Need help finding the right polisher....

Derek Short

Derek Short

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Well I am new here to this site. I just made a thread in the intro. section of this forum introducing myself.

Here is what i am looking for....
I am 26 years old ive been hand detailing cars since i was 17 when i got my first car. ive done a few cars for my friends and family here and there. But its time to take it to the next level and really get that OMG WOW look.

Ive been searching around looking at a few different polishers and from what im seeing it looks like the DA polishers seem to be the best for some1 in my shoes who is new to the machine polishing world. I would like to eventually work my way up to a rotary polisher but til then i need to work my way up the ladder.

I am going to start out doing my cars, friends and family cars and i would like to turn this into a nice little side business when i can make a few extra bucks on the side. I work mon.-thur. and have 3 day weekends every week. So i tend to have a lil extra free time which is nice.


So anyways.... I have been looking at the following polishers and would like to get your guys opinions on which one i should buy and which will be best for me starting out. I will also be having a lot of questions about pads and cleaners waxes etc... but need to start out with which polisher to get.

Here are the ones im looking at...

  • Porter Cable 7424XP, 7424, 7336
  • Meguiar's G110v2, G110, G100, G100a G220
  • Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbital Polisher

I am open to any other opinions as well.
Pros? and cons? about any and all would be very helpful.

Thanks everyone.
 
For me, I would go with the G110v2. While the GG6 has the most power among the three, I've read numerous reports of reliability issues. While it does have a lifetime warranty, if you're planning on doing this as a side-business, waiting for a replacement for a broken polisher can easily cost you a few days worth of customers. Additionally, if you get the DA MF pads, you don't really need all the power of the GG6.

That leaves the G110v2 and the 7424XP. While the Meg's DA has had issues with the power cord, they recently pulled out and then re-released the G110v2, apparently with a new cord that (hopefully) has solved the issue. On the other hand, there have been several reports of issues with the 7424XP in the past months - broken shafts, spindle assemblies pulling out, etc. Couple with the fact that the 7424XP is the least powerful of the three, and the G110v2 has a cruise control function that helps keep the pad rotating (something that the other two DAs lack), and my choice would be the G110v2.
 
umi000 said:
For me, I would go with the G110v2. While the GG6 has the most power among the three, I've read numerous reports of reliability issues. While it does have a lifetime warranty, if you're planning on doing this as a side-business, waiting for a replacement for a broken polisher can easily cost you a few days worth of customers. Additionally, if you get the DA MF pads, you don't really need all the power of the GG6.

That leaves the G110v2 and the 7424XP. While the Meg's DA has had issues with the power cord, they recently pulled out and then re-released the G110v2, apparently with a new cord that (hopefully) has solved the issue. On the other hand, there have been several reports of issues with the 7424XP in the past months - broken shafts, spindle assemblies pulling out, etc. Couple with the fact that the 7424XP is the least powerful of the three, and the G110v2 has a cruise control function that helps keep the pad rotating (something that the other two DAs lack), and my choice would be the G110v2.
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awesome thanks for that feedback.
I was seriously considering the 7424XP til i got on the forum and starting doing some research on them and starting reading how a lot of people have been having issues with them and such. so i started think maybe its best to make this thread and get the opinions of the guys who have actually used this stuff and knows whats up more so than some1 like myself.

Thanks again for the helpful info ill be looking into that.
 
Here is a link on AG to the different kits of this polisher.
which one of these kits would u guys recommend would be the best for me to start out with?
Or am i best off with just getting the DA polisher by itself and then buy the waxes, cleaners, etc separately?
 
Reports of "issues" have surfaced for all of them. I have the Griots and no problems. You can never have too much pwer. You can always dial it down.

If you would have issues, the warranty on the Griots is forever. Cant beat that. Downtime could be an issue, but, it could be with any of them.

Answer, get 2. You always have a spare. You can outfit one with 5.5 in pads and the other with 4 in. Problem solved.
 
also another question about that polisher does it have a feature when u can attach smaller polisher heads to it for getting into the tighter, and smaller places? suck as around the doors?? mirrors? etc... or is that something different i need to look into?
 
Derek Short said:
also another question about that polisher does it have a feature when u can attach smaller polisher heads to it for getting into the tighter, and smaller places? suck as around the doors?? mirrors? etc... or is that something different i need to look into?
Click to expand...
Yes, they have interchangable backing plates as I mentioned in my post above. That would be one of the nice features of owning 2. In fact i own 5 polishers.
 
what kind of warranty comes with the G110v2 polisher?
Also how long is the power cord on it?

Ive gone back and been reading about them again and im starting to like the G110v2 polisher. just want to make sure it will be the right choice. I like how when u do go and apply pressure it will help keep the torque there where some of the other DA polishers will tend to bogg down.

as of right now i think ive pretty much weight out the Porter Cable 7424 XP Dual Action Orbital Polisher

and im looking at the 2 you guys have mentions so far...
 
5.4 Shelby said:
Yes, they have interchangable backing plates as I mentioned in my post above. That would be one of the nice features of owning 2. In fact i own 5 polishers.
Click to expand...


Oh nice!

here it is i found it...

this lil guy is the one i was thinking of...
Griot's Garage Professional Random Orbital 3 Inch Polisher, Random Orbit Buffer, Dual Action Polisher, 3" buffer

i wouldn't mind having 2 one for the main big surface areas of the car and then this lil guy for the harder smaller spots.


And also on this G110v2 polisher its only a 6" polisher and you can't chance or swap out the pad head piece? like run a 4" or a 6"?
 
Derek Short said:
Oh nice!

here it is i found it...

this lil guy is the one i was thinking of...
Griot's Garage Professional Random Orbital 3 Inch Polisher, Random Orbit Buffer, Dual Action Polisher, 3" buffer

i wouldn't mind having 2 one for the main big surface areas of the car and then this lil guy for the harder smaller spots.


And also on this G110v2 polisher its only a 6" polisher and you can't chance or swap out the pad head piece? like run a 4" or a 6"?
Click to expand...
Dont buy the 3in. It has a role, but, limited (headlights, etc). Buy 2 full size DAs. Id buy 2 griots or 1 griots and 1 Porter Cable. You can run 4 in one 1 and 5,5 on the other. Great setup and you have a spare if one breaks down.

I dont know, but, I would bet Megs has interchangable backing plates as well.
 
just came across this bad boy...
Flex XC 3401, FLEX Orbital Polisher,flex XC 3401 VRG dual-action polisher,flex XC3401VRG,Dual Action polisher,FLEX buffer

This seems to be the king of all DA polishers....

Is this something that i should consider? or is it a bit over kill?

I see the opm seem to be a bit more on it vs the G110v2 and the Griot's Garage 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher

The opm is something i want to consider because i thought i heard or was reading somewhere when doing the final finish on a car u want to keep the opm down to around 2000? i think it was?

maybe a few of you can help clear this up a lil.
sorry for all the 100's of questions just want to make sure i start out with the right equipment. don't want to spend a chunk of money on something then regret it and be like oh man i should have got this instead of that... im sure some of you guys can relate to what im saying.
 
Have you considered the Flex 3401? I don't believe there's very many, if any, reports of it failing. It has forced rotation, so it'll never bog down and probably has the best build quality of all DA's. Yes, it's the most expensive, but like Mike says:

Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
Quality never costs money it makes money...
Click to expand...
 
5.4 Shelby said:
Dont buy the 3in. It has a role, but, limited (headlights, etc). Buy 2 full size DAs. Id buy 2 griots or 1 griots and 1 Porter Cable. You can run 4 in one 1 and 5,5 on the other. Great setup and you have a spare if one breaks down.

I dont know, but, I would bet Megs has interchangable backing plates as well.
Click to expand...

hey shelby i was re reading about that polisher and i couldn't find any thing about it having cruise control? i saw that the megs. does have that.
 
kronos said:
Have you considered the Flex 3401? I don't believe there's very many, if any, reports of it failing. It has forced rotation, so it'll never bog down and probably has the best build quality of all DA's. Yes, it's the most expensive, but like Mike says:
Click to expand...

lol funny u mention that polisher i just posted up about it. I am willing to spend the bucks for a nice decent polisher. I did have a few concerns about it tho... and questions...

does it have some sort of cruise control?
was also somemwhat concern about the power opm its putting down is that a bit high? I thougth i was reading somewhere when doing the finishing / final coat it should be around 2000 opm. maybe i am mistaken and some1 can clear this up for me.
 
Derek Short said:
lol funny u mention that polisher i just posted up about it. I am willing to spend the bucks for a nice decent polisher. I did have a few concerns about it tho... and questions...

does it have some sort of cruise control?
was also somemwhat concern about the power opm its putting down is that a bit high? I thougth i was reading somewhere when doing the finishing / final coat it should be around 2000 opm. maybe i am mistaken and some1 can clear this up for me.
Click to expand...

I don't have it, so I can't say too much about it. I'm just relaying info I've read about it. Its forced rotation is its cruise control. Unlike the Megs "cruise control", you cannot stop the pad from rotating on the 3401. That makes it more powerful, but it's still a safe machine to use on paint. Don't worry about OPM's, all 4 DA's are strong enough to correct paint and without a doubt, your technique will make the biggest difference.
 
kronos said:
I don't have it, so I can't say too much about it. I'm just relaying info I've read about it. Its forced rotation is its cruise control. Unlike the Megs "cruise control", you cannot stop the pad from rotating on the 3401. That makes it more powerful, but it's still a safe machine to use on paint. Don't worry about OPM's, all 4 DA's are strong enough to correct paint and without a doubt, your technique will make the biggest difference.
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yea my biggest fear is messing up the paint and clear coat with the flex 3401. Like i was saying i am new to machine polishing and don't want to get something overly powerful and then end up messing up a paint job / clear coat. I do like the flew 3401 from what ive been reading about it on the AG site. It will be one ill consider for sure. the biggest thing im looking for is something reliable and that will do a good job. i don't want to buy something to cheap then regret buying it because its not all what i thought it would be.


anyone else who has helpful info on the DA flex 3401 lmk thanks!
 
I just came across something interesting...
On the AG site it says that the flex 3401 is safe to use even for a novice but yet this guy on youtube is saying its not something a novice such as myself wouldn't even want to think about picking up.

maybe some of you guys can help clear this up for me. If this is to much of a badboy then i will be back to considering my other 2 polishers ive been looking into.

here is the link to the AG site and the youtube video of the dude...

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


scan to 1:35 to see the part im talking about in this video...
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XAqpOe9Zt4&feature=related]How Safe is the PC-7424XP? - Part 1 - YouTube[/video]
 
Get the Griot's Garage with a 5" back plate and 6 pack of 5.5" pads. You can get the upgrade GG here at AG with the 16 guage 25 foot power cord.
 
Derek Short said:
I just came across something interesting...
On the AG site it says that the flex 3401 is safe to use even for a novice but yet this guy on youtube is saying its not something a novice such as myself wouldn't even want to think about picking up.

maybe some of you guys can help clear this up for me. If this is to much of a badboy then i will be back to considering my other 2 polishers ive been looking into.

here is the link to the AG site and the youtube video of the dude...

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


scan to 1:35 to see the part im talking about in this video...
How Safe is the PC-7424XP? - Part 1 - YouTube
Click to expand...

AJ (also calls himself Junkman), the guy in the video, has always considered the Flex DA unfit for a novice especially before Adam's (the brand he promotes) started selling them. Most believe it is much much safer than the rotary with the Flex DA slightly less safe than the non-forced rotation DA.

Mike P. did a comparison somewhere but I do not keep the links so maybe someone can post it on his analysis.
 
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