Flex 3401 or rupes bigfoot.

The Flex definitely has a lower tone growling sound (gears) than the Rupes. Neither is annoying than some other DA's.
 
Please believe me, FLEX FLEX FLEX FLEX
FLEX FLEX FLEX FLEX. WITHOUT A DOUBT THE BEST !!!!!
 
I too have been on the fence with the very same question. Have done lots of research and my conclusion is this: the flex has way more muscle (almost twice the power) so heavy work is quicker, and easier, with the forced rotation of the flex you can bear down more allowing to use it for buffing and sanding. If you want bling (and the Italians always bring that) buy the Rupes. If you want total efficiency the flex (in my opinion) is the answer. We do a lot of boats too so the extra power is much needed
 
I have used a Flex several times a week doing correction jobs this past year. I've done close to 100 full corrections (not counting AIO details) I would guess with a Flex since I started detailing. It's a great machine. I hope to get acquainted with a Rupes soon as that seems like a valuable tool to have for larger and more flat panels. I got to use a Rupes at SEMA for about two minutes and it seemed like a really well balanced machine, noticeably quieter than the Flex....is it a better choice? I wish I had enough experience to answer that. But I highly recommend a Flex to anyone looking to do any type of polishing, whether it's a light polish, a full correction, or buffing a panel with wool after wetsanding a new paintjob....it can do it all.
 
One more that was on the fence here. Just waiting for shipping confirmation on my 3401 from AG.

I'm not against Rupes polishers and system, in contrary, I'm a huge fan. I do plan to have at least one of their options, be it the 21 for larger panels or the mini for the spots, or both.

Indeed, I had to choose to order only one first, and being that said, I believe Flex 3401 alone can handle more than a Rupes 21 alone. Now, if we are talking about a guy who has 6 different sized Rupes, well, maybe this guy doesn't need a Flex!

Hope to place my opinion when product arrive, but some people advanced to me it'll be nothing sort of amazing. Yet I'm tired of reading good info regarding it...!

To inform, I'm upgrading from Meguiar's G220v2. I like my polisher and believe I achieve decent results. Doing more cars recently made necessary to upgrade equipments both to handle the job faster, better, and more professionally.

It was very difficult to decide, and I'm sure I wouldn't be disappointed by the Rupes if I've chosen it instead. It'll have it's place in my Garage, just later.

Good luck to everyone being on this 'dilemma'. I've been there, and it can be a very tough decision.

My tip is to read a lot, see a lot of videos, and try both if you have the opportunity. Another important factor was sending PM to some forum members, everyone answered me with impartial insights and suggestions, that made my choice even easier. Thanks AGO members!

Hope you choose right and feel assured as I'm feeling.

Thanks everyone for inputs regarding this subject.

Kind Regards.
 
I don't know if this advice will help you out or not. It seems that that both my LHR15ES and LHR21ES both seem stop rotating whenever I work on a truck with curved or flailed fenders. I wind having to go back to the flex 3401VRG to do the job the correct way. On flat surfaces the rupes is great tool. Just my thoughts. Thanks.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
 
ww2717 said:
I don't know if this advice will help you out or not. It seems that that both my LHR15ES and LHR21ES both seem stop rotating whenever I work on a truck with curved or flailed fenders. I wind having to go back to the flex 3401VRG to do the job the correct way. On flat surfaces the rupes is great tool. Just my thoughts. Thanks.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
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You cannot beat the Rupes on a FLAT(or close to it) panel. 3401 and it's forced rotation is freaking awesome, though!!! On the same flat panel, I can get better correction with the Rupes, but overall, I like to use the 3401 better.
 
FivePoint.0 said:
You cannot beat the Rupes on a FLAT(or close to it) panel. 3401 and it's forced rotation is freaking awesome, though!!! On the same flat panel, I can get better correction with the Rupes, but overall, I like to use the 3401 better.
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I just read all 31 pages of this thread. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you say repeatedly that you hate the Flex?
 
I am using Rupes LHR21 + 5" Backing Plate and MF Pads and cutting polish like Menz 400 / MG #101 / MG #100. More powerful than the Flex 3401.

No problems on tighter curves. Just a matter of technique. For really small parts I use my LHR75 (side skirts, bumpers, wings...)

Rupes LHR21 + Optimum Cutting MF Pad + Meguiars D300 Finish done by LHR21 + yellow Rupes Pad + Diamond Gloss.


before

SC430AvA_29.jpg


after

SC430AvA_31.jpg





I would choose the Flex if pressure would be an issue. Thank god there are MF pads and Rupes. Detailing wasn't this easy for years. No more problems with my arms and back :)

I have switched from Makita 9227CB + Festool Rotex FEQ125 to Rupes machines.
 
StuDLei said:
I just read all 31 pages of this thread. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you say repeatedly that you hate the Flex?
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Guilty!

Recently, I've given the 3401 a lot more work and I've come to really like it.
 
FivePoint.0 said:
Guilty!

Recently, I've given the 3401 a lot more work and I've come to really like it.
Click to expand...

:haha:

Thanks for input. Can't wait to receive my 3401 :buffing:, by the way you can never have too many polishers.

Ordering a Flex now only means one thing to me: The next will be a Rupes (what's missing!).

Kind Regards.
 
Great input Michael.

I don't disagree with you, in any point. But that was really funny correction ahhah

I'm trying to advance everything I can before machine arrives, but I will only be certain of things when I put some hours on it.

Nice you advanced this opinion because I'll pay more attention if I'll need a Rupes or a Rotary to improve detailing arsenal following 3401.

Ah, the Rupes I'll need anyway, only if just to stare at it: they look gorgeous.

Thanks for comments,

Kind Regards.
 
FivePoint.0 said:
Guilty!

Recently, I've given the 3401 a lot more work and I've come to really like it.
Click to expand...

Hey at least you're honest!!


The 3401 is the only polisher I've ever used but I have a hard time understanding people that claim the Rupes corrects better. I mean the Flex is forced rotation. You can stand on the damn thing. IDK…. most people mention the MF pads which I have no experience with either. Why are they better? And why can't you just use them with a Flex?

MF pads sound like they don't last and sound like a pain to clean between sections.
 
I love my 3401/microfiber pad combo. It can remove some serious defects. And its really easy to clean on the fly with compressed air.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using AG Online
 
MNDSMtuner96 said:
I love my 3401/microfiber pad combo. It can remove some serious defects. And its really easy to clean on the fly with compressed air.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using AG Online
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I used MF pads on a trashed Mustang last week with the 3401. It did remove a good amopunt of defects, but left a lot behind. I switched to the Rupes Duetto and the same MF pad/compound and it CLEARLY removed more defects than the 3401/MF pad. The Duetto even out cut the 3401 and a tuff buff lambswool pad. IMO, you cannot get better cut than a Rupes/MF pad combo, unless you're using a rotary.
 
FivePoint.0 said:
I used MF pads on a trashed Mustang last week with the 3401. It did remove a good amopunt of defects, but left a lot behind. I switched to the Rupes Duetto and the same MF pad/compound and it CLEARLY removed more defects than the 3401/MF pad. The Duetto even out cut the 3401 and a tuff buff lambswool pad. IMO, you cannot get better cut than a Rupes/MF pad combo, unless you're using a rotary.
Click to expand...


Rupes+mf pads is an amazing combo to cut through defects quickly.
 
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