Flex 3401 or rupes bigfoot.

[psnt1ol]

I hear a lot about people not liking the Flex 3401 because it 'walks' on them. I've never really had either of my 3401's walk on me. I've used almost every LC pad there is, CCS, Flat, Hydro, Hybrid and never really experience the phenomenon. Is it more 'work' than a standard PC? Maybe at first, but the results are also much better. IMHO.

I concur with the above. I didn't experience the "walk" effect either on foam pads. The closest thing to a "walk" effect that I noticed was with the thin MF pads. Maybe it was the extra Surface frictions....:dunno:

There is a slight learning curve going from a PC style DA to a force rotation. In my case, it had to do with adjusting my posture to gain leverage while working on a vertical plane. I was good once I figured it out. Prior to that.... that machine felt like a 30 lbs dumbbell and my muscles were sore at the end of the day.

I think everyone's initial experience with the flex varies but most will agree on its effectiveness once they spend a little time working with it.

A Rupes is probably in my future but I am quite happy with the Flex for now.

 

[wukin]

I own and use both machines

Does rupes have "walk effect"? Yes if not keep the pad flat

Does rupes have more cutting power with any pad compare to flex? Yes and no, with mf pad rupes to go and with foam pad I ll still go with flex.

Will rupes stop rotating by x amount of pressure? Ill say no. With proper speed setting and keeping it flat, I can't even stop it from rotating with crazy amount of downward pressure,but on curve surface, it will just stop rotating like other true da polishers.

rupes is great for multi step but on 1step flex is still my go.

 

[mobilejay]

You just have to know that you're holding a more powerful machine. I knew what I had and when I was using it, I was careful with that flex. I've only had that machine walk on me when I was using PFW and 105. Other than that, never a problem.




Sent from iPhone

 

[ww2717]

Flex 3401 is a fantastic piece of equipment. Takes a little getting use to it when you have using a pc style da for sometime. With the new backing plate system from lc it has made the 3401 even more versitile in the detailers arsenal of detailing tools. Its just take some experience using it to know what will with certain types body panels, buffing pads and polish combinations.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

I own and use both machines

Does rupes have "walk effect"? Yes if not keep the pad flat

Does rupes have more cutting power with any pad compare to flex? Yes and no, with mf pad rupes to go and with foam pad I ll still go with flex.

Will rupes stop rotating by x amount of pressure? Ill say no. With proper speed setting and keeping it flat, I can't even stop it from rotating with crazy amount of downward pressure,but on curve surface, it will just stop rotating like other true da polishers.

rupes is great for multi step but on 1step flex is still my go.

From all I've read you're summary and comparison of tools sounds very accurate.

I would say that with either the blue or purple foamed wool pads you can get a lot of correction out of a Flex 3401 and these pads are dang near indestructible, they will certainly outlast a foam pad just like a wool pad on a rotary will outlast a foam pad on a rotary.

I'll have to buff out half a dozen cars or so using MF pads on the RUPES before I can compare it using MF pads on the Flex 3401.




:xyxthumbs:

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I'll have to buff out half a dozen cars or so using MF pads on the RUPES before I can compare it using MF pads on the Flex 3401.




:xyxthumbs:

Being that it's not forced rotation, I would be very inclined to think MF pads will work better on the Rupes compared to the 3401.

 

[RaskyR1]

You just have to know that you're holding a more powerful machine. I knew what I had and when I was using it, I was careful with that flex. I've only had that machine walk on me when I was using PFW and 105. Other than that, never a problem.




Sent from iPhone

I really think some people have a misunderstanding when others say they don't like how the Flex can "walk on you". I don't think anyone ever stated it was hard to control or that it has too much power. It's simply and undesirable trait of the machine to some. If you pick up a GG6, Flex 3401, and a rotary and can't feel the difference in how they move/handle...or that one rotates the other way...well, than I don't really know what to say. :dunno:

No doubt the Flex is a very well built machine capable of excellent correction. I liked my Flex very much up until the point when Meguiar's placed the prototype MF pads in my hand. That day was pretty much the turning point for me and my Flex was never used again after that point. It basically sat on my bench up until the day Jim bought it from me. That and I had a few paints where it wouldn't finish down as well as my traditional DA's (same pads and polishes on both tool).

It's really a user preference though, no right or wrong here. If you love your Flex you probably won't be blown away by the Rupes, or you may not even like it at all...nothing wrong with that. Best thing you can do is find someone close to you that has one and try it out.


Just my $.02

 

[RaskyR1]

Being that it's not forced rotation, I would be very inclined to think MF pads will work better on the Rupes compared to the 3401.

They work very well on the Rupes! Very smooth! I actually just use the finishing pads most of the time as they usually provide more than enough cut and the thicker foam helps smooth things out a tad.

 

[rwright]

They work very well on the Rupes! Very smooth! I actually just use the finishing pads most of the time as they usually provide more than enough cut and the thicker foam helps smooth things out a tad.

I agree, the mf pads work very well on the Rupes! Not sure if you caught my picture on Facebook? Used Mirka 2000/3000 on the Ceros, followed up with M105/CP Cool Pad on the Rupes, speed 4.5 I think. The finish was LSP ready. Also got to use the Meg's mf pads with Cut.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I really think some people have a misunderstanding when others say they don't like how the Flex can "walk on you". I don't think anyone ever stated it was hard to control or that it has too much power. It's simply and undesirable trait of the machine to some. If you pick up a GG6, Flex 3401, and a rotary and can't feel the difference in how they move/handle...or that one rotates the other way...well, than I don't really know what to say. :dunno:

No doubt the Flex is a very well built machine capable of excellent correction. I liked my Flex very much up until the point when Meguiar's placed the prototype MF pads in my hand. That day was pretty much the turning point for me and my Flex was never used again after that point. It basically sat on my bench up until the day Jim bought it from me. That and I had a few paints where it wouldn't finish down as well as my traditional DA's (same pads and polishes on both tool).

It's really a user preference though, no right or wrong here. If you love your Flex you probably won't be blown away by the Rupes, or you may not even like it at all...nothing wrong with that. Best thing you can do is find someone close to you that has one and try it out.


Just my $.02

You nailed it!!!

 

[RLucky82]

I wish I could use all the makes before I make a decision on a purchase, I'm in the market for a rotary. Which one? I read reviews on the flex, rupes, dewalt,and Makita. I want to be happy with my purchase.

Figures after all the months of pondering as to whether I should get the 3401, I finally bought it during the no exclusions sale. Then there's all this talk about the Rupes. Seems like a very interesting machine and can't wait for reviews of it. Both seem like good machines though.

I have a Megs DA and wanted to upgrade to the Flex thinking I could speed up my correction work?? Idk... Now i'm thinking I just wasted $440 dollars lol


-Beach

A recurring theme here! Its a proven fact that the more choices given to make a decesion lessens the satisfaction felt after making the choice. The question "what if?" lingers. Here is an idea, Learn to use the machine you just purchased to its fullest potential. I'm sure you will be pleased with the results. As stated for various reasons, only one machine isn't for everbody as I have been reading it seems they all have plusses and minuses. Enjoy your new machine, and if for some reason it just can't be made to work for you you can always sell it , since they seem to go fast in the classifieds.
:xyxthumbs:

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

No doubt in my mind, MF pads will work TEN times better on the Rupes compared to the Flex 3401. Use a Meg's or Optimum MF FINISHING pad, and you'll be good to go!

I really think some people have a misunderstanding when others say they don't like how the Flex can "walk on you". I don't think anyone ever stated it was hard to control or that it has too much power. It's simply and undesirable trait of the machine to some. If you pick up a GG6, Flex 3401, and a rotary and can't feel the difference in how they move/handle...or that one rotates the other way...well, than I don't really know what to say. :dunno:

No doubt the Flex is a very well built machine capable of excellent correction. I liked my Flex very much up until the point when Meguiar's placed the prototype MF pads in my hand. That day was pretty much the turning point for me and my Flex was never used again after that point. It basically sat on my bench up until the day Jim bought it from me. That and I had a few paints where it wouldn't finish down as well as my traditional DA's (same pads and polishes on both tool).

It's really a user preference though, no right or wrong here. If you love your Flex you probably won't be blown away by the Rupes, or you may not even like it at all...nothing wrong with that. Best thing you can do is find someone close to you that has one and try it out.


Just my $.02

This is a great summary!!!

 

[Crazy Diamond]

I would try it before you buy it that's for sure, I have the flex, the Cyclo, and the rupes 15, most of the time I'm always going back to the Cyclo, really love that machine, it all comes down to what works the best for yourself.

 

[addysdaddy]

I have the Rupes LHR21ES with the 6 inch backing plate. The Rupes is king when it comes to using it on flat surfaces. The 3401 will work way better on vertical panels and curved surfaces using the 4 3/8" backing plate and the Lake Country 5" hybrid foam pads.

I'm another happy Flex owner

 

[TundraPower]

A friend of mine has the entire Rupes line ($$$$$). He graciously allowed me to borrow them all. I have made the decision to throw everything else away and go with Rupes. It's a major and expensive change, but I think I'm doing the right thing. I've done some dumb things in my life, I'm man enough to admit it, and I paid dearly. But I don't think this is one of those times. Look for photo and video results in the near future.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I have the Rupes LHR21ES with the 6 inch backing plate. The Rupes is king when it comes to using it on flat surfaces. The 3401 will work way better on vertical panels and curved surfaces using the 4 3/8" backing plate and the Lake Country 5" hybrid foam pads.

Pick up a RUPES 5" backing plate.

 

[PAR Detailing]

Pick up a RUPES 5" backing plate.

I agree! I just slapped my 5" no on my 21 and polished a corolla. That bad boy is a defect killing machine and I don't thing it's possible to stop the backing plate regardless of how the panel is shaped.

 

[psynx]

Flex for me I think rupes is all hype imo

Sent from my SCH-I605 using AG Online

 

[KenR]

The debate rages on...

Looking to buy either the Flex 3401 or the Rupes LHR 15ES soon. What to do, what to do...

Sent from my Nexus 7 using AG Online

 

[ww2717]

I do have the 5" backing plate for the Rupes LHR21 and I have the LHR15 too. There still some things that the Rupes can not do that the my Flex PE14-2 can do. The rotary is still lives.