First Time DA Purchase - Which and Why

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BlackRam

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Hey-
I am going to place an order for a DA thanks to some very convincing forum members (correcting a full size ram by hand would be a hell). I am not sure which one to buy. 7424XP? GG6? A different one? Which one and why? And or which kit to buy? Thanks guys
 
I haven't ever used a real powerful DA before, only the cheap $30 ones from stores. I went with the PC 7424XP for no other reason than it is supposed to be hard to cause damage with it, it was the most talked about in regards to it being really easy to learn on, and the cost was good. I didn't even know about the Griot Garage one until after I ordered it. I am happy I bought the 7424XP but if I would have seen the GG one I would have really looked into comparisons between the two.

Even though the GG6 is a 6" one, I'm assuming it can still be used with a 5" backing plate w/ 5.5" pads?
 
Both the PC and the GG6 are very capable in correcting even the worst paint.
I have both, my PC was my first DA, always had a rotary, then later I bought the GG6, has a lot more power than of the PC.
Which one is better?, well it depends on who you ask.
I put my PC through hell and back and not once did it let me down.
However my GG6 died only a few months after buying it but Griot's has told me to send it back and they will send me a new one.
I'll be sending it back when I have time.

So if I had to buy just one again which one would I buy?
Without thinking twice I'd buy the GG6 hands down due to its power and the lifetime warranty they give you.
IMO the PC is more durable and will out last my new GG6 however.

Make sure you get a 5" backing plate to accept the 5.5" pads, both units work best using the smaller pads.
 
GreatAvalon said:
I haven't ever used a real powerful DA before, only the cheap $30 ones from stores. I went with the PC 7424XP for no other reason than it is supposed to be hard to cause damage with it, it was the most talked about in regards to it being really easy to learn on, and the cost was good. I didn't even know about the Griot Garage one until after I ordered it. I am happy I bought the 7424XP but if I would have seen the GG one I would have really looked into comparisons between the two.

Even though the GG6 is a 6" one, I'm assuming it can still be used with a 5" backing plate w/ 5.5" pads?
Click to expand...

Yes you can install the 5" backing plate on both machines:dblthumb2:
 
HateSwirls said:
So if I had to buy just one again which one would I buy?
Without thinking twice I'd buy the GG6 hands down due to its power and the lifetime warranty they give you.
Click to expand...

That is the one I bought for this very reason
 
If you're really just going to do 2 trucks, coat them and never use the polisher again, I suggest placing an order here for a good 5" backing plate and some pads then print a 20% off Harbor Freight Tools coupon and pick their Chicago Electric Platinum DA polisher up for like $45.
 
GreatAvalon said:
I haven't ever used a real powerful DA before, only the cheap $30 ones from stores. I went with the PC 7424XP for no other reason than it is supposed to be hard to cause damage with it, it was the most talked about in regards to it being really easy to learn on, and the cost was good. I didn't even know about the Griot Garage one until after I ordered it. I am happy I bought the 7424XP but if I would have seen the GG one I would have really looked into comparisons between the two.

Even though the GG6 is a 6" one, I'm assuming it can still be used with a 5" backing plate w/ 5.5" pads?
Yes. Both machines work best with 5.5" x 7/8" pads. I wouldn't trade my PC for a Griot's and it's hard for me to believe it's an "upgrade". Now the Flex and Rupes machines are a different story. :xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
I absolutely love my GG unit. But if I were spending my money now and had no machine, I would take a look at the Flex and Rupes units honestly.
 
I would suggest that you buy the GG6. More power, lifetime warranty.
 
tuscarora dave said:
If you're really just going to do 2 trucks, coat them and never use the polisher again, I suggest placing an order here for a good 5" backing plate and some pads then print a 20% off Harbor Freight Tools coupon and pick their Chicago Electric Platinum DA polisher up for like $45.
Click to expand...

Well it would just be my truck then a coating. I would do my wifes jeep with a sealant. I saw the harbor freight ones but i dont want to buy crap if it is or have it die halfway thru.

People give reasons why gg6 is better because of lifetime warranty and more power, so why would the pc be better?

Thanks all
 
BlackRam said:
Well it would just be my truck then a coating. I would do my wifes jeep with a sealant. I saw the harbor freight ones but i dont want to buy crap if it is or have it die halfway thru.

People give reasons why gg6 is better because of lifetime warranty and more power, so why would the pc be better?

Thanks all
Click to expand...

most like the pc becuase its relatively easy to use for a new user. I say go for what you want, just most learn on the porter cable
 
For the price IMO the GG is the best bang for the buck.
For those of us who do this as a hobby I can't understand why anyone wouldn't buy the GG6. It has more power than the PC--equipped with a 5" backing plate and 5..5" pads there isn't anything it can't handle with the right products in a reasonable amount of time without worrying about stopping rotation on curved panels--especially those new to machine polishing. And, if you're only using it 5-10 times a year and it breaks three years from now Griots will replace it with a new unit. I can understand a pro not having the luxury of sending it back and waiting for a new unit, but hobbyists don't have that constraint.
 
BlackRam said:
Hey-
I am going to place an order for a DA thanks to some very convincing forum members (correcting a full size ram by hand would be a hell). I am not sure which one to buy. 7424XP? GG6? A different one? Which one and why? And or which kit to buy? Thanks guys
Click to expand...

7424XP or GG6 will work, but you'd better be one patient person, as it will take a very long time to properly correct a Dodge Ram with either of them. You will be much happier with a Rupes polisher kit.

Maybe this one?

Rupes LHR 15ES Big Foot Random Orbital Standard Kit
 
BlackRam said:
Well it would just be my truck then a coating. I would do my wifes jeep with a sealant. I saw the harbor freight ones but i dont want to buy crap if it is or have it die halfway thru.

People give reasons why gg6 is better because of lifetime warranty and more power, so why would the pc be better?

Thanks all
Click to expand...

I myself, I did all the reseach, and came away buying the Porter Cable 7424XP. I believe the PC is made in mexico, the Griots from china.

I'm not sure of this, so I may be in err, but I believe the first version Griots GG6 was problematic, prone to failure, and I'm not sure this also applies to the newer version GG6?

Yes, a lifetime warrantee on the Griots, but that could get old too. Buying through AG-Autopia, I'm not sure then who handles the lifetime warrantee? I'm thinking after a period of time passes, it would be Griots Garage, but again, I could be wrong on this?

In either case, neither machine actually comes optimally set up. I think the Griots comes with a 6" backing Plate, and the same for the PC, which has a backing plate with a foam pad permanently attached.

Some say it's a useless accessory, but many point out that one can buy some 6" Microfiber Bonnets, and then use this attachment to easily remove waxes, and sealants. I imagine one can also apply too in a similar fashion.

I have the little baby 3" Griots, like it for tight spots.

As for going for a more expensive DA like the Rupes, or Flex, and you have the money to spend, and wish spending more for higher quality, then there ya go.

But, with the cost of either the Flex, or the Rupes machines alone, one could buy either the PC, or Griots DA's, backing plates (2 if you wish, both a 5" and a 3-1/2") some pads, maybe even some chemicals too, and have money left over.

For a weekend hobbyist who might correct a few vehicles per year, the most economical wise choice IMO would be the PC, or Griots.
 
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tuscarora dave said:
If you're really just going to do 2 trucks, coat them and never use the polisher again, I suggest placing an order here for a good 5" backing plate and some pads then print a 20% off Harbor Freight Tools coupon and pick their Chicago Electric Platinum DA polisher up for like $45.
Click to expand...

:dblthumb2::iagree:
 
TundraPower said:
7424XP or GG6 will work, but you'd better be one patient person, as it will take a very long time to properly correct a Dodge Ram with either of them. You will be much happier with a Rupes polisher kit.

Maybe this one?

Rupes LHR 15ES Big Foot Random Orbital Standard Kit
Click to expand...


There may be some truths to this, but as you'll agree, there can be a number of variables also, such as condition of paint. That even with the Rupes, or Flex, a good number of section passes may be required, and maybe as well as using more than one product (one step) to fully correct a paint.

Seems we all know how long the many processes we do on our beloved vehicles seems to take forever and a day some times, the washing, drying, then maybe Iron-X'ing, washing-drying again, then Claying, Masking/Taping Trim, gee, I'm exhausted already and haven't even got to the polishing! Hee Hee!

That Rupes Kit is $500 clams, wow.
 
BlackRam said:
Well it would just be my truck then a coating. I would do my wifes jeep with a sealant. I saw the harbor freight ones but i dont want to buy crap if it is or have it die halfway thru.

People give reasons why gg6 is better because of lifetime warranty and more power, so why would the pc be better?

Thanks all
Click to expand...
If it's only between the GG and the PC, then go the GG. However, the HF unit has just about as much power as the GG and mine has lasted me at least 30 cars with no signs of quitting. It's a great way to ease into machine polishing as long as you get a quality backing plate and pad setup from here.
 
I have the following da units, PC 7242, GG6, GG3", and Flex. The selection of the polisher is based on your choice and what you can afford. The PC is a good machine. It will do the job. The GG6 has more power, lifetime warranty and will speed correction on pure power, the GG3 is for small areas were the larger units can't get to. It is really not worth it as it is under powered. The flex is a direct drive unit that runs smooth and since it is direct drive will correct the fastest. Although power is an advantage technique is your friend. With technique no matter what da you buy correction will not be easy if you do not have good technique. Going 1" per 1 second with the correct pressure, pads, and product will enable you to take a vehicle from bad to great.

All the da's mentioned are designed to keep the user from doing damage. A Rupes is another choice but I have no experience with that unit and would love to try one out and see if I like it. I am not a professional detailer I detail as a hobby. Because I do it as a hobby I can take my time and make sure the job is done according to the way I want it. Purchasing a da is a choice you have to make based on your situation. It goes according to what you can afford. It also goes according to your skill level. A PC and GG are easier to use than a flex when first starting out with a flex it will walk on you if you do not hold it flat to the surface.

If you are buying a kit I would suggest not to buy the kit as you will get products that you will not use or need. Get the basic machine and order a 5" backing plate with 5 1/2" pads. The plates that come with most units are 6" and will take longer to correct paint because the unit can't drive the plate and pad efficiently. Get a mixture of pads to suite the job you are doing. Also look at getting some good micro fiber towels. They are just as important as da, pads, and product.

This is my opinion and you will need to decide for yourself. If someone on the forum was close to you maybe they can do a visit and let you try a machine that they have. I detail my 2011 Dodge Nitro (real hard paint)with a PC, GG. Or a Flex with the same results. It just how fast
I can do it.

Good Luck

Ed

:autowash: :buffing:
 
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