. In any case, I am glad that the product is found in the hands of the general public to see how "they" react to the initial experience.

I think we know that you are not (and won't be) disappointed with the product or CarPro but did have a disappointing first encounter. I am sure that seeing the hydrophobic results must have put a smile back in your face!?!, and then comes the real test of Forte, namely the durability. If you continue seeing the results past the critical 6 month mark, then all this early angst will be eliminated.

Please do keep us updated!! Through your experience, we learn! Trust me when I tell you that CarPro Corp does read and take all feedback seriously

 

[Moldavite]

Can't wait for Forte available to public

Thank You for this review Dr Pain

 

[allenk4]

I used CaprPro Spotless on glass that had been treated with G1

It was not pretty

The glass hazed and looked almost etched

I had to polish it off


If Forte can stand up to Spotless, that would be another plus for the product

 

[SaMaBa]

Hi, i'm still here with the problem (the problem is wiper noise/skip to the blade).
2 new video.

Watch the 1st video for the wipers.

Watch the 2nd video for driving test in actual rain (low speed 50-65 km/h).

 

[mrperple]

Now that FlyBy Forte is available to the public i can now read this thread and not get depressed that I can't have it. :CarproRules:

 

[Dr_Pain]

Hi, i'm still here with the problem (the problem is wiper noise/skip to the blade).
2 new video.

Watch the 1st video for the wipers.

Watch the 2nd video for driving test in actual rain (low speed 50-65 km/h).

Hydrophobic qualities of Forte....CHECKED!!
Wiper chatter..... NOT COOL!

How old are the blades? I am only speculating that maybe (if cleaned and coated properly) that the chatter may be because the blade lost its resiliency?? I also wonder if some blades may be more prone to chattering!?! Could you try and Reload the blade and windshield to see if that would eliminate the problem. If it does then we can blame Forte, but if it doesn't then we may have to look at the quality and elastomer components of the actual blade. If they are aftermarket brand, please indicate the name brand so we can at least log your problem with this particular brand. If more people (now that it is public) start having the same problem with the same blade then maybe CarPro will be able to investigate the bonding of Forte with this particular rubber product

 

[slicksierra]

I don't have forte but a fresh application of FlyBy30 with 2 week old Bosch Icons. Reload on the shield as well and some FlyBy30 on the rubber of the blade. Swipes smooth as glass

 

[SaMaBa]

Hydrophobic qualities of Forte....CHECKED!!
Wiper chatter..... NOT COOL!

How old are the blades? I am only speculating that maybe (if cleaned and coated properly) that the chatter may be because the blade lost its resiliency?? I also wonder if some blades may be more prone to chattering!?! Could you try and Reload the blade and windshield to see if that would eliminate the problem. If it does then we can blame Forte, but if it doesn't then we may have to look at the quality and elastomer components of the actual blade. If they are aftermarket brand, please indicate the name brand so we can at least log your problem with this particular brand. If more people (now that it is public) start having the same problem with the same blade then maybe CarPro will be able to investigate the bonding of Forte with this particular rubber product

Ok.
My blade is new (1 month)and are Bosch Aerotwin A863s (VW Golf 7 and Audi A3).
I ordered new brushes always Bosch and repeat the test without the application of one layer of CarPro Forte and after the application of CarPro Forte.
Very thanks for the support.
See you later
Stay tuned...

 

[Mark]

I think blade brand may play a big part.

While I haven't used any of the carpro products on my windshield in the past few weeks or better, I've been throwing everything else on, and boy, do I get some wiper chatter like I've never had!

They are very recent blades (on my Kia Spectra daily driver), and have cleaned them well with APC, Eraser and Reload about 1-1/2 weeks ago. And in heavy rains after, man, they're skipping across the glass like nobody's business! LOL

But, these were the cheapest blades money could buy, some walmart garbage, and I'm concluding you sometimes "do" get what you pay for! Next time, and probably soon, I'll invest in something better. Doesn't pay to cut corners on safety items such as this.

 

[Dr_Pain]

I think blade brand may play a big part.

While I haven't used any of the carpro products on my windshield in the past few weeks or better, I've been throwing everything else on, and boy, do I get some wiper chatter like I've never had!

They are very recent blades (on my Kia Spectra daily driver), and have cleaned them well with APC, Eraser and Reload about 1-1/2 weeks ago. And in heavy rains after, man, they're skipping across the glass like nobody's business! LOL

But, these were the cheapest blades money could buy, some walmart garbage, and I'm concluding you sometimes "do" get what you pay for! Next time, and probably soon, I'll invest in something better. Doesn't pay to cut corners on safety items such as this.

Did you Reload the windshield also Mark??

 

[DIANA LYNCH]

CarPro's FlyBy Forte in beta testing? That's like the latest gadget drop for windshield coatings! It's supposed to be all about super-durable hydrophobic action, like raindrops just sliding off your windshield without a care. Think of it like your car wearing invisible rain boots that make water dance away faster than you can say "wash me." If it lives up to the hype, driving in the rain might just become oddly satisfying, like your car's playing its own game of water polo.