Another Flex 3401 vs Rupes 21 Comparison

KillaCam said:
That's why I got my rupes for the larger panels and then stuck the 3.5" bp on my pc to tackle the smaller areas.
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I have 1 rupes, 1 flex, 2 GG pc, 1 HD pc, 1 PCXP and my Flex rotary. Feed back please :dblthumb2:
 
Now that is the best review I have seen in quite some time.

Great work on touching on a lot of the attributes that are sometimes overlooked. I love my Flex 3401s and have done just 1 little work section with a Rupes 21. It feels to me like a nice machine but doesn't excite me enough to make me want to drop the coin on the purchase of one.
 
Great review! For a professional detailer I think build quality is a must. This is why I chose the flex, it's been a proven performer, I guess we will see how the rupes holds up reliability wise. But if the casing is lacking in quality, I'm wondering about internally. People argue that the rupes finishes out better compared to the flex, I haven't had the chance to use a rupes, but I have never had finishing issues with the flex at all. The right pad and product it is flawless. So they both do an amazing job but I will not be purchasing a rupes. The flex was the breakthrough in what a polisher can do, the rupes in my eyes is no break through. I make my living detailing and would not purchase a machine of lesser quality, that produces similar results. Just my 2 cents. Nice review this would have taken some of the time off my decision on which polisher to buy!
 
swanicyouth said:
Or, because he is using a rotary polisher.
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might have been wrong video. This one.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lwWXXDs3sc&feature=share&list=UUF01iAoMyLdOy0TsuATvIbw]Miracle Detail - New 5 series BMW - Corrected and finished with Rupes Bigfoot - YouTube[/video]

I think that's a rupes 15
 
hernandez.art13 said:
Does anybody have a video of the Rupes "bogging down"?
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Kevin Brown explained to me that in certain instances with enough pressure or using too much tilt can SLOW it down. You want it slow to avoid edge digging and for comfort. Otherwise we would still be using a rotary if we really wanted to power through obstacles.

BMWguy206 said:
Here's one video.

Rupes LHR 15 Bigfoot testing - YouTube
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I watched that video. The guy puts both ends of the pad resting against the countour. The pad in the middle isn't even touching the panel.
 
Interesting video: even with a DA like the PC or the Flex I avoid edges. (Probably from habit of learning on a Dewalt using a Wool Pad)

I am still learning how to use a DA. Besides just a Rotary. The So Cal Meet Up, I made sure that I avoided edges while I used Majin Rotary.

Going through edges like that on a rotary is asking for a Burn. (Just my opinion)

^ Either way thanks for the video

Art
 
nezff said:
He doesn't bog down. I guess because hes pro :props:

Miracle Detail - Audi TT.mov - YouTube
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I need to make it clear that initially my Rupes 21 didn't perform normally. I mean the slightest pressure and it would just stop. After a few weeks, I picked it up again and the same thing happened. Went back to the Flex, but halfway I tried it again. Since then, it is working properly. Corrects better than the Flex.
Not sure if it is a defective unit or what? We will see.
 
Don't polishers also have a break-in period where they strengthen over time?
 
PS: What I have learned recently is that Clark from Polished Bliss prefers and uses the Flex 3401. Not the Rupes.
 
tdekany said:
I need to make it clear that initially my Rupes 21 didn't perform normally. I mean the slightest pressure and it would just stop. After a few weeks, I picked it up again and the same thing happened. Went back to the Flex, but halfway I tried it again. Since then, it is working properly. Corrects better than the Flex.
Not sure if it is a defective unit or what? We will see.
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That definitely doesn't sound right. I know the rupes needs no pressure but very little shouldn't stop it. Did you call the place you bought it from?
tdekany said:
PS: What I have learned recently is that Clark from Polished Bliss prefers and uses the Flex 3401. Not the Rupes.
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After seeing some of the "grand poobahs" of paint polishing like Kevin Brown, Lin, and Dalton to name a few using the rupes I'm somewhat sold. It's definitely a toss up. I've talked to detailers on this site via phone and pm that have both and all if them have told me if they could have only one,it would be a rupes 21.
 
Mike P. told me at Sema that if he had to pick 2 machines it would be a FLEX rotary and a Rupes
 
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