Xtrac InstaGlide

Performance:

To test the Xtrac InstaGlide we applied the InstaGlide in two different instances. We first used the InstaGlide with a Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0A on a Steelpad QcK+ cloth mousing surface. In our second scenario, we used the Xtrac Hybrid with a Razotech UFO optical mouse. With the first instance, we applied the InstaGlide to the actual bottom of the mouse feet, since the surface was made of cloth rather than plastic. Immediately after the Xtrac liquid coated the feet, we were utterly astonished at how much smoother the Microsoft mouse was sliding across the mouse pad. Before application, the mouse could be faintly heard moving across the cloth surface due to the build up of friction, afterwards though we weren't able to hear much noise. Applying the Xtrac product to the Razotech mouse, resulted in some improved performance but unfortunately wasn't as great as we'd seen with the first situation.

To gain some more accurate and in-depth results rather than our initial impressions, we compared gaming performance before and after the Xtrac InstaGlide were applied. The games we played were America's Army Special Forces (Vanguard) and Cube (2004-05-22), which has recently proved to be great for displaying mousing abilities due to the speed of the game. After gaming for a while on both setups, we found the greatest benefit to come by the Microsoft IntelliMouse. In operation, the mouse made less noise when pedaling around the Steelpad cloth pad. We also found an improved benefit with the Razotech UFO/Xtrac Hybrid setup but not as beneficial, which might have been due to the incredibly small stock mouse feet and this mouse not being really designed for gaming. As a whole, the Xtrac InstaGlide offered a noticeable improvement.

Conclusion:

With the InstaGlide rated for 100 applications, until becoming dry, and having only the need to re-apply the formula every 3-4 days, a single package should last for nearly a year. At about $9.95 USD for a container of InstaGlide, the price per day is very diminutive at roughly 3 cents per day! No matter the mouse or mousing surface, a positive improvement is imminent with the Xtrac InstaGlide. This is also a great accessory to accompany the Xtrac Hybrid.

Pros:

· Mousing improvement
· Easy/quick to apply
· Enough for 100 applications
· Cheap (~ $9.95)

Cons:

· With some mice/surfaces not as much of an improvement is noticeable
· Needs to be re-applied every 3-4 days