I just read Mike's recent review of the new Rupes bigfoot LHR 19E rotary and I was impressed with the machine.
Problem is I previously decided on the Flex PE14-2, but fortunately have not bought it yet.
Directly comparing the two I can't see significant differences between them except for the RPM ranges - 450-1700 for Rupes and 600-2100 for the Flex. Since I haven't used any rotary yet I'm wondering if the Rupes represents an "overshoot", so to speak, in exploiting the trend for lower rpms in new rotary models for car paint polishing. I say this because I've seen it before in other product markets - some manufacturer takes a trend too far and ends up with a black sheep product before industry realizes it took a concept to far then abandons the stupid feature/product and returns to making a proper product.
In Mike's review though he supports the ultra-low 450 rpm feature. Unfortunately this has put this question in my mind about which range of rpms is better after taking all into consideration. So it looks to me like the two models are otherwise practically identical, complicating the buy decision. If I could fondle or try running each model I belive the decision might be easy but since I can't do that I just gotta pick one.
The way my brain works I don't like choosing between identically good products. On the other hand I like Flex products based on my 3401 forced DA, the quality is outstanding. But the quality and design of the Rupes appears to be identically outstanding. I also prefer to avoid first release products of any kind, but given Rupes' reputation the Rupes might be a reasonable risk purchase. Unfortunately all this makes me a little crazy because I like to have clear winners for decisions. The last thing you want is going crazy detailing someone's car. Ha !
How might you guys approach this decision if you were in my shoes ? And though it's probably a long shot, if anyone owns both or has used both I'd sure like to hear your thoughts.
If Mike was forced to make the choice himself he may not be able to write about it because they're both great machines and Autogeek sells both.
Maybe this is a case of it doesn't really matter - just flip a coin. I don't like to flip a coin when dropping a whole lot of coins.
Or maybe it's a brand-loyal decision versus a best of breed decision.
I'm not committed to either philosophy because I practice both buying philosophies myself in other areas.
Any thoughts much appreaciated. And if it helps any I'm an "experienced newbie". I haven't heard that classification yet but I think that's where I'm "at" more or less.
Problem is I previously decided on the Flex PE14-2, but fortunately have not bought it yet.
Directly comparing the two I can't see significant differences between them except for the RPM ranges - 450-1700 for Rupes and 600-2100 for the Flex. Since I haven't used any rotary yet I'm wondering if the Rupes represents an "overshoot", so to speak, in exploiting the trend for lower rpms in new rotary models for car paint polishing. I say this because I've seen it before in other product markets - some manufacturer takes a trend too far and ends up with a black sheep product before industry realizes it took a concept to far then abandons the stupid feature/product and returns to making a proper product.
In Mike's review though he supports the ultra-low 450 rpm feature. Unfortunately this has put this question in my mind about which range of rpms is better after taking all into consideration. So it looks to me like the two models are otherwise practically identical, complicating the buy decision. If I could fondle or try running each model I belive the decision might be easy but since I can't do that I just gotta pick one.
The way my brain works I don't like choosing between identically good products. On the other hand I like Flex products based on my 3401 forced DA, the quality is outstanding. But the quality and design of the Rupes appears to be identically outstanding. I also prefer to avoid first release products of any kind, but given Rupes' reputation the Rupes might be a reasonable risk purchase. Unfortunately all this makes me a little crazy because I like to have clear winners for decisions. The last thing you want is going crazy detailing someone's car. Ha !
How might you guys approach this decision if you were in my shoes ? And though it's probably a long shot, if anyone owns both or has used both I'd sure like to hear your thoughts.
If Mike was forced to make the choice himself he may not be able to write about it because they're both great machines and Autogeek sells both.
Maybe this is a case of it doesn't really matter - just flip a coin. I don't like to flip a coin when dropping a whole lot of coins.
Or maybe it's a brand-loyal decision versus a best of breed decision.
I'm not committed to either philosophy because I practice both buying philosophies myself in other areas.
Any thoughts much appreaciated. And if it helps any I'm an "experienced newbie". I haven't heard that classification yet but I think that's where I'm "at" more or less.
