Simon C

How long should a pad last when in use. I got about 2 panels out of 1 before it was "smudging" the polish around instead of breaking down the polish.

I should add, this was using a DA and menz yellow pads with 203S.

brocks

iTrader: (3)

Should get a LOT more out of them that that......I normally use Lake Country pads on my Porter Cable, and can get about 1/2 the car done ( depending on cutting paste/polish being applied....

Age of the pads is a big factor as a fresh pad will repel the polish off the pad onto the car better and for longer....another thing to try is a spray of QD or Last Touch onto the pad before applying the polish....

I also found the heavier the compound used the less panels I could correct due to "clogging" up on the pad....its easy to overuse too much compound, when actually less polish machined onto the paint gives a better result

Just my opinion...not a pro, merely another keen amateur

AutoFinesse

The menz pads are not the longest lasting pads, but they do a good job, Megs pads are IMO the longest lasting pads out there.

V4JDMSTi

iTrader: (2)

+1 the only thing i don't like is that they've now made them in 7" which is a little on the big side for my liking.

Rich @ PB

iTrader: (3)

Hmm, chances are you are using too much polish on the pad; 2-3 pea sized drops per 12-18 inch square area is about right - how does this compare to what you used? Also, the yellow pad is borderline on the soft side for 203S; the orange pad is better suited for rapid and efficient polish breakdown, and will absorb less product too. Finally, try spurring the pad thoroughly with a Meguiars Triple Duty Detail Brush after doing each section - this will help a lot in terms of extending the distance each pad will go.