Flex or Rupes?

DivineDetail

DivineDetail

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I have been using a DA porter cable for about 3 years now, and in most cases it does a pretty good job with correcting paint, however there are the bigger jobs that it can only do so much for.

I would like to invest in another polisher, either the Flex or a Rupes. What are the differences and why would one be better than the other?

I have also been considering a rotary. I dont have any experience with a rotary and have heard you can do some serious damage with one if used incorrectly.

Anyway, just want to get some opinions and advice on what would be the best route. I know there are pros and cons with each option, I just dont know what they are.
 
Oh boy, different strokes for different folks, both will get the job done, both have their pros and cons, both have their proponents and detractors. You pays your money and takes your choice.

(This is all presuming you are talking about the Flex forced-rotation machines rather than the new Flex long stroke...if not, then never mind)
 
There has been a lot of discussion around this in the past. I would highly recommend reading through some of these threads:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...review-flex-3401-rupes-bigfoot-polishers.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ccessories/92803-flex-vs-rupes-vs-gg-g21.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/58875-flex-3401-rupes-bigfoot.html - this one is especially a bear of a read @ 37~ pages

They are pretty different machines. I find the Rupes to be more comfortable but the Flex is an absolute workhorse. They are both terrific machines and will get the job done faster than the Porter Cable but you will probably prefer one over the other as most people do. It's not as cut and dry as "one is better than the other" IMO

There are also a long-throw Flex tool coming out soon that you may want to wait and take a look at.
 
I've worked with both and currently owner of a Rupes markii. The reason I went with the Rupes is because it's far smoother and easier on the hands. With the Flex, I found myself constantly fighting with it due to its forced rotation. After a couple of hours, it left me a bit beat.
 
if you want one polisher that's compatible with 4"-6.5" pads then the flex would be a great choice and it's forced rotation so if bogging down is an issue, then no worries with this. another great option since you already have a PC which can be delegated to smaller pads is the G21. packs plenty of power, is comfortable to use, and has a great warranty on top of customer service...
 
I have 2 Flex 3401. Never used Rupes but have been very happy with the 3401 and I have a PC also but really don't like it now that I have the Flex.
 
just get the cheapest for now, they are both great machines. you wont know what one you'll like until you use both.
 
Food for thought.

Rupes has obviously made such a significant impact in the market place over the past couple years with their large throw da's that Flex made the decision to come out with a non forced rotation da, correct? Enter the Flex XFE.

I just had to throw that out there.
 
Whichever DA you choose whether it be the Flex or the Rupes....one thing is for sure....it will be significantly more powerful than the PC....I know from 1st hand experience. I use my PC7424XP as my mini-polisher....
 
Thanks for the input guys, I think I will go with the Rupes. Just one thing though, do I have to use the Rupes pads and polishes with the Rupes polisher or can I use other brands? It seems as if I will have to use all Rupes brands for the polisher to work correctly.
 
You can use whatever you want. The Rupes pads do work well. I have three Rupes polishers and have no Rupes polishes.
 
The Rupes is designed for Rupes pads, it should run smoother with their pads. But as custmsprty said they will work well with other polishes, and I would think pads. Pads with a hole in the center will tend to run cooler.

Sent from my KFSOWI using Tapatalk
 
I have both and love both of them. The Rupes Mark11 is unbelievably smooth. Both are easy to use. The reverse rotation of the Flex never bothered me butt some don't like it. I also have a Griots, PC and HF. The HF will vibrate you into submission. The Griots and PC are great for applying sealer or wax but slow and tedious for serious correction work. I think if I could only keep 1 machine it would be the Flex, it is a workhorse.

Mark
 
I'm selling my Flex if you want to buy it. Never dropped, works like a charm. I am getting the newest Mark 2 Rupes.

I like the Flex because it just keeps going no matter the pressure which means it corrects very hard paint as well as bad condition paint much better than your standard Rupes which also slows down on corners and uneven panels. The Flex just keeps going on those areas.

Let me know if you are interested.
 
DivineDetail said:
Thanks for the input guys, I think I will go with the Rupes. Just one thing though, do I have to use the Rupes pads and polishes with the Rupes polisher or can I use other brands? It seems as if I will have to use all Rupes brands for the polisher to work correctly.
Click to expand...

Definitely don't need their complimentary system components, but they're really nice. I like my Rupes unmodded, and in conjunction with their proprietary system of pads and gels.

I tried it modded, with a variety of pads and products, but ultimately, I didn't like it as much.
 
I love my Rupes 15 but I think you will like either one. I started with a harbour freight so anything was a huge improvement for me!
 
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