6.5" pads on Flex: Flat, CCS, or Hybrid?

aim4squirrels

aim4squirrels

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Hey all,

I'd like some feedback on what you might have used in the 6.5" variety of pads with your Flex. I currently have 6.5" flat pads for it but was wondering what else is out there. I also have the LC backing plate system, as well as both flavors of factory Flex plates so that's not a deterrent to running any specific pad.

Here's what I'm looking for:

What do you use?
Why do you like it?
 
No, no, guys I OWN 5" hybrid pads, they're great for handling, but they are way too small to do the entire SUV my wife and I just purchased. I need a bigger pad for those big body panels to save some time.

So let me know what you like in the 6.5" variety.

They obviously make a 6.5" hybrid pad as well, but there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of info out on it.
 
I use both sizes of Hybrids on my Flex and have no complaints. I also use the 5 1/2 and 6 1/2" Flat and Hydro Flat pads on it as well. They all work well, but my go-to pads are the Hybrids.
 
Evan.J said:
LC 5" hybrid pads on my flex
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Italian Guy said:
What Evan said.
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aim4squirrels said:
No, no, guys I OWN 5" hybrid pads, they're great for handling, but they are way too small to do the entire SUV my wife and I just purchased. I need a bigger pad for those big body panels to save some time.

So let me know what you like in the 6.5" variety.

They obviously make a 6.5" hybrid pad as well, but there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of info out on it.
Click to expand...

Evan.J said:
LC 5" hybrid pads on my flex
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Just02896 said:
This^^^
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Oh good Lord, I give up...
 
02xtreme07SS said:
I use both sizes of Hybrids on my Flex and have no complaints. I also use the 5 1/2 and 6 1/2" Flat and Hydro Flat pads on it as well. They all work well, but my go-to pads are the Hybrids.
Click to expand...

This.

I only use the hybrid pads as they deliver superior results for me. Coupled with Menzerna polishes and you have an incredible setup.
 
Evan.J said:
If you like the smaller hybrid pads then go with the larger ones. You know they work you just need/want more area coverage
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This is what I was thinking initially, but sometimes the change in size of a pad effects the characteristics of how the machine operates, and the end user experience doesn't always translate. That's why I asked in the open forum, seeing as I couldn't find much info on the larger sized pads.

BTW, I'm not mad at anyone. I do find it funny that after asking (and then clarifying) that my question was specifically about 6.5" pads, I still got references to how awesome the 5" hybrid pads are on the Flex (which I did mention I own.)

So, either folks don't read for content, or those pads really are that good.:laughing:
 
aim4squirrels said:
This is what I was thinking initially, but sometimes the change in size of a pad effects the characteristics of how the machine operates, and the end user experience doesn't always translate. That's why I asked in the open forum, seeing as I couldn't find much info on the larger sized pads.

BTW, I'm not mad at anyone. I do find it funny that after asking (and then clarifying) that my question was specifically about 6.5" pads, I still got references to how awesome the 5" hybrid pads are on the Flex (which I did mention I own.)

So, either folks don't read for content, or those pads really are that good.:laughing:
Click to expand...

This is a common issue in threads I have created as well. Annoying, but I know guys are trying to be helpful. Just wish people would slow down and read, comprehend, and think before replying sometimes.
 
I've used 6.5 LC Hydros with my Flex and yes they're perfect for large panels. Nothing too noticeable in characteristics to me...
 
i use 6'5 on the Flex, i prefer flat pads.

I do have the smaller backing plate as well if i choose to go with a smaller pad.
 
Variable contact pads

once you've tried em, nothing else will compare
 
for the guys are using the hydro pads are you using the thicker o thinner version ?

i bought thinner due to are the only option i have a 3401vrg and now i don´t now what to do if sell it or keep it

what happend if they are thinner ?
 
aim4squirrels said:
This is what I was thinking initially, but sometimes the change in size of a pad effects the characteristics of how the machine operates, and the end user experience doesn't always translate. That's why I asked in the open forum, seeing as I couldn't find much info on the larger sized pads.

BTW, I'm not mad at anyone. I do find it funny that after asking (and then clarifying) that my question was specifically about 6.5" pads, I still got references to how awesome the 5" hybrid pads are on the Flex (which I did mention I own.)

So, either folks don't read for content, or those pads really are that good.:laughing:
Click to expand...

Indeed, for the Flex 3401 the LC Hybrids 5.5 seems to work better, don't ask me why though. Every time I use 6.5 Hybrids on a Flex, it doesn't seem to cut/work as it would with 5.5.
Therefore, I never exchange plates anymore on my Flex. Maybe because of the smaller throw? My original Flex backing plate is still brand new.
Anyway, 6.5 hybrids works really good with a Rupes 21, which is my choice when I use it. When I work on a SUV with the LC Hybrid system, I leave the two machines ready, Rupes for the larger panels with 6.5 and Flex for the corners and tricky areas with 5.5. Or, when the paint situation needs a stronger, faster correction in a two step polish, a Flex PE14 for cutting.
I know I didn't help you choose the best 6.5 pad for the Flex, I would like to know it as well to test it myself. All the best!
 
I use Hex Logic on the Flex.

In particular, the open cell varieties (green, blue) for compounding and polishing.

They seemed way more forgiving than the flat Meguiar's pads that I used on the machine previously - as far as control goes.

I plan on trying the 5" Hydrotech Cyan on the new 4 3/8" plate I just recieved, but I feel at this point, the Hex Logic / Buff and Shine will remain my favorite.

Adam's polishes used to advise against these types of pads for the Flex. Their feeling was that the hex design "gripped" the paint too much, thus amplifying the "walking" effect. This is contrary to the manufacturer's assessment of the design.
 
For large trucks I use my CG's hex pads.
Seems to do it for me.
..and they hold up well, even with all the power the Flex gives you.
 
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