Wanting to replace my PC 7424xp...GG DA vs Rupes Bigfoot?

Caleb@ImpeccableImage

Caleb@ImpeccableImage

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Hey everyone. I'm in need of your advice. I'm wanting to sell and replace my PC 7424xp with a better, more powerful unit. I'm not bashing the pc by any means as it helped me learn this art form of detailing but I find myself at times needing something more powerful. I really would like a 3rd gen Griots DA but have been seeing people talking about this Rupes Bigfoot on here. I had never heard of it before. The only DA I found they make is the LHR 21ES but I noticed it had the same powered motor as the PC. Is the Rupes superior to the PC and what makes it so good? Pros and cons etc? From what it looked like I would have to use the Rupes pads. All info and advice would be appreciated. Thank you :)!
 
Well, the Rupes will get compared more to the Flex 3401 than to a PC....
Rupes costs over $350... I don't know if there's a point to compare it to a PC or GG v3.

I had a GG v2 and now a Megs G110v2.
The GG v2 was more powerful and will be more powerful than a PC and also will correct faster.
But at least the v2 vibrated a lot and was on the heavy side to my taste so I feel more comfortable with the g110v2

Actually the Rupes will be compared by many to a Rotary with a Dynabrade Head attached (this is what I use right now along with the g110v2).

Now the short answer....
I don't have a Rupes, but from what I've read it will correct way faster than a GG v3 and be way more comfortable for sure. But also cots wayyyyy more.

They also have the Rupes LHR15E
 
DaC said:
Well, the Rupes will get compared more to the Flex 3401 than to a PC....
Rupes costs over $350... I don't know if there's a point to compare it to a PC or GG v3.

I had a GG v2 and now a Megs G110v2.
The GG v2 was more powerful and will be more powerful than a PC and also will correct faster.
But at least the v2 vibrated a lot and was on the heavy side to my taste so I feel more comfortable with the g110v2

Actually the Rupes will be compared by many to a Rotary with a Dynabrade Head attached (this is what I use right now along with the g110v2).

Now the short answer....
I don't have a Rupes, but from what I've read it will correct way faster than a GG v3 and be way more comfortable for sure. But also cots wayyyyy more.

They also have the Rupes LHR15E
Click to expand...

Very interesting. Sounds really awesome if it can correct faster than a GG DA with less power. I did not see the LHR15E on the rupes website. What's the difference between it and the 21? Prices aren't listed on there either. Not sure where the best place to purchase one would be if I went that route. Am I limited to only the rupes pads with those units?
 
Both are capable tools but if your budget allows I would go with the Rupes. It will yield faster correction (not way faster, but definitely a noticeable difference IME) and the user comfort will be much better as well (much less vibration). There are 3 main Rupes tools people are getting...

LHR75 (tiny 3" air powered unit that rocks!)
LHR15 - 5" DA with a 15mm throw, the smoother and more versatile of the two big guns)
LHR21 - 6" DA wit ha 21mm throw, still very smooth, slightly faster correction, but can be limited on tight panels.

I just received my LHR15 from Kevin Brown last night so now I have all 3. :props:
 
That is awesome. Thank you do much. The LHR15 would be what I would want then. Do I only have to use the rupes pads or could I use my megs microfiber pads too. Where is the best website to purchase these units? Thank you both for your help.
 
PapaSmurf said:
Very interesting. Sounds really awesome if it can correct faster than a GG DA with less power. I did not see the LHR15E on the rupes website. What's the difference between it and the 21? Prices aren't listed on there either. Not sure where the best place to purchase one would be if I went that route. Am I limited to only the rupes pads with those units?
Click to expand...

Search for Kevin Brown and Rupes on google...

RaskyR1 said:
Both are capable tools but if your budget allows I would go with the Rupes. It will yield faster correction (not way faster, but definitely a noticeable difference IME) and the user comfort will be much better as well (much less vibration). There are 3 main Rupes tools people are getting...

LHR75 (tiny 3" air powered unit that rocks!)
LHR15 - 5" DA with a 15mm throw, the smoother and more versatile of the two big guns)
LHR21 - 6" DA wit ha 21mm throw, still very smooth, slightly faster correction, but can be limited on tight panels.

I just received my LHR15 from Kevin Brown last night so now I have all 3. :props:
Click to expand...

Rasky... now that you're here and already pointed it's not "way faster".... so the king of the DA hill for correction speed would still be the DB + Rotary combo ?
 
PapaSmurf said:
That is awesome. Thank you do much. The LHR15 would be what I would want then. Do I only have to use the rupes pads or could I use my megs microfiber pads too. Where is the best website to purchase these units? Thank you both for your help.
Click to expand...

You can use any pads you like but the Rupes are pretty nice. Megs MF finishing pads is what I've been using for cutting and they work great! You don't need a lot of pressure either. :props:
 
DaC said:
Search for Kevin Brown and Rupes on google...



Rasky... now that you're here and already pointed it's not "way faster".... so the kind of the DA hill for correction speed would still be the DB + Rotary combo ?
Click to expand...

To be honest I only used my DB attachment a few times and it was hard for me to get used too. With the little that I did use it, I would have to give the edge to the Rupes in terms of correction and it a lot lighter and smoother too. ;)
 
RaskyR1 said:
Both are capable tools but if your budget allows I would go with the Rupes. It will yield faster correction (not way faster, but definitely a noticeable difference IME) and the user comfort will be much better as well (much less vibration). There are 3 main Rupes tools people are getting...

LHR75 (tiny 3" air powered unit that rocks!)
LHR15 - 5" DA with a 15mm throw, the smoother and more versatile of the two big guns)
LHR21 - 6" DA wit ha 21mm throw, still very smooth, slightly faster correction, but can be limited on tight panels.

I just received my LHR15 from Kevin Brown last night so now I have all 3. :props:
Click to expand...
:iagree:You can get the Rupes from Kevin Brown (Buff Daddy) or Detailers Domain.
 
I would keep the PC as a back-up. Can't go wrong with rupes.
 
RaskyR1 said:
To be honest I only used my DB attachment a few times and it was hard for me to get used too. With the little that I did use it, I would have to give the edge to the Rupes in terms of correction and it a lot lighter and smoother too. ;)
Click to expand...

Well.... I'd be thrilled if you felt like doing a side by side on both..... :buffing: :poke:

The DB combo really takes you to get used to it, although I've only used it 1 time so far, I can tell it's very different from using a lighter machine...
I do think although it's heavier, it has considerable less vibration than a GG or G110v2... specially with 6.5" pads (this was the biggest I've tested on it).
But the weight makes up for some of the additional comfort.... my wrists did were in pain on the next 2 days.... but I think I can get used to it and find a way to relief the weight a little...
... a little weight lifting could also help.... :laughing:

The Rupes must be a butter to work with....... I wish I could test one.



Bamafire said:
I would keep the PC as a back-up. Can't go wrong with rupes.
Click to expand...

Very true... don't sell your PC.... you might regret you did someday (maybe on the very next detail). :dblthumb2:
 
DaC said:
...
Very true... don't sell your PC.... you might regret you did someday (maybe on the very next detail). :dblthumb2:
Click to expand...

Like say you decide to help a friend with his car you can get done much faster if you put the PC in his hands :-)
 
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If I found myself needing to upgrade my polisher I'd look either at the Flex 3401 or the Rupes Bigfoot.

Seeing you already own a Porter Cable dual action polisher, adding a Griot's Garage is very similar only more powerful.

The Flex 3401 and Rupes Bigfoot are an entirely different class of polishers. I don't own a Rupes Bigfoot but I do own a Flex 3401 and love the forced rotation, power, ergonomics, and quality.
 
Thanks BobbyG. Thats pretty much why I decided to stray away from getting the GG. It just a more powerful PC more or less. Still a good product though.
 
I picked up a Flex 3401 a couple of months ago to go along with my Groit's DA. What a great machine! I also bought the 4 3/8" backing plate so I could use my 5.5" pads. At the time I bought it, I had never heard of the Rupes. I just came across those threads just recently. As for the 3401, it's built like a tank and it's easy to use. The forced rotation is great.
 
TheCougarGuy said:
I picked up a Flex 3401 a couple of months ago to go along with my Groit's DA. What a great machine! I also bought the 4 3/8" backing plate so I could use my 5.5" pads. At the time I bought it, I had never heard of the Rupes. I just came across those threads just recently. As for the 3401, it's built like a tank and it's easy to use. The forced rotation is great.
Click to expand...

Oh Im sure. I bet it corrects paint like a charm.
 
Seems like if already have a PC wouldn't a Rupes 21make more sense versus the 15? You could use the PC with 4" pads for tight panels?
 
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