Well, my first post regarding the Flex was not completely positive. It was hard switching from a rotary to the 3401, the vibrations, the ergonomics and new pads were all hard to get used to. Two weeks in and I have a new appreciation. The biggest change was changing the products I've been using with it. I had been using the same shop products that I used with the rotary and wasn't seeing better results. The game changer was getting a hold of the Menzerna fg400 compound and sf4000 polish. What a revelation! I'm now seeing the same results that I've seen reported from other users reviews. The Menzerna cuts so quickly, and polishes so crisp and clearly! I was working on a grey 2009 Nissan and I didn't even know I had a metallic paint until I used the sf4000. I immediately brought over a coworker who wants his vintage black mustang polished and let him know this is the product I would be using on it. I can safely say, I won't be bothering with any other compounds or polishes at work other than the Menzerna. You use less product, it works faster and stay wet longer. This has given me a new appreciation for the Flex 3401. Together they really are unstoppable. The 3401 is an exceptional machine, but it is picky about what you use with it for the best results. This reminds me of when photoshop came out and traditional photographers were upset because it was almost too easy to get good results. Its the same case.. professionals still have the advantage but I have no doubt I could teach a newcomer how to get damn good results in very little time. Very happy with these products!