FLEX vs Rupes

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Niko Molina

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Which do you prefer and why?

Take $$ for each to operate & maintain out of the equation.


I feel like this debate/question may have been asked before but I didn't see any threads. If there has been a thread on this subject, I'd appreciate it if you could link it to me.
 
 
many threads on this topic, SonofOC pretty much covered it there...
 
they both have their followers and what might be right for one, may not be for another. if you can get your hands on both and try them out for yourself, that would be your best bet so you know what YOU may like or dislike in both before you decide to buy...
 
VISITOR said:
they both have their followers and what might be right for one, may not be for another. if you can get your hands on both and try them out for yourself, that would be your best bet so you know what YOU may like or dislike in both before you decide to buy...
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I plan on going to Mike's detailing class in July however I'll have already bought some detailing supplies and will be doing a bit over the summer.


I see people live by the Flex. I see some people live by the Rupes.

I see Mike wrote a book about the Flex as well....


I'm a complete beginner and people say the Rupes is beginner-safe.

However the variety of pads and BP's are much less than the Flex. I see people saying you can use other BP's and pads with the Rupes just fine and I see people saying you can't use other BP's and pads with the Rupes... Lol. The Flex appears to have much variety.
 
Niko Molina said:
I plan on going to Mike's detailing class in July however I'll have already bought some detailing supplies and will be doing a bit over the summer.


I see people live by the Flex. I see some people live by the Rupes.

I see Mike wrote a book about the Flex as well....


I'm a complete beginner and people say the Rupes is beginner-safe.

However the variety of pads and BP's are much less than the Flex. I see people saying you can use other BP's and pads with the Rupes just fine and I see people saying you can't use other BP's and pads with the Rupes... Lol. The Flex appears to have much variety.
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So you are a complete beginner with a mobile detailing business ?
 
Flex has muscle

Rupes has finesse

I prefer the Flex.
 
Also, the Flex needs muscle and the Rupes needs finesse to use effectively

I prefer the Rupes as I find it more versatile - the Flex is a bear to use on softer paints while the Rupes works on any paint plus it doesn't beat you up like the Flex.
 
I love both of them, the 3401, and the Duetto.
 
kaanage said:
Also, the Flex needs muscle and the Rupes needs finesse to use effectively

I prefer the Rupes as I find it more versatile - the Flex is a bear to use on softer paints while the Rupes works on any paint plus it doesn't beat you up like the Flex.
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I will have to disagree with this as per my own experiences with the Flex and soft paints.

I was working on a new Viper GTS with black paint and when I did my test spots I found the paint to be very soft. I did 3 other Viper GTS's before the black one so I thought I had an idea of what I needed.

Unfortunately, I was wrong. When I did my test spot with the Rupes I found the paint to be severely hazed. I backed off with pads, speed and product and continued to try other test posts with the Rupes and had no such luck.

I pulled out the Flex 3401 with a black finishing pad, Sonax EX 04-06 on speed 3, and I was able to have success.

I can say the hazing was due to the soft paint and the large throw of the Rupes.

This is what I have experienced with the Rupes and Flex.

IMO its best to have a variety of machines pads, and products. To me, there is no perfect machine. Ive run into issues where the Flex wasn't working but the Rupes would.
 
Flex by far the best!

Bring on the Bashing Rupes people!!

Ford vs Chevy, Flex vs Rupes, etc. Either way they are great machines!

I do R-e-s-p-e-c-t the Rupes, however, nothing comes close to the Flex. And the Flex is very easy to use and it can be used with incredible "finesse". I am at a loss why someone says it can't. Oh well, I digress.
 
sulla said:
So you are a complete beginner with a mobile detailing business ?
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Future business. The signature is simply my future logo lol.


Perfecting my skill and increasing my knowledge before I go out and make a name for myself around my area.
 
AnthonyGXP said:
So which one's the Chevy if you're a Chevy guy? LOL
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LMAO!! Why does it matter?? You have a Pontiac emblem on your avatar!!!!!.....LOL

All kidding aside, the fact that the 2 most talked about, debated, and chosen DA's are the Flex and Rupes. These 2 brands IMO are on top of the Food Chain....every other brand is secondary!!

Each one has it's advantages and disadvantages. Either way you can't go wrong with either....except you Mr. PONTIAC!!!!.....LOL

I would assume you'd be a Chevy guy so since I am a Ford guy I like the Flex...you can go with the Rupes.....LOL

Im the MAN:xyxthumbs:
 
CJ - everyone knows it's Mopar or No-car!

But to original poster - have you already been working with a "starter" DA like the PC or Megs units? Might consider if not, starting with the PC, get your technique perfected, then jump to a flex / rupes.

CJ would prob endorse this approach - I think? You converted your PC to a 3in plate after getting your flex, right?
 
LaFawnduh said:
CJ - everyone knows it's Mopar or No-car!

But to original poster - have you already been working with a "starter" DA like the PC or Megs units? Might consider if not, starting with the PC, get your technique perfected, then jump to a flex / rupes.

CJ would prob endorse this approach - I think? You converted your PC to a 3in plate after getting your flex, right?
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Mopar!!! BLASPHEMY!!!! Matt curses for even saying MOPAR!!! Ford and Chevy OK?!!!!...LOL

You are correct at least that is what I did. I started with the PC7424XP and after spending 22HRS on my buddies Shelby I needed to look for a better way of reducing time.

This forum is the reason why I went Flex. It was an easy decision for me as the Flex is about $100 less than the Rupes Big Foot. Also it was the only "forced rotation" DA.

Learning how to use the Flex was very easy. I thought it was going to be hard but it wasn't. You learned how to control the "walking" pretty easy.

Recently, I worked on a Honda Accord and it needed a full correction. I used the Flex and was able to finish the job in about 4 hours. Exterior only and I do not tape which save quite a bit of time. I use the 6.5" Hybrids FG400 and SF4500 and Powerlock for a sealant.

It was Mike (Dedicated Perfection) and Mike Phillips that suggested the Hybrid Pads. I already had all the BP for the Flex. But once I tried the Lake Country Hybrid Pads I could not believe how much more easier the Flex was to use. Even better control (this is where the finesse part comes in).

As for my PC7424XP I still use it. It has the 3" Pads for waxing. I will use it to on other things, however, they are minor compared to the Flex.

BTW, the Hellcat Challenger is one BAD AZZ Ride so I guess Mopar is OK....LOL :props:

Have a good one Bud!!

Here are a couple of Pic for the Honda I was talking about. This was Nov 2014.
 
On a side but related note, the gf just met Mr. 3401. The look on her face was priceless....

Her: "Oh my god..... What is that?"

Me: "It's the Flex 3401..."

Her: "It looks mean."

Me: (grinning) "It really is."

I don't know, you have to have been there...
 
Another vote for Flex - if you want a tool that can truly do everything the 3401 is a very tough act to follow. I've had both and I still have my 3401 - the LHR15 got donated to a enthusiast who is dabbling in detailing.
 
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