Flex 3401 or FLEX XFE7-15

DETAILROOKIE

DETAILROOKIE

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Jan 19, 2016
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Hello all!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

I am in the market for a new polisher, upgrading from my PC 7424xp. I have heard many good things about the flex brand and have decided to stick to that brand. I have heard many good things about rupes too, but I do not have the budget for one. I have only used a PC 7424xp and a GG 3inch as far as polishers go, so which machine would I be better off moving toward?

I have started my own detailing business and I would like something with a little more power, but reliable as well.

Thanks for the advice in advance!!

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WRAPT C5Z06 said:
3401


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3401 hands down. Truly is a beast. I had the PC7424xp as my first polisher also (weekend warrior). While it's an excellent tool, I never cared for losing power/rotation on curves. After getting the Flex 3401 VRG, I've pretty much never touched the PC again.


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The forced rotation is the 3401 is freakin' awesome!!!



VitreousHumor said:
I had the PC7424xp as my first polisher also (weekend warrior). While it's an excellent tool, I never cared for losing power/rotation on curves.
This goes for ANY free spinning DA.





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The detailing trading post on Facebook have a bunch of second hand Flex. And you can get the hybrid pads here at autogeek man. I'm a flex user 100% message me for any questions


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Re: Flex 3401 or FLEX XFE7-15

The Forensic Detailing channel on Youtube just did a very detailed review of the XFE7-15 150 (about 30 minutes long), which would be good for you to see.

I don't think that there is anything wrong with the XFE7-15 150. The situation is the same between the 3401 and any other free rotation, long throw DA. In the end, it seems to be a question of what your expectations are, what contours the cars you will be working on have, and amount of correction on the various panels that you will have to do. The 3401 doesn't care about panel curves, but it is a shorter throw machine, so will be slower on large flat panels. The long throw free rotation DAs (including the XFE7-15 150, Rupes, and GG Boss units, but there are others) can cover a lot of flat panel area in a shorter amount of time, but are, to a greater or lesser degree, prone to stalling on non-flat surfaces. As for what the XFE7-15 150 brings to the table, see the above video.
 
FYI, the XFW 15 does NOT spin at 9,000 OPM on speed 6, at least compared to the industry standard. It's probably about half that. Flex has a weird way of measuring OPM. FWIW, Flex claims the 3401 runs at 9,600 OPM on speed 6, when in reality it's only 4800 OPM.
 
DETAILROOKIE said:
Flex 3401 or FLEX XFE7-15

I am in the market for a new polisher, upgrading from my PC 7424xp. I have heard many good things about the flex brand and have decided to stick to that brand.
Click to expand...


For questions like these, I always ask


What type of detailing do you do?


Primarily production detailing or show car detailing?


Production Detailing = Using a one-step cleaner/wax for daily drivers and grocery getters. Note some people call a cleaner/wax an AIO whatever term you like but they are the same things, just different words.


Show Car Detailing = Using a dedicated compound and polish to perfect the paint and then using either a finishing wax, a finishing sealant or a ceramic or quartz paint coating. In other words, you're doing multiple steps on usually a cool car, not a grocery getter.


Or boats, rvs, motorhomes, motor coaches, semi trucks, large trailers, etc.



:)
 
Mike Phillips said:
For questions like these, I always ask


What type of detailing do you do?


Primarily production detailing or show car detailing?


Production Detailing = Using a one-step cleaner/wax for daily drivers and grocery getters. Note some people call a cleaner/wax an AIO whatever term you like but they are the same things, just different words.


Show Car Detailing = Using a dedicated compound and polish to perfect the paint and then using either a finishing wax, a finishing sealant or a ceramic or quartz paint coating. In other words, you're doing multiple steps on usually a cool car, not a grocery getter.


Or boats, rvs, motorhomes, motor coaches, semi trucks, large trailers, etc.



:)
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Thanks for all of your advice everyone!

Right now I will be doing mostly production detailing with the occasional show car detailing.



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I found out that I can purchase a flex 3401, Rupes 15 mkii, and a GG BOSS 15 and 21 for the same price, used of course. Since there is an even playing field, price wise, would the Flex 3401 still be the top option for production detailing with an occasional show car detailing? I've read great things about all of these machines.

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I have the Flex trifecta (PE14, 3401 and XFE).

Personally, all three tools have their niche. That being said, I reach for the 3401 for AIO applications, where I am in a time crunch and know I can attain consistent, great results (IE production detailing). The 3401 is nothing short of a workhorse (and a workout speed 6!). Grab a stack of 5" LC hybrid pads (Orange, white and black) and a LC 4" backing plate and you're set!

From a comfort standpoint, I reach for the PE14 and XFE first. I still like cutting with the PE and would say it is still the fastest (for me) with a wool pad and M100.

At the end of the day, ANY of the tools promoted on AGO are top notch and seriously cannot go wrong with any!
 
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