Is it Flex and then everything else?

mbpress01 said:
I think all these comments are great but what it comes down to is what is important to you. For me - time to detail vs looks is so important. I tried to work all the rupes and this whole technique thing still has me baffled. If technique and "finesse" and maybe smoothness are critical and you have plenty of time rupes/boss may be the way to go. If time is important I think MOST would agree Flex is the tool. Please let us know your decision and the outcome.
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I'll definitely let you guys know what I end up with and how I like it. I'll probably end up waiting until someone has another sale, 4th of July maybe.

To be honest most of the responses have been about what I was expecting, and now I think I'm more confused/torn than I was when I posted this. I'm still leaning towards the Flex though since I will only be buying one DA for right now. The BOSS polishers from Griots looks promising, but I'm not a big fan of Chinese made power tools, especially at the same price as a Rupes. Not saying it's better, but quality and made in China have never gone together regardless of the claims about strict control over the manufacturing process. Also, it seems like the larger throw DA's pretty much require another DA with a smaller throw and pad for tight spots. So right now it's either going to be a Flex or a Rupes 15.
 
"Is it the Flex and then everything else?"

That's like saying it's the Corvette then everything else. The Mustang guys would have a hard time with that, as well as the Porsche guys, the Ferrari guys, the F150 guys, and the Silverado guys. :laughing:

On that big trailer the Flex will help knock it out, that's for sure. On concave panels the Rupes 21 can be useless (as well a the 15 to a lesser degree but it'll still require finesse). The Rupes Duetto is a great tool to have around though I prefer it to the bigger ones (and even Mike Phillips has said as much when he stated that he never was one to jump on the train for various machines but he'd volunteer to be the "conductor" of the Rupes Duetto train).

But as a DA machine the GG6 is darned near unstoppable no matter what shape the panel is. Providing you're working with the correct size pad for the area being worked of course. ;) (Which means a maximum 5½" pad and switching to the 3½ o 4" pads in the tight areas.)

Your arms will like the Rupes, even the GG6 over the Flex. But when it comes to sheer power, the Flex has no rivals. Then again, there are those that would say you can get the job done with a 5.56, so why whip out the 7.62? :rolleyes: I know if you're carrying one around all day I'd want the 5.56. That's until I run across a hippo that needs stopping! :D
 
cardaddy said:
"Is it the Flex and then everything else?"

That's like saying it's the Corvette then everything else. The Mustang guys would have a hard time with that, as well as the Porsche guys, the Ferrari guys, the F150 guys, and the Silverado guys. :laughing:

On that big trailer the Flex will help knock it out, that's for sure. On concave panels the Rupes 21 can be useless (as well a the 15 to a lesser degree but it'll still require finesse). The Rupes Duetto is a great tool to have around though I prefer it to the bigger ones (and even Mike Phillips has said as much when he stated that he never was one to jump on the train for various machines but he'd volunteer to be the "conductor" of the Rupes Duetto train).

But as a DA machine the GG6 is darned near unstoppable no matter what shape the panel is. Providing you're working with the correct size pad for the area being worked of course. ;) (Which means a maximum 5½" pad and switching to the 3½ o 4" pads in the tight areas.)

Your arms will like the Rupes, even the GG6 over the Flex. But when it comes to sheer power, the Flex has no rivals. Then again, there are those that would say you can get the job done with a 5.56, so why whip out the 7.62? :rolleyes: I know if you're carrying one around all day I'd want the 5.56. That's until I run across a hippo that needs stopping! :D
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:iagree:

I agree and being the owner of and LHR 15 and a Duetto, I haven't picked up my LHR15 up in 18 months. I been using my Duetto.
 
If you are waffling, just get the Flex. You can use almost any pad with it. Flat, CCS, Hex Logic, Hybrid, Hydrotech, buff and shine, sur buf, foamed wool, etc. About the only thing the Flex doesn't like are microfiber pads, but those were designed to try and give the free floating spindle polishers more cut.

You have to buy into the Rupes system to get the most out of it: their machine, pads, and polish. It does a great job to be sure, but it sure isn't the most economical way to go.

The 5 inch hybrid pads can silence all the noise about the Flex vibrating too much, too hard to control, etc. You can one-hand the Flex on hoods, roofs, trunk lids, with 5" pads just fine.

And yes, the Flex finishes out wonderfully. At the finishing stage, it's the foam, the polish, and the technique making the difference, not the machine (save maybe for a rotary, then just multiply technique by 1000.)

Oh, and I personally take offense to the poster that claimed the Flex is a Bubba tool. Any tool I'd a Bubba tool if Bubba's the one using it.
 
Yeah the Bubba tool comment is just, well, ugh. I mean, tell Mike Phillips the Flex is for "Bubbas"--give me a break.

Anyways, I bought a Flex almost six years ago. It's the only polisher I have experience with. If you're concerned about being able to finish perfect, you absolutely can with Menzerna SF 4500 and a black pad. At least in my experience on my 350z's piano black paint.

I bought it before most of the hype and never heard about other DA's stopping spinning on curves. There is a learning curve with it, and it can manhandle you a bit, but if you can afford it, get yourself the smaller backing plate and pads, it really does make it a smoother experience.
 
cardaddy said:
"Is it the Flex and then everything else?"

That's like saying it's the Corvette then everything else. The Mustang guys would have a hard time with that, as well as the Porsche guys, the Ferrari guys, the F150 guys, and the Silverado guys. :laughing:

On that big trailer the Flex will help knock it out, that's for sure. On concave panels the Rupes 21 can be useless (as well a the 15 to a lesser degree but it'll still require finesse). The Rupes Duetto is a great tool to have around though I prefer it to the bigger ones (and even Mike Phillips has said as much when he stated that he never was one to jump on the train for various machines but he'd volunteer to be the "conductor" of the Rupes Duetto train).

But as a DA machine the GG6 is darned near unstoppable no matter what shape the panel is. Providing you're working with the correct size pad for the area being worked of course. ;) (Which means a maximum 5½" pad and switching to the 3½ o 4" pads in the tight areas.)

Your arms will like the Rupes, even the GG6 over the Flex. But when it comes to sheer power, the Flex has no rivals. Then again, there are those that would say you can get the job done with a 5.56, so why whip out the 7.62? :rolleyes: I know if you're carrying one around all day I'd want the 5.56. That's until I run across a hippo that needs stopping! :D
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Well it's kinda the same thing with pickups.....there's Ford and then everything else. lol

On the polishers, I think I would like the smooth operation that the Rupes is known for, but I also don't think I would mind the added effort to control the Flex. I buffed out the trailer (7X26 and black) with the Rotary this Spring and was pretty happy with the results, but I think a DA would be easier for the finishing steps.
 
cardaddy said:
"Is it the Flex and then everything else?"

That's like saying it's the Corvette then everything else. The Mustang guys would have a hard time with that, as well as the Porsche guys, the Ferrari guys, the F150 guys, and the Silverado guys. :laughing:

On that big trailer the Flex will help knock it out, that's for sure. On concave panels the Rupes 21 can be useless (as well a the 15 to a lesser degree but it'll still require finesse). The Rupes Duetto is a great tool to have around though I prefer it to the bigger ones (and even Mike Phillips has said as much when he stated that he never was one to jump on the train for various machines but he'd volunteer to be the "conductor" of the Rupes Duetto train).

But as a DA machine the GG6 is darned near unstoppable no matter what shape the panel is. Providing you're working with the correct size pad for the area being worked of course. ;) (Which means a maximum 5½" pad and switching to the 3½ o 4" pads in the tight areas.)

Your arms will like the Rupes, even the GG6 over the Flex. But when it comes to sheer power, the Flex has no rivals. Then again, there are those that would say you can get the job done with a 5.56, so why whip out the 7.62? :rolleyes: I know if you're carrying one around all day I'd want the 5.56. That's until I run across a hippo that needs stopping! :D
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Duetto is my favorite. I like their pads on it, with Menzerna polishes. Todd Helme said the Duetto is his favorite too.

I also really like the Flex 3401...

And the Porter Cable 7424xp...

:D
 
Between the whole Flex/Rupes debate....

I see them as different machines with a similar function. There's nothing like the forced rotation of the Flex. It's in a class all it's own, a true "dual action" machine. Hybrid of a rotary, and a random orbital.

Sure, the 3401 is built for brute speed, but just like any other machine, it can be finessed. I've had nothing but great experiences with it.
 
no doubt the flex DA is great and the options of different backing plates and pads makes it very versatile...
 
aim4squirrels said:
If you are waffling, just get the Flex. You can use almost any pad with it. Flat, CCS, Hex Logic, Hybrid, Hydrotech, buff and shine, sur buf, foamed wool, etc. About the only thing the Flex doesn't like are microfiber pads, but those were designed to try and give the free floating spindle polishers more cut.

You have to buy into the Rupes system to get the most out of it: their machine, pads, and polish. It does a great job to be sure, but it sure isn't the most economical way to go.

The 5 inch hybrid pads can silence all the noise about the Flex vibrating too much, too hard to control, etc. You can one-hand the Flex on hoods, roofs, trunk lids, with 5" pads just fine.

And yes, the Flex finishes out wonderfully. At the finishing stage, it's the foam, the polish, and the technique making the difference, not the machine (save maybe for a rotary, then just multiply technique by 1000.)

Oh, and I personally take offense to the poster that claimed the Flex is a Bubba tool. Any tool I'd a Bubba tool if Bubba's the one using it.
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:goodpost:Read this one.... read it once, twice, thrice! :dblthumb2:

:iagree:....one THOUSAND percent!


dlc95 said:
Duetto is my favorite. I like their pads on it, with Menzerna polishes. Todd Helme said the Duetto is his favorite too.

I also really like the Flex 3401...

And the Porter Cable 7424xp...

:D
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YUP! Which is why I brought up Mike P's statement about being "the conductor". That says it all!

dlc95 said:
Between the whole Flex/Rupes debate....

I see them as different machines with a similar function. There's nothing like the forced rotation of the Flex. It's in a class all it's own, a true "dual action" machine. Hybrid of a rotary, and a random orbital.

Sure, the 3401 is built for brute speed, but just like any other machine, it can be finessed. I've had nothing but great experiences with it.
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AB-SO-FREAKING-LOOT-LEEEEE!!!!!!!! :D

VISITOR said:
no doubt the flex DA is great and the options of different backing plates and pads makes it very versatile...
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Forgot to mention that. IMHO.... the Lake Country backing plate "system" should BE MANDATORY with the 3401. It's great to have that raw power of a rotary, yet knowing that buffer trails and holograms will never rear their head with this wonderful tool. :props:

The only downside to it is that when you've been working with the GG6 (or the PC in that category) then the Duetto, it's a beast to handle. Sorta' like going from a lightweight turbo Lotus Elise to a fire breathing push rod V8 in the Vette. Both are spectacular vehicles in their own right, and literally light years apart in what they do, and HOW they do it. Yet when you need to get from A-to-B they'll both get you there in darned near the same time frame (just depends on the road along the way). ;)

I'd get the GG6, the Duetto, and the Flex and call it a day. :D
 
Just wanted to update this thread. I ended up going with the Flex 3401. I found a like new used one for a great price, so it was a no brainer. When I first got it, I played around with it for a few minutes a couple times and didn't really have a strong like or dislike for it. Yesterday I used it to polish my sister's car with HD Speed and I must say I am really liking the Flex. I used a 6.5" white hybrid pad and went to town. I found the Flex to be pretty smooth, not rotary smooth, but my hands weren't tingling at all so I was happy. It was equally easy to control on both flat and vertical panels. I didn't notice any of the "walking" that I have read so much about and the rotary like behavior of the forced rotation was a huge plus. The only problem I have now is I don't have enough vehicles to use it on. :)


A couple pics from the first flex project.
 
Im see you purchased a polisher but,

When i first signed up to the forum, i researched the very same topic
I was leaning towards the flex for correction power
Ive ended up waiting and took a chance on a boss G21 assuming the bigger motor would avoid the stalling on curved panel issue.
Im new to machibe polishing.
Ive done a few horizontal test spots, coudlnt stall it if i tried.
I did my first full detail last weekend
I was worried about vertical panels and curves
I didnt stall at any point even when applied pressure on first pass at speed 5.

So cliff notes , a newbie like me didnt stall a Griot Boss G21 with 6.5 pad

Either way, im sure youll end up with atleast 2 polishers
I TOO only wanted 1 polisher to do it all but i foresee a Rupes Mini or a 3M mini if its available in a electric/cord version
 
MIsnowman said:
Just wanted to update this thread. I ended up going with the Flex 3401. I found the Flex to be pretty smooth, not rotary smooth, but my hands weren't tingling at all so I was happy. The only problem I have now is I don't have enough vehicles to use it on. :)
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Congrats! The Mazda looks great!
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
I rarely put on the hat of the Spelling Police as it's just not neccassary but after reading your post I see you mispelled the word Chevy.

It's not spelled f o r d it's spelled C H E V Y.


:D
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Agree to disagree bud. Blue oval all the way!!! :dblthumb2:
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
I rarely put on the hat of the Spelling Police as it's just not neccassary but after reading your post I see you mispelled the word Chevy.

It's not spelled f o r d it's spelled C H E V Y.


:D
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Im with you Mike. Being a vehicle Mechanic in the Air Force I work on our domestic vehicles. I find this very accurate.

ec5e814faadea1ee92056bf3883189a0_zpsdoaagbcj.jpg
 
MIsnowman said:
Just wanted to update this thread. I ended up going with the Flex 3401. I found a like new used one for a great price, so it was a no brainer. When I first got it, I played around with it for a few minutes a couple times and didn't really have a strong like or dislike for it. Yesterday I used it to polish my sister's car with HD Speed and I must say I am really liking the Flex. I used a 6.5" white hybrid pad and went to town. I found the Flex to be pretty smooth, not rotary smooth, but my hands weren't tingling at all so I was happy. It was equally easy to control on both flat and vertical panels. I didn't notice any of the "walking" that I have read so much about and the rotary like behavior of the forced rotation was a huge plus. The only problem I have now is I don't have enough vehicles to use it on. :)


A couple pics from the first flex project.
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Congrats on the Flex. I too couldn't decide between either Rupes/Flex so bought both. I've been meaning to post my findings on them but time just doesn't permit. Hoping to soon though.
 
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