Flex XC 3401 - Which kit to get?

[george type-s]

I've came to the conclusion that the Flex 3401 will be my next polisher after reading several comments and opinions on this forum. (Thank you again to everyone that voiced their thoughts!)

I'd like to price out everything this week to see which is the best combo to get.

At the moment I have a lot of LC pads (Yellow, White, Blue, Black & Crimson Red). I also stocked up on M105 & M205.

The only thing set in stone are the following:
- The regular polisher, not the one with the 25ft cord.
- The bag to go with it.
- 4 3/8" backing plate

What other pads (sizes and types) and products should I be getting while placing this order? A lot of retailers will make a good deal if I buy everything at once, I just want to make sure that I'm asking for the right stuff.

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

What you have on hand currently with the machine set up you plan on will get you off on the right foot.

If you really want to max out the potential of this tool, grab the Lake Country Hybrid pads allong with Menzerna FG400 and SF4000.

Here is an article I wrote maximizing the performance capabilities of this set up.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...rning-3401-menzerna-products-hybrid-pads.html

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

If you want to optimize your Flex 3401 then skip the 4 3/8" backing plate and get the Lake Country Backing Plate Adapter System so you can get the 4" backing plate and then get the 5" Hybrid pads.

New 5" pads for 4" Backing Plate on Flex 3401



5" Hybrid Pads for the 4" backing plate on the Flex 3401!

Autogeek stocks these pads here,

Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish 5 Inch Foam Pads


See them in action here,

Live Broadcast Video - 1965 Plymouth Valiant - Extreme Makeover


***Live Broadcast Video - Extreme Makeover - 1965 Plymouth Valiant***

[video=youtube_share;VGnDSmMLwk8"]Live Broadcast Video -..." target="_blank">Live Broadcast Video -...[/video] ​

Here's some still pictures I took from the Valiant Extreme Makeover with Justin using them...

My friend and forum member Tom Risk tried them out, he said,


"They make using the Flex 3401 easier than any other pad"



Forum Member Tom Risk aka ShineTimeDetail visits Autogeek.net

Here's Tom using a 4.5" Hybrid Pad on the Flex 3401

On Autogeek.net

Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish 5 Inch Foam Pads

You'll need the 4" backing plate to use these pads...

FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System

 

[george type-s]

What you have on hand currently with the machine set up you plan on will get you off on the right foot.

If you really want to max out the potential of this tool, grab the Lake Country Hybrid pads allong with Menzerna FG400 and SF4000.

Here is an article I wrote maximizing the performance capabilities of this set up.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...rning-3401-menzerna-products-hybrid-pads.html

You're not the first to mention the Menzerna products. Thank you again for the tips!

If you want to optimize your Flex 3401 then skip the 4 3/8" backing plate and get the Lake Country Backing Plate Adapter System so you can get the 4" backing plate and then get the 5" Hybrid pads.


On Autogeek.net

Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish 5 Inch Foam Pads

You'll need the 4" backing plate to use these pads...

FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System

Thank you for confirming that hybrid pads are the way to go as well as informing me about the backing plate adapter system.


Should I avoid getting any pads bigger than 5"?

 

[refreshauto]

you got all the advise you need from the above posts, i have this same setup and i cant tell you how much easier life has been since. i follow Mike's technique with the 3401 and you will not look back. i also use the Wolfgang line of products in the same way as the Menzerna like in Mike's technique

:buffing:

 

[george type-s]

you got all the advise you need from the above posts, i have this same setup and i cant tell you how much easier life has been since. i follow Mike's technique with the 3401 and you will not look back. i also use the Wolfgang line of products in the same way as the Menzerna like in Mike's technique

:buffing:

My last question was the pad size, aside from that, everything else has been answered.

Edit: I found a supplier for the Hybrid pads in Canada (oldetownautospa.ca), now it's just a matter of ordering the right size.

 

[refreshauto]

pad size does not affect the 3401 like most other DA's as this is a forced rotation DA not a free spinning like most others. i have not tried the hydro pads, but it will not affect this machine at all if you go with the 5.5"

 

[Just02896]

My last question was the pad size, aside from that, everything else has been answered.

Edit: I found a supplier for the Hybrid pads in Canada (oldetownautospa.ca), now it's just a matter of ordering the right size.

The 5" hybrid pads will maximize cut while minimizing operator fatigue when using a Flex. 5.5" pads will also work extremely well with the flex. Anything larger than 5.5" pads would be best suited for glazing or applying wax / sealant. You should also look into getting some Meguiars MF pads! They are the cats meow for medium / heavy correction when you don't want to use wool.

 

[george type-s]

The 5" hybrid pads will maximize cut while minimizing operator fatigue when using a Flex. 5.5" pads will also work extremely well with the flex. Anything larger than 5.5" pads would be best suited for glazing or applying wax / sealant. You should also look into getting some Meguiars MF pads! They are the cats meow for medium / heavy correction when you don't want to use wool.

Perfect, 5" pads it is. Thank you!

 

[Kamakaz1961]

The 5" hybrid pads will maximize cut while minimizing operator fatigue when using a Flex. 5.5" pads will also work extremely well with the flex. Anything larger than 5.5" pads would be best suited for glazing or applying wax / sealant. You should also look into getting some Meguiars MF pads! They are the cats meow for medium / heavy correction when you don't want to use wool.

I have never tried these pads for my Flex but based on these threads I am going to be placing an order for some.

I am a little confused so I hope you can answer my question.

The Black Hybrid Pad is for LSP (similar to LC Red Pad)

The White is for Polishing (same as LC White Pad)

This is where I get confused:

The Hybrid orange Pad is it similar to LC CCS Orange Pad or is it more like LC Yellow Pad? The description shows it as a more heavy duty pad.

Is the Blue Pad similar to the LC CCS Orange Pad? That is what I would like to know.

Either way to be safe I will order all 4...to be safe...LOL

 

[Just02896]

I have never tried these pads for my Flex but based on these threads I am going to be placing an order for some.

I am a little confused so I hope you can answer my question.

The Black Hybrid Pad is for LSP (similar to LC Red Pad)

The White is for Polishing (same as LC White Pad)

This is where I get confused:

The Hybrid orange Pad is it similar to LC CCS Orange Pad or is it more like LC Yellow Pad? The description shows it as a more heavy duty pad.

Is the Blue Pad similar to the LC CCS Orange Pad? That is what I would like to know.

Either way to be safe I will order all 4...to be safe...LOL

I believe the orange hybrid pad is most comparable to the yellow CCS pad and the blue hybrid is comparable to the orange CCS pad.

 

[Kamakaz1961]

I believe the orange hybrid pad is most comparable to the yellow CCS pad and the blue hybrid is comparable to the orange CCS pad.

Thanks for letting me know. Based on what I read I think it is too. Either way I will get all colors to be safe. Again, thanks.

On the LC CCS pads I only go to Orange as I am a little more conservative in compounding repair.

Again, thanks

 

[Just02896]

Thanks for letting me know. Based on what I read I think it is too. Either way I will get all colors to be safe. Again, thanks.

On the LC CCS pads I only go to Orange as I am a little more conservative in compounding repair.

Again, thanks

I've found that all you really need are the white, blue, and orange hybrid pads. With those three you can tackle pretty much any light correction or polishing job. The white pads also work just fine for spreading wax or sealant.

If you really want to make short work of medium / heavy correction, get yourself some of these!
Meguiars DA Microfiber Cutting Discs, compounding discs, cutting pads

This is a 50/50 shot after 6 passes with Meg's MF pads and MF correction compound. I'm hooked on MF now for medium / heavy correction! Saves me a lot of time and very minimal hazing on dark paints. I really only use foam for finishing now.

 

[george type-s]

I've found that all you really need are the white, blue, and orange hybrid pads. With those three you can tackle pretty much any light correction or polishing job. The white pads also work just fine for spreading wax or sealant.

If you really want to make short work of medium / heavy correction, get yourself some of these!
Meguiars DA Microfiber Cutting Discs, compounding discs, cutting pads

This is a 50/50 shot after 6 passes with Meg's MF pads and MF correction compound. I'm hooked on MF now for medium / heavy correction! Saves me a lot of time and very minimal hazing on dark paints. I really only use foam for finishing now.

http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/just02896/media/image_zpsedf48232.jpg.html

So in terms of pads to use with the Flex, you're always using Meguiar's?

Would it be Meguiar's > Hybrid > Regular foam pads? Thanks!

 

[Just02896]

So in terms of pads to use with the Flex, you're always using Meguiar's?

Would it be Meguiar's > Hybrid > Regular foam pads? Thanks!

I use Meg's MF pads to start the correction process and level out heavy swirls and semi-deep scratching. Then I swap to the 5" hybrids to refine the surface by removing any compound hazing and to amp up the clarity and gloss.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

I have never tried these pads for my Flex but based on these threads I am going to be placing an order for some.

I am a little confused so I hope you can answer my question.

The Black Hybrid Pad is for LSP (similar to LC Red Pad)

You can use the black pads for either applying a fine cut, ultra fine cut polish or for applying finishing waxes or finishing sealants.

Finishing Wax or Finishing Sealant means no cleaning or abrading ability, for use AFTER you've done the abrading steps. The opposite of a cleaner/wax or cleaner/sealant.

The White is for Polishing (same as LC White Pad)

Yes. The white Hybrid pads are great General Use pads. Also good for doing high quality production detialing like I show here,


High quality production detailing by Mike Phillips

Here's what I used...

Before

After

This is where I get confused:

The Hybrid orange Pad is it similar to LC CCS Orange Pad or is it more like LC Yellow Pad? The description shows it as a more heavy duty pad.

I'd say it's more aggressive than the CCS foam formula. It's a very aggressive foam pad. I personally really like both the orange and the blue but if I had to just pick one then I'd go with the more aggressive orange Hybrid pad because if I'm going to do some heavy correction work then I might as well just get in there and get r done.

Is the Blue Pad similar to the LC CCS Orange Pad? That is what I would like to know.

Either way to be safe I will order all 4...to be safe...LOL

Kind of... the foam used to make the Hybrid cutting pads is very unique. Get both the orange and the blue if your budet allows and play with them a little.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

If you really want to make short work of medium / heavy correction, get yourself some of these!

Meguiars DA Microfiber Cutting Discs, compounding discs, cutting pads

Did you or do you experience any grabby feel when buffing with thin hard pads on a hard backing plate?

I like how microfiber pads cut but I've never liked the buffing feeling when using thin microfiber pads on a forced rotation Flex 3401. They work great and the FEEL is fine when used with a Porter Cable style tool.

I found the thick foam backing of the LC Microfiber pads to be much smoother on the Flex 3401.

Could just be me....


:dunno:

 

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Did you or do you experience any grabby feel when buffing with thin hard pads on a hard backing plate?

I like how microfiber pads cut but I've never liked the buffing feeling when using thin microfiber pads on a forced rotation Flex 3401. They work great and the FEEL is fine when used with a Porter Cable style tool.

I found the thick foam backing of the LC Microfiber pads to be much smoother on the Flex 3401.

Could just be me....


:dunno:

Not just you Mike.

I also don't care for the grabbiness of the thin microfiber pads on the 3401.

Actually when I need maximum cutting power from the 3401 I will choose the PFW wool pads over microfiber any day.

Mike

 

[Just02896]

Did you or do you experience any grabby feel when buffing with thin hard pads on a hard backing plate?

I like how microfiber pads cut but I've never liked the buffing feeling when using thin microfiber pads on a forced rotation Flex 3401. They work great and the FEEL is fine when used with a Porter Cable style tool.

I found the thick foam backing of the LC Microfiber pads to be much smoother on the Flex 3401.

Could just be me....


:dunno:

I did notice a bit of a grabby feeling with the thin MF pads when using polishes and compounds other than Meg's. I find Meg's MF correction compound to be quite smooth to work with until it's working time expires, usually at about six passes on a 2.5'x2.5' section. At that point I experience slight dusting and a bit of a grabby feel and do a quick compressed air cleaning on my pad. I do love the big red cinnamon smell of Meg's correction compound!

I'll have to give the LC MF pads a try though. I'm always open to upgrades on machine or products if it makes life a little easier!

 

[george type-s]

I use Meg's MF pads to start the correction process and level out heavy swirls and semi-deep scratching. Then I swap to the 5" hybrids to refine the surface by removing any compound hazing and to amp up the clarity and gloss.

Thank you for the advice! :xyxthumbs: