Flex L3403 Lightweight short review

Harleyguy

Harleyguy

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We were able to use any machine that Ag sells in there product line.If you are looking for a really nice and balanced rotary and won't wear you out after using i suggest you look into buying one of these.I know alot of die hard detailers like the feel and weight of the Dewalts or Makitas but the Flex Lightweight really did a great job i used it with a twisted wool pad and also foam pads,After class was over i was able to take it outside and use it on my pride and joy C6 i mainly wanted to see how it felt working on the side panels which for me using the Makita is the hardest thing for me to control.After five minutes i was sold it works prefect flat panel or a side panel with alot of curves.I really have to think about buying one and selling my Makita.Just getting to use the different machines was worth the ride.
 
Definitely a very cool machine. I like my monster VVB too much though heh.

Harleyguy said:
We were able to use any machine that Ag sells in there product line.If you are looking for a really nice and balanced rotary and won't wear you out after using i suggest you look into buying one of these.I know alot of die hard detailers like the feel and weight of the Dewalts or Makitas but the Flex Lightweight really did a great job i used it with a twisted wool pad and also foam pads,After class was over i was able to take it outside and use it on my pride and joy C6 i mainly wanted to see how it felt working on the side panels which for me using the Makita is the hardest thing for me to control.After five minutes i was sold it works prefect flat panel or a side panel with alot of curves.I really have to think about buying one and selling my Makita.Just getting to use the different machines was worth the ride.
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I would have to agree the Flex lightweight doenst try to control you, you are in complete control of the machine. It is quit a machine. i am deff getting one
 
wondered why you were missing from the local carshow at Coconut Creek Casino ...
 
killrwheels@autogeek said:
wondered why you were missing from the local carshow at Coconut Creek Casino ...
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Yep i missed it too go to Ag today plus this weekend was Vette Fest in Orlando my corvette club went too it.Tell me you went too the show LOL
 
It's good to see another positive review. I've decided that I'm not patient enough to do full corrections with a PC. So I've about decided to move up to a Flex but I'm having a hard time deciding between the 3403 or the 603....Is the weight difference of the 2 really worth the price difference?

I've also read some things about them overheating, any issues with that?
 
Evolve said:
It's good to see another positive review. I've decided that I'm not patient enough to do full corrections with a PC. So I've about decided to move up to a Flex but I'm having a hard time deciding between the 3403 or the 603....Is the weight difference of the 2 really worth the price difference?

I've also read some things about them overheating, any issues with that?
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Same here, I'm also getting a bit impatient when I polish with my PC.
I'm thinking either getting the 3401 or move to a rotary. But the weight issue of the Makita seems too much, thus I am also considering the 3403.
Harleyguy, would you 'recommend' the 3403 to one who's starting out on a rotary?
 
:Picture:I just started to get in to car detailing as a hobby I have a PC but I see so many good reviews on the Flex 3401. should I jump on it also. Or dont worry they are the same.
 
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rsuarez.619 said:
:Picture:I just started to get in to car detailing as a hobby I have a PC but I see so many good reviews on the Flex 3401. should I jump on it also. Or dont worry they are the same.
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They are most definitely not the same. The Flex is a MUCH more powerful machine.
 
The Flex DA is nice very powerful. The Groit Garage version of the PC and Meg is the most powerful in the call.

I would get the Flex DA or Groit Garage DA and the Flex light weight rotary. The Felx rotary is very easy to move around and work. The regular flex rotary tries to man handle you. I personally like the light flex much better
 
sullysdetailing said:
The Flex DA is nice very powerful. The Groit Garage version of the PC and Meg is the most powerful in the call.

I would get the Flex DA or Groit Garage DA and the Flex light weight rotary. The Felx rotary is very easy to move around and work. The regular flex rotary tries to man handle you. I personally like the light flex much better
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Sully,
Would you suggest the Flex DA as a more suitable step-up from the PC, or would the 3403 also be a suitable option?
 
jrt81 said:
Sully,
Would you suggest the Flex DA as a more suitable step-up from the PC, or would the 3403 also be a suitable option?
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The Flex DA is alot more powerful then the PC and is clutch less so it does not stop rotating. If you havent used a rotary before I would recomand the Flex lightweight because it is easy to handle. It all depends what you are going to use the machine for. If you just want to remove swirls and lights scratches get the Griot Garage DA it is to most powerful DA with a clutch. If you are going to jobs a little more diffacult I would get the Flex DA. The Flex Lightweight Rotary is great to removal wet sanding scratched RIDS pretty much everything. After useing a rotary you will have to fallow with tha DA anways to get a true flawless finish.

It all depends how much experience youhave and how confident you are. If your not scared of a rotary and wiling to learn go for it. It make the job alot easier. It is all personal preference.
 
sullysdetailing said:
The Flex DA is alot more powerful then the PC and is clutch less so it does not stop rotating. If you havent used a rotary before I would recomand the Flex lightweight because it is easy to handle. It all depends what you are going to use the machine for. If you just want to remove swirls and lights scratches get the Griot Garage DA it is to most powerful DA with a clutch. If you are going to jobs a little more diffacult I would get the Flex DA. The Flex Lightweight Rotary is great to removal wet sanding scratched RIDS pretty much everything. After useing a rotary you will have to fallow with tha DA anways to get a true flawless finish.

It all depends how much experience youhave and how confident you are. If your not scared of a rotary and wiling to learn go for it. It make the job alot easier. It is all personal preference.
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Thanks Shawn.
I would probably stay with the DA right now, maybe save up for a 3401.
I was under the impression that with a rotary would also be sufficient in getting a flawless finish. Am I wrong with that assumption?
 
jrt81 said:
Same here, I'm also getting a bit impatient when I polish with my PC.
I'm thinking either getting the 3401 or move to a rotary. But the weight issue of the Makita seems too much, thus I am also considering the 3403.
Harleyguy, would you 'recommend' the 3403 to one who's starting out on a rotary?
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Well to be honest i broke into paint correction with a rotary i all ready owned one.I also have the early Pc which is only good for sealants or wax and yes i know alot more people do alot of paint correction with it.The Makita is a heave machine and a little hard to control on the side panels.I actually used the flex lightweight on my car while at class on Sunday i give it a big thumbs up.When i mentioned it to ASHAULT ROCKET he doesn't like it to light for him.If you never used a rotary it's a great choice a little pricey but after using it i'm sure you will like it.

rsuarez.619 said:
:Picture:I just started to get in to car detailing as a hobby I have a PC but I see so many good reviews on the Flex 3401. should I jump on it also. Or dont worry they are the same.
Click to expand...

sullysdetailing said:
The Flex DA is alot more powerful then the PC and is clutch less so it does not stop rotating. If you havent used a rotary before I would recomand the Flex lightweight because it is easy to handle. It all depends what you are going to use the machine for. If you just want to remove swirls and lights scratches get the Griot Garage DA it is to most powerful DA with a clutch. If you are going to jobs a little more diffacult I would get the Flex DA. The Flex Lightweight Rotary is great to removal wet sanding scratched RIDS pretty much everything. After useing a rotary you will have to fallow with tha DA anways to get a true flawless finish.

It all depends how much experience youhave and how confident you are. If your not scared of a rotary and wiling to learn go for it. It make the job alot easier. It is all personal preference.
Click to expand...
:iagree:
 
Hmmm,

Harleyguy,thanks for the input.
Another thing favorable in the 3403 (as against to the 3401) is the price. There's about $70 price difference.
So my thinking initially was for a lower price, I can get a machine with a potential to shorten my polishing time.
I've also read about the Flex overheating, did you experience this ?
 
jrt81 said:
Hmmm,

Harleyguy,thanks for the input.
Another thing favorable in the 3403 (as against to the 3401) is the price. There's about $70 price difference.
So my thinking initially was for a lower price, I can get a machine with a potential to shorten my polishing time.
I've also read about the Flex overheating, did you experience this ?
Click to expand...
As fas as the rotary it stayed cool and we worked the crap out of it.Wool pad polishing pad plus a class of nine trying out all the machines.Yes the price is high even higher when you all ready own a PC and a Rotary .I'm also the type that likes too spend extra money up front and be happy down the line then spend my money on something like the first PC and have to find a reason to use it.I have no idea why the Lightweight machine cost more then the big boy flex .But for 70 bucks more you say i would get it.I know it's not my money i just found it easier to use.Only other thing i can say find someone that lives by you and is on the forums maybe you can try it.I went to class with Shawn
Sullysdetailing he was also looking for a step up in machines.I told him to come over and give the ones i have a ride and see what he likes.I also forgot to mention i have the flex 3401 Da on loan to try out .Another great machine the draw back is you can only use there Backing plate and i'm not a fan of the edge pads.
 
jrt81 said:
Hmmm,

Harleyguy,thanks for the input.
Another thing favorable in the 3403 (as against to the 3401) is the price. There's about $70 price difference.
So my thinking initially was for a lower price, I can get a machine with a potential to shorten my polishing time.
I've also read about the Flex overheating, did you experience this ?
Click to expand...

The Flex 3403 and the Flex 3401 aren't the same machine at all. They both have the safety feature of shutting off when the brushes wear down, and they are both German made, but that's about it. The Flex 3401 is more expensive because its a more complicated machine than the 3403. The 3403 just spins at a high RPM, while the 3401 oscillates at the same time that it has a forced rotation, which prevents swirls, and is great for finishing.
 
Harleyguy said:
As fas as the rotary it stayed cool and we worked the crap out of it.Wool pad polishing pad plus a class of nine trying out all the machines.Yes the price is high even higher when you all ready own a PC and a Rotary .I'm also the type that likes too spend extra money up front and be happy down the line then spend my money on something like the first PC and have to find a reason to use it.I have no idea why the Lightweight machine cost more then the big boy flex .But for 70 bucks more you say i would get it.I know it's not my money i just found it easier to use.Only other thing i can say find someone that lives by you and is on the forums maybe you can try it.I went to class with Shawn
Sullysdetailing he was also looking for a step up in machines.I told him to come over and give the ones i have a ride and see what he likes.I also forgot to mention i have the flex 3401 Da on loan to try out .Another great machine the draw back is you can only use there Backing plate and i'm not a fan of the edge pads.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info.
 
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