Absorber vs WW Shootout! (PICS)

**eShine** · 07-17-2004, 05:15 PM

I was a little bored today and decided to do my first comparison. I saw my old faithful Absorber sitting there looking lonely and decided to remind myself why I don`t use it anymore!

I thought this would be a good time to do a comparison of the Absorber Drying sponge and a Microfiber Waffle Weave Drying towel.

Before I decide to sell any products these are the type of tests I personally perform. I pick products I see work superior to others as a result of these tests.

First, the contenders!

Now lets compare textures. The Waffle Weave has the advantage already with its many fibers and multi textures surface.

The object!

Lets see how the Absorber does.

Not so great. Results could have been improved if I were to exert un-necessary force. Because the Absorber is a Sponge material you must press down hard for its texture to be flat on the surface, this is why the large beads slipped under it. Un-necessary force required to obtain the desired result would potentially be harmful to the paint.

Here is a close up of where the Absorber DID do a good job, In all fairness we will use it as a comparison.

Time for the Waffle Weave,

Lets see how it fairs,

No pressure at all and there is no sign of water anywhere! The surface it totally streak free.

Here is a close up!

The winner? The Absorber has a nice plastic container.....but the Waffle Weave takes the cake.

**imported_Blake** · 07-17-2004, 05:26 PM

I have two Absorbers that are in their cases gathering dust. After I gave waffleweaves a try that was the end for the Absorber.

Actually there are so many new microfiber towels available now that are so superior to the old chamois and its imitators the entire way we dry our vehicles has changed.

Great pictures to show the benefits of mf towels.

**a.k.a. Patrick** · 07-17-2004, 06:27 PM

Nice job.....! I too used an abosrber for many months, but the ww is by far superior........

**hondaguy2582** · 07-17-2004, 06:31 PM

Ill agree that waffle weaves are superior, but sometimes, I will use the absorber on windows before i use the waffle weave mf.

**imported_BretFraz** · 07-17-2004, 07:01 PM

Originally posted by Blake

I have two Absorbers that are in their cases gathering dust. After I gave waffleweaves a try that was the end for the Absorber.

My sentiments exactly. I haven`t used my Absorbers in years since I discovered waffleweave MF.

**derek37** · 07-17-2004, 07:15 PM

i like to use the absorber to remove most of the water and then follow up with a WW

**ALAN81** · 07-17-2004, 08:38 PM

if you have a absorber give it to a friend,a cousin a brother -in-law,and keep it away from your car

**Aurora** · 07-17-2004, 08:51 PM

Yeah, I never felt comfortable with it. Especially since I do QEW, which leaves some dirt floating around and the absorber would just press it against the paint.

**Aurora** · 07-17-2004, 08:52 PM

And thanks for the comparo!

**TN9thSi** · 07-17-2004, 09:18 PM

I used the absorber on my S-10 but it was getting old and I tossed it, switching to all WW, after getting my new car. Never looked back! Thanks for the visual comparo. Should help some noobs out.

**loco** · 07-17-2004, 09:45 PM

Great pictures, nice job. I also have an Absorber, but haven`t used it since I got my latest car. Now that I`ve learned the "remove the nozzle from the hose for your final rinse" trick here at Autopia, I have no need for anything but a WW to get the car nice and dry.

**III** · 07-18-2004, 01:20 PM

I agree with all of you so far. I used to have an absorber, but after using waffles I have never used the absorber since.

**Prometheus** · 07-18-2004, 02:25 PM

Not intended as a flame... but isn`t it more common autopian practice to blot when drying than wiping as done in the test? Michg be just me, but it seems like my abosrber works much better when blotting than when wiping. Just a suggestion/idea.

**PakShak** · 07-18-2004, 02:43 PM

I use two waffle weaves to completely dry my 4Runner. And the 2nd towel is only half saturated with water which possibly could be used to dry a compact car.

The great thing about the waffle weave towels is that they don`t or can`t be wringed. They are very thirsty.

With Aloha,

Ranney

**eShine** · 07-18-2004, 02:43 PM

Well considering both items were used in the same fashion it still compares the products performance to the others. IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m sure I would get similar results with blotting. I am an Autopian and I wipe, not blot. Personal preference.

Chris Pace