Flex or Rupes?

parttimer

parttimer

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Just got a notice of a coupon and it includes polishers so I am debating on picking up another to add to my arsenal. I currently have a GG with a 6" backing, I have two HF with a 2 7/8" and 5" plates. Wondering if I should get a Rupes or Flex DA? I have a myriad of 6.5" pads which I think would work on the Flex if I am not mistaken. Or I can get the multi plate job for the Flex and have all three sizes there. I'm ok with having to get new pads if needed. If you could buy one tomorrow and don't have either which would you get? The cars I work on are usually in bad shape and need a good heavy cut before polish.
 
For versatility and cutting power, I say FLEX. I don't have a RUPES so I cant comment legitimately on it.
 
I just got a Rupes 15 last week and absolutely love it. It is an amazing machine, super smooth and easy to use. My friend has a Flex and it's a great machine too, but I'm glad I went with the Rupes.

I did a light Polish with Wolf's "The Jeweler" with a Black pad followed with an application of Wolfgang 3.0 with a Blue pad and two coats of Fuzion by hand. I just love the smooth effortless operation of the Rupes. It is super easy to control and not fatiguing at all.
 
About a month ago I was asking myself this same question. I ended up buying a Rupes and their pads. The thing is, I can't comment on it because I haven't used it yet.

The way I made my decision was it seems to me a Flex 3401 would work better on cars that need more severe correction due to its forced rotation. A Rupes seems like a better finessing machine for lighter polishing. It seems like for lighter correction work the Rupes may be less fatiguing.

Although I only base my opinion on comments of others, I can remember more than one post where someone was having a tough time with a 3401 finishing down the way the user desired for whatever reason. Its surely operator error, not the machine's fault. But, I didn't want to go through that learning curve if I didn't have to.

Another thing is, the Flex is a bit more versatile, as you can use pads as small as 4" with it. If you go with a Rupes, you'll likely need another polisher for smaller pads.

So, if your doing heavier correction work the Flex may benefit you more with wool pads and such. It also has a proven track record of reliability, but I haven't read of anyone with a broken Rupes yet. I think from an enthusiast's point of view, I do like that Rupes makes the pads, machine, and polishes all to work together - it doesn't get much simpler than that
 
For you, I'd say get the FLEX. it's just very powerful with the forced rotation.
 
i have a Flex for about 3 years and still delivers swirl free.
 
If I were you i would go with the Rupes 21 since you have all those lager pads. Also you can get the 5" Backing plate that works great with the 21 then you can use smaller 5.5" pads.

The MF discs work get with the rupes as well and make heavy defect removal very easy and quick.
 
At the end of the day the Rupes is still just another DA. Yes, it's a bit hyped up and maybe deseredly so with the larger throw but it's still missing the power. It's got the same size motor as the PC 7464xp, not even as much as the GG let alone the Flex.

It's like a car...you don't always need the additional horsepower but when you need it, isn't it nice to know that you have it? And isn't it fun?

So when you need to do that extra correction, don't you want to know that you have the right machine?
 
Power is also only as good as it's passed down to the backing plate. Similar to horsepower is no good if the wheels can't handle it.
 
Haven't tried the flex, but I'm very happy with my rupes. If you get a rupes, mf pads are a necessity. They rip through swirls like nobody's business. Flex would probably be better on curved panels but I love the rupes because it is so smooth and I don't get fatigued.
 
af90 said:
Power is also only as good as it's passed down to the backing plate. Similar to horsepower is no good if the wheels can't handle it.
Click to expand...

Understand your analyogy but don't understand how it applies to the matter at hand. Are you saying that the Rupes transfers power better than the flex? If so I disagree.

Both are quality machines. Great quality, build and fit for both. The Flex has a longer track record. The question is really whether or not you have a need for brute power in your hands.
 
How many more threads are we going to have on these?
 
Rupes 21 and the 15 backing plate is what I now grab while my other da's gather dust. Power isn't the only thing to consider when making your selection. The 21 mm stroke doesn't require the brut power of a 3401 or GG 6 IMO. After a few hours I feel less taxed using my Rupes then what I have experienced with other units. When this one wears out or bites the dust it will be replaced by another Rupes. :)
 
theparmachine said:
At the end of the day the Rupes is still just another DA. Yes, it's a bit hyped up and maybe deseredly so with the larger throw but it's still missing the power. It's got the same size motor as the PC 7464xp, not even as much as the GG let alone the Flex.
Click to expand...

you make a good point and hopefully the others companies that have thier own DA's are taking note and looking to come out with one in the near future... :xyxthumbs:
 
I love my Rupes 15. I don't have a Flex to compare it to. Maybe I should add one tot he arsenal.
 
Don't think you can make a mistake - both are excellent tools. I have a Flex and have never looked back and wouldn't trade it for anything. Trust me, there are plenty who feel the same way about the Rupes. Personally the versatility of different pads and polishes is a big draw for me as opposed to the Rupes System approach. And I'm a huge believer in forced rotation - the Flex just gets it done with minimal effort.
 
I had both and like the rupes a lot better. Therss a learning curve for the flex if your not holding it right it will walk on u. Also the rupes is better with the microfiber pads. Its just easier using the rupes I dont fell like I just got done doing a work out like the flex.
 
So can you get the Rupes 5" plate and put it on the 21 unit? If so, that might seal the deal?
 
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