3m keeps coming out with new or diff versions of all the stuff they have already. really how many diff kinds of compounds does one company need to make. how many diff ways do you need to package scotch pads, etc. just pick up an autobodytoolmart catalog and see all the diff ways they try and sell the same stuff. Its crazy

Ya i noticed that to, you need to pay extra for the luxury of having your scotch-pads cut in half.

3M's business model is that they have to create new products on a certain time schedule (don't recall what it is). They also retire products on a similar schedule, so as to avoid having a whole bunch of different versions of the same product. It works for them as a business, but makes things more confusing for the end user.

I just haven't seen too much of their stuff retired.
In one catalog I see 13 diff compounds and polishes and this catalog is not selling all the 3m has to offer.( sorry I missed a page with 4 more. so make that 17). I can buy the same scotch brite pads in 3 diff kids of boxes. Tell me what the diff is between 3m's 01050 (1500 grit finishing film) and their 00950 (1500 grit finishing film)
I'm not completely knocking 3m. I use a lot of their products but every time I look they come out with more of the same stuff. It just seems silly

Not even silly its stupid
I was trying to round every thing up all the part numbers to try out the compleet 3m Trizact BS stuff what a Joke and no one dealler has it all in stock were is the compleet kit? they dont have one + Its so dang expensive any way.
I talked to a rep about it its sales thats doing it and they have no clue as to what or who they are marketing too.

3M needs a wake up call

Well, they do make LOTS of good products. We all use 'em and not just in this field.
The market(s) are saturated with their products and the pricing also reflects the marketing
involved. Many don't even think to look towards other brands...

And there are "better" products available but not as widely known or marketed. So often
times we sort of ignore them as being inferior in some way (and some are).

Eagle Abrasives make better sand papers; from course to fine. Nikkens is another excellent
brand (Meguiars). Price wise, it's similar or cheaper than 3M, BUT the papers are better and
last twice as long which makes them a better value also.

And the list goes on...

Do tell with links please!!!!

spi.forumup.org/about2347-spi.html

Anybody used the newest polishing system they have out with the quick connect pads? I've fallen in love with this system and it's only a two step for light colors! It is still the white waffle pad followed by the black but I never have a problem with the pad flyin off the buffer anymore. It's great and for the darker colors they still have the blue pad with the ultrafine compound to get the last of those scratches out. Let me know what you guys think.

I just finished polishing my car with the Ultrafine with the blue pad as my polishing with the Norton system was still leaving slight swirls in the finish. The Ultrafine took care of them with ease. Expensive, but worth it.

Yeah, you can't beat the ultrafine but I hate seeing the bill when you gotta get more of it.