DA Polisher
- Thread starter BRLAHTI
- Start date
Coopers ST
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- Nov 23, 2013
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I bought a GG6 for my first one. I am very happy with it.
refreshauto
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- Feb 19, 2014
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PC for a good starter. if money is not an issue FLEX or Rupes. Menzerna, Wolfgang polishes with the Flex with LC backing plate system and 5" hybrid pads. For the Rupes get the complete system from machine, pads and polishes.
maximus5403
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- Apr 23, 2013
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+1 for Rupes complete system. Love it!
Kamakaz1961
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- Aug 23, 2013
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If money were no option I would get the Flex 3401 VRG. It is a great DA. However, that being said....the Rupes is also a great DA.
The only problem is the Rupes cost more. The Flex has more flexibility (get it?) with different backing plates and there are more types of Pads available.
The Rupes is more limiting and you have to use their pads to be effective. The Lake Country Pads or other pads will fall apart with the Rupes because their throw is so large.
Now that I have caused a Stink, I will shut up now....AGAIN, either machine is great.
I have the Flex 3401 VRG ad that is the DA I use about 90% of the time. I use the PC or GG 3" the other 10% just to make sure I am still familiar with the machine or bored.
As for limited money...The PC 7424 XP or the Griots Garage 6". I prefer the PC....again, I will shut up now.
The only problem is the Rupes cost more. The Flex has more flexibility (get it?) with different backing plates and there are more types of Pads available.
The Rupes is more limiting and you have to use their pads to be effective. The Lake Country Pads or other pads will fall apart with the Rupes because their throw is so large.
Now that I have caused a Stink, I will shut up now....AGAIN, either machine is great.
I have the Flex 3401 VRG ad that is the DA I use about 90% of the time. I use the PC or GG 3" the other 10% just to make sure I am still familiar with the machine or bored.
As for limited money...The PC 7424 XP or the Griots Garage 6". I prefer the PC....again, I will shut up now.
kevin_1981
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- Apr 11, 2014
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I just started and I am using the pc7424xp. I like it for the most part, but after using a rupes, it's no competition. Like night and day, but I wouldn't be able to justify the cost. The pc is probably safer for beginners, as I believe the flex has forced rotation, making it easier to damage paint
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Sent from my Nexus 5 using AG Online
refreshauto
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- Feb 19, 2014
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Kamakaz1961
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- Aug 23, 2013
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VISITOR
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- May 10, 2007
- 9,859
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this is one of the most talked about subjects. pick up a GG6 and 3", 3.5" and 5" DA backing plates and the corresponding pads as well. as far as polishes and compounds, there are many to choose from and there's a trade/samples section and maybe you can get a sample of something you are interested in and go from there...
many say they don't need the DA after buying a rupes and/or flex and i have to disagree. i personally would always have a traditional DA in my detailing arsenal because it's veratile and you can do many things with it and not to mention having it as a back-up...
many say they don't need the DA after buying a rupes and/or flex and i have to disagree. i personally would always have a traditional DA in my detailing arsenal because it's veratile and you can do many things with it and not to mention having it as a back-up...
Paul A.
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- Dec 21, 2007
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For what it's worth to you, i will eventually replace my rotary and Porter Cable ROB with Flex units. 2 huge reasons. I want to continue to use my very large inventory of pads and the reputation of the Flex products. I will admit the Rupes has me interested from users here who have offered opinions and advice. Seems like a favorite for even some of the pro's here and THAT'S the kind of testimonial i like.
The problem i have is that i can't kill my rotary and my PC. With that said i can wholeheartedly recommend the Porter Cable ROB based on my experience with it. For a "budget" consideration it's a solid machine. It has been through a virtual war and is still rocking and rolling. I will keep it outfitted with 3" pads as a dedicated small work area machine after i get a new Flex.
The problem i have is that i can't kill my rotary and my PC. With that said i can wholeheartedly recommend the Porter Cable ROB based on my experience with it. For a "budget" consideration it's a solid machine. It has been through a virtual war and is still rocking and rolling. I will keep it outfitted with 3" pads as a dedicated small work area machine after i get a new Flex.
Kamakaz1961
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- Aug 23, 2013
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I did the PC route 1st. Got used to it and then realized I was killing myself in terms of time in paint correction. I bought the Flex 3401 VRG because of the threads from this site.
IMO, that was the best advise....PERIOD. The Flex is UNIQUE and no other DA is a forced DA. It is smooth and you will cut your correcting time by a minimum of 40%.
Had I known about the Flex the 1st time...I would have gone that route. There are many adaptable plates and pads for the Flex.
Either machine you cannot go wrong. It is just what you would like to accomplish.
:xyxthumbs:
peterhurcos
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- Feb 18, 2012
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Love my Flex, but its overkill. On the other hand, I will never be tempted to buy another DA that's for sure. My car always looks like a million bucks. I could sell it tomorrow for a hundred bucks less than I paid new probably, So, not a bad buy.
I'd go the other way if I had to do it again. I'd get a Harbor Freight machine (they didn't have them when I bought). It gets the job done for a reasonable cost. These aren't precision machines, so there isn't any downside except durability for the el cheapo HF model. If it last three or four years you are way ahead of the game.
I'm in the minority on this, but I'd stay away from the medium price machines. Sure they work fine, but they are expensive enough to inhibit you from upgrading when maybe you should, but not better enough from the cheap machines to justify their premium.
I have a PC 7424 (not the XP), bought about 4 yrs ago. It did not take long before I was wishing for more power. Having said that, it's easy to use, it's good for mild to moderate depth swirls, and it doesn't sling product all over the place. If you get the 3" backing plate and pads, you get better rotation and you can get after deep swirls in much less time. Wish I had realized this sooner, the machine is a pleasure to use w/ the 3" pads.
And the thing is bulletproof. I keep waiting for it to die so I can buy a Flex, but I can't kill the damn thing. I haven't pulled the trigger on a Flex because I am a hobbyist and the PC does the job. If I was a pro I'd go Flex or Rupes.
And the thing is bulletproof. I keep waiting for it to die so I can buy a Flex, but I can't kill the damn thing. I haven't pulled the trigger on a Flex because I am a hobbyist and the PC does the job. If I was a pro I'd go Flex or Rupes.
I introduced my brother to some high end wax when he leased a new 2014 Audi A4. As a gift, I bought him some pinnacle souveran and a boat load of micro fiber towels and applicators.
He asked me where I got the wax from, and I told him about this website. A few weeks later, he called and asked about a DA polisher. I told him if he wanted one, the PC was good, but he would soon want something else.
Having used the harbor freight DA for over a year...I wanted something else. Me and my brother are both automotive technicians, so plopping down $500 for a tool is almost every 3 months. I explained it to my brother that, we don't bat an eye when we need a tool that's built with quality, will work when we need it to work, and above all, we won't have to buy it again in a few years.
You can spend the money for the PC, or pony up and get the Flex 3401 and be done with it. I love my Flex so much, I polished my lawn mower. If I could find 3" plates for it, I'd polish my weed eater as well.
Ether way you go, the PC, the Flex....you can't go wrong. Menzerna products rule...and the meguirers m105, m205, and Ultimate Compound are awesome as well.
I can only say that, with the PC...you'll still be hungry for something else.
He asked me where I got the wax from, and I told him about this website. A few weeks later, he called and asked about a DA polisher. I told him if he wanted one, the PC was good, but he would soon want something else.
Having used the harbor freight DA for over a year...I wanted something else. Me and my brother are both automotive technicians, so plopping down $500 for a tool is almost every 3 months. I explained it to my brother that, we don't bat an eye when we need a tool that's built with quality, will work when we need it to work, and above all, we won't have to buy it again in a few years.
You can spend the money for the PC, or pony up and get the Flex 3401 and be done with it. I love my Flex so much, I polished my lawn mower. If I could find 3" plates for it, I'd polish my weed eater as well.
Ether way you go, the PC, the Flex....you can't go wrong. Menzerna products rule...and the meguirers m105, m205, and Ultimate Compound are awesome as well.
I can only say that, with the PC...you'll still be hungry for something else.
beamerstrumpet
New member
- Jun 14, 2013
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if money is an issue search the whole thread on the harbor freight DA,, BTW it is about just like the Groits, and the 3DHD sells and the 7424.
Kamakaz1961
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- Aug 23, 2013
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LMAO!! Agreed 100% I also like the Menzerna Products!! I do not have a weed eater though to polish!!!