Flex 3401 or rupes bigfoot.

I feel that it's really personal preference when it comes down to it... I currently have a PC, 3401, and Makita rotary. All machines are very capable when it comes down to it, but it also depends on the situation as well as the type of paint/clear I'm working on.

For example:

Vertical/Curvy Panels: PC
Horizonal/Flat Surfaces: Flex
Sanding/Scuff Removal: Rotary
 
Well I was going to get another flex but I might get the rupes.

My thing is that I need another buffer so 2 people can be buffing at the same time. I'm afraid one buffer will will not correct like the other and one half the car will look better.Would this be the case?
 
ShineTimeDetail said:
Well I was going to get another flex but I might get the rupes.

My thing is that I need another buffer so 2 people can be buffing at the same time. I'm afraid one buffer will will not correct like the other and one half the car will look better.Would this be the case?
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I was in the same boat as you I was looking to get either one could really decide and now I have both. Ill be testing them out this week.
 
I had a chance to use the Flex and Rupes 15 side by side today using the same 5-in pad/polish using a finishing pad on the same paint.

The Flex feels heavier and has a lower pitch growl (gears) while the Rupes had a much higher pitched (faster sounding) whine. The Flex does not like to be rushed or moved around as easily while you can move the Rupes around quite easily.

The Rupes surprisingly broke the polish (Menz 106FA) down faster with both running a speed 5. I am running the Rupes with the washer. I know the Flex really works Menz better near 5.5. I wish I could check the actual OPM's.

I do like the variable speed trigger on the Flex better with the lock that does not unlock easily. The Rupes lock seems to release too easily. Also, the pad got hotter on the Rupes in the center.
 
I really did my homework and opted for the Rupes 15. It works with the pads I already had plus it felt the most like what I was familiar with. I have not been disappointed a bit going with the Rupes. It is smooth yet extremely powerful and eats swirls for breakfast. I can't comment on the Flex but am definitely satisfied with the Rupes.
 
Need an electric version of the LHR75

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
 
VP Mark said:
I really did my homework and opted for the Rupes 15. It works with the pads I already had plus it felt the most like what I was familiar with. I have not been disappointed a bit going with the Rupes. It is smooth yet extremely powerful and eats swirls for breakfast. I can't comment on the Flex but am definitely satisfied with the Rupes.
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What size backing plate do you have on it?

That is one of the reasons why I shunned upon to the rupes because it says you need to have specific rupes pads.

What pads are you using on it and what size pads are you using on the rupes?
 
Bunky said:
I had a chance to use the Flex and Rupes 15 side by side today using the same 5-in pad/polish using a finishing pad on the same paint.

The Flex feels heavier and has a lower pitch growl (gears) while the Rupes had a much higher pitched (faster sounding) whine. The Flex does not like to be rushed or moved around as easily while you can move the Rupes around quite easily.

The Rupes surprisingly broke the polish (Menz 106FA) down faster with both running a speed 5. I am running the Rupes with the washer. I know the Flex really works Menz better near 5.5. I wish I could check the actual OPM's.

I do like the variable speed trigger on the Flex better with the lock that does not unlock easily. The Rupes lock seems to release too easily. Also, the pad got hotter on the Rupes in the center.
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Great info Al!
 
Still have 3401 along with LHR21ES andLHR15E. Want LHR75 electric model.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
 
hernandez.art13 said:
What size backing plate do you have on it?

That is one of the reasons why I shunned upon to the rupes because it says you need to have specific rupes pads.

What pads are you using on it and what size pads are you using on the rupes?
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It has the 5 inch PB I use 6.5 inch foam and MF pads and some of my old 5 inch pads when I need something smaller. Works like a boss.
 
hernandez.art13 said:
What size backing plate do you have on it?

That is one of the reasons why I shunned upon to the rupes because it says you need to have specific rupes pads.

What pads are you using on it and what size pads are you using on the rupes?
Click to expand...

You don't need neither rupes pads, nor rupes polishes.
 
I have tried both and if the car or truck is perfectly flat then Rupes it is but thats about it. Flex 3401 for flat and 7424 with 3" backplate still wins in my rotation.
 
smack said:
Hey Beach, Use the 5 inch Hybrid pad lineup on the 3401 and you will love the power of the machine along with the ease of use. The bigger the pad on the Flex the more it vibrates and wobbles. I wouldnt use anything bigger than a 6.5 pad.
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I am currently using pc and flex rotorys but I am doing some work that will require super fast turnaround times. Aka forty wash polish wax wheels and tires jobs in one day and I will have some laborors with little experience on the job. So if you had to put one of these machines inexperienced hands which would you buy.
 
had the same dilemma went with the flex kit. I think the Rupes is probably the higher end but the flex seems to be more versatile. Time will tell. Will be happy either way.
 
You can use whatever combination you want with the Rupes. Their pads and polishes are designed to work with the machine the best, but honestly who uses products the exact way they were meant to be used?
 
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