I've been reading this thread with interest as I am also considering the Duetto. I considered the Flex but wanted the smooth operation and better finishing that Rupes offers. I'm waiting for next months Sema announcements to decide as I'm hoping for an upgraded Duetto.
I think I'm starting to back away from the Duetto a bit and leaning more towards a 15mm long throw (BOSS or Rupes Mk II). Already have the GG6 which is similar in ergonomic design to the Duetto so nothing new for me there with regards to chassis design although small machine with 12mm v. 8mm throw and increased smoothness is what first led me towards Duetto. Spent many hours last night going through the 'Rupes v. Griots BOSS' discussions/threads. Being that the BOSS is a response of sorts to the Rupes machines, I'm guessing the performance aspects are likely similar although it appears the Rupes might be a more 'refined' machine with better balance given the nearly equal weight of the machines. While the BOSS has the 900watt motor vs Rupes 500watt unit, I'd guess that's mostly technical 'hype' as the Rupes could be more efficient and more power doesn't necessarily transfer to more 'useful' power.
As far as the total 'system approach' for both, I think I prefer the Rupes as it's kinda a 4-step system while the Griots is a 3.5 step, with the final 'Finishing Sealant' seemingly containing their finest/finest abrasives with the caveat that is has a sealant component, which eliminates it for me as I end up coating most cars if'n I'm gonna take the time to compound/polish them. I suppose I could use Menz PO85RD/3800 with the BOSS to get that last refining step that Rupes seemingly provides with their 4th step, the Diamond Ultra Fine Gel Polish. The Rupes is system also recommends the 6" pads for the their 5" backing plate, a tiny step up from the 5.5" pads of the BOSS system. Hey, very little difference but every little bit counts, right and if in need for control I always have the GG6 w/ 3" plate/pads.
There's a few little things that stood out to me when comparing the two:
- Like the Rupes integrated BP hex key; I tend to lose stuff like that at times. No big deal to find a 5mm (i think) hex key should (when) i lose it but still...convenience.
- If i understand the G15 Variable Speed Trigger throttle correctly, allows for easy initial startup; can set machine to final speed and control initial product application/spreading at lower speed and then fire it up to cutting/polishing speed without fumbling for the speed setting wheel/dial.
- Rupes has HD option for 25ft cord, G15 apparently only available in 13ft cord. I do all my work in a 2 car garage that has other 'garage stuff' in it so the less I have to use extension cords, the better for me. Between air compressor hoses, portable lights and other stuff, the floor can get kinda cluttered so the less need for extension cords the better.
- G15 includes the option of using the included 'washer mod' although a rather small item and easily worked/fitted to Rupes, one less thing to do if'n ya wanna go that route.
As for the dollars and cents (or lack of sense) of the matter, I would generally go with the all-at-once approach, maybe going with a kit and supplementing it to make up the following packages, bearing in mind I prefer 32oz/1L bottles which BOSS stuff doesn’t come in so I doubled up on those for comparisons sake:
Pads: Like to keep (6) of each ‘main’ type on hand for each car/project:
BOSS: (5.5”)
(6) White Foam FAST Correcting Pad
(6) Orange Foam Correcting Pad
(6) Yellow Foam Perfecting Pad
(6) Black Foam Finishing Pad
RUPES: (6”)
(6) Blue Coarse Foam Pad
(6) Green Medium Foam Pad
(6) Yellow Polishing Foam Pad
(6) White Finishing Foam Pad
Compound/Polishes: 4 step in worst case scenario or mix/match depending on conditions
BOSS:
Griots Garage BOSS Fast Correcting Cream
Griots Garage BOSS Correcting Cream
Griots Garage BOSS Perfecting Cream
Menzerna Super Finish Plus (SF-3800)/PO85RD
RUPES:
Rupes Zephir Gloss Coarse Gel Compound
Rupes Quarz Gloss Medium Gel Compound
Rupes Keramik Gloss Fine Gel Polish
Rupes Diamond Ultra Fine Gel Polish
Now considering that the Rupes machines are generally excluded from all sales/discounts/promotions and the BOSS machines occasionally make it in the promotions, the total cost for the packages would be around the following numbers, taking into account that sales/promotions usually DO NOT EXCLUDE the Rupes pads and polishes/compounds. Throw in a free pad her or there or special promo’s or take advantage of bundles I’d guess actual costs would be a bit lower…but not likely not by much:
Rupes: (No promo discounts on machine but pads/polishes eligible)
No promotion: $850.00
15% Promo: $788.20
20% Promo: $767.60
25% promo: $747.25
BOSS:
No promotion: $741.00
15% Promo: $583.00
20% Promo: $548.00
25% promo: $514.00
It’s a not insignificant difference in cost but not so much that the $$ would sway me either way. Kinda caught up in the fact that I like a few features of the G15 machine better, but the pad/polish system of the Rupes is my preference. And, there is always the RUPES UHS system to try.
In the end I could mix and match pieces of each system with each machine but it would be nice to keep it all in the same product orbit. Also hear very good things about the kamikaze Katana BP for Rupes…would like to give that a try as well.
Eh, got the next few months to figure it out…until a completely mind-blowing promo comes along…xmas, easter, etc.
rops:
