DaveT435
Active member
- Jun 23, 2012
- 3,982
- 0
Today I received my new Flex XFE 7. Because of the next to 2 house trying to figure out what the rattling noise was only to find out it's normal because of the internal balancing system I didn't have time to work on any paint. Missed the little sticker on the plastic around the machine. I ended up compounding the rather large muffler we took out of my son's Genesis Coupe.
The first thing noticed is the Flex is about 2" shorter and about 3/4 a pound lighter, which to me gave the Flex a better feel and an easier tool to work with. I used the 5" plate and Rupes 6" yellow pads on both machines for testing. I used Optimum Hyper Compound for the tests today also if that matters.
I've never had a big issue with these machines stalling. I'm not saying I have perfect technique, or that the machines don't stall, just want to point out that it isn't a big issue for me. Trying to stall the machines by tilting and running on the curves on the muffler, including the sharp edges. At speed I found it difficult to stall either one in any situation. When dropping down to 4.5 I found the Rupes easier to stall than the Flex.
Both machines speed dials are well placed and easy to adjust during use.
As far as noise the Flex is considerably quieter at all speeds.
Unfortunately I wasn't really paying attention to the soft start. The Flex says it has soft start, I didn't really notice it. When going from the Flex to the Rupes I noticed the soft start on the Rupes. I'm sure the Flex has it, it's just not as slow a start as the Rupes.
Vibration wasn't an issue with eith machine. The Flex did have a little more vibration when run wide open. Keep in mind I was using exactly what the Rupes machine is designed to run. I will have to do more testing with different pad sizes and manufacturers to decide which is better overall.
Obviously I wasn't running either machine for an extended period of time, but after 2-3 minutes of non stop running I didn't notice anything that indicated heat was going to be a problem with either machine.
After today's testing personally I liked the Flex better, mainly because of the size and weight difference.
Sorry the side by side picture of the machines wouldn't load. You can see how well the muffler got polished including the very rounded edges. I realize this isn't the ideal test. I'll post more when I've had some time to work on some paint.
View attachment 54795View attachment 54796View attachment 54797
The first thing noticed is the Flex is about 2" shorter and about 3/4 a pound lighter, which to me gave the Flex a better feel and an easier tool to work with. I used the 5" plate and Rupes 6" yellow pads on both machines for testing. I used Optimum Hyper Compound for the tests today also if that matters.
I've never had a big issue with these machines stalling. I'm not saying I have perfect technique, or that the machines don't stall, just want to point out that it isn't a big issue for me. Trying to stall the machines by tilting and running on the curves on the muffler, including the sharp edges. At speed I found it difficult to stall either one in any situation. When dropping down to 4.5 I found the Rupes easier to stall than the Flex.
Both machines speed dials are well placed and easy to adjust during use.
As far as noise the Flex is considerably quieter at all speeds.
Unfortunately I wasn't really paying attention to the soft start. The Flex says it has soft start, I didn't really notice it. When going from the Flex to the Rupes I noticed the soft start on the Rupes. I'm sure the Flex has it, it's just not as slow a start as the Rupes.
Vibration wasn't an issue with eith machine. The Flex did have a little more vibration when run wide open. Keep in mind I was using exactly what the Rupes machine is designed to run. I will have to do more testing with different pad sizes and manufacturers to decide which is better overall.
Obviously I wasn't running either machine for an extended period of time, but after 2-3 minutes of non stop running I didn't notice anything that indicated heat was going to be a problem with either machine.
After today's testing personally I liked the Flex better, mainly because of the size and weight difference.
Sorry the side by side picture of the machines wouldn't load. You can see how well the muffler got polished including the very rounded edges. I realize this isn't the ideal test. I'll post more when I've had some time to work on some paint.
View attachment 54795View attachment 54796View attachment 54797
rops: Just got mine too. Number 00073 :coolgleam: Unfortunately, it's 23 degrees out, so I won't be getting to really use it any time soon. It's good to hear your impression of it so far. From the little bit that I got to play with mine, I can say it feels similar to my PE14 and is quiet and smooth like you mentioned. I'm really thinking about getting the 5" backing plate due to my preference of smaller 5" and 5 1/2" pads. I'm hoping for good durability because this seems like it will fit in well with my 3401 and PE14. It's just so comfortable switching between each polisher. The ergonomics match. I'm looking forward to people really beating on these things to see if they got the guts of the other Flex machines.
for new car services I think it's the best buffer out there, if only they made a 21mm 