Flex 3401 vs PC7424XP

jreblackGT

jreblackGT

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I recently got a new PC and am pleased the results I've been able to achieve with it on mild to moderately swirled finishes with UC and Menz 203 in a one step process. That said, I'm limited to using someone else's garage so time involved is a concern.
Given the additional speed and forced rotation of the Flex 3401 is it reasonable to expect that a two step correction (Menz 203/85rd) could be achieved with the Flex in the same amount of time that a one step correction could be done with the PC? I'm inclined to think so but would appreciate some input from those of you with more experience. Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
I'm definitely going to watch for the responses. I am in the same exact boat.
 
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yht1uHJLNlQ]Flex XC 3401 VRG vs. Porter Cable 7424 - YouTube[/video]
 
My experience with going from the 7424 to the 3401 was that the Flex machine saved me about 30% of my time in the detail. It doesn't do anything the PC can't do, but it does do it quicker as well as giving you some efficiency. Just the fact that the variable speed trigger on the Flex allows me to slow down the pad when I hit a leading edge or hood scoop instead of having to stop the machine, change the speed, turn back on the machine, then stop it again, change the speed, and turn it back on saves me quite a bit of time. I've been able to add a whole other car into my detailing day with the efficiency that the Flex 3401 gives me.

If you are in a situation where time is money, then the Flex 3401 will pay for itself in a matter of a couple days just in the additional revenue you can generate. It is an awesome addition to any detailing arsenal ESPECIALLY if time is money. If you are just a guy taking care of your own car then you may not care that this goes faster, but most of us would rather take 2 hours to do a 3 hour job regardless of whether or not we are getting paid for it.
 
Thanks Toycar. That video and comments posted here lead me to believe that the answer to my question is yes. Anyone with personal experience care to comment?
Thanks Ocdetails. That's what I was hoping for.
 
Flex 3401



Porter Cable 7424xp



The Flex 3401 has Forced Rotation, more power, higher speeds; all which provide more efficient paint correction.
 
Thanks BobbyG. Hey Alko, it looks like our Christmas list just got started huh.
 
Go with the Flex.

Chances of you upgrading to the flex from the porter are very likely anyways.... sometime in the future.

Time is money.... even if you don't have a detail business like myself. I can get done quicker and go watch football sooner
 
I had the Flex and PC(old one) I sold the PC and then got the Griots..Shortly after I got the griots I sold the Flex..I just never used it since how well the MF pads work and the low profile Hydrotech pads. The flex is nice sure and powerful but it was more of a chore to use especially on side panels when your not perfectly flat and you gotta fight it not running away from you. I did my neighbors car. Started out with the flex Tangerine HT pad and menz Power finish...I got sick of it and was getting some dust..So i switched to the Griots Megs Finishing pad with power finish got better results faster
 
05xrunner said:
I had the Flex and PC(old one) I sold the PC and then got the Griots..Shortly after I got the griots I sold the Flex..I just never used it since how well the MF pads work and the low profile Hydrotech pads. The flex is nice sure and powerful but it was more of a chore to use especially on side panels when your not perfectly flat and you gotta fight it not running away from you. I did my neighbors car. Started out with the flex Tangerine HT pad and menz Power finish...I got sick of it and was getting some dust..So i switched to the Griots Megs Finishing pad with power finish got better results faster
Click to expand...
That is the same path I see myself taking. I am getting frustrated with the PCXP...
 
So folks, spitball here a moment. What would be the perfect all-in-one DA/Polisher/Buffer? Seems to be a device that can perform DA, forced rotation (with an on-off toggle) and have a variable speed trigger. Assume for a moment that there are no physical constraints that would prevent such a device from being made or used.
 
IMO there's a place for both macnines. Now I only do about 20 or 30 cars a year (just family and friends) as I have a full time job. I have a 3401 I use for most work but still have the PC outfitted with 3" pads for those tight/small places. I normally use both machines on one car, unless it's a truck then it's the Flex only. I use foam pads only but need to try the MF pads really soon (Santa you listening).
 
I thank everyone for your input on this. I like the idea of doing the same amount of work more efficiently in less time or more work for a finer finish in the same amount of time and I think the Flex 3401 would give me that advantage.

I just got the Megs MF system also and think I'll try that before I spend the money on the Flex. (Oh, who am I kidding? I'll probably get a Flex too.)
 
We've been using the Flex 3401 because it offers more power to enable you to remove defects out of the paint faster than a PC style tool with the risk of instilling swirls into the paint or burning through the paint as is possible without careful use of a rotary buffer.

The thing that really helps is the ability to match the size of the backing plate and pad for the panel you're working on.

An example is we used both 6.5" pads and 4" pads on the Flex 3401 to remove the swirls and scratches out of the clear coat finish on the below 1969 Camaro Pace Car.

The learning curve to use it properly and safely is much flatter than the rotary buffer and what this means is I can turn people loose on cool cars like the above without the fear of a whoops happening...

1969CamaroIndyPC046.jpg


1969CamaroIndyPC047.jpg



We also used Flex 3401s on this 1972 Corvette...

1972 Corvette Stingray - Extreme Makeover - Process and Products Used



1972Corvette070.jpg


1972Corvette071.jpg


1972Corvette072.jpg






:xyxthumbs:
 
Thanks Mike. That's exactly why I can see a Flex in my future. And I can put my 19 yr old daughter to work with the PC when I do her car next time as she's already been initiated. LOL.
 
Hi all and Happy New Year,

Instead of starting a new thread I thought it might be better to bring this one back on the surface.

My question is, how is the 3401 on applying liquid waxes (Colli 845) or sealants compare to a PC. I have a Flex PE 14-2 so I'm fully aware of the quality of the tool and I'm covered in terms of correction ability.

But I wouldn't mind pairing my PE 14-2 with the 3401 and being able to use it for finishing instead if the rotary.

I read on a different thread that a lot of people if they could only have one polisher they would definitely choose the 3401.

Any comments or advice are very welcome especially from someone who owns or have used all three polishers. (like BobbyG).... Feed back please
 
Theostoubos said:
My question is, how is the 3401 on applying liquid waxes (Colli 845) or sealants compare to a PC.
Click to expand...

It works very well for applying liquid or paste waxes or sealants. Here's Jeff machine applying a wax to classic 1959 El Camino

1959 Chevrolet El Camino - Extreme Makeover - Modeled by Christina

Jeff machine waxing the hood with a Flex 3401 and a 6.5" Crimson HD Finishing Pad
1959ElCamino075.jpg


1959ElCamino076.jpg





Theostoubos said:
But I wouldn't mind pairing my PE 14-2 with the 3401 and being able to use it for finishing instead if the rotary.
Click to expand...


Completely doable and a powerful tool combination that would enable you to tackle anything that comes your way...

:xyxthumbs:
 
Happy New Year to you! :props:

The Flex 3401 is a great multi purpose tool. It has the ability to perform outstanding corrections and finish up just about any surface to a gorgeous shine.

The Flex 3401 now has some added flexibility because of the new Changeable Backing Plate System will allow you to use 4 inch, 5 inch, and 6.5 inch pads using this system Perform spot detailing with your 4 inch pads. Then easily switch to 6.5 inch pads for all-over buffing.

Flex Backing Plate System

While it has the ability to correct the Flex 3401 will lay down a beautiful uniform coat of sealant or wax. Using a Blue or Red foam pad and a speed setting of 2 to 3 it spreads the product nice and thin allowing it to haze so that it can easily be buffed to a gorgeous gloss. I've tried this using a Red Lake Country CCS pad with nothing but success...

The Flex PE14-2 rotary is a great tool for performing corrections easily and quickly then switch to the Flex 3401 to finish up.

Because the Flex 3401 can handle itself very well in all aspects of detailing I'd have to be inclined to agree. If I had to choose only 1 polisher the Flex 3401 would be the polisher of choice.

The Porter Cable 7424 is a great dual action polisher and has done a lot in the 12 years I've owned it. It's smaller and less powerful of all my polisher.

All of my corrections now are done with my rotaries and Flex 3401 dual action polisher. I apply all my sealants and waxes with the Porter Cable 7424 because of it's smaller size and weight.
 
Thank you to both (mike and bobbyG) for your help. When the time comes the PE 14-2 will have a brother !!!!
 
BobbyG said:
Happy New Year to you! :props:

The Flex 3401 is a great multi purpose tool. It has the ability to perform outstanding corrections and finish up just about any surface to a gorgeous shine.

The Flex 3401 now has some added flexibility because of the new Changeable Backing Plate System will allow you to use 4 inch, 5 inch, and 6.5 inch pads using this system Perform spot detailing with your 4 inch pads. Then easily switch to 6.5 inch pads for all-over buffing.

Flex Backing Plate System

While it has the ability to correct the Flex 3401 will lay down a beautiful uniform coat of sealant or wax. Using a Blue or Red foam pad and a speed setting of 2 to 3 it spreads the product nice and thin allowing it to haze so that it can easily be buffed to a gorgeous gloss. I've tried this using a Red Lake Country CCS pad with nothing but success...

The Flex PE14-2 rotary is a great tool for performing corrections easily and quickly then switch to the Flex 3401 to finish up.

Because the Flex 3401 can handle itself very well in all aspects of detailing I'd have to be inclined to agree. If I had to choose only 1 polisher the Flex 3401 would be the polisher of choice.

The Porter Cable 7424 is a great dual action polisher and has done a lot in the 12 years I've owned it. It's smaller and less powerful of all my polisher.

All of my corrections now are done with my rotaries and Flex 3401 dual action polisher. I apply all my sealants and waxes with the Porter Cable 7424 because of it's smaller size and weight.
Click to expand...

Thanks Bobby hope to get the FLEX 3401 this spring, already own the 7424xp and older 7336 PC and a HARBOR FREIGHT ROTARY AS WELL AS ROTARY FROM SEARS and rarely ever use either rotary both are time consumers I get polish splatter ever time even just priming pads,lol It's mainly my owm fault I guess
 
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