Waffle weave microfiber towels. Leaf blower works great for front grill, rims, mirrors, etc.

 

Also keep in mind if its a new chamois, it will need time to break in to become fully absorbant. The absorber itself just plain sucks.
I usually use a chamois, however, I think i will try other recomendation of the microfiber towels and the blade.

 

The blade is fast and easy - quickly gets a ton of water off a clean protected car. The microfibers seem to work similar to chamois, but you can wash them (no fabric softener) and they are very soft, so unlike a chamois, I don't feel like I'm going to scratch things. As always, the key is to clean the car right in the first place so you don't have anything on the paint to scratch it with anyway.

 

My sister once told me of a drive-thru car wash that only used foam (yes, I realize there is water in foam). It sprayed foam on your car and then blew it and all the dirt away with air. Clean, dry, car.

 

Wether or not it works, it sounds like fun - I'd like to ride through one of those

 

The Absorber works great, if you are using it right. Be sure to wet it and wring it out, just like a chamois. it doesn't leave any more drops or streaks than a microfiber towel will and no lint...

 

the dealership i bought my car from uses the california water blade to dry the cars right before they go to customers, and after i saw them using it, i figured that it's probably pretty good and safe for the paint. i've used it twice so far, and it's definitely awesome. as long as the car is really clean, there shouldn't be any problems with scratching it.