Lake Country Hydro Pads

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Yes, I bought 6.5" pads for my Griots but when I switched to the Flex I didn't want to buy all new pads so I figured I'd see how the 6.5" pads that I already have worked.

Btw: I was re-reading through this thread and noticed people saying it happened in the first few times they used them. In that case my pads seem to be in the clear so far.

I thought you could only use 6.5" pads with the standard Flex backing plate?

 

[CEE DOG]

I thought you could only use 6.5" pads with the standard Flex backing plate?

There could be an argument that 6" pads would be ideal for a 5.5" backing plate but the 6.5" should work great and is certainly recommended. Sorry if I confused the issue. See below paste from the AG Flex page,

"......The FLEX dual action polisher comes with a 5.5 Inch Hook & Loop Backing Plate. This plate is compatible with all Lake Country 6.5 Inch Foam Pads."

It even comes with (2) 6.5" pads

Flex XC 3401, FLEX Orbital Polisher,flex XC 3401 VRG dual-action polisher,flex XC3401VRG,Dual Action polisher,FLEX buffer

 

[maxisiri]

Yeppers, already spoken with him on the phone and we're working on a few things. John (VR8) posted those pictures to help show what's going on with the majority of the pads we've bought.

When possible please tell us what you arranged with Eric, I am really interested on getting more of this pads but I will be waiting to see how this ends...I personally used not too much 4 of them with a 7424XP without any issue yet...hope my good luck still continues...I hear lots of people here saying the issues of the HT so it seams it's a design issue...hope this is solved in the near future...please Eric, keep us posted...:dblthumb2:

 

[TLMitchell]

Wouldn't it be ideal to have the backing plate be planted right to the very edge of the backing plate? If not, you may experience reduced correction power, extra hazing and premature pad failure.

I'm using 5.5" pads with the Flex. I like the feel and correction ability but it doesn't leave any margin for error.

TL

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I'm using 5.5" pads with the Flex. I like the feel and correction ability but it doesn't leave any margin for error.

TL

I just ordered 6.5" hydros for my Flex. If I knew 5.5" pads would work, I definitely would have bought those!! Are you using hydros on your Flex? Would it be possible to post a pic what they look like on the flex backing plate?

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I'm using 5.5" pads with the Flex. I like the feel and correction ability but it doesn't leave any margin for error.

TL

Actually, disregard the picture, that's a hassle. I'd just like to know if you're using hydro's or another type of LC pad? Did you buy the pads from AG?

 

[TLMitchell]

Actually, disregard the picture, that's a hassle. I'd just like to know if you're using hydro's or another type of LC pad? Did you buy the pads from AG?

I've got one each of the Hydros for a look-see, haven't even tried them yet. Don't recall where I got them. I originally got the 5.5s to use with a 5" BP on a PC. I also picked up a couple of the Constant Pressure LC 5.5 pads from CMA that appear to be made especially for them because I haven't seen them anywhere else. The foam edges are rounded and the velcro is recessed away from the edge of the back of the pad. I stuck one on the Flex to check the fitment and they line up right with the edge of the BP. Fine for flat surfaces but I'm thinking if one was foolhardy enough to try and get in any tight places you could risk dinging something with the edge of the BP because there's no pad overhang at all.

I expect I'll probably be using the Flex primarily with 6.5" pads, 5.5 and 4 on the PC. Flex is really missing the boat by not having multiple sized BPs available.

TL

 

[Bunky]

It looks like sheer stress failure where the area under the velcro is rotating due to being directly attached to the backing plate and the outer area not under the backing plate is slower due to friction on the paint.

If there are any cuts in foam around the perimeter (where velro on a raised area), there is extra stress at the cut (foam transition) that could cause the foam to tire as the foam is twisted during the polishing. Heat can accelerate this too since the foam may soften slightly.

 

[VR8]

We have sort of beat these points to death, but I think on the whole everyone has said the same thing. Let me list them just to review.

1. YES, I was using a Flex with the pictured Cyan pad. As you stated, it's a 5.5" backing plate and it's a 6.5" pad. I've heard a couple of people say they use the 5.5" pad (including Meghan I believe) but I prefer having the pad buffer around the edges. This is the same fit as my other 6.5" CCS pads.

2. This particular pad picture was NOT intended to show the velcro failure but was intended to show the pad failure. It is very evident that the 90 degree angle is where the pad is failing. There would seem to be a lot of torque pressure at that point.

3. The velcro failure is pretty simple to describe and doesn't really need a picture (although I think we have some). This pad may have moisture issues that cause it to fail if they aren't completely dry ... but that doesn't seem to be a characteristic of the CCS pads, so it's a weakness in my book. Adam and I both wash out our pads about the same way every time. APC, massage with our fingers under running water, spin dry.

4. While the customer service at AG and from Eric is without question, unshakable. It's not worth buying a pad and have to return a large portion of them every time they fail. Hopefully a small change in pad design and maybe a new adhesive will reduce this issues. I too love the results of the Orange and the Cyan pad.

At present, I'm happy with the CCS pads and my dollars are tight so I'll have to pass on future Hydros.

 

[CEE DOG]

 

[O.C.Detailing]

John and I will keep everyone updated on the things we're working on with Eric. I believe I was one of the first, if not THE first, to bring up this backing failure issue. I've been trying to gauge whether I was the only one with these issues before I really pursued a resolution on the HT pad issues, and it seems I wasn't.

I spoke with Eric on the phone and explained to him the issues John and I had with all of the HT pads we purchased, which, between the two of us, was considerable seeing as ALL of them failed in one of two ways and all with VERY little use.

I hope he doesn't mind me saying this, but he's actually cutting John and I a few pads where the backing pad goes to the very edge of the pad for testing. He wants us to beat the crap out of them, and we fully intend on doing so as we both LOVE the correction power of the HT pads, but will not buy more being as we've gone through 14+ HT pads between the two of us that have all failed in one of the two ways described.

John and I use the 2 most powerful DAs on the market right now, he uses the Flex 3401 and I use the Griot's, which may require some extra tweaking with pad design to make them beefier. We will be using the prototype pads sent to us in such a way that we will be aiming at failure as quickly as possible. Meaning we'll be pushing our machines, bodies and the prototype pads to the limits to get them to fail as quickly as possible in the hopes that what Eric is changing will make the HT pads a viable option for those of us wanting to use them without fear of failure.

We will upload pictures, video and commentary as we're testing the redesigned pads to keep you all up to date.

 

[O.C.Detailing]

CEE DOG, we're actually working with Eric to LOSE that space between the pad backing and the edge of the pad completely. Having it there, we believe, is causing a tearing effect since the edge of the pad will not spin as quickly as the portion of the pad being forced to rotate by the pad backing being directly connected to the BP of the machine.

 

[loudog2]

Here's your first post with velcro failure
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ry-hydro-tech-cyan-pad-problem-not-happy.html

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I hope he doesn't mind me saying this, but he's actually cutting John and I a few pads where the backing pad goes to the very edge of the pad for testing.

Will the white velcro loop be "raised" like original Hydros, or flat against the back like the CCS pads?

 

[VR8]

Meaning we'll be pushing our machines, bodies and the prototype pads to the limits to get them to fail as quickly as possible in the hopes that what Eric is changing will make the HT pads a viable option for those of us wanting to use them without fear of failure.

Sounds like I'll need to eat my Wheaties.

 

[CEE DOG]

CEE DOG, we're actually working with Eric to LOSE that space between the pad backing and the edge of the pad completely. Having it there, we believe, is causing a tearing effect since the edge of the pad will not spin as quickly as the portion of the pad being forced to rotate by the pad backing being directly connected to the BP of the machine.

Sounds Great!

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

1. As you stated, it's a 5.5" backing plate and it's a 6.5" pad. I've heard a couple of people say they use the 5.5" pad (including Meghan I believe) but I prefer having the pad buffer around the edges.

What do you mean pad buffer around the edge? Would this be for more cushioning, therefore, more margin for error?

I, too, use a 3401. I think the 5.5" hydro's would solve the problem. However, I understand there's people who don't want to work with no margin for error, but that doesn't bother me.

 

[The Pad Man]

OK. Let me ask this, would there be a demand for the Hydro Pads in 7/8". With or without loop to the edge? I have no problem doing that at all. I also have a detailing company outside of Lake Country so I can understand what everyone likes, prefers. If per say Autogeek wants a thinner Hydro pad, then that is the first thing I will be workingon on Mon when I get back in the office. Making something is not a problemm having someone carry the item is the obstacle. I hope this makes sense.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

OK. Let me ask this, would there be a demand for the Hydro Pads in 7/8". With or without loop to the edge? I have no problem doing that at all. I also have a detailing company outside of Lake Country so I can understand what everyone likes, prefers. If per say Autogeek wants a thinner Hydro pad, then that is the first thing I will be workingon on Mon when I get back in the office. Making something is not a problemm having someone carry the item is the obstacle. I hope this makes sense.

I don't think a lower profile pad is the concern. I could be wrong? The CCS pad from AG are bulletproof as far as the way the velcro loop lays and it does go to the edge. I really need to buy pads right now, and I want the hydro's, but there's no way I'll buy the 6.5" with the Flex 3401. If I went with the 5.5" hydro's, do you think that might solve the problem of the foam failing?

 

[O.C.Detailing]

You mean, say, a low-profile pad Eric? I'm personally not a huge fan of low-profile pads, but I"m sure there are others who are. I like putting some pressure on my machine at times and having that extra cushion, though I've had success with my old PC 7424 and the low-profile CCS pads.

The foam composition of the HT pads may actually not break down as quickly as the CCS low-profile pads I used, though the breakdown was only after a LOT of use, so they were worth the money.

I'm sure there are plenty of folks who'd buy the low-profile HT pads if you supplied them, but probably only after the backing and tearing issue is resolved.