6.5's or 5.5's Flex 3401

Newdetailer1

Newdetailer1

New member
Joined
Feb 2, 2012
Messages
351
Reaction score
0
Which do you guys like better overall? I have both and I'm not really sure I care for the 6.5's? I just wanted to get you're guys take on it before I try and unload them somewhere. Help me understand the advantages of the 6.5? To me it seems harder to use and it wanted a lot me product (which makes sense). IDK let me know what you guys think?
 
Technically speaking, the area of the two are as follows;

Surface Area - 5 1/2 pad = 23.75 in²

Surface Area - 6 1/2 pad = 33.18 in²

All else equal, the larger pad should be able to correct the area in less time and time is money....
 
BobbyG said:
Technically speaking, the area of the two are as follows;

Surface Area - 5 1/2 pad = 23.75 in²

Surface Area - 6 1/2 pad = 33.18 in²

All else equal, the larger pad should be able to correct the area in less time and time is money....
Click to expand...

Yeah, but doesn't it take more product to load up the pad? Can you do larger that a 2X2 section or is the idea to do the same 2X2 quicker?
 
Newdetailer1 said:
Yeah, but doesn't it take more product to load up the pad? Can you do larger that a 2X2 section or is the idea to do the same 2X2 quicker?
Click to expand...

Theoretically it takes the same amount of product to polish the car. Even if it takes more to prime the 6.5, it is going to go farther. I wouldn't change the size of a section I did but as Bobby said, it should take less time to cover the same area with a larger pad. It probably comes down more to what you are comfortable with. Some people find the larger pads to walk more on the 3401. I think you hit it with your last question. You do the same section faster.
 
BobbyG is right. Everything being equal, a 6.5" pad has greater surface area and will correct that 2x2 section faster.

Now there's the preference factor that is completely subjective. To this, I've used 7.5" Chemical Guy self center pads on the 3401 and love it on larger cars.
 
I personally prefer 5.5" and 4" pads with 3401 but that's a personal preference.
 
I picked up the new Lake Country backing plates for the Flex.

It will be interesting to see if the 6-in backing plate changes how a 6.5-in pad performs (hold more of the pad against the plate) both polishing and handling.
 
Bunky said:
I picked up the new Lake Country backing plates for the Flex.

It will be interesting to see if the 6-in backing plate changes how a 6.5-in pad performs (hold more of the pad against the plate) both polishing and handling.
Click to expand...

I'm curious to see how the new LC backing plate affects handling. I tend to be skeptical about aftermarket adapters of any kind for any tool. If they work well, I'm open to changing my mind.

Regards,

Dan.
 
Its interesting that so many of the LC adapters were sold, but no review as yet?!?
 
Danube said:
Its interesting that so many of the LC adapters were sold, but no review as yet?!?
Click to expand...

I guess it is an opportunity for me since I plan to do my truck this weekend with Blackfire Total Polish and Seal topped with a yet to be decided LSP.
 
BookemDano said:
I'm curious to see how the new LC backing plate affects handling. I tend to be skeptical about aftermarket adapters of any kind for any tool. If they work well, I'm open to changing my mind.

Regards,

Dan.
Click to expand...

That's exactly my thought about aftermarket adapters.
I would really like to see a review from a respected forum member: if it works, I will order a Flex (I haven't till now because of its lack versatility - in size terms).
 
Buggy Bath said:
What backing plate do you use for 4" pads? All I saw was the 4 3/8 plate.
Click to expand...


4" LC adapter with 4" pad, which is again 'living on the edge' thing, same as using original BP with 5.5" pads.

:xyxthumbs:
 
RMM said:
That's exactly my thought about aftermarket adapters.
I would really like to see a review from a respected forum member: if it works, I will order a Flex (I haven't till now because of its lack versatility - in size terms).
Click to expand...

I only break my Flex out a couple of times a year, so take this for what it's worth. To me it does affect stability and makes the Flex a little harder to control. It took a bit to get used to and you have to keep your mind on the job or the Flex will start working you instead of the paint. I imagine this wouldn't be a problem for someone using the Flex more often.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top