To buy or not to buy?

Jomax

Jomax

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I posted question on a Flex 3401 Vs a 7424xp. In the end I found that the flex would be better for my needs with my scratched truck. Well I bought a new Ford focus with the Tri coat pearl white. I really need to protect this car and now that I have it I don't think I'll ever need to use a flex on it. My question is would it be a good move to buy the porter cackle first then the flex later on? Is it a good thing to have two machines? I know the PC won't work as fast as a Fle, but if it's faster then my hand and been proven I would make it work. Thoughts and opinions wanted and welcomed. Thanks
 
Ergonomically the Flex has some advantages with the trigger, but it's a little more difficult to use because of the forced rotation. It's also a little more inconvenient to change backing plates (even with the new systems) and there is less selection. With the MF pads I think most people are ok with a PC/G110/GG as far as correction. I have a lot of machines but if I was going to have just one, weighing cost, etc., I'd go for the regular DA.
 
Why buy twice? Get the right tool now and get 3401. I don't agree it's more difficult to use then the DA as long as you are able to find a sweet spot and your own way as to how to control the power offered. After that everything is like a breeze.
 
Danube said:
Why buy twice? Get the right tool now and get 3401. I don't agree it's more difficult to use then the DA as long as you are able to find a sweet spot and your own way as to how to control the power offered. After that everything is like a breeze.
Click to expand...

The Flex will likely give you more satisfying results quicker. It can be less sensitive to technique as with a lesser powered unit - just hold it flat to the paint, guide it, less need to think about pressure and speed, and let it do its business.
 
Danube said:
Why buy twice? Get the right tool now and get 3401. I don't agree it's more difficult to use then the DA as long as you are able to find a sweet spot and your own way as to how to control the power offered. After that everything is like a breeze.
Click to expand...

Bunky said:
The Flex will likely give you more satisfying results quicker. It can be less sensitive to technique as with a lesser powered unit - just hold it flat to the paint, guide it, less need to think about pressure and speed, and let it do its business.
Click to expand...


+1. Sage advice.


I don't own a flex, and probably never will - but agree with what they said.
 
A dual action polisher is a great tool to have and will serve you well for many years providing you use it as intended.

While a new vehicle shouldn't need as much initial care as one that's seen sun, rain, and miles of driving they still can be in need of some TLC to keep them looking great. Whether a Flex 3401 or Porter cable 7424xp, both are capable of performing full paint corrections and yes, even on your new Ford Focus.

Either machine will compound, polish, and are right at home applying sealants and waxes. Combined with the right product and pad combinations there's almost nothing that you cannot do....

Of the two machines you mention, I'd recommend the Porter Cable 7424xp for you...


Here's some great information that will help you if you need it.

 
I was in a similar position this summer and spent a number of weeks going back and forth myself. I purchased a new car in May and one side of me said I won't need all of the nifty benefits a 3401 has over a 7424xp for quite a number of years.

If it was just my 2 cars (2010 and 2012 models), then I would have chosen the 7424xp since the pain condition was very good to excellent. I figured I would be working on family & friends automobiles; which are nowhere near what I have. Ultimately, I went with the 3401.

I hope this process I went through helps you.
 
I had to buy a second 3401 because when I hire a helper for the day they can never figure out how to keep the pad rotating on a traditional DA so I give them the 3401 and they are in like flynn. I got tired of all the horsing around trying to get something done with the traditional DA as well so I saw it as a necessity to have a second 3401. I have much more to get done than just my cars though. Pro or driveway detailer, I recommend the 3401.
 
Have a GG. Just got a flex. Night and day difference. Flex is easier to use and you dont have to work it, it works itself. Best investment so far.
 
Also, you can put it this way: buying a PC wil do the job .. as any small 4 cylinder car would take you from A to B.

Small car feels all the bumps on the road + 4 cylinder works harder to achieve a same speed (say 100Km p/h).

3401 is like a big, comfortable V8 with plenty of space, it takes you from A to B, but you enjoy the trip, every moment of it, as it has comfort, powerful air-conditioner and lots of space ... and the V8 engine runs effortlessly while doing the 100Km p/hour.

It's your choice above all.
 
Danube said:
Why buy twice? Get the right tool now and get 3401. I don't agree it's more difficult to use then the DA as long as you are able to find a sweet spot and your own way as to how to control the power offered. After that everything is like a breeze.
Click to expand...

Reason I thought of two was I want to get my brother into this. I would learn on maybe the PC jump the the 3401 and have him on the PC. Thoughts?
 
One of the reasons I got the flex was in case of breakage. I was halfway thru a polish and it hit me. What if the GG went down now? Im screwed! Sure not going to do it by hand. maybe it was my way of justifing getting another polisher
 
BobbyG said:
A dual action polisher is a great tool to have and will serve you well for many years providing you use it as intended.

While a new vehicle shouldn't need as much initial care as one that's seen sun, rain, and miles of driving they still can be in need of some TLC to keep them looking great. Whether a Flex 3401 or Porter cable 7424xp, both are capable of performing full paint corrections and yes, even on your new Ford Focus.

Either machine will compound, polish, and are right at home applying sealants and waxes. Combined with the right product and pad combinations there's almost nothing that you cannot do....

Of the two machines you mention, I'd recommend the Porter Cable 7424xp for you...

Here's some great information that will help you if you need it.

Click to expand...


^ AG REALLY needs to hire this guy!
 
eaglefan said:
One of the reasons I got the flex was in case of breakage. I was halfway thru a polish and it hit me. What if the GG went down now? Im screwed! Sure not going to do it by hand. maybe it was my way of justifing getting another polisher
Click to expand...

The GG has a lifetime warrenty. No other buffer has that.
 
tuscarora dave said:
I had to buy a second 3401 because when I hire a helper for the day they can never figure out how to keep the pad rotating on a traditional DA so I give them the 3401 and they are in like flynn. I got tired of all the horsing around trying to get something done with the traditional DA as well so I saw it as a necessity to have a second 3401. I have much more to get done than just my cars though. Pro or driveway detailer, I recommend the 3401.
Click to expand...


Dave, did you ever figure out what they were doing to screw up using the traditional DA's? Too much pressure on the pad? Just curious.
 
rakkvet said:
Dave, did you ever figure out what they were doing to screw up using the traditional DA's? Too much pressure on the pad? Just curious.
Click to expand...

I would think too much pressure.
 
Jacob Perry said:
The GG has a lifetime warrenty. No other buffer has that.
Click to expand...

And is the most powerful of the 3 major DAs out there. I've had no problem correcting my VW hard clear with the GG, 5.5" Orange B&S pads and UNO. If I ever need more aggressivenes I'll move up to Optimum MF pads.
 
Jomax said:
Reason I thought of two was I want to get my brother into this. I would learn on maybe the PC jump the the 3401 and have him on the PC. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

You are correct that a new car ( if the dealer did not jack the paint up already ) a PC7424XP is going to do fine.

I had no issues with the PC I liberated from the shop for auto use on my trucks. I bought them new and took care of the paint. It was a big change from the Cyclo with a single speed and limited pad selection ( at the time, it was green, Yellow and White ) to be able to select a pad for what needed to be done in the size needed.

It was only when I got to other vehicles ( friends and family ) that did not do so well, that the PC was starting to show its limits. I looked at ( after my 2nd PC the XP version and a G110 - non V2 ) a rotary with the Dynabrade adapter and the Flex. The Flex was still ~ 75.00 more than a good rotary with the Dynabrade adapter, and I still went with the Flex.

I have not tried it ( yet ) but the Megs MF system has been quoted to work better on a PC, G110, GG 6 than a Flex. Don't know why, I have not tried it myself.
If this is what you are going to use for all correction work, then a PC ( or GG or G110V2 ) is going to work fine.
If you are doing more than 1 paint type on multiple vehicles ( of unknown care ), my limited opinion, this is like having a hammer, every problem is treated as a nail.

I have no clue if the MF kit is right for a PacRim mfgr vehicle. I have read soft paint, this is not my opinion just my readings - have not done one myself to know. If this is true, is the MF correct overboard ?? Depends on a lot of external factors.
I have seen Acura that have been done with SIP ( made my eyes bug out hearing this ), others where they took a less aggressive route using white, green & Black pads.

I have been through the PC from the shop that had seen its share of scribing cabinets prior to be putting into polishing service, I tried the G110 ( not the V2 ) when was a disappointment when compared to the antique PC, a new PC7424XP and now a Flex for the primary machine.
I still use the PC for LSP and Glaze, but I always seem to need to start with the flex on most external vehicles for polish work.

My limited time on the Flex, there was not much from it to the PC in terms of "learning" both would used the same concepts, the Flex I don't need to work as hard to get minor corrections done, and heavier corrections the PC was a non starter for it. It would work, but the time interval would be days not hours to get it done, and what kind of post correction work would need to be done.
Keep in mind, you can turn a 4x4 into a 2x4 with 120 grit sandpaper, but a saw is much quicker to get to the same point.

If you are going to be doing this for any amount of time, start with the Flex. Why invest 125.00 into the PC, use that $$ on the Flex.

If cash flow is an issue today, that is a different selection criteria.
 
sscully said:
You are correct that a new car ( if the dealer did not jack the paint up already ) a PC7424XP is going to do fine.

I had no issues with the PC I liberated from the shop for auto use on my trucks. I bought them new and took care of the paint. It was a big change from the Cyclo with a single speed and limited pad selection ( at the time, it was green, Yellow and White ) to be able to select a pad for what needed to be done in the size needed.

It was only when I got to other vehicles ( friends and family ) that did not do so well, that the PC was starting to show its limits. I looked at ( after my 2nd PC the XP version and a G110 - non V2 ) a rotary with the Dynabrade adapter and the Flex. The Flex was still ~ 75.00 more than a good rotary with the Dynabrade adapter, and I still went with the Flex.

I have not tried it ( yet ) but the Megs MF system has been quoted to work better on a PC, G110, GG 6 than a Flex. Don't know why, I have not tried it myself.
If this is what you are going to use for all correction work, then a PC ( or GG or G110V2 ) is going to work fine.
If you are doing more than 1 paint type on multiple vehicles ( of unknown care ), my limited opinion, this is like having a hammer, every problem is treated as a nail.

I have no clue if the MF kit is right for a PacRim mfgr vehicle. I have read soft paint, this is not my opinion just my readings - have not done one myself to know. If this is true, is the MF correct overboard ?? Depends on a lot of external factors.
I have seen Acura that have been done with SIP ( made my eyes bug out hearing this ), others where they took a less aggressive route using white, green & Black pads.

I have been through the PC from the shop that had seen its share of scribing cabinets prior to be putting into polishing service, I tried the G110 ( not the V2 ) when was a disappointment when compared to the antique PC, a new PC7424XP and now a Flex for the primary machine.
I still use the PC for LSP and Glaze, but I always seem to need to start with the flex on most external vehicles for polish work.

My limited time on the Flex, there was not much from it to the PC in terms of "learning" both would used the same concepts, the Flex I don't need to work as hard to get minor corrections done, and heavier corrections the PC was a non starter for it. It would work, but the time interval would be days not hours to get it done, and what kind of post correction work would need to be done.
Keep in mind, you can turn a 4x4 into a 2x4 with 120 grit sandpaper, but a saw is much quicker to get to the same point.

If you are going to be doing this for any amount of time, start with the Flex. Why invest 125.00 into the PC, use that $$ on the Flex.

If cash flow is an issue today, that is a different selection criteria.
Click to expand...

Money is always an issue :). Ill be most likely getting the Flex. I forgot I need to polish my trailer and I need to do it before summer hits..


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2000 Black DRW F-350
2012 pearl white Focus
 
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