My experience with TT Topaz compared to other "Softeners" is that it provides more bite than most, but does not soften as aggressively per wipe. If you're using it to soften and add bite over the course of a week then I think it does the job the description on the can says. If you need a quick bite prep it will work well, but if you need a quick softening prep it might not be aggressive enough. I've used it with and without a hotbox and the results are the same, plenty of bite but not the amount of softening that you can get from other preps. However, it does not destroy the tire nearly as much as most others if at all. I have no experience with the new version of Venom Soak, but a couple of years ago it was very, very aggressive more so than TT Topaz.
CA