Looking to buy new DA, need advice

I taught a rookie how to use the machines. I let him use the PC, Flex 3401, and the G21. He used each for about 20 minutes. I didn't explain anything about the machines. When he was done I asked him which one he liked best. Without hesitation he chose the G21. I asked him why and he said it was a lot smoother and easier to use. I love my Flex, and my PC will always have uses. I don't know if this is helpful, but it does take the psychological aspect out of the equation.
 
DaveT435 said:
I taught a rookie how to use the machines. I let him use the PC, Flex 3401, and the G21. He used each for about 20 minutes. I didn't explain anything about the machines. When he was done I asked him which one he liked best. Without hesitation he chose the G21. I asked him why and he said it was a lot smoother and easier to use. I love my Flex, and my PC will always have uses. I don't know if this is helpful, but it does take the psychological aspect out of the equation.
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It definitely helps, I can correct just about anything with my HF DA and MF pads, but it's tiring to use and just not pleasurable plus the tingling hand dont help.
 
Zubair said:
If u intend on spending around the $400 mark the only names that should be in the premium price category are premium brands...Flex and Rupes. Don't pay close on $400 for a $100 Chinese made machine regardless of what people tell you, you still getting short changed.

Changing from an HF to a GG instead of a Rupes/Flex is not an upgrade.I'd have no issue if the GG was $150. I wouldn't buy a Hyundai for Mercedes/Ferrari money no matter what the internet tells me.
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I totally disagree with this comment. The Griot's G21 is an exceptional machine and system regardless of where it's made. I have three Rupes polishers and the G21, and it is every bit as well made and then some.

Oh yeah, and I have a Hyundai too, make that two Hyundai's :buffing:
 
Zubair said:
Lifetime warranty doesn't equate to premium. GG will never be in the esteemed company of Rupes/Flex no matter what the colour,wattage,warranty states. Get the Flex instead as you paying premium so receive premium. Don't fall prey to marketing ploys or hype.
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Do you happen to own a G21? I hope so, other wise you have no right to make any comment what so ever about the quality of the tool. If you don't own one I think it's pretty bogus for you to be making these kind of comments about a quality company.

It is an excellent tool and a great system. I like my G21 way better than my Rupes 15, hands down. And as I own both I can make that comparison.
 
Good post Dave!

It's also difficult to choose, as all have a vested interest. Users want to feel that there dollars purchased, the best product, & tend to be loyal. This re-enforces, I made the right decision, with my dollars. Testimonials are not scientific.

Sellers are biased, & deals with companies (AG, CG, Meg. etc) tend to favor, whatever deal was made by mfg. & promoting organization.

We have quite a few DA's to consider, yet nobody has makes comparison easy, matching stats one to another.

We really cannot distinguish the needs of the pro in the detailing biz, versus the week-end, or DIY detailer. So the needs & dollar amount, can be quite different for, someone using a work tool daily, than for somebody who details 3 - 4 times per year.

What this industry needs is something like "Consumers Reports" where vested parties, are not involved, so unbiased opinions can occur.
 
Zubair said:
If u intend on spending around the $400 mark the only names that should be in the premium price category are premium brands...Flex and Rupes. Don't pay close on $400 for a $100 Chinese made machine regardless of what people tell you, you still getting short changed.

Changing from an HF to a GG instead of a Rupes/Flex is not an upgrade.I'd have no issue if the GG was $150. I wouldn't buy a Hyundai for Mercedes/Ferrari money no matter what the internet tells me.
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I notice your comparing Flex and Rupes to a German built car and an Italian built car. Hyundai is Korean. Just sayin..

I haven't used a Rupes so I can't speak for it's performance. I do own a GG 21. It's built with high quality components and is a great machine. The lifetime warranty is a big plus.
 
I'm personally not vested in, paid or supported by any company. I have no die hard loyalty to any particular manufacturer or distributor of detailing products. I base my purchasing decisions on the quality, service and value that a particular company provides me for my hard earned money.
 
It certainly helps to hear from people that actually own the tools instead of speaking in generalizations about them.
 
custmsprty said:
I'm personally not vested in, paid or supported by any company. I have no die hard loyalty to any particular manufacturer or distributor of detailing products. I base my purchasing decisions on the quality, service and value that a particular company provides me for my hard earned money.
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Exactly...value!!! I have three Flex machines. I felt they were the best value for what I was looking for in their respective categories. I'm not saying the Rupes isn't a great machine, reading the reviews it definitely is. I do believe the quality of the Boss and the Rupes is close. for my money I'll go for the lifetime warranty. For argument sake let's say the Rupes is a little better machine. I know if both machines break at 14 months after purchase I'll be glad I bought the Boss
 
DaveT435 said:
Exactly...value!!! I have three Flex machines. I felt they were the best value for what I was looking for in their respective categories. I'm not saying the Rupes isn't a great machine, reading the reviews it definitely is. I do believe the quality of the Boss and the Rupes is close. for my money I'll go for the lifetime warranty. For argument sake let's say the Rupes is a little better machine. I know if both machines break at 14 months after purchase I'll be glad I bought the Boss
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Well said and I totally agree.

Just like:
I don't personally own a Flex 3401 (I do have a PE8) so I have never posted a comment about the 3401 and how good it is or how it works as I'm not qualified to do so since I don't own one.
 
On a side note, do the long throw machines (Boss/Rupes) finish substantially better, a lot better, almost the same etc?
 
Another good post Dave, your just full of good posts.

I can understand, "Custmsprty" that's how you & many others feel, but your being manipulated by masters, of psychology. Yes I'm being manipulated, as well. It does not matter what the product is, the process is the same, all designed to separate you from your dollars.
 
Ricorocks said:
Another good post Dave, your just full of good posts.

I can understand, "Custmsprty" that's how you & many others feel, but your being manipulated by masters, of psychology. Yes I'm being manipulated, as well. It does not matter what the product is, the process is the same, all designed to separate you from your dollars.
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Nobody separates me from my $$$ unless I want to spend it.. that's hilarious. LOL.
 
You can do all the research you want but when it really comes down to it the only person's opinion that matters when you are spending your money is yours. So I would strongly recommend finding a way to get access to all the polishers you are interested in and spend a little bit of time on each one. From what you have posted about what you are looking for in a machine I think it will be really obvious once you get a little hands on time.

It seems like you will be much happier with a long throw style machine.
 
I don't believe anyone could tell, (completed) what machine, did a better job. With no discernible difference, by DA it comes down to:

Cost
quality. of machine/warranty
Comfort, ease of use
how quickly the task is completed

If I'm missing a criteria or two, chime in.

But the rest is SALES
 
Overall a long throw polisher does not finish out any better then a 3401. You will find a lot of posts where people report that one paint system did not respond well to one polisher but I think with the right pad and product combination either machine should finish out to anyone's expectations.
 
@Geekout good post!

However test driving DA machines, can be a problem. So were left with sales hype, & testimonial(s), all with an agenda.
 
expdetailing said:
On a side note, do the long throw machines (Boss/Rupes) finish substantially better, a lot better, almost the same etc?
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if the machines are used in a fashion that gets the best results from each machine if there is a difference I doubt you would be able to see it. I may be wrong. I haven't done any side by side comparisons.
 
How does the big throw perform on smaller panels like the bumpers/fenders/panels above the windows?

Do you use a smaller machine with a smaller pad for those?
 
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