Tough As Shell vs Chemical Guys HydroCharge, HydroCharge Plus & HydroSlick
Chemical Guys HydroCharge, HydroCharge Plus, and HydroSlick are three of the most marketed ceramic sprays and hybrid coatings on the internet. But do any of them actually outperform a modern, high-performance ceramic spray like Tough As Shell? In this full comparison, we break down gloss, hydrophobic behavior, durability, ease of use, real-world performance, streaking, UV protection, and long-term maintenance to find the true winner.
Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes
Quick Comparison Summary
- Tough As Shell outperforms all Chemical Guys ceramic sprays in durability and hydrophobics.
- HydroCharge & HydroCharge Plus provide good shine but weak longevity.
- HydroSlick is glossy but streak-prone and not durable enough for real protection.
- Tough As Shell lasts 4–6 months — the longest of all products tested.
- Ease of use: Tough As Shell → easiest; HydroCharge Plus → hardest.
- Best Value: Tough As Shell with higher durability per ounce.
Best Overall Ceramic Spray:
Tough As Shell (Shopify)
Tough As Shell (Amazon)
Meet the Competitors
1. Tough As Shell (Jimbo's Detailing)
- True SiO2 ceramic spray
- 4–6 months durability
- Extremely hydrophobic
- Coating-safe & streak-free
- Fast application, no residue
2. Chemical Guys HydroCharge
- SiO2-based spray sealant
- 1–2 months durability
- Known for streaking on dark paint
- Gloss-heavy formulation
3. Chemical Guys HydroCharge Plus
- Thicker gel-style formula
- Improved gloss
- Still streak-prone
- Durability closer to 2–3 months
4. Chemical Guys HydroSlick
- “HyperWax” hybrid coating
- Gel consistency
- High shine, poor longevity
- Can be grabby and sticky during removal
Side-by-Side Performance Chart
| Feature | Tough As Shell | HydroCharge | HydroCharge Plus | HydroSlick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | ✔✔✔ 4–6 Months | ✔ 1–2 Months | ✔✔ 2–3 Months | ✔ 1–2 Months |
| Hydrophobic Behavior | ✔✔✔ Extreme | ✔✔ Medium | ✔✔ Medium | ✔ Medium |
| Gloss | ✔✔✔ High | ✔✔ High | ✔✔ High | ✔✔✔ Very High |
| Ease of Use | ✔✔✔ Very Easy | ✔ Medium (Streaky) | ✔ Hard (Sticky) | ✔ Hard (Grabby) |
| UV Protection | ✔✔✔ Strong | ✔ Medium | ✔ Medium | ✔ Medium |
| Value Per Ounce | ✔✔✔ Excellent | ✔ Medium | ✔ Low | ✔ Medium |
Durability Test Results
We tested all four products under:
- Sun exposure (parked outside)
- Weekly washing
- Freeway driving
- Hard water rinsing
- Night moisture + morning dew
- Light chemical exposure
The Winner: Tough As Shell
Lasts 4–6 months with no heavy degradation in beading or slickness. HydroCharge, HydroCharge Plus, and HydroSlick lasted a fraction of that time.
Hydrophobic Behavior (Water Beading & Sheeting)
Tough As Shell
- Extremely high-contact-angle beading
- Fast sheeting
- Self-cleaning behavior stays longer
Chemical Guys Line
- HydroCharge → medium beading
- HydroCharge Plus → slightly better but still mid-tier
- HydroSlick → good initial sheeting but fades quickly
Application & Ease of Use
Tough As Shell
- No streaking
- No grabbing
- No rainbowing on black paint
- No special towel required
HydroCharge Issues
- Streaking on dark paint
- Uneven curing
- Needs perfect conditions
HydroCharge Plus Issues
- Sticky removal
- Needs careful buffing
- Not ideal for beginners
HydroSlick Issues
- Grabby
- Difficult on hot panels
- Hard to remove without high-pile microfiber
Real-World Daily Driver Results
On a daily-driven vehicle, we found:
- Tough As Shell holds hydrophobics far longer
- Chemical Guys sprays faded fast after weekly washes
- HydroSlick became grabby after 2–3 weeks
- HydroCharge struggled with water-spot resistance
Which One Should You Buy?
Buy Tough As Shell If You Want:
- Long durability
- Extreme water behavior
- Streak-free application
- UV protection
- Daily-driver performance
Buy HydroSlick If You Want:
- Temporarily high gloss
- You don’t mind short durability
Buy HydroCharge/HydroCharge Plus If:
- You want shine but don’t need long-term durability
The Clear Winner: Tough As Shell
Stronger durability. Better hydrophobics. Easier application. Zero streaking. Tough As Shell outperforms every Chemical Guys ceramic spray we tested.
Want Multi-Year Protection Instead?
Upgrade to The Gloss Boss — a wipe-on ceramic coating lasting up to 5 years.
Suggested Next Reads
FAQs
Which lasts longer: Tough As Shell or HydroCharge?
Tough As Shell lasts 4–6 months. HydroCharge lasts 1–2 months.
Is HydroSlick better than Tough As Shell?
No. HydroSlick is glossier but far less durable and harder to apply.
Which Chemical Guys product is best?
HydroCharge Plus is the strongest, but still performs below Tough As Shell.
Can you layer Chemical Guys ceramics with Tough As Shell?
Yes — but for best performance, apply Tough As Shell as the topper.
Is Tough As Shell safe on black paint?
Yes — it’s streak-free and safe on all finishes.
