Good morning all, first post here. I'm trying to decide which polisher to buy. I'm not a professional detailer but an avid car care enthusiast. I have used a Sears orbital polisher for 25 years and am now ready to upgrade to something more professional. My vehicles do not need much correction, I simply want them to look the best they can. I'm considering the Meguires DA polisher, but wondering if I should just spend the money and get the Flex. I have tried a Porter Cable and did not like the amount of vibration it had. I have a black suburban so it does have a lot of surface area to maintain. Please offer your opinions, thank you.
Polisher Decision
- Thread starter herrubi
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Kamakaz1961
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- Aug 23, 2013
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IMO Get the Flex 3401. Simply put it's the BEST DA out there PERIOD!!! It is also the closest to being a rotary like you are used to. ALL other DA's are free floating spin like the PC or Megs or Rupes or whatever brand....PERIOD!!
I have a PC7424XP and it still serves a purpose for me but the workhorse is the Flex 3401.
You are going to get a lot of suggestions. IMO, my suggestion will be the best!
As to everyone else that disagrees...OK you have your opinion I have mine.
I have a PC7424XP and it still serves a purpose for me but the workhorse is the Flex 3401.
You are going to get a lot of suggestions. IMO, my suggestion will be the best!
As to everyone else that disagrees...OK you have your opinion I have mine.
brettS4
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- Jan 7, 2015
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I doubt anyone is going to disagree that the Flex is a great polisher. And if you have the money, I'd say that's probably your best choice. I've never used one, so I can't comment on how smooth it is.
I used a PC7424 for 12 years and it did the job well enough. But it's loud and lacks serious power. I decided to step up to the Griot's GG6 this year, and it's looking really good. Twice the power as the old PC and slightly better ergonomics. It can be found right now for right around $100. Less than what I paid for the PC 12 years ago.
I used a PC7424 for 12 years and it did the job well enough. But it's loud and lacks serious power. I decided to step up to the Griot's GG6 this year, and it's looking really good. Twice the power as the old PC and slightly better ergonomics. It can be found right now for right around $100. Less than what I paid for the PC 12 years ago.
DaveT435
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- Jun 23, 2012
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I used a PC for a couple years. I was kicking myself for not buying the Flex a couple months into it. I'm also an enthusiast. I also had a couple Meguiars machines but had problems with them. Trust me, with the 15% off buy the Flex!
dlc95
Well-known member
- May 18, 2013
- 6,062
- 26
If I was to have just one machine, it would be the PC. It takes anywhere from 3" - 6" plates / pads, and when paired with the right chemical / pad / technique, can be quite an effective little machine.
This would also apply to the Griot's and Meg's machines as well.
This would also apply to the Griot's and Meg's machines as well.
MarkD51
Active member
- Oct 15, 2012
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Tough choices I know.
The Porter Cable, or the Griots Garage 6" are good machines to have around. As previously mentioned, they have the versatility of using smaller Backing Plates than the Flex 3401.
With that being said, the PC or GG (or Megs) does have its value-worth, as I'm certain the Flex might prove testy in small-tight areas.
With the Flex though, you will no doubt be using this machine the majority of the time, and thus only using the lesser DA's for certain areas-tasks.
If I could do it all over, I probably would've just sprung for the Flex, but of course all is never too late, I just have to open my wallet! Hopefully, moths won't come flying out! LOL
One very good plan, might be to get the Flex 3401, and then perhaps buy a less expensive DA such as the Harbor Freight DA, and buy a couple small backing Plates for it for tight areas-specialty work?
Many here see such worth in having more than one machine, it can enhance productivity, and quality of work by having more, than having less.
If I was going to buy the Flex, I myself would probably opt for either, or both the Lake Country Backing Plate System, or the Smaller Factory Flex Backing Plate to add to the versatility of use.
I'm of the belief that for most applications, 5" or 5.5" Pads are probably a bit easier to maneuver around panels than 6.5" Pads. Of course I could be wrong with this assumption, but that's just my opinion.
Best of luck with your decision, and welcome to the forum!
Mark
The Porter Cable, or the Griots Garage 6" are good machines to have around. As previously mentioned, they have the versatility of using smaller Backing Plates than the Flex 3401.
With that being said, the PC or GG (or Megs) does have its value-worth, as I'm certain the Flex might prove testy in small-tight areas.
With the Flex though, you will no doubt be using this machine the majority of the time, and thus only using the lesser DA's for certain areas-tasks.
If I could do it all over, I probably would've just sprung for the Flex, but of course all is never too late, I just have to open my wallet! Hopefully, moths won't come flying out! LOL
One very good plan, might be to get the Flex 3401, and then perhaps buy a less expensive DA such as the Harbor Freight DA, and buy a couple small backing Plates for it for tight areas-specialty work?
Many here see such worth in having more than one machine, it can enhance productivity, and quality of work by having more, than having less.
If I was going to buy the Flex, I myself would probably opt for either, or both the Lake Country Backing Plate System, or the Smaller Factory Flex Backing Plate to add to the versatility of use.
I'm of the belief that for most applications, 5" or 5.5" Pads are probably a bit easier to maneuver around panels than 6.5" Pads. Of course I could be wrong with this assumption, but that's just my opinion.
Best of luck with your decision, and welcome to the forum!
Mark
conman1395
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- Nov 23, 2013
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Hey a PC or a GG6. Use the saved money to get pads and other products. Simple decision.
brettS4
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- Jan 7, 2015
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Between the PC and GG6, I think the GG6 is a no-brainer. And I am in no way bashing the PC. Mine has worked perfectly for 12 years. It just doesn't have the power that the Griot's has. I can't bear down with the PC without the rotation stopping. It's fine with small pads and waxes, but not so good for compounds.
281
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- May 18, 2013
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Here is the polisher we used on Air Force One!
Here I am on the wing of Air Force One using my polisher of choice!
Ever coat a plane Evan? What products would you use to seal after polishing?
281
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- May 18, 2013
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Thanks!
MarkD51
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- Oct 15, 2012
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View attachment 32137
Here's one little pic of my Tahoe, getting it's first treatment (correction) about 18 months ago.
These will be the common things you'll need to do when correcting. Note some areas Masked off with Tape.
This is done to of course protect trim from compounds-polishes, and as well keeps polishes and often their dusts at bay, stopping them from getting into places you don't want.
I wouldn't say 6.5" versus a 5.5" Pad will be saving a detailer a huge amount of time
Section passes still have to be done, like you'll see forum Guru-Master Mike Phillps do.
(you can go on youtube and see many vids of Mike using the Flex as well as here BTW)
And one usually does not tackle an entire Panel in one go either, that larger panels such as Hood, Roof, Doors will need to be broken into sections. The working time of the products used, and the loading up of Pads with spent products will dictate such.
Where the Flex really shines and saves time, is the forced rotation. That one can no doubt get the desired results with perhaps less section passes.
Places on an SUV like yours that will usually prove the most difficult to work on are the roof. Mine has all those protective longtitudinal runners, and cross bars which of course make it harder to correct. Plus being on a Ladder, or such makes the process more difficult.
More recently again, I spent an entire day just doing the roof, first fully cleaning, decon with Iron X, Clay, Masking, Polishing, Eraser Wipe before I could apply the CQuartz UK Ceramic Coating last fall.
I was pretty beat up after that roof.
Mark
KMdef9
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- Jan 17, 2014
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Flex will have the job quicker with its forced rotation and power.
The GG and PC can use 3" pads and be used for tighter spots versus the flex.
The money for a just the Flex tool will get you a GG polisher, pads and product. If you don't have pads, be ready for that cost too.
If you buy the flex, I highly recommend gets the LC backing plate system. Once again adding to the cost of it. For a beginner, I'll also recommend Mike's book on the Flex 3401.
IMO, I'd go with the GG and see how much you use it. If you only use once or twice a year, it's a no-brainer. If down the road you decide to upgrade, you have a good tool for 3" pads and carpet cleaning without having to switch backing plaes in the middle of a job.
However, AG does has 15% off and it would qualify for free shipping. That would make me lean towards Flex. That way you'll never want more out of your polisher.
So ATM (because of this rare sale), Flex > PC,GG, Meg's
(If it's of any relevance, I own a Flex 3401)
The GG and PC can use 3" pads and be used for tighter spots versus the flex.
The money for a just the Flex tool will get you a GG polisher, pads and product. If you don't have pads, be ready for that cost too.
If you buy the flex, I highly recommend gets the LC backing plate system. Once again adding to the cost of it. For a beginner, I'll also recommend Mike's book on the Flex 3401.
IMO, I'd go with the GG and see how much you use it. If you only use once or twice a year, it's a no-brainer. If down the road you decide to upgrade, you have a good tool for 3" pads and carpet cleaning without having to switch backing plaes in the middle of a job.
However, AG does has 15% off and it would qualify for free shipping. That would make me lean towards Flex. That way you'll never want more out of your polisher.
So ATM (because of this rare sale), Flex > PC,GG, Meg's
(If it's of any relevance, I own a Flex 3401)
My GG6 is GREAT...I have a 9227 for big stuff. Many times I will use my 9227 and then fishing off with the GG6 to remove any fine swirls.
