Clay

[Anmarube]

Clay all the way for me. Different grades for different circumstances but clay.
I feel a mitt can get dirt trapped and scratch the paint whereas clay won't
Never damaged a car with clay as yet.

Just my opinion though.

Might sound sad but I like the fingertips on paint connection too

Absolutely. That's how I lay the Swissvax Chrystal Rock...bloody lovely.

[scooobydont]

I used to use clay then tried a mitt. The mitt was quicker but you cannot tell how much contamination you are lifting (mitt had a grey clay on it) and if you have something stuck in it scratching the car. I have gone back to clay. It doesn't take too much longer, I quite enjoy the process and you have a lot more control as to what is going on.

[Anmarube]

I used to use clay then tried a mitt. The mitt was quicker but you cannot tell how much contamination you are lifting (mitt had a grey clay on it) and if you have something stuck in it scratching the car. I have gone back to clay. It doesn't take too much longer, I quite enjoy the process and you have a lot more control as to what is going on.

Exactly that. I rubbed my fingers over the mitt and felt stuff on it which could scratch the paint. Never scratched paint with a clay bar. Plus like you say it's so satisfying.