Flex3401vrg or Rupes Bigfoot?

Hazcat

Hazcat

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I unfortunately started with a baby polisher and now I'm in need of something that really works. I was all set to pick up the Flex3401 when Rupes Bigfoot hit the scene. Is Rupes now the go to polisher using the washer trick to get better rotation? or is the Flex3401 still king? I have 2 days and 18 hours to get this figured out before the sale is over. Thank you for any thoughts you may be able to provide.

Haz
 
The best situation would be for you to try both before buying. The forced rotation of the Flex 3401 seems to be highly polarizing, people either love it or hate it. If you're looking at this strictly as a popularity contest the Rupes is certainly the flavor of the moment.
 
And in 6 months something else will be king. Cyclo polisher is due for a comeback.
 
Both are great. Check out my NOVA detailing breakdown review of both machines.

I would agree with Lost that the flex is either love/hate. the Rupes is the flavor of the week, yes, but it is a sick machine.

I enjoyed using both polishers, and will probably opt for the 3401VRG as my next step up, just due to the forced rotation aspect over the larger throw of the Rupes.
 
Hazcat said:
I unfortunately started with a baby polisher and now I'm in need of something that really works. I was all set to pick up the Flex3401 when Rupes Bigfoot hit the scene. Is Rupes now the go to polisher using the washer trick to get better rotation? or is the Flex3401 still king? I have 2 days and 18 hours to get this figured out before the sale is over. Thank you for any thoughts you may be able to provide.

Haz
Click to expand...

I used the Rupes Bigfoot 21 with the 6" backing plate yesterday on my truck and I have to say, I was impressed.

Bouncers Capture the Rapture Monster Truck Detail


I'm a huge fan of the Flex 3401 though and it's two main best features are...

1. Pro Grade - If you're detailing full time for money, you should be purchasing tools that won't wear out or break if you drop them.

2. Gear driven, forced rotation and forced oscillation. You cannot stop the pad from spinning no matter what.​

I prefer the Flex 3401 with the LC 4" backing plate and the LC 5" Hybrid pads. Set-up like this there's pretty much nothing you can't tackle and do the job right without any wasted time.


Tough choice, both tools are very different but also very good. Like Lost Highway stated, some people really like the Flex 3401 while some people don't like it. The thing is you don't know until you actually get one in your hands and buff out a few cars.

That's what's so cool about my detailing classes, you get to use LOTS of tools and work on cool cars and then you'll have a real world opinion that will help you to make up your mind.


Ah heck... get them both...


:D
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
I used the Rupes Bigfoot 21 with the 6" backing plate yesterday on my truck and I have to say, I was impressed.

Bouncers Capture the Rapture Monster Truck Detail


I'm a huge fan of the Flex 3401 though and it's two main best features are...

1. Pro Grade - If you're detailing full time for money, you should be purchasing tools that won't wear out or break if you drop them.

2. Gear driven, forced rotation and forced oscillation. You cannot stop the pad from spinning no matter what.​


I prefer the Flex 3401 with the LC 4" backing plate and the LC 5" Hybrid pads. Set-up like this there's pretty much nothing you can't tackle and do the job right without any wasted time.


Tough choice, both tools are very different but also very good. Like Lost Highway stated, some people really like the Flex 3401 while some people don't like it. The thing is you don't know until you actually get one in your hands and buff out a few cars.

That's what's so cool about my detailing classes, you get to use LOTS of tools and work on cool cars and then you'll have a real world opinion that will help you to make up your mind.


Ah heck... get them both...


:D
Click to expand...

:iagree:...I have both!
 
You CANNOT deny the forced rotation of the 3401. On the other hand, it has a mind of it's own, it can be harder to control than a traditional DA.

The Rupes is great with it's huge throw, which equals very fast correction. It's pretty easy to control. However, on non flat panels, the pad stops rotating too easily. That really bugs me.

They both have their pros and cons.
 
^^ was waiting for you to post some more details, Mark - you were (are?) very vocal about the 3401. which worked better, for you, on the Z?
 
Becciasm said:
^^ was waiting for you to post some more details, Mark - you were (are?) very vocal about the 3401. which worked better, for you, on the Z?
Click to expand...
Yes, I go back and forth on the 3401. I always seem to come back to it because of the forced rotation(consistent) polishing results. I used them both on the Z and they worked very well. If I HAD to choose 1, I'd go with the 3401. Recently, I learned a tip from Bunky(Al) that's REALLY helped me with the 3401; don't try to whip the polisher around, take your time and let the polisher move on its own, while just guiding it. Great advice. The LC Hybrid pads are easily the best pads to use with the 3401, IMO.
 
FivePoint.0 said:
Yes, I go back and forth on the 3401. I always seem to come back to it because of the forced rotation(consistent) polishing results. I used them both on the Z and they worked very well. If I HAD to choose 1, I'd go with the 3401. Recently, I learned a tip from Bunky(Al) that's REALLY helped me with the 3401; don't try to whip the polisher around, take your time and let the polisher move on its own, while just guiding it. Great advice. The LC Hybrid pads are easily the best pads to use with the 3401, IMO.
Click to expand...

Thanks Mark.

:buffing:
 
Hazcat said:
I unfortunately started with a baby polisher and now I'm in need of something that really works. I was all set to pick up the Flex3401 when Rupes Bigfoot hit the scene. Is Rupes now the go to polisher using the washer trick to get better rotation? or is the Flex3401 still king? I have 2 days and 18 hours to get this figured out before the sale is over. Thank you for any thoughts you may be able to provide.

Haz
Click to expand...

Like you, I started out with a different machine before purchasing the Flex or the Rupes. I had little knowledge (and technique) using a polisher until I was fortunate to take a detailing class at Meguiars in Orange County, CA. After the class, my knowledge, technique, and efficiency improved tremendously. I had one of the best (if not the best) instructors in the nation. Shortly after the class, I ordered the Flex 3401, which I have used for about 3 years. Recently, after reading all the "hype," I purchased the Rupes 21. I enjoy both machines equally. I have my Flex equipped with the LC interchangeable backing plates. However, I'm prone to leave the 4" backing plate on the Flex and use the 5" LC Hybrid pads for smaller areas and use the Rupes 21 on larger panels. This enables me to have to machines ready to go without having to change backing plates and/or pads in the middle of a job. Call it lazy, efficient, expensive, or crazy. But it works for me.

So, the short story is if you have the money, get both. If you don't, beg, borrow, (don't steal) from someone to let you try theirs. I wouldn't let the sale "meter" force you to buy something you may not like. AG runs sales continuously; therefore, you won't be missing out on a good deal. Additionally, if you have not taken a detailing class, I would encourage you to do so. You'll get a lot of "drive time" using the various machines that will assist you in making a decision. Whatever you decide, you will have one (or both) of the best machines on the market. Good luck!

Oh, did I tell you who my great instructor was? Mike Phillips! I was fortunate to be in his last class at Meguiars before Mike made his trek to AG. He's the best! Mike's knowledge and skills are over the top and the folks at AG are very lucky to have him on staff.

Sorry to get a little off topic, but I thought since AG is not only recognizing the July 4th holiday and recognizing Mike's anniversary with the company, I wanted to give him kudos as well. We miss you Mike! :urtheman:
 
ocmike said:
I enjoy both machines equally. I have my Flex equipped with the LC interchangeable backing plates. However, I'm prone to leave the 4" backing plate on the Flex and use the 5" LC Hybrid pads for smaller areas and use the Rupes 21 on larger panels. This enables me to have to machines ready to go without having to change backing plates and/or pads in the middle of a job. Call it lazy, efficient, expensive, or crazy. But it works for me.
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Smart man. :dblthumb2:

Are you using the Rupes with the washer mod?
 
ocmike said:
Oh, did I tell you who my great instructor was? Mike Phillips! I was fortunate to be in his last class at Meguiars before Mike made his trek to AG. He's the best! Mike's knowledge and skills are over the top and the folks at AG are very lucky to have him on staff.

Sorry to get a little off topic, but I thought since AG is not only recognizing the July 4th holiday and recognizing Mike's anniversary with the company, I wanted to give him kudos as well. We miss you Mike!
Click to expand...


Wow! Thanks Mike...

Good times in the past and more good times to come...

I'm not suffering too much out here on the East Coast...



:D
 
I WILL stick to my guns and say that MF pads(w/ washer mod) work MUCH better on the Rupes compared to 3401. Foam and foamed wool is where it's at with the 3401.
 
I will have both after last weekend's meetup. :buffing: Im the MAN

I love how smooth and effortless it is with the Rupes but you are correct...the power of the 3401 is undeniable.
 
Hi Haz...

-According to the reports/reviews of using a forced rotation (Flex3401VRG): It may, indeed, be daunting.

-And...
If you were to purchase a RUPES ("15" or "21") and defeat their built-in safety feature(s)...by installing the "washer-mod"...

Then, in my honest opinion:
You'd be better off purchasing either the FLEX PE14-2-150 or FLEX L3403 VRG Lightweight rotary/circular polishers...
that will provide: "The German quality you've come to expect from FLEX".

One of these Flex rotary/circular polishers will be a guarantee to ensure what you so desire:
Hazcat said:
I unfortunately started with a "baby polisher" and now I'm in need of something that really works.
Click to expand...

Use the "baby polisher" to follow-up behind a rotary polisher, when/where needed.

:)

Bob
 
FivePoint.0 said:
:dblthumb2:

Are you trying to decide as well?
Click to expand...

Not really. I'm going to step up to the VRG when budget allows. It's honestly a $$$ thing with me over the Rupes. This isn't a significant income generator for me, so budget reigns for now :)

JSou said:
I will have both after last weekend's meetup. :buffing: Im the MAN

I love how smooth and effortless it is with the Rupes but you are correct...the power of the 3401 is undeniable.
Click to expand...

It was great that we had that opportunity. I would agree that if the means are there to pick up both - Using my "baby polisher" GG 6" yesterday i was longing for the smooth operation of the two on this thread! :)

FivePoint.0 said:
I WILL stick to my guns and say that MF pads(w/ washer mod) work MUCH better on the Rupes compared to 3401. Foam and foamed wool is where it's at with the 3401.
Click to expand...

Noted. We had a lot of success with the hybrid pads on the flex.

FUNX725 said:
Hi Haz...

-According to the reports/reviews of using a forced rotation (Flex3401VRG): It may, indeed, be daunting.

-And...
If you were to purchase a RUPES ("15" or "21") and defeat their built-in safety feature(s)...by installing the "washer-mod"...

Then, in my honest opinion:
You'd be better off purchasing either the FLEX PE14-2-150 or FLEX L3403 VRG Lightweight rotary/circular polishers...
that will provide: "The German quality you've come to expect from FLEX".

One of these Flex rotary/circular polishers will be a guarantee to ensure what you so desire:


Use the "baby polisher" to follow-up behind a rotary polisher, when/where needed.

:)

Bob
Click to expand...

rotary is in my future.

Sorry for the Jack, Haz, but yeah, i think everyone has your 'dilemma' :) I'm sure you'll be satisfied with either purchase.

Don't lose the other DA though - i'm slowly learning that the more the better, and you can use your other DA with different size pads - say 3" BP and 3.5/4", and keep your flex/rupes for the larger pads :)
 
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