flex question
- Thread starter Tragu
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Fly bye
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- Nov 16, 2007
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ScottB
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- Mar 3, 2006
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unfortunately the official word is they are sold out all across America. So unless someone has the old unit on shelve with the bad backing plate, it could be awhile before he gets one too. I can tell you that most units are going to several of the biggest detailing houses as soon as they hit the states. Good luck in your hunt ...
Considering difference between "old" and "new" unit is just in the backing plate included, that not all old style bps have experienced velcro separation during use (at least mine hasn't) to be able to declare them "bad" period, that "issue" is easily fixable in "field" if one needs to, plus "final style" bp replacements are being shipped out from main distributor for free, and cost $14-ish at worst, grabbing "old" unit of the shelf if one finds it is actually a non-issue and a no brainer, correct?
ScottB
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personally, when I buy something I want the newest edition and one that will likely work from start straight from the box. I dont wanna go fishing around with a manufacturer to get the updates, and the hassle of lost in mail and other items that can in turn come with hit. Thats why I offered you might find a couple laying on shelves that most have overlooked while waiting for the updated units. (Ex. My HD-DVD player from Toshiba has an upgrade to software which is free to consumer, yet each time I call for free disc its backordered)
We know the backing plate "can" be an issue, now or in the future, so why not be honest and upfront with the consumer and allow them the choice. Peace !
We know the backing plate "can" be an issue, now or in the future, so why not be honest and upfront with the consumer and allow them the choice. Peace !
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Are you implying "edition" that was also sold by AG did not work straight from the box?
I am all for facts, honesty, being upfront with the consumer, and allowing them the choice. Hence my previous post.
ScottB
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I will end it on this front ... if I bought a 299.99 item and used it a couple times and it fell apart, part of me would rather return it versus keep it. Maybe its only a backing plate, but lord knows this buffer has only been out and used for a couple months and already this problem has surfaced. Add in that the backing plate is not currently interchangable or upgradable, and I dont want a 300 toy sitting in the garage gathering dust while manufacturer comes up with and fills orders for those with damage backing plates. Especially consider Makita and Festool make similar offerings without the backing plate issue currently.
Thus I will patiently wait for the next unit with updates, and hope it is as sturdy as my PC has been for 5 years without a single issue. If you havent figured it out, I do want a Flex .... I just expect more from it based upon its price.
Thus I will patiently wait for the next unit with updates, and hope it is as sturdy as my PC has been for 5 years without a single issue. If you havent figured it out, I do want a Flex .... I just expect more from it based upon its price.
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wolfpacker92
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- May 8, 2007
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I really wonder just how much of an issue the original bp is. I mean of ALL the Flex users I have conversed with I have yet to find a SINGLE one that has had the red bp have the velcro seperate. I wonder if this was just an isolated instance and Flex saw that the design COULD be an issue so rather than take the chance of having some dissatisfied customers they went ahead and corrected a POTENTIAL problem.
Like I said I have yet to come across a Flex owner who has had an issue. I used my Flex many many times before my replacement bp came in and didn't have a single issue with the velcro seperating. In fact once I got my replacement bp I had a friend put my red one in a milling machine and machine it down to 5" for me and the velcro has still yet to seperate.
Like I said I have yet to come across a Flex owner who has had an issue. I used my Flex many many times before my replacement bp came in and didn't have a single issue with the velcro seperating. In fact once I got my replacement bp I had a friend put my red one in a milling machine and machine it down to 5" for me and the velcro has still yet to seperate.
YankeeFan
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- Dec 2, 2006
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Good to hear something positive! Funny how this machine went from the best thing since sliced bread to so many questions and possible issues (i.e BP, one guy had his just stop but he thinks the safeguard stopped it from overheating and I think Zoran was looking into another issue). Strange how once an issue or two comes up it just steam rolls. I spent over 9 months of searching to finally decide upon a DA, going from a PC to a Makita to a DeWalt to a Festool to a Bosch but finally decided to buy (it's on Back Order like everyone else) the Flex. I am sure all of what appears to be fixable issues, will be worked out once we all get accustom to a new machine and work with suppliers, if necessary. This and other forums will ensure that!! I just can't wait to get it and for Spring to come so I can ....:buffing:
Howard
I wish I could do same myself but your post is full of things that are easily misleading persons with interest in this tool that I can not leave it for their benefit and benefit of community. With that being said let's analyze your post ...
First, AG is not selling Flex for 299.99. Currently it is selling it for 279.99. Yes, it is irrelevant for subject of this discussion but I am sucker for sticking to facts.
Second, more important, please point out to us units that have fallen apart. Some backing plates had velcro separation issues. Backing plates, not units. Part whose replacement is free under warranty, and costs $14-ish at worst. That is very far from unit falling apart like you say.
Further more, I personally know of only one person on community boards who has reported back his velcro separated and only of two persons that have reported bearing down.
This buffer has not been out only couple of months. You are either forgetting or are not aware Europe used it for months before it even came here and it came here in August, not when AG started selling it. So this buffer has been out and used for almost 6 months to a year.
Are you implying distributor has problem with inventory of spare backing plates? I am not aware of any problems there, if you or AG are aware please let us know.
Neither Makita nor Festool come even close to Flex IMHO. I speak from my humble experience because I own (or have owned) and use(d) all of them while, to my knowledge, you have no experience with any of them to be able to speak how they compare. If you did maybe you would not be saying what you just said.
Also, aside from "small issue" with bps flying away from Festool on some users (if you remember, that has been posted about here, I am one of them), Festool is quite more expensive than Flex. Some $160-ish more. For $440+ that Festool costs I can get almost two Flex units to my door.
You call PC sturdy because you personally have not had a single issue with it while others did have problems with bps on them but you are concerned because some Flex owners had bp issues that are matter of the past? I do not see consistency here, so I do not understand your logic. Which one is it?
To my knowledge issue with red velcro potentially separating has been caught and was being addressed before sales even hit the North American shores, so what is exactly complaint here? That there was an issue that was addressed? I do not know why that matters anymore, it is a past tense, plus in my world that means I did get service one could expect based on price as replacement backing plates were available within the days units started shipping in North America.
Last, but not least, I do not understand why would moderator of AG's forum, one of largest Flex retailers, post something that might be easily misinterpreted and would thus introduce spreading of FUD through people that visit this forum and are interested in this tool. Maybe Flex rep should be invited to address your concerns just like Menzerna USA rep was recently invited to clear up concerns posted here over Menzerna products.
This is where I will end it.
Again, before any jumping to conclusions is made, please notice I have made this post for the benefit of the detailing community.
Showroom Shine
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- Apr 19, 2007
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I don't know who was making all the negative comments about the Flex or why. I personally do not have a vested interest in the company or their products, or any detailing products and or company. All I know is I like what I've gotten for the $$$ I've spent with AG. Prizes I've won, discounts I've received etc. The employees have been very professional and helpful whenever I was ordering ,rather online or by phone. AG you all have my sincere THANK YOU! For those who are not satisfied with your purchases contact the company, and discuss the problem with the right people.And stop drinking that Hateraid!:grouphug:
pt91
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- Mar 3, 2006
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mine came with the newer, black backing plate. i wish i had rcvd one of the older red backing plates which were wider (for my 7.5" pads) because the distributor would send me one of the new ones and i would hv two sizes. anyone with one of the "defective" red ones want to send it to me i would be grateful.
so far i have been very impressed with this machine and i look fwd to using it much more this year.
i really would like to know if anyone has tried the anti-vibe side handle that flex offers.
so far i have been very impressed with this machine and i look fwd to using it much more this year.
i really would like to know if anyone has tried the anti-vibe side handle that flex offers.
Personally I do not think it is advisable to use 7.5" (190mm) pads on it. Unit's specs call for 150mm (6") pad. Putting too big of a pad on it might be putting too much of a load on the unit and using it under conditions that are outside the warranty.
For what pad size?
pt91
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- Mar 3, 2006
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4 or 5 inch pads. i have a lot of them.
i am think 4 is a no go based on the head of the flex but maybe the 5's.
SpoiledMan
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- Mar 4, 2006
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Wet a 7.5" pad and press it onto a piece of paper and then measure the wet spot. I'll wait........
Showroom Shine
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- Apr 19, 2007
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Last year I bought a Pinnacle XMT Series bundle. It came with 3 products, three pads,2 micro bonnets, 1 hand applicator. Two of the pads were 6 1/2 and one was 6''. All have the velcro backing. I use these on my Flex. They work fine. I was trying to find my paper work so I could see what package was ordered, strickly for the pads. I'll wait for a few , I'm sure AG is taking care of that too!:work: