Flex XCE 9-8 150

roguegeek

roguegeek

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Alright guys. I was getting kinda frustrated with the inconsistent and incomplete info about Flex's new forced-rotation DA, so I just went and got the information myself. Here's what I've found.

The XCE 9-8 150 is a new forced-rotation dual-action polisher from Flex. It is an update of the XC 3401 VRG and has, essentially, the same specifications from that unit. What has changed from the 3401 is a revised head unit. It is a unit that is derived from the PE 14-2 150 and incorporates a new cooling system to keep temperatures at bay. The dust cover has been changed from metal to plastic to also aid with cooling. The XCE is lighter and some people from the show are claiming, unofficially, it feels smoother to opperate as well. Pricing has not been announced but it will be in the ballpark of the 3401. Pre-orders should start sometime in Feb 2016 with delivery happening in Feb/Mar 2016.

As it pertains to the 3401, that unit will continue to be sold along side the new XCE because it has such a predominant role in the current industry. It is referenced quite a bit and is in a lot of literature and documentation. Flex does not want to break that link. There are no current plans to phase the 3401 out, but they can see doing so once the XCE becomes the predominant unit. Some of the misinformation I have read is that the 3401 is for professionals and the XCE is for hobbyist and DYIers. This is not true. If you are a new buyer looking for a forced-rotation DA, professional or not, there is no real reason to buy the 3401 over the XCE. Likewise, if you already own a 3401 and heat isn't an issue, just hold onto your 3401.

Hope this helps everyone out. Let me know if I forgot anything and I'll go dig up an answer.

Now onto pictures of the unit.

Flex XCE 9-8 150
IMG_2213.jpg

IMG_2214.jpg


Flex XCE 9-8 150 compared to the 3401
IMG_2210.jpg

IMG_2211.jpg

IMG_2215.jpg
 
Way cool!! February for launch date....man I am bummed!! Santa stuff will be done by then!! CRUD!!!! But can't wait til this one comes out!!

Again, thank you for the info! It will be a great addition to my 3401
 
Officially...
Which direction does it spin:
Clockwise; Counterclokwise?

TIA.

Bob
 
If there is no real reason to buy the 3401, why are they continuing production?
 
FUNX650 said:
Officially...
Which direction does it spin:
Clockwise; Counterclokwise?

TIA.

Bob
Click to expand...

Exact same specs as the 3401. Clockwise when looking upside down on the unit at the pad. Counter-clockwise when holding it properly.
 
Does it feature the same backing plate and would therefore have limitation of 5.5" pads with stock options?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Thank you for clarification. From previous posts I was thinking it was a 'free spinning' tool.

Glad to hear it's an improved "Forced Rotation" tool.:props:
 
sealthedeal said:
Does it feature the same backing plate and would therefore have limitation of 5.5" pads with stock options?
Click to expand...

It's all of the same options that the 3401 has. The only difference is a head unit that has better cooling.
 
Looks like they ARE offering a free spinning tool as well.

Two new tools from Flex.:dblthumb2:
 
Hoytman said:
Thank you for clarification. From previous posts I was thinking it was a 'free spinning' tool.

Glad to hear it's an improved "Forced Rotation" tool.:props:
Click to expand...

Their new free-rotation tool is the XFE (not the XCE) and I'll have more info about that in the XFE specific thread.
 
Awesome! Thank you for posting this. I was getting frustrated on the lack of clear info on the XCE as well. :dblthumb2:
 
SameGuy said:
"Limitation?" :headscratch:
Click to expand...


The default backing plate that comes with flex 3401 is around 5.75" so you can't put the 5.5 pads on it for safe usage. LC hybrid pads are designed for a perfect match. all 6-6.5" pads would fit.

LC makes interchangeable BPs but those also don't cater the 5.5" pads well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Doesn't look as robust as the 3401. So essentially its a 3401 with a PE-14 nose. Same motors same correction ability.
 
FUNX650 said:
Even though the directional-arrow...on the unit's
shroud, (in the first 2 photos you posted)...is pointing
in the orientation as shown? :confused:
Click to expand...

Well that is strange. Everything behind the head is exactly the same. Just a new head unit. I suppose that might change the direction? I'll try and get back over to the booth to confirm.
 
roguegeek said:
Well that is strange. Everything behind the head is exactly the same. Just a new head unit. I suppose that might change the direction? I'll try and get back over to the booth to confirm.
Click to expand...
Thank you ever so much! :props:


Bob
 
Zubair said:
Doesn't look as robust as the 3401. So essentially its a 3401 with a PE-14 nose. Same motors same correction ability.
Click to expand...

It's definitely built to be as robust (if not better) than the 3401. Fully manufactured and assembled in Germany. From the way they were talking about it, it would eventually replace the 3401 in several years once it's populated the market. I would think you don't simply replace something like the 3401 unless you know it can surpass it or, at the very least, live up to it.
 
The more I see the new polishers being released the more clear it is I already own those which is not a bad thing. The only real change for me personally would be a PE-14.

Btw I love my Rupes 15 and Flex 3401, want a complete change and not purchase something I already own or close to it
 
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