MEGUIAR’S MT320 DUAL ACTION POLISHER, £300

P aint correction and swirl mark removal is something of a dark art and even something as simple polishing can go seriously wrong from time to time, especially if you’re working with the wrong kit.

Machine polishing is all about getting friction in the right place but never overdoing it. In fact, when you’re using a professional rotary polisher, there’s not a lot of difference in just enough heat to correct blemishes and too much which will inevitably scorch your paint. Yes it’s true that the pros tend to prefer rotary machines but then, they have the training and experience… and even the best detailers have been known to burn the odd paint job.

That’s where Dual Action polishers come in. Rather than spinning on a single axis (like a drill or grinder) and building up a load of heat, a DA oscillates its pad in a way similar to a random orbital sander. This action disperses excessive heat and makes paint damage far less likely – ideal if you’re looking to get a showcar finish at home without having masses of polishing practice.

Anyway one of the best DIY DAs out there was the award-winning Meguiar’s G220v2. For years it has been up there with even the most expensive pro kit. Well, now they’ve decided to replace it with something they say is even better…

You just know you’re getting a quality item when it comes with a nicelyem broidered carry case. But while, here in the real world, that makes absolutely zero difference to the MT320’s performance, it definitely makes it feel more than a little special. Luckily the actual machine – the bit you’re paying for – feels pretty special too.

Meguiar’s have obviously taken inspiration from the best (and huge money) pro machines out there by using a new more ergonomic setup that includes a more comfortable long main handle and trigger grip. Most home-use DAs are shaped more like grinders and commonly have an on/off switch on the side so they’re obviously aiming to make the experience as close to professional rotary polishers as possible with this one.

The adjustable speed control is also mounted within easy reach of your thumb (unlike like most DAs where it’s mounted on the back). This makes for easy and, more importantly, highly controlled speed changes. The actual speed range is pretty wide too, extending from a relatively low 3000opm (oscillations per minute) for final polishing and waxing, right up to 7500opm for removal of serious defects. Don’t worry if you forget that either – there’s a handy reminder printed right on top of the body, just to make sure.

VERDICT Meguiar’s G220v2 machine was a fantastic bit of kit, my personal choice of DA polishers in fact, so this one always had a lot to live up to. But what’s good here is Meguiar’s haven’t just made changes for change's sake – each one really does make a positive difference. This feels even more controlled than the last and that isn’t an easy trick to pull off with any DA. The wobbly orbital action feels more subdued than normal and I’m in no doubt the new billet counterweight goes a long way to making this machine effortlessly glide over the paint surface.

Weighing in at 2.3kg it’s feels substantial without being unwieldy and cumbersome but turn it on and you’ll also notice there’s minimal vibration, it’s almost as smooth a professional rotary machine.

Unlike a rotary though, with this there’s next to no chance of burning your paint. You don’t need any sort of training to use this product, you don’t even have to be that cautious. I can see why they say it’s for users of ‘all skill levels.’

The soft start feature adds an even deeper level of control, the pad starts off slow and gradually builds up to the set speed making it pretty much impossible to let the machine get away from you. Even with that hefty 710watt motor.

One really clever addition is the Digital Torque Management. When under load, the MT320 automatically adjusts the torque electronically to maintain the speed of the pad. Don’t ask me how they do it, but it works impeccably.

This might be aimed at enthusiasts but, as far as I can tell, The MT320 is a professional machine. I can’t see how they could make it any better.