Flex vs Rupes
- Thread starter Ramdallas
- Start date
WRAPT C5Z06
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- Nov 12, 2009
- 12,615
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Details?
The Critic
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- Dec 16, 2009
- 673
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Rupes 21 for the larger sections and 75e for the smaller areas. Almost all of the pro detailers that I am in contact with are using the Rupes and not the Flex. You can cut and finish out better with the Rupes 21 once you learn how to properly use the machine. The forced-rotation advantage of the Flex is really a myth...and I used to own one.
dpk20x
Member
- Mar 28, 2012
- 748
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There's s few threads here with a little bit of info on here. Not sure how to link from my phone.
Has a long body like a Bigfoot or flex but I guess it only has a 8 mm throw.
theautospa
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- May 10, 2014
- 37
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Like many have said, i prefer the flex as well. I have the rupes 15 but time and time again I end up back with the flex. I do want to try the 21 with the smaller backing plate though.
JSou
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- Dec 17, 2012
- 1,635
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This.
Tato
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- Nov 27, 2013
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There's a 37 pages thread talking about this,
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/58875-flex-3401-rupes-bigfoot.html
Good to read while in doubt,
in advance, this is part of what I've concluded during all that reading:
On the other hand - if I Needed to choose only one to have it'll be the Flex for the fact it can be outfitted with 4" plate and work virtually any panel design.
For the Rupes, I'd rely on a 21 + a Mini to accomplish the same without much 'Juggle' workout hehehe.
In fact, the professionals working (almost) exclusively with the Rupes system (generally) owns all range from small airtools to the bigfoot 21...
You can always use your actual (if you have one) Porter Cable like machine turning it into a spot polishing machine with 3" backing plate.
Just to notice, I love my Rupes and always rely on it where it fits, it's awesome! and totally live the hype, pleasurable to use machine.
Hope that helps, and let us know your decision when you're done.
Kind Regards.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/58875-flex-3401-rupes-bigfoot.html
Good to read while in doubt,
in advance, this is part of what I've concluded during all that reading:
On the other hand - if I Needed to choose only one to have it'll be the Flex for the fact it can be outfitted with 4" plate and work virtually any panel design.
For the Rupes, I'd rely on a 21 + a Mini to accomplish the same without much 'Juggle' workout hehehe.
In fact, the professionals working (almost) exclusively with the Rupes system (generally) owns all range from small airtools to the bigfoot 21...
You can always use your actual (if you have one) Porter Cable like machine turning it into a spot polishing machine with 3" backing plate.
Just to notice, I love my Rupes and always rely on it where it fits, it's awesome! and totally live the hype, pleasurable to use machine.
Hope that helps, and let us know your decision when you're done.
Kind Regards.
dlc95
Well-known member
- May 18, 2013
- 6,062
- 26
I've decided to sell one of my 7424s, then adding a Duetto, and a Mini to my "collection". That will set me up with a 3401, a Duetto, a Mini, a 7424xp, and a craftsman 5" random orbital, variable speed sander.
I really like the Flex. I have unbelievable oxidation on my car. I thought it was toast, but the 3401, with m105, and a burgundy Megs cutting pad muscled through it. Beast is the only way I can really describe it. Eventually I'd also like to get a PE 14-2.
I really like the Flex. I have unbelievable oxidation on my car. I thought it was toast, but the 3401, with m105, and a burgundy Megs cutting pad muscled through it. Beast is the only way I can really describe it. Eventually I'd also like to get a PE 14-2.
dlc95
Well-known member
- May 18, 2013
- 6,062
- 26
There's a 37 pages thread talking about this,
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/58875-flex-3401-rupes-bigfoot.html
Good to read while in doubt,
in advance, this is part of what I've concluded during all that reading:
On the other hand - if I Needed to choose only one to have it'll be the Flex for the fact it can be outfitted with 4" plate and work virtually any panel design.
For the Rupes, I'd rely on a 21 + a Mini to accomplish the same without much 'Juggle' workout hehehe.
In fact, the professionals working (almost) exclusively with the Rupes system (generally) owns all range from small airtools to the bigfoot 21...
You can always use your actual (if you have one) Porter Cable like machine turning it into a spot polishing machine with 3" backing plate.
Just to notice, I love my Rupes and always rely on it where it fits, it's awesome! and totally live the hype, pleasurable to use machine.
Hope that helps, and let us know your decision when you're done.
Kind Regards.
Tato, is there any difference between the bright red and maroon Flex machines?
hilld
Member
- May 10, 2014
- 150
- 0
That statement is not quite true. The Festool Rotex RO150 is both a forced rotation as well as a "free float" polisher/sander, just flip a switch. Yes, it is a woodworking tool, you just have to change the pad to a polishing pad and it works fantastic. So the tool will actually do both for you.
I would link to it, but that would be against terms of service, so I won't.
Tato
New member
- Nov 27, 2013
- 2,157
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Difference other than 'maroon' is a lot older, it's 110V version. The red one is newer and 220V version.
In fact, the maroon was already 'darker' when I ordered it.
The key difference, I don't know if you noticed:
The 110V was signed by Mike Phillips, gives it a boost for sure!
Kind Regards.
In fact, the maroon was already 'darker' when I ordered it.
The key difference, I don't know if you noticed:
The 110V was signed by Mike Phillips, gives it a boost for sure!
Kind Regards.
Mizzoutiger
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- Dec 28, 2012
- 338
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+1 Flex
dlc95
Well-known member
- May 18, 2013
- 6,062
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Difference other than 'maroon' is a lot older, it's 110V version. The red one is newer and 220V version.
In fact, the maroon was already 'darker' when I ordered it.
The key difference, I don't know if you noticed:
The 110V was signed by Mike Phillips, gives it a boost for sure!
Kind Regards.
Thanks for the insight! Mine is maroon in color. I've seen the brighter machines, but wasn't aware of the difference.
RobRabbit2.5
New member
- Jul 9, 2014
- 172
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I think for the application of the OP the flex is the product to go for, the direct drive DA (the only one btw) will have more correction power than the long throw of the rupes.
If you are doing alot of surface area and want to be quick about it the rupes is a good option.
I own the flex, i go to my local detailing supplier to play with their rupes from time to time. IMO flex is superior.
If you are doing alot of surface area and want to be quick about it the rupes is a good option.
I own the flex, i go to my local detailing supplier to play with their rupes from time to time. IMO flex is superior.
Ckundred
New member
- May 21, 2014
- 34
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I think everyone looking to "upgrade" goes through this same dilemma. I went through it about 6 months ago and read through many of the other threads devoted to this topic.
I was upgrading from the first generation, Griot's polisher--a relabeled Porter Cable. I ended up going with the Rupes 15 and did the washer mod. While the machine itself was great, I just couldn't seem to get my technique down. I just couldn't keep it spinning. I want to be clear I blame myself, not the machine. I'm not a pro and won't be using it everyday so I feared that each time I'd get it out (maybe once a month--at most) I'd run into the same problem, getting frustrated and not achieving the results I wanted.
I ended up selling that polisher and got the Flex. I'm glad that I did. The forced rotation certainly works better for me. I spend more time polishing and not getting frustrated constantly making very minor adjustments in positioning the polisher to keep it spinning...Again, I don't blame the machine but I also know that I wouldn't be using it enough so that I could attain a technique that became "second nature" and worked the way I wanted.
Both are great machines used by great pros on this forum. But for me, after owning both, I'll be sticking with the Flex.
I was upgrading from the first generation, Griot's polisher--a relabeled Porter Cable. I ended up going with the Rupes 15 and did the washer mod. While the machine itself was great, I just couldn't seem to get my technique down. I just couldn't keep it spinning. I want to be clear I blame myself, not the machine. I'm not a pro and won't be using it everyday so I feared that each time I'd get it out (maybe once a month--at most) I'd run into the same problem, getting frustrated and not achieving the results I wanted.
I ended up selling that polisher and got the Flex. I'm glad that I did. The forced rotation certainly works better for me. I spend more time polishing and not getting frustrated constantly making very minor adjustments in positioning the polisher to keep it spinning...Again, I don't blame the machine but I also know that I wouldn't be using it enough so that I could attain a technique that became "second nature" and worked the way I wanted.
Both are great machines used by great pros on this forum. But for me, after owning both, I'll be sticking with the Flex.
Paul A.
New member
- Dec 21, 2007
- 5,276
- 1
I keep up with all of the threads discussing this topic and have decided i will be getting a Flex 3401 as soon as i decide i want it or need it. When these discussions first starting popping up there were fairly equal arguments for either machine (manufacturer). I definately want the forced rotation aspect PLUS a random orbit. I also want to switch pad sizes easily. As more user experience is gained it seems the Flex candidate seems to win this election...here anyway.
To me its like deciding whether i want a Ferrari 458 or a Porsche 918.
To me its like deciding whether i want a Ferrari 458 or a Porsche 918.
EXTJosh
New member
- Oct 28, 2013
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Another vote for the Flex. I went back and forth between it and the Rupes when I upgraded from my PC. I am happy with it and it is truly night and day compared to my old setup. I bought a black VW hood from a local junk yard, sectioned it off and tried various techniques (wet sanding, pads, compounds, polish) to get some time under it before I attempted actual work on it. Like someone else had said, def. go with the various-sized backing plates right off the bat with your Flex purchase. Hope that helps in your decision making.