Flex 3401 or Boss g15

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oboroballa03

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I have been looking at buffers for a while now trying to decide and can't make up my mind. I have a meguiars g110v2 i got a couple years ago not bad for starting out but after doing a few paint corrections and working with it i think i need something a lil more powerful and better. I hear a lot about the 3401 mainly all good things needless to say. The Boss g15 on the other hand i have seen some not so good reviews about them breaking but that's where their warranty comes in to play. I haven't heard too many fails with the 3401 so with that being said would you go with the 3401 or the Boss g15 with the lifetime warranty. I will still use my g110v2 for my smaller backing plates so the 3401 having different backing plates wont upset me too much as i can always buy one for it if need be. I want the better machine just not sure which one that is and i know everyone has a different opinion so that's why i am asking you guys who have used these tools to lead me in the right direction thanks for the help.
 
They are both good machines but If I had to choose just one, I would go with the Flex 3401. Never have to worry about it stalling on you on curved panels.

If you can wait a few months, I would get the new Flex that's supposedly coming out around December. It's supposed to run cooler than the present model.

I will definitely be picking up the new one when it comes out.
 
Yea the stalling on panels can be irritating i have noticed that with what i have now. I found one that comes with a 4 inc backing plate also in a bundle and its only 379 plus the 15% so a pretty good deal i dont know if i should wait now though hmmm decisions lol.
 
I have the Flex and it's been a great wonder! The Flex 3401 is the only forced rotational DA on the market. I know Flex is supposedly coming out with a new version, however, I really haven't heard more news about it. If it was coming out there would be more information about it. My guess it may or may not happen. If it were me get the Flex 3401. All other DA's are similar in design to your current DA. They are ALL free Float DA's. I would use your old DA in conjunction with the Flex. You will not be disappointed.

Now that I gave you my opinion. The Boss and Rupes are forces to be reckoned with. They too are great DA's on their own. I have never used them but I hear they are smoother than the Flex. I also have heard that they will stall on a curved panel. But there is a great following for each models.

The GOOD THING. Whatever you choose you will not go wrong with either the Flex 3401, Boss G15 or the Rupes. Good hunting on your decision and let us know what you picked.
 
oboroballa03 said:
Yea the stalling on panels can be irritating
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if that is an issue with you, then get the flex. at some point when you decide that you want a long throw DA, then the G15/21 would be excellent choices as well...
 
I was thinking about the long throw but people seem to always like the 3401 because its forced rotation......is there any big advantages of having a long throw vs the 3401?
 
oboroballa03 said:
I was thinking about the long throw but people seem to always like the 3401 because its forced rotation......is there any big advantages of having a long throw vs the 3401?
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Paint correction aside, one advantage of long throws is the wear and tear on your body. The Flex is called "The Beast" for good reason. It will give you a workout. If you're in shape it shouldn't be a big issue. But for people with back or shoulder problems it could be very irritating. Long throws tend to be a lot easier to handle and you use minimal pressure rather the 10-15lbs of pressure you would use with a traditional da or Flex.
 
I think i am gonna go with the flex 3401 it comes with a 4 inch backing plate and a carrying bag plus a dvd and book which might be helpful i am no pro and you can always learn more then maybe later i can get a long throw da i just hope i like it. I would say coming from the meguiars g110v2 i will be satisfied. Gotta pull the trigger tonight on it my wife said its ok haha cant let her change her mind.
 
Good choice :)

Watch Mike`s video and keep it flat so it does not walk on you....
 
I use both machines regularly. The Boss G15 uses carbon brushes that have to be replaced from time to time. Two are included in the box, but beyond that you have to purchase them as normal wear and tear items.

The Flex, paired with the Lake Country 4" backing plate, is a great combination. However, the aftermarket backing plate will fail if you use the Flex a lot. I was working on a '66 Dodge Charger and the plate violently shattered about twelve inches from my face. Thankfully Auto Geek replaced the unit. I think the backing plate failed after five or six vehicles in maybe a two- or three-week timespan.
 
It came bundled with a 4 inch backing plate not sure if it is a flex or lake country but i detail as a hobby now but hopefully in the next few years i can get my own business going. So hopefully it will be fine. I have hd cut, polish and speed then also recieved some rupes gel compound (green cap) and ordered the rupes gel polish (yellow cap). I think those combos should work well with the flex and lake country thin pro orange cutting pad and white polishing pad. I have some gg fast finishing microfiber pads 4 inch and 5.5 inch would anyone recommend any other pads or just try what i have and see what results i get.
 
oboroballa03 said:
It came bundled with a 4 inch backing plate not sure if it is a flex or lake country but i detail as a hobby now but hopefully in the next few years i can get my own business going. So hopefully it will be fine. I have hd cut, polish and speed then also recieved some rupes gel compound (green cap) and ordered the rupes gel polish (yellow cap). I think those combos should work well with the flex and lake country thin pro orange cutting pad and white polishing pad. I have some gg fast finishing microfiber pads 4 inch and 5.5 inch would anyone recommend any other pads or just try what i have and see what results i get.
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LC Hybrids!!! Orange and white are really the only two you need. Also, plan to pick up some of the Menzerna products. The Flex, hybrids and Menzerna is a killer combination.
 
oboroballa03 said:
It came bundled with a 4 inch backing plate not sure if it is a flex or lake country but i detail as a hobby now but hopefully in the next few years i can get my own business going. So hopefully it will be fine. I have hd cut, polish and speed then also recieved some rupes gel compound (green cap) and ordered the rupes gel polish (yellow cap). I think those combos should work well with the flex and lake country thin pro orange cutting pad and white polishing pad. I have some gg fast finishing microfiber pads 4 inch and 5.5 inch would anyone recommend any other pads or just try what i have and see what results i get.
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The Flex 3401 works better with thicker pads.

I would recommend getting the LC Hybrid pads in 5" (fits the 4" backing plate perfectly) and 6.5" (fits the stock backing plate).

The thin pads are more for free spinning DAs like Meguiars, Griots, Porter Cable, Rupes, etc.
 
Do you think the low pro pads will be fine for now? I have some buff and shine 6 inch pads that are thicker i could use for the time being
 
I have both brands and perfer my G21
But had limited use with th e pink 3401..so preference may change with more use
 
It should be here tomorrow and i have 3 cars to do a full detail on but thats no paint correction because they are all daily drivers although i might get the urge to try it on my wifes 2014 ford edge soon. Just wanna make sure the low pro pads will be ok to use with it. The only thing i am afraid of would be heat build up with them from being so thin but thats y i ask on here because i dont know much about it i am in a learning curve right now.
 
oboroballa03 said:
Do you think the low pro pads will be fine for now? I have some buff and shine 6 inch pads that are thicker i could use for the time being
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Thicker pads for sure with the 3401. Great choice on the polisher. I like it way better than any long throw. 3401 + LC FORCE grey or orange and Scholl S3 XXL = annihilate defects
 
osiapstndp said:
I use both machines regularly. The Boss G15 uses carbon brushes that have to be replaced from time to time. Two are included in the box, but beyond that you have to purchase them as normal wear and tear items.




So the 3401 does not run on carbon brushes?
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