Flex or Rupes?

HateSwirls

HateSwirls

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Hello guys, I know this subject has been beaten to death but I'm just not sure which unit to buy.

My shop has only been open for two weeks and slammed with work,a lot of paint correction work.

Right now I have my DeWalt 849x, GG6, PC, and the small GG 3".
So which one is best?
The Flex as I've read has the most power with forced rotation while the Rupes has a massive throw.

I'd buy both but I've spend a lot of money since I opened my shop and Christmas took a lot of funds.

Being I can only buy one right now, Flex or Rupes?
This pass weekend I had to wet sand a lot on a 2014 GMC due to scratches, my rotary and GG6 did the job but wanting another machine.

Thanks In Advance

Kevin
 
Your going to get a ton of feedback to get the Flx from here that seems to be the consensus on this forum, meanwhile on others you may have different results. The Flex like you stated has the forced rotation going for it as well as the LC interchangeable system so you you can use 5", 5.5", or 6.5" pads. The Rupes has the smoothness of the machine going for it and cutting down time on large flat panels so it would be a tough choice for me as well honestly. In your shoes if buying a Rupes I would probably only go to the 21. Sorry for no real recommendation here but I felt like sharing my insight.
 
EVOlved said:
Your going to get a ton of feedback to get the Flx from here that seems to be the consensus on this forum, meanwhile on others you may have different results. The Flex like you stated has the forced rotation going for it as well as the LC interchangeable system so you you can use 5", 5.5", or 6.5" pads. The Rupes has the smoothness of the machine going for it and cutting down time on large flat panels so it would be a tough choice for me as well honestly. In your shoes if buying a Rupes I would probably only go to the 21. Sorry for no real recommendation here but I felt like sharing my insight.
Click to expand...


Thanks ,
So you're saying the Rupes cuts the work time faster than of the Flex on large, flat panels ?

Forgot to mention this but I also want my next machine to be smooth so I don't get tired as I am now.
 
They are both good machines. I would go with the Flex to start off with. The Flex is a smooth running machine also when paired with the right pads, though the Rupes is smoother IMO. The LC Hybrid pads work great with the Flex.

With the Flex, you will be able to handle curved panels without the machine slowing down, which is good when you are pressed for time. After you make some profit then get yourself the Rupes. When you get the Rupes, you should get the entire system, Rupes pads & polishes, since they were designed to work together for a smoother buffing experience.
 
IF you study the Rupes "system" it was never intended to be a one-tool fix for detailing cars.

Example: The Rupes 21 with it's 7" pad is designed for large flat panels not entire cars. That's why they built other Rupes polishers.

So if you want to go with the Rupes "system" then start with the Rupes Bigfoot 15 and build in a budget to continue adding more of their tools to your arsenal. Also factor in their pads, compounds and polishes as it is a "true system" approach engineered from start to finish.


If you want to get one tool that gives you the grunt power of a rotary buffer but the no hologram feature from the oscillating action then get the Flex 3401 and as I recommend on this forum, in my classes and in my new how-to book, get the LC Adapter Plate System so you can turn 5" Hybrid pads.


FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System


See these articles too....


How to use a one-step cleaner/wax to maximize profits

How to use the Flex 3401 to detail faster and maximize profits!

High quality production detailing by Mike Phillips




Here's Marius at Wayne Carini's F40.com shop using the Flex 3401 on a Ferrari F430 with a 5" Hybrid pad.

Buffing_Waynes_Ferrari_F430_005.jpg



And I also recommend getting a copy of my new how-to book...


watermark.php



On Autogeek.net

How to use the Flex XC 3401 VRG Dual Action Polisher
For both Production Detailing & Show Car Detailing


:xyxthumbs:
 
Mike, do you think Rupes offers a finishing advantage? Occasionally, you'll see someone having a difficult time with a 3401 getting micro-mar free results on softer dark paint.

While I'm guessing this is technique related, I can't help but wonder if the direct drive makes it more difficult?
 
Hateswirls, what a wonderful problem you have! You are getting busy and need to look for something to make more money and be more effective at making more money!! That is soooo cool!!! Congrats, 1st off. :dblthumb2:

From a business perspective (I own my business, not related to detailing); hands down go straight to the Flex 3401 VRG with the LC Backing Plates....PERIOD! Get the 5" & 6.5" Hybrid Pads. IMO this will also reduce your time detailing a car. These pads works wonders with the Flex.

You will save more time working with the Flex vs Rupes. The Rupes is more of a "specialized" system. You have 3 machines for 3 different reasons. You have to get their pads and product to be just as effective "overall" compared to the Flex.

Your PC can be converted to a 3" DA and be just as effective as the Rupes IMO.

Time is money and you will earn more money with the Flex vs Rupes. I believe the Rupes system is incredible and having both Flex and Rupes would be the "ultimate" system. But you can live without the Rupes.

Now all what I said is my opinion and many others will think I am full of doo doo.

However, from one business owner to another, get the Flex. Mike Phillips (Master Yoda) is correct!

:buffing:
 
I own a few rupes machines and a flex and If I were you I would buy the Flex with the LC interchangeable bp system.
 
I understand that the Rupes is a fantastic series of polishers. I even have a couple in my wish list. But I understand that they are true random orbit machines, on a free spindle mechanism. While I love that style machine, and have used them for things I never before imagined regarding paint correction, the 3401 is a true dual action.

Renny Doyle said that it's a hybrid high-speed. The forced rotation feature can not be over looked. It had torque and power in spades, and is very smooth, and comfortable to operate.

It's been described as a beast, and I have to agree. That machine is just vicious... Devestating, malevolent in it's treatment of paint defects, and it's quick.

I use the Hex Logic pads on it with 105 and 205, or UC and UP. This should illustrate how versatile this machine is in accommodating various pads and chemicals.
 
HateSwirls said:
Thanks ,
So you're saying the Rupes cuts the work time faster than of the Flex on large, flat panels ?

Forgot to mention this but I also want my next machine to be smooth so I don't get tired as I am now.
Click to expand...

I own a Rupes 21 & 15, 849x, Flex 3401vrg, PCXP, & HF DA. I use my 21 more than anything due to its rate of correction, finishing abilities, and how smooth it operates. My arms aren't nearly as tired at the end of the day with the Rupes compared to the Flex; however, I still use the Flex in certain situations.

Point is, for now I'd suggest the Rupes. But you'll still want to have a Flex in your arsenal for those really curvy panels.

Sent from my N9810 using AG Online
 
From what I understand the Fkex 3401 has been in production for a long while, I am curious if the Version 2 is not far off, maybe 2015? Or on the flip side its so good so no reason to change something thats working perfectly?
 
Rupes is if you want to have a new experience..
It takes time to learn the tricks with this machine
Seeing you have a rotary and gg6 the flex will serve you better with no learning curve..
 
The Flex is the way I went because it's the most powerful while be the most versatile and still reliable.

4 different backing plates, 4", 4 3/8", 5.5" and 6". So that's 4" pads all the way to 6.5" pads, Rupes isn't doing that with 1 machine as mentioned.

I'd also recommend Mike's book on it, great info on it. Will answer all your questions about it faster than thumbing through the many threads on it here. Including his pad experiences/recommendations.
 
KMdef9 said:
The Flex is the way I went because it's the most powerful while be the most versatile and still reliable.

4 different backing plates, 4", 4 3/8", 5.5" and 6". So that's 4" pads all the way to 6.5" pads, Rupes isn't doing that with 1 machine as mentioned.

I'd also recommend Mike's book on it, great info on it. Will answer all your questions about it faster than thumbing through the many threads on it here. Including his pad experiences/recommendations.
Click to expand...

You can't use 4" pads, you can use 5" pads.
 
Zubair said:
From what I understand the Fkex 3401 has been in production for a long while, I am curious if the Version 2 is not far off, maybe 2015? Or on the flip side its so good so no reason to change something thats working perfectly?
Click to expand...

i doubt there will be a v.2 as they would of came out with it already at sema (just like a larger throw DA like many that are out now). no need to mess with something that's been proven to work and reliable...
 
since you have the formentioned polishers already, the rupes seems to be a good fit for you. for someone who doesn't own any polisher would benefit from purchasing the flex first...
 
Thanks everyone for chiming in.
Now I sit back and try and absorb all of the suggestions you guys gave me.
As of now I'm leaning towards the Flex being I have a lot of paint corrections going on now and much more after the first of the year.
I'm just torn up between the two, so whichever one I get now I'll get the other in about a month, having both would really be helpful.
My phone just rang , another large SUV to Polish.

Business is very good, haven't had one day off in two weeks.
People are driving over an hour to bring me their cars, life is good:)

Again, thanks for taking time out to give me your inputs/recommendations.
Kevin
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
Hateswirls, what a wonderful problem you have! You are getting busy and need to look for something to make more money and be more effective at making more money!! That is soooo cool!!! Congrats, 1st off. :dblthumb2:



From a business perspective (I own my business, not related to detailing); hands down go straight to the Flex 3401 VRG with the LC Backing Plates....PERIOD! Get the 5" & 6.5" Hybrid Pads. IMO this will also reduce your time detailing a car. These pads works wonders with the Flex.

You will save more time working with the Flex vs Rupes. The Rupes is more of a "specialized" system. You have 3 machines for 3 different reasons. You have to get their pads and product to be just as effective "overall" compared to the Flex.

Your PC can be converted to a 3" DA and be just as effective as the Rupes IMO.

Time is money and you will earn more money with the Flex vs Rupes. I believe the Rupes system is incredible and having both Flex and Rupes would be the "ultimate" system. But you can live without the Rupes.

Now all what I said is my opinion and many others will think I am full of doo doo.

However, from one business owner to another, get the Flex. Mike Phillips (Master Yoda) is correct!

:buffing:
Click to expand...

Thanks man:dblthumb2:
 
EVOlved said:
You can't use 4" pads, you can use 5" pads.
Click to expand...

You absolutely can! Because the pad is smaller than the flex housing, you just need to be mindful, as it rotates it could hit/damaged things.

 
'In your skin' I'd get the Flex first. Go for hybrid pads like they say, specially the 5". For that, you'll need the Lake Country Changeable Backing Plate System.

Also get the Hybrid Wool pad, whenever you face a hard paint meant for correction you'll be glad you have it.

In general, orange, white and black hybrids are what you need.

Also, orange pad and a compound like FG400 may finish defect free and almost (if not) LSP ready in many situations. It a 'Monster' one-step machine, since the forced rotation will guarantee you an EVEN finish, always.

Hybrid pads offers increased cut with pressure and finishing 'feel' with less / no pressure. This will help you on 1-steps as well using 'Smack's Technique'.

I have both Flex and Rupes 21, and if I was to choose only one, it'll definitively be the Flex.

Luckily I don't need to choose and have both to get the job done.

I like my Rupes very much, and look forward to see you with both as well.

My vote is start with Flex, it'll give you more solutions to boost your business right now.

Hope that helps,

Kind Regards.
 
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