Rupes Bigfoot or Flex 3401 for enthusiast?

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flugufrelsarinn

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I am not a professional detailier, but I want to buy a good DA polisher for my black paint. It seems like the Rupes and Flex polishers are the most recommended around here.

Which is better for my money?
 
What kind of car(s) will you be maintaining?

Reason I ask is because the big throw on the Rupes would be helpful on vehicles with large flat panels, but might be more difficult to do tight areas with precision, or areas with lots of curves, where the shorter throw of the Flex matched with hybrid pads would excel.

Both are really good machines, and you'll see guys on this forum vehemently defend either machine. I chose the Flex based on my ability to try one before I bought. I didn't have that opportunity with a Rupes, and I was very satisfied with the trial on the Flex.
 
aim4squirrels said:
What kind of car(s) will you be maintaining?

Reason I ask is because the big throw on the Rupes would be helpful on vehicles with large flat panels, but might be more difficult to do tight areas with precision, or areas with lots of curves, where the shorter throw of the Flex matched with hybrid pads would excel.

Both are really good machines, and you'll see guys on this forum vehemently defend either machine. I chose the Flex based on my ability to try one before I bought. I didn't have that opportunity with a Rupes, and I was very satisfied with the trial on the Flex.
Click to expand...

I have a Chrysler Crossfire, and a Lincoln MKS. I also have a white F150 that I don't polish, only wash and wax.
 
There's a bit of curve to both of those vehicles. I would personally go with the Flex with the Lake Country backing plate system and 5" hybrid pads.

My personal opinion.
 
Either would prob suffice.. the one thing I actually love about the rupes is you don't have to put pressure on it to work.. you can actually correct with one hand.. no sore back, vibration.
Some talk about it stopping on curves, not true if used correctly, do not push down or apply pressure.
Full disclosure I have not used the flex and have no need to, enough people like both just pick and have fun

Sent from my Alien Ship
 
versatility to use different size backing plate and pads, the flex would be an excellent choice. there really isn't much it can't do...
 
I use a Flex almost on a daily basis. It is a great machine. It can pretty much do anything you can throw at it.

I highly recommend it.

Can't speak for the Rupes too much, tried it for a few minutes at SEMA, seemed like a very nice machine but obviously having no real experience with it, I can't make a valuable suggestion.
 
If you could get a chance to use both before you decide that would be your best bet. I think the Rupes is a bit safer for a beginner. Good luck.
 
I was talking to Kevin Brown about the Rupes. Since I wasn't able to correct my spoiler. (I haven't tried it, yet but made sense) and what he recommended.

He said to tilt the machine to an angle for smaller areas (which I tried but start bumping up and down on the car)

Well he said tilt it and raise the machine up so your lightly buffing the paint So the pad is still hitting the paint but not the backing plate.
 
been on the fence quite some time about both of these machines. I hear some people love them both.

My question is, If Kevin Brown uses the Rupes, that means something.
 
nezff said:
been on the fence quite some time about both of these machines. I hear some people love them both.

My question is, If Kevin Brown uses the Rupes, that means something.
Click to expand...

I think Kevin Brown could make a hand powered drill look like a good way to polish :)
 
VISITOR said:
versatility to use different size backing plate and pads, the flex would be an excellent choice. there really isn't much it can't do...
Click to expand...

I agree If you only have one machine, FLEX with the LC BPs can do all things a hobbyist
needs t do.
Thee are wool ads that do great with a FLEX for heavy correction!
 
I have quite a number of Meg's mf pads. I thought I read that the flex doesn't like microfiber pads?
 
^^no probs with the 5 and the 21es... and many others have had similar results.. I have not heard or seen a case where the 5 caused damage to the 21es
 
Instead of creating another thread on the same topic, I thought I'd ask my question here, which may also help the OP and others.

Question. I too am looking to upgrade from the PC. I've been bouncing between the Flex and Rupes. Here's my concern. I already have an investment in foam pads (4", 5.5" and 6.5") and polishes and sealants. I want to be able to utilize these products and not have to reinvest in these products.

I've read that you have to, or it suggested at least, that you use Rupes pads, polishes, sealants etc. with it's machine. Is this true or can you use non-Rupes pads and polishes with the Rupes. I like what I hear about this machine, but don't want to have to reinvest in the accessories (more $) just to be able to use one machine.

Thanks...Al
 
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