Ivan's Sale: Flex 3401 vs. Griot Kit

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mark2dx

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Hello all!

I've looked through a lot of different threads comparing DA polishers, but I can't quite come to a decision on which one best fits my circumstances.

I've been hand washing my cars for several years now (wash, clay, wax), but would like to get a DA and start working on things like polishing. With the current sale going on, there are two very nice kits available:

Griot's Garage Wolfgang Swirl Free Kit

and

FLEX XC3401 VRG Dual Action 6.5 inch Pad Kit

I've heard good things about both DA's. The Griot is supposed to be more newbie-friendly, and the kit comes with a polish and a glaze. It's also supposed to work better than the Flex with Meg's new microfiber system, which I may want to try at some point in time. It also has a lifetime warranty.

The Flex, well...I don't know much about it. Other than it's seen as a quality product and highly recommended. The Griot seems like the better fit, but I want to be sure I buy right the first time and not end up having to buy a second DA in the near future.

Currently reading/watching the write-up by Mike Phillips on how to select a polisher, but as this sale is time sensitive, any feedback ahead of time is appreciated :buffing:
 
Both have their followers and both have their pros and cons. I would probably order the griots if I had to pick one today because I'm on a tight budget, I love meg's mf pads, and I don't do a ton of cars to justify the cost of the flex.
 
From what I gather from Mike's write ups and videos, the Griot and Flex are very similar. The Griot is easier to learn, but the Flex has more correction ability (Random Orbital vs. Forced Rotation).

But how significant is the difference in correction ability? You would think if the Flex was clearly superior to the Griots then...well, you wouldn't see many people recommending the Griot's.

Also, The cost of the Flex kit is nearly double the Griots kit - what makes the Flex worth that extra moolah?
 
mark2dx said:
From what I gather from Mike's write ups and videos, the Griot and Flex are very similar. The Griot is easier to learn, but the Flex has more correction ability (Random Orbital vs. Forced Rotation).

But how significant is the difference in correction ability? You would think if the Flex was clearly superior to the Griots then...well, you wouldn't see many people recommending the Griot's.

Also, The cost of the Flex kit is nearly double the Griots kit - what makes the Flex worth that extra moolah?
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The Megs MF kit takes the GG DA to a new level for correction. I have both because I got a great deal on a used Flex. Personally I would forgo the kit and get the Megs MF System and a few extra set of pads. I wish they had it when I started. Hope this helps!
 
I think the 6.5" pads for the Griots is a bit much. My Griots turns a 5.5" pad just fine but I can bog it down. I can't imagine how easy it would be to bog it down with 6.5" pads.

I've heards they'll do the same deal but swap for 5.5" pads if ya ask nicely. I won't guarantee that though.

I forgot to mention you'll need a 5" backing plate for the LC 5.5" pads.
 
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Old Tiger said:
The Megs MF kit takes the GG DA to a new level for correction. I have both because I got a great deal on a used Flex. Personally I would forgo the kit and get the Megs MF System and a few extra set of pads. I wish they had it when I started. Hope this helps!
Click to expand...


Just have to jump in and ask because I never really looked at the newer DA's. I'm still rocking an older 7424, non XP PC. How does that GG compare in correction to it and does it still get the 5.5" pad recommendation due to not having the forced rotation of the Flex?
 
The more I look at the Griot kit, the more I like it. I've always had the Wolfgang Twins in my mind for correction on my 300ZX, and the Estate wax that comes with the kit is just icing on the cake.

AND since the kit is half the cost of the Flex, I could get the 3 inch mini polisher and have complete coverage for my (or any) vehicle.

Very very close to being sold on it, but I'll wait a bit longer to see if there is a case to be made for the Flex Im the MAN
 
I say forget the mini3 and just get the small backplate 3.5? and use 4" pads.
 
Tyrod said:
I think the 6.5" pads for the Griots is a bit much. My Griots turns a 5.5" pad just fine but I can bog it down. I can't imagine how easy it would be to bog it down with 6.5" pads.

I've heards they'll do the same deal but swap for 5.5" pads if ya ask nicely. I won't guarantee that though.

I forgot to mention you'll need a 5" backing plate for the LC 5.5" pads.
Click to expand...

The Griots is plenty strong to spin 6.5's. Plus if your on a budget, you won't have to spend the extra money on another BP right now
 
flyinion said:
Just have to jump in and ask because I never really looked at the newer DA's. I'm still rocking an older 7424, non XP PC. How does that GG compare in correction to it and does it still get the 5.5" pad recommendation due to not having the forced rotation of the Flex?
Click to expand...
The GG has much more power than even the XP. 7 amps compared to 4.5. Power is proportional to power squared so this is more than 2X. The Megs DA MF System has a great 5" BP and the pads are very thin and light!
 
Flash Gordon said:
The Griots is plenty strong to spin 6.5's. Plus if your on a budget, you won't have to spend the extra money on another BP right now
Click to expand...

No budget issues with either kit, although saving a few bucks is definitely welcomed.

The paint on my car is pretty danged swirled right now. It's the original 2 stage paint from 1994, and while it's been washed/waxed/garaged for most of its life, the washing methods used on it in the past were obviously no good.

Can the Griot with 6.5's and the Wolfgang Twins handle a situation like that? At what point would you need to use the Flex to do something that the Griot couldn't?
 
Old Tiger said:
The GG has much more power than even the XP. 7 amps compared to 4.5. Power is proportional to power squared so this is more than 2X. The Megs DA MF System has a great 5" BP and the pads are very thin and light!
Click to expand...


Hmmm methinks it might be time for a DA upgrade lol.
 
mark2dx said:
No budget issues with either kit, although saving a few bucks is definitely welcomed.

The paint on my car is pretty danged swirled right now. It's the original 2 stage paint from 1994, and while it's been washed/waxed/garaged for most of its life, the washing methods used on it in the past were obviously no good.

Can the Griot with 6.5's and the Wolfgang Twins handle a situation like that? At what point would you need to use the Flex to do something that the Griot couldn't?
Click to expand...

I've never used the Wolfgang Twins, so I honestly can't say

I would order 4 - 6.5" Surbufs and a quart of 105 and 205 if you have the money to spare. You cannot go wrong with this combo on serious correction jobs
 
I pulled the trigger on the Griot's and took advantage of Ivan to get some extra pads, too. :xyxthumbs:
 
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