Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I researched 'foam cannons' and 'foam lances' for hours before making my decision. I accept that I waste an inordinate amount of time in front of the computer fretting over even small purchases, so if I'm not happy with something I generally speak up. My journey to locate the most cost-effective device took me to well-trafficked auto detailing forums, YouTube video reviews and finally online store product reviews. With only ~40 reviews, having no real brand name, and coming in far less-expensive than the competition, I was not sure this was going to be a success. What I received was a comparable performer for about 1/3 the cost of the name-brand devices. Initial thoughts: I ordered this product with three other items, including a gallon of car wash soap, and everything arrived on time and satisfactorily packaged via Amazon Prime. This device came in a small, white cardboard box about the size of a shoe. The contents were simple but complete. The valve part of the device feels nice and weighty, but not heavy. The white plastic bottle is translucent - you can see colors inside it but you cannot see through it completely - and feels sturdy like a laundry detergent bottle. The black nozzle on the end where the soap/water exits is a sturdy plastic which rotates to give you control over the shape of the spray; narrow like a jet or wide like a fan shape. Immediately I noticed that this piece didn't have enough friction to hold its position while inspecting it, let alone in use - I fixed this very easily later. The parts that should be metal for durability are metal, and the parts that should be plastic for simplicity (and weight-savings) are plastic. Modification to device: As I mentioned above, the black plastic exit nozzle which controls the spray pattern has very little friction and would change positions (rotate) in handling the device while inspecting it. No way this would serve its purpose outside attached to the end of a pressure washer wand. I laid the device on a towel and found the pin holding the nozzle in place. With a hammer and small punch (you could use a nail, small screwdriver, etc) I popped the pin out and slid the nozzle off. Taking note how it worked by installing and removing it a couple times, I found a flat spot where the nozzle interfaced with the metal body of the device - just behind the groove where the nozzle retaining pin slots in. I first wrapped that location in one layer of electrical tape to fill the void and create more friction between the metal element and the plastic nozzle. This made no difference, so I wrapped it two more times, and then the nozzle would not fit back on. Then I began removing tape ~1/4 wrap at a time and checking the fit each time until I found the intended result and reinstalled the nozzle and pin. That completed, I was ready to test it! First use: The package didn't include specific use instructions so I just went by some of the videos I watched during my research. I filled the white bottle about 1/3 with Chemical Guys CWS402 Mr. Pink Super Suds Car Wash Soap and Shampoo - 1 gal. and about 1/3 regular tap water. I installed the included clear pick-up tube on the device with the existing curve placing the pickup toward the exit of the nozzle, figuring I would be aiming the wand forward and down. I installed the bottle on the device body snug but not tight. I twisted the valve nozzle on the top fully counter-clockwise. I removed the high-pressure nozzle from the end of my wand and installed the new device with a satisfactory *snick* sound. After starting the pressure washer and letting it run for a moment, I stood back, aimed the wand and pulled the trigger. It shot out a stream of clear water. I gave it a shake and tried again. No change. I turned the top knob fully clockwise, then half-way back. Pulled the trigger again. Maybe a couple bubbles appeared on the car, but nothing obvious. I adjusted the exit nozzle to its narrowest and sprayed a fan-shape pattern of basically clear water. By about the 5th on-and-off squeeze of the wand's handle it finally happened. YES, IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED. A powerful spray of gloriously thick, wonderful bubble-gum scented satisfaction covered half the hood and windshield - and lower part of my other vehicle over 10ft away. After that it was just a matter of containing my excitement while I coated the rest of the small SUV. I believe it just needed some time to suck the soap into the valve. I was being impatient but my doubt was only momentary as once the foam party started it continued to be effective with every pull of the trigger until I was finished. The vehicle is dark blue and you could not see any paint or tire rubber through the foam. I felt it performed above my expectations. Final thoughts: I'm always extremely pleased when I put the time and effort into finding a solid product at a good price. It is in my nature to look for faults in a product and attempt to improve it, or modify it to my preference. This product performed well, cost significantly less than its competitors, allowed for some slight modification to perform to my taste, and actually helped me enjoy the chore of washing a small SUV. For the cost-equivalent of two drive-thru car washes at your local gas station, if you're in the market for a 'foam lance' or 'foam cannon', this Pressure Washer Jet Wash 1/4" Quick Release Adjustable Snow Foam Lance is a bargain and a half. Update 9/2017: I've now also successfully used the foam lance to apply vinyl siding cleaning solution to the side of my house. I spray down about an 8 foot wide section with the cleaner, then use a soft brush on an extension pole to scrub the siding and gutter. A quick change of the nozzle to the wide angle fan to rinse it down, then move over and do another 8ft section.