Chemical Guys HydroSpeed Review – Is It Really Worth the Price?
HydroSpeed promises fast “ceramic” shine. We tested it against a true ceramic step to see what holds up after rain and repeat washes.
Quick Verdict
What we liked: easy spray-and-wipe, glossy look on day one, light beading.
What we didn’t: protection tapered quickly in our tests. If you want months of slickness and tight beading, a real ceramic layer performed better for not much more time.
Pros & Cons (HydroSpeed)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast, user-friendly application | Short-lived hydrophobics vs. a true ceramic |
| Nice gloss on already-clean paint | Less chemical/heat resistance; fades with washes |
| Good as a topper between washes | Not a substitute for a dedicated ceramic coating |
Our Test Setup
- Wash: Pre-foam with Jimbo’s Super Soaper, contact wash using Orange Wash Microfiber Towel.
- Panels: A = HydroSpeed per label. B = Tough As Shell (sprayable ceramic). Optional C = Gloss Boss (wipe-on ceramic).
- Tracking: Gloss look, tactile slickness, and water behavior over multiple weekly washes + rain.
Results
Initial Gloss & Slickness
HydroSpeed delivered a bright, wet gloss on day one. The Tough As Shell and Gloss Boss panels looked deeper and felt slicker right after cure.
Hydrophobics & Longevity
After 2–3 weekly washes, HydroSpeed’s beading opened up and sheeting slowed. The ceramic panels kept tight beads and fast runoff, making drying with the Massive Drying Towel easier.
Use Case Fit
HydroSpeed is fine as a quick shine booster on a coated or sealed car. For bare paint or longer intervals, a genuine ceramic step was clearly more efficient in the long run.
HydroSpeed vs. Real Ceramic — Head-to-Head
| Factor | Chemical Guys HydroSpeed | Jimbo’s Tough As Shell | Jimbo’s Gloss Boss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Quick “ceramic” detailer | Sprayable ceramic coating | Wipe-on ceramic coating |
| Durability | Short (weeks) | Months | Long-term (proper prep) |
| Gloss Character | Bright pop | Deep gloss, slick | Glassy depth, high clarity |
| Best Use | Quick topper between washes | Daily driver base layer | Premium finish & longevity |
Fast Upgrade Path
- Wash & prep: Super Soaper, clay if rough, optional refine with Picture Perfect Polish.
- Protect: Apply Tough As Shell (spray on towel, wipe on, buff). For a show-car finish, step up to Gloss Boss.
- Maintain: Gentle washes; top with a quick detail if you want extra pop before events.
Final Verdict
If you’re chasing a fast shine boost, HydroSpeed gets you there—briefly. For real durability, easier drying, and months of slickness, a true ceramic step (Tough As Shell or Gloss Boss) is the smarter buy.
Skip Short-Term Shine—Go Ceramic
Lock in months of protection and slick, glassy gloss with a quick, proven ceramic step.
